How Retaining Walls Can Benefit Your Landscape

A retaining wall is a landscaping feature designed to support and stabilize the soil. Many homeowners use these walls for adding privacy and changing the shape of their backyards. When installed properly, retaining walls can provide you with a plethora of benefits. Here’s how this hardscape element can help transform your landscape into a visually striking place.

Common Materials Used for Retaining Walls

But first, let’s discuss how retaining walls are constructed. These walls are commonly built out of interlocking concrete or stone blocks. Professional landscapers use the following materials when building retaining walls”

• Stone or Concrete Blocks
• Granite
• Sandstone
• Limestone
• Wood or Timber
• Clay Bricks
• Boulders
• Gabion

These materials will hold soil in place and reduce erosion in your landscape. Here’s a brief rundown of the advantages provided by retaining walls.

Helps Prevent Erosion

Soil erosion is one of the main problems faced by landscape owners. When exposed to flowing water or strong winds, the topsoil or surface layer will wear away. Fertilizers and organic matter will also erode during the process. Moreover, extreme soil erosion can cause sinkholes and other damages. Installing a retaining wall will help solve this dilemma.

If your landscape does not have a lot of trees, a retaining wall could provide the necessary support to the soil. This will reduce surface runoff, especially in sloped areas.

Prevents Damage to the Surrounding Structures

Do you live in an area prone to flash floods and soil erosion? These occurrences can lead to the collapse of your home. Protect your property by building a retaining wall around the structure. 

As we mentioned above, the retaining wall will hold the soil where your house foundation stands. This can help reduce the damage caused by flash floods and other natural disasters. While we cannot prevent nature from taking its course, we can still be prepared for difficult times.

Makes Your Outdoor Space More Enjoyable

Want to maximize your lawn? Add shorter retaining walls, also known as seating walls. When you opt for this design, you can incorporate natural seating while expanding your outdoor living space. This feature is ideal for places where people gather like outdoor kitchens or fire pits.

Retaining walls can also function as a base for small planters. To save space on your property, you can build terraced gardens with retaining walls. In the raised garden bed, you can plant any flowers or shrubs of your choice. Terracing will minimize erosion and create an attractive feature in your yard. We recommend this option if your landscaping sits on a slope.

Improves the Aesthetic Appeal of Your Lawn

Serving as a centerpiece in your backyard, retaining walls can significantly boost curb appeal. It adds interest and depth to your property. Since it is available in pavers, concrete, wood, and other materials, you can choose a design that reflects your personality. It won’t be difficult to find something that would complement your current landscape. 

Nowadays, landscape experts can design retaining wall systems that are customized to your needs. Whether you prefer a simple or complex style, retaining walls can give a distinguished look to your place.

Enhances Your Overall Property Value

In today’s real estate market, your property should stand out to attract potential buyers. Curb appeal plays a huge factor in selling your home for top dollar. Adding a retaining wall is an effective way to boost curb appeal. If you plan to sell your property in the future, this home addition will let you gain an edge over the competition. A well-designed retaining wall will add versatility to your landscape and instantly improve resale value.

Serves as a Boundary Marker

Retaining walls can be used as a property boundary marker. This helps improve privacy and enclose your outdoor living space. To create a more unique boundary marker, a fence can be incorporated in front, behind, or on top of the retaining wall. However, keep in mind that the retaining wall fence itself should be within your property. Consult your HOA to know the requirements for building a property-dividing retaining wall.

Get in Touch With Our Landscaping Experts

Midstate Landscaping is dedicated to offering exceptional hardscaping solutions. We can design and build retaining walls that will last years to come. Count on us for all your lawn care and landscaping needs. To get started, call us for a free consultation!