We’ve all been to fancy resort locations or public gardens and walked on the designated paths. Not only are these paths usually breathtaking in design and landscaping work, but they usually also give the illusion that the ground is elevated higher up. This effect is all possible thanks to a landscaping secret known as a retaining wall. While walls were originally designed for creating suitable pathways in hilly areas or places with uneven terrain, they now are a popular choice for just about any aesthetic in landscaping. Here’s some info on why a retaining wall is a great addition to your property’s landscaping design.
When is a Retaining Wall Useful?
A retaining wall is actually necessary for certain landscape layouts. For instance, if your house or business is directly into a hill, then a retaining wall is excellent for practical reasons. This is because a retaining wall’s original purpose was to prevent runoff of rain and snow from preventing flooding or snow damage. On the flip side, if your home or business sits at the top of a hill, you likely won’t have to worry about flooding, but there is little naturally flat land to use to develop into a traditional yard or lawn landscape. A wall can be built into the hill, which in turn can help create long and flat areas to place a garden or pool on.
How is a Retaining Wall Built?
Despite its simple appearance, retaining walls are actually a rather complex hardscaping feature to build. This is because of the protection aspect a retaining wall can provide. When installing a retaining wall, a contractor or landscaper must first dig a hole into the ground to serve as a base for the retaining wall. From there comes the wall itself, usually a combination of various interlocking stones or concrete. After the wall is completed, another hole, this time at the top of the wall, will be dug around three feet deep and wide. The hole will then be filled with a mixture of stones and fabric, which help to aid in the water absorption process and serve as an underground buffer protecting the wall.
Materials Used in a Retaining Wall
In general, retaining walls are made out of hard, stone-based materials like natural stone or concrete. The most popular style is segmental wall blocks, which are the sturdiest option best for practical retaining walls. For smaller, more decorative walls, natural stone is also used to give a more rustic-inspired appearance.
All of Your Landscaping Needs from Atlantic Maintenance Group
Atlantic Maintenance Group is a full-service landscaping company, providing maintenance, design, and construction, as well as snow removal, and asphalt and concrete services. We are your source for complete landscape and facility maintenance for commercial and residential properties throughout Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. We are a self-performing landscaping company, meaning we don’t hire subcontractors, and senior management is involved with every project. Our highly trained team of professionals receives constant, ongoing education on the latest industry trends, updates, and safety measures. This ensures we can deliver outstanding customer service and results to our clients, regardless of the size of your job.