For the beautiful landscapes in the Newton and Needham, MA, areas that are built on hills, incorporating retaining walls in the landscape plan can be beneficial. In fact, retaining walls can prevent potential problems in the future, and can serve a variety of current purposes, from the cosmetic to the structural. Let’s explore some of the benefits of having a retaining wall built in a backyard with a slope.
Related: HOW TO INCORPORATE A RETAINING WALL INTO A LANDSCAPE DESIGN THIS SEASON IN THE NEWTON, MA AREA
Functional Space
Having a backyard set on a hill can cause a variety of issues. One of the most basic problems is that it is difficult for children to play when there is a steep incline. When you are on a hill, it is also difficult to place a chair to sit and relax. The slope can make your backyard an uncomfortable place, if not unusable.
A retaining wall can help section out a portion of the slope to create more functional space in your backyard. Then you may be able to have a flat area of land for placing a patio with comfortable chairs or even a flat spot to place a swing set for children to enjoy. Steps can be placed between the various levels of the retaining wall for an easy transition between each level.
Flood Control
Another important benefit of retaining walls is flood prevention and control. They can be an effective aspect of water drainage to direct water away from your home. By constructing flat areas within the slope of a hill, water will not be able to rush uncontrolled and form muddy puddles in your yard during a heavy rainstorm.
Using retaining walls to direct the water flow away from the home can also prevent flooding in the home itself. With flooding comes an array of other problems, such as mold and mildew, which are problems to be avoided. Your landscape contractor can create a retaining wall that will effectively control water flow on your property.
Improved Aesthetics
Retaining walls can be a beautiful addition to a backyard. They can be built out of a variety of materials including brick, concrete blocks, and natural stone. They can also create a focal point in a yard that previously was just one blank slate of a hill.
You can have a flower bed put in near the retaining wall to add extra visual appeal. This area can be planted with colorful flowers, hostas, and other plants that will provide beauty all year round. Solar lights could also be a wonderful addition!
Erosion Control
Essentially, retaining walls not only offer visual appeal and help with proper water management but also help hold soil in place to prevent erosion. A retaining wall effectively slows the flow of water, which prevents the soil from being washed away. Having terraces filled with vegetation along the retaining walls can also help with erosion control.
Without a retaining wall, you may notice soil washing away or that you have patches of dead grass and muddy areas in your backyard. These are signs that erosion may be occurring, and it is important to get the issue under control before more severe damage can occur, especially if the slope is near the foundation of your home.