Retaining walls can be used for many reasons in a Wellesley and Needham, MA areas landscape but expanding the driveway and parking areas could top the list. Whether your driveway is existing or you are in the new build process, adding a retaining wall to a strategic part of the terrain near your driveway can add more usable space. See how adding a wall can improve moving vehicles in and out of your property.
Related: ENHANCE THE APPEARANCE OF YOUR NEEDHAM, MA, AREA HOME WITH A NEW PAVER DRIVEWAY
A Retaining Wall for a Driveway Slope
It is no secret that slopes can create issues in a landscape plan but a slope does not have to limit how much parking you have in your driveway. By removing the earth at the slope base and building a sustainable, durable stone retaining wall, you can enjoy twice the driveway area. This can allow more cars to park there when you entertain and make it easier to get in and out of the property when you need to go to work.
Adding a retaining wall that pushes the dirt back to expand the driveway can also improve access to the walkway adjoining this area. Within the retaining wall, there can be stone steps that give comfortable access to the front yard walkway when guests would otherwise have to trudge up a steep sidewalk.
The definitive wall edge can offer a clear landscape area where you can incorporate ornamental trees, low-growing shrubs, and colorful flowers for an attractive entry.
A Retaining Wall for Expanded Parking
If you are happy with your current driveway but wish for more parking, this is another perfect job for a stone retaining wall. Using part of the front yard that spans the driveway can form the basis for expanded parking.
By eliminating the landscaped area on the driveway side farthest from the garage, your front landscape can gain more parking. Whether there is a slope there or not, adding a retaining wall can give this parking area a distinct appearance as a defined space.
You can choose how much additional parking you need as you work with a landscape professional to incorporate this into your landscape. Adding more parking can keep vehicles from crowding into your driveway which can eventually kill the grass along the sides.
More expansive parking can come in handy when you have teenagers driving and need additional space for their cars.
A Retaining Wall to Support a Porch
Another way a stone retaining wall can serve a functional purpose in your landscape can be when you make the decision to widen your driveway. As the driveway approaches the front porch, especially in a circular driveway design, you might need retaining walls to support the height of the existing porch.
Adding retaining walls there can allow you to keep your porch design (especially if you love it) while you also gain more driveway surface space. You can choose to expand the retaining wall for built-in planters on each side where you can add seasonal flowers for colorful beauty.