retaining wall design
A well designed, properly constructed retaining wall expands usable space on a property by stabilizing soils and controlling erosion. As well as creating more space in the garden, a landscape wall serves as a perfect backdrop to flowering plants. The fluid lines of a curved wall introduce visual movement to a garden design while also providing structure. The same walls also offer winter interest after the live elements of a property have gone dormant. Even a low knee-high garden wall provides continuity and structure to a garden. While defining a planting bed this way creates visual separation, it also helps minimize weed growth. These elevated beds also offer a great space to introduce seasonal color with the planting of perennials and annuals.
wall construction
Proper construction techniques ensure structural longevity while also decreasing water runoff. Good drainage provided through adequate backfill, drain pipe, and positive grading further ensures against erosion during heavy rain events. Proven construction methods, including the use of dead-mans, geogrid and correct batter, further bolster the structural integrity of taller walls. Multiple tiers, sometimes required for steeper terrain, provide excellent opportunity planting space. Most retaining walls built to modern specifications of local building codes will require very little if any long term maintenance.
Sometimes a quick grade change is not required. On such sites, groupings of limestone slabs installed into an existing grade can offer a solution. Stone slabs or outcroppings, interplanted with a ground cover such as ivy, a slope that was too steep to mow becomes a low maintenance garden area. This approach requires patience while the plants root in and establish themselves. It is however typically a lower cost compared to a solid retaining wall. The addition of shrubs and trees with more extensive root systems will further guard against soil erosion while at the same time creating a more natural aesthetic.
materials choices
Building materials choices for dry stack retaining walls break down into two general categories, natural stone, and manmade concrete block. A third, less popular option is wood timbers, although losing favor in recent years, a correctly installed timber wall will last 30+ years. Natural stone harvested from area quarries is by far the most popular choice for both aesthetic and longevity. While usually the costlier option, stone offers a warm and honest aesthetic not found with man-made alternatives. Concrete block, sometimes called engineered block or segmental wall block, is usually a lower cost option over natural stone. With a cleaner, more industrial look, concrete is sometimes a good fit on certain sites with modern architecture. Even when built well, older walls sometimes require maintenance or even an entire rebuild. In such cases, the existing stone can often be salvaged and reused. In addition to being environmentally favorable, the rising cost of newly quarried stone makes this choice even more practical.
Please feel free to call, text, or use the contact form above to schedule a convenient time to discuss your landscape project. Design ideas and materials samples will be provided.