Retaining walls go beyond aesthetics and do more for your landscape than you know. You can do so many things with it, from protecting the integrity of your sod and soil to customising walkways and the like. If you’re still undecided on whether your property needs them or not, read on to find out how a retaining wall elevates a landscape.
What is a Retaining Wall?
The primary purpose of retaining walls is to provide protection as it is a structural feature that supports landscapes and prevents soil erosion. Still, it can be used to create terraced spaces for gardening or recreation purposes in mountainous areas to make outdoor living spaces more family-friendly.
In areas prone to flooding, retaining walls are essential in preventing soil from washing away. Its height doesn’t need to be overly tall. Even a low retaining wall will serve its purpose well as long as it is appropriately constructed by professionals.
Benefits of a Retaining Wall
Let your landscape design in Perth make the most of what you already have and allow your sloped terrain to shine. Here are the benefits you can get with retaining walls:
Aesthetic Appeal and Added Value
Retaining walls in your backyard can bring added aesthetic appeal to your property, depending on the height and materials used. By choosing your materials carefully, your walls can provide a beautiful contrast to their surroundings and accentuate certain elements of your landscape.
Moreover, the aesthetic addition of retaining walls can increase the value of your property, which is helpful if you are planning to sell at some point. Not only will it give you a competitive advantage in the market, but it will also potentially increase your return on investment.
Reduced Landscape Maintenance
Landscaping generally requires plenty of maintenance. However, that’s not the case for retaining walls, even though they are part of your design elements. Instead, it can reduce landscaping maintenance and difficulty, especially when it comes to mowing since doing so can be tricky in sloped areas. By turning sloped hills into terraced areas, they become more accessible and easier to maintain.
Moreover, retaining walls last long and are resistant to wear and all types of weather throughout the year, which means you can enjoy them for years to come. You also won’t need to worry about spending often on repairs. Just give them an occasional clean to keep them looking good.
Flood Control and Soil Erosion Prevention
Storms sometimes bring about an excess of wind and water that may cause flooding and erosion in any landscape, whether flat or sloping. Luckily, retaining walls can prevent this from occurring since they support the soil and reduce how fast water travels on the surface, keeping your soil from being washed away.
By integrating drainage pipes and channels into the walls’ construction, you can add further measures for directing rainwater efficiently throughout your property.
Landslide Prevention
Landslide is a legitimate concern for property owners with sloped backyards. However, retaining walls can act as barriers to keep the soil from sliding forward and causing a landslide. It won’t just protect your yard but also your home.
Added Functional Space
Hills and mounds take up usable space in your yard and present much more difficulties in terms of landscaping. But by adding retaining walls, you can maximise your property and add functionality. For instance, you can add raised garden beds with different designs and colours. You can also add seating areas or recreational spaces to entertain guests.
Retaining Wall Options
Retaining walls have options that you can choose from, and each has its drawbacks and benefits. Here are some of them:
Cantilever – It creates an “L” shape using concrete slabs and steel bars. Due to its strength and durability, this style is often used in commercial landscaping.
Anchored – This retaining wall is thinner but is supported by anchors that go deep into the ground, which means it can support a substantial amount of earth.
Gravity – It is the thickest retaining wall and works by using gravity to keep it in place without additional reinforcement. It is generally easy to install and can be made using different materials.
Sheet Pile – This retaining wall is the thinnest and ideal for properties that are short on space as it is installed deep into the ground, with ⅓ of the wall buried underground.
Retaining Wall Materials
There are different types of materials for retaining walls depending on the design you have in mind. Here are some of the most popular choices.
Wood
Wood retaining walls are perfect for adding a rustic touch to your landscape. The downside is that it isn’t the most durable material, prone to warping and rotting from exposure to the elements. But if installed with proper waterproofing, it can last up to 20 years.
Poured Concrete
This material can be worked into various modern designs and makes one of the most robust retaining walls. However, it is usually prone to bulging and cracking. That said, make sure you hire expert installers who know how to work with this material.
Masonry
Masonry materials like stones and brick are strong and durable. Best of all, they can give your yard a stunning and timeless look. But once again, you will need expert hands to do the work right.
Concrete Blocks
Designing curved walls is easier with concrete blocks, making it a popular choice for DIYers. This material also comes in different colours, but due to its weight, these blocks are only suitable for walls under four feet tall.
Professional Retaining Wall Installation at Green Oasis
Adding retaining walls in your backyard brings added value and aesthetic appeal to your property. But for you to maximise the benefits, enlist the help of professionals to install retaining walls in Perth. At Green Oasis Landscaping, we get the job done right the first time, from creating efficient and beautiful designs to choosing cost-effective materials. Call us today to learn more.