Retaining walls have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. They can provide a variety of benefits for your landscape, including preventing soil erosion, creating a more level yard, and even adding aesthetic value to your property. Although garden retaining walls are built for practical reasons, they can add to the aesthetics of your property when perfectly integrated with your existing landscape design. They are a great way to enhance the value of your property and can be constructed from high-quality materials at a reasonable price.  In this article, we’ll discuss the five advantages of installing a retaining wall and how proper installation, maintenance, and repairs can keep your retaining wall functioning effectively for years to come.

Prevent Soil Erosion

One of the most significant advantages of installing a retaining wall is its ability to prevent soil erosion. Retaining walls are typically built on sloped landscapes to hold back soil and prevent it from washing away during heavy rain or flooding. The retaining wall acts as a barrier, keeping the soil in place and protecting the surrounding landscape from damage. Without a retaining wall, soil erosion can lead to unsightly gullies in your yard, as well as damage to nearby structures or even the foundation of your home.

Proper retaining wall installation is key when it comes to preventing soil erosion. If your property is hilly or slopped, there’s a good chance that heavy rain, winds, and even irrigation will alter your geography. Think of retaining walls as a way to ‘retain’ the land and your property’s layout in its current form. The retaining wall must be built to withstand the weight and pressure of the soil it is holding back. It’s essential to hire a professional contractor with experience in retaining wall installation to ensure that the wall is constructed correctly.

Create a More Level Yard

Another advantage of retaining wall installation is that it can create a more level yard. If your property has a sloped landscape, a retaining wall can help to level out the yard, making it easier to mow, garden, or even play sports. A level yard can also improve the appearance of your property, making it more appealing to potential buyers or visitors.

Proper retaining wall maintenance is crucial in keeping your yard level. Over time, retaining walls can settle or shift, causing the soil behind the wall to push against it. This pressure can cause the wall to bulge or even collapse, leading to an uneven yard. Regular inspection and maintenance of your retaining wall can help to identify any issues early and prevent them from causing damage.

Add Aesthetic Value to Your Property

Retaining walls can also add aesthetic value to your property. There are many different types of retaining walls available, including natural stone, brick, and concrete. With so many options, it’s easy to find a retaining wall that complements your home’s style and enhances your landscaping.

Proper maintenance and repair of your retaining wall can help to keep it looking its best. Over time, weather and wear can cause the retaining wall to become stained or damaged. Regular cleaning and repair can help to keep the wall looking like new, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your property.

Increase Usable Space

Retaining walls can also increase the usable space on your property. By creating a level area behind the retaining wall, you can add more space for outdoor activities, such as gardening, playing, or even outdoor entertaining. The extra space can make your property feel larger and more functional, increasing its overall value.

Proper installation and maintenance are crucial in maximizing the usable space created by your retaining wall. The retaining wall must be built to withstand the weight of the soil it is holding back and the activities taking place on the level area behind it. Regular inspection and maintenance can help to identify any issues early and prevent damage to the retaining wall and surrounding landscape.

Save Money in the Long Run

Finally, installing a retaining wall can save you money in the long run. By preventing soil erosion and damage to surrounding structures, a retaining wall can help to prevent costly repairs or renovations. A retaining wall can also improve the overall value of your property, making it more appealing to potential buyers and increasing its resale value.

Retaining wall repair and maintenance is essential in extending its lifespan and preventing costly repairs or replacements. Regular inspection and maintenance is also essential element in enhancing the longevity of the retaining walls and this should not be neglected at any cost.

Building a long-lasting retaining wall

Building a long-lasting retaining wall is not just about stacking blocks on each other, instead, it requires a technique that would provide longevity to the wall. It takes skill and planning to construct an attractive wall that can also handle immense pressure, shrug off the forces of gravity, stand for decades, and laugh in the face of Mother Nature.

The trench you are going to build your retaining wall in should be wide, deep, and level. Size the trench so there’s enough room for the block and at least 8 inches of space behind it. The trench should be excavated deep enough to have space for 6 to 8 inches of deep material. Compacting the soil is the step that usually gets neglected and that causes damage in the long run. Use a hand shovel or vibrating plate compactor to save your wall from settling. Crushed stone for the base rather than naturally occurring gravel dug from a pit should be used at the base. Crushed stone is a little more expensive. However, it provides better drainage, and because of the sharper angles on the stone, it requires less compacting, and once it’s compacted, it stays that way. Now start setting your first course of blocks and continue evenly.

In conclusion, although retaining wall installation has numerous benefits, adding a retaining wall is a huge project. To ensure your retaining wall is structurally sound, consider hiring a landscaping professional for the job, especially if your property has long or steep slopes. For help caring for your new, beautifully tiered lawn, connect with our team of professionals to handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, and edging.