Practical and Aesthetic Uses of Retaining Walls

One way to add interest and functionality to your lawn or landscape is with a retaining wall. Retaining walls have a long history of practical use. In modern times, they also have a great deal of aesthetic appeal. You can choose from many different materials and styles to add a unique look to your lawn and landscape. Keep reading to learn more about the practical and aesthetic uses of paving walls.

Practical Uses

Retaining walls originally had practical purposes. Many people made them out of whatever materials they could find, so they weren't always as environmentally friendly and efficient as the ones available now. Below is a list of the most common uses for retaining walls.

To Shore Up Land

Many people use retaining walls to hold back the landscape and keep it from sliding downhill. For example, if you have a hill above your home, a retaining wall keeps the landscape in place and decreases the damage risk to your home.

You can see the effect of unrestrained slopes near roads and walkways. Hills often slide and creep down to cover these areas over time. In some cases, unrestrained slopes buckle and damage the pavement or concrete. You can especially see the effects after a storm.

To Prevent Erosion

Retaining walls control water and soil movement that could lead to erosion. Erosion washes away topsoil and its nutrients and sends them down the storm drains. Retaining walls keep the soil intact and reduce stormwater pollution. They also help prevent dangerous sinkholes on your property, especially for certain soil types.

To Create a Flat Space

If you have a heavily sloped property, you can use retaining walls to enlarge your usable areas. You can create a terraced design that adds more flat areas to your landscapes. These new flat spaces create opportunities for uses that won't work if the land remained sloped.

To Improve Drainage

You can use a retaining wall to redirect water away from your landscape and structures and reduce flooding. A properly maintained retaining wall can help protect the landscape during the spring thaw. You can even set up your wall to drain and collect rainwater for future use. The type of retaining wall materials you use further improves and controls your landscape's drainage.

Aesthetic Uses

While retaining walls have a huge practical value, they can also add many aesthetic features. Properly designed retaining walls could give your property a neat, upscale look. Here are three aesthetic uses for retaining walls.

To Add Visual Appeal

A good retaining wall design adds a unique visual look that could enhance your property's value. Some materials can complement the home and show off your landscape. You can even add elements that provide an extra function or blend in well with other features. For example, you can integrate places to sit or a barbecue with your wall design.

To Add More Garden Space

Retaining walls can redesign a slope and create more space for your backyard or garden. They can create additional spaces for flowers and shrubs. Some designs create more open lawn space.

To Create More Usable Areas

You can create retaining walls for a less sloped and safer walkway for you and your guests. Some people pave areas behind their retaining walls to provide more space for tables and outdoor accessories.

The design possibilities of retaining walls are many. These walls can fit into landscapes of almost any size. They protect your home and garden and look good at the same time. Bill's Lawn Maintenance can add a retaining wall to your property. We also design and maintain other types of hardscapes, including pavers and patios. We can make a unique hardscape design to your tastes. Contact us to get started.