If you’ve been looking up landscaping ideas for your yard, then you may have come across the idea of using retaining walls. But what is the purpose of a retaining wall? And would your yard benefit from one? In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the most common uses of retaining walls to help you decide if they’re right for you.
Makes a Slope Functional
A retaining wall is a structure that holds back or retains soil, rock, or other materials. It is usually built on slopes to prevent soil erosion and landslides. In addition, retaining walls can be used to create level terraces on a slope for gardening or other purposes.
When installing a retaining wall, it is important to ensure that the wall is stable and will not collapse under the weight of the material it is holding back. The wall should also be designed so that water can drain away from the area behind the wall to prevent any build-up of water pressure that could cause the wall to collapse.
Improves Drainage and Prevent Flooding
Another common purpose of retaining walls is to improve drainage and prevent flooding. If your property is in an area prone to flooding, a retaining wall can help protect your home or business from flood damage. Retaining walls can also create a barrier between two properties, preventing one property from being flooded by runoff from the other.
Prevents Erosion
One of the most common reasons for installing a retaining wall is to prevent erosion. Soil erosion can be caused by various factors, including rainfall, wind, and runoff from irrigation or other water sources. Erosion can damage your property and create hazardous conditions, so it is important to take steps to prevent it. Retaining walls can help to hold back soil and water and prevent them from moving onto your property.
Design Purposes
In addition to the functional purposes of retaining walls, they can also be used for design purposes. Retaining walls can be used to create terraces, raised garden beds, and level areas on a sloped property. They can also be used to create privacy barriers or sound barriers between two properties.
When selecting a retaining wall for design purposes, it is important to choose a material that compliments the design of your property. If you’re unsure of which material would be best, then it’s always a good idea to consult with a landscaping service to get their opinions and expertise on the matter.
Conclusion
While they can be put in strictly for design purposes, a retaining wall is necessary in some cases. It can help to make slopes functional, prevent erosion, and just generally protect your property. If you plan to install a retaining wall on your property, choosing the right type and material for the job is important. Talk to a professional about your options and start building the perfect wall for your needs.
Think your property could use a retaining wall or two? Click here to contact Purescapes and get in touch with one of our landscaping professionals today!