Benefits of a Retaining Wall in Your Garden
If your garden is sloping or the terrain is uneven, you might be considering getting a retaining wall to make the most of the space you have. Typically comprising stone, brick or concrete, these landscape features bring form and function to a garden. Here are some of their benefits.
Increases Functional Garden Space
A retaining wall can reclaim parts of your land that were previously unusable and difficult to access due to the land's steepness. You can put that extra space to use as an outdoor living area, for a patio or for a pool. Alternatively, you can design it for showcasing arrangements of flowers and shrubs. Because this land is elevated, it will naturally display your handiwork and also protect foliage from being trodden on and damaged. A tiered arrangement of barriers will allow you to be very organised and creative with your plants.
Creates an Attractive Focal Point
A retaining wall can become an attractive landscape element in its own right. You can select from the various colours and textures of stonework, brick or concrete to customise the wall to your home's architecture. Irregular stone blocks add a timeless rustic appeal, and stamped concrete can mimic a range of other materials, using textures and pigments for realistic effects. Manufactured blocks have the advantage of providing more control and consistency in terms of size and colour, so you will have plenty of options to choose from. Further structuring your garden with complementary paths and features will make the most of your space and complete a balanced and unified landscape.
Provides Structural Support and Protects Foundations
Natural erosion caused by wind and rain occurs in any landscape, and slopes speed up the process. Because retaining walls even out the ground, they lessen the speed at which rainwater runs down a hill, removing topsoil and nutrients in its wake. More even terrain encourages rain to soak into the soil, thus minimising erosion. Without the levelling effect of a wall, the water can also tend to run off and pool at the bottom of a slope, which can destabilise the soil in that area and even possibly damage the foundations of nearby structures and buildings. During construction, if needed, you can protect your home further with built-in channels and drainage to control excess stormwater. Retaining walls will help you to avoid such issues by keeping the soil in place and creating a stable garden bed in which your plants and bushes can thrive.