Do you have wonderfully undulating land next to your home that gives your property that special character? If so, this is a great position to be in, but it can also come with its disadvantages. What can you do to modify the characteristics of this land so that you can avoid run-off erosion and create some more efficient landscaping?

Challenges Ahead

If you want to grow plants of any kind without needing to worry about their survival in the rainy season, you certainly need to modify those significant slopes. Certainly, you may be able to introduce flowerbeds at intervals along the slope, but if you are affected by a significant rainstorm, you may lose most of the soil and the vegetation with it. In addition, you may find it quite difficult to tend to the landscaping due to the nature of the undulation, and you will be better off making some modifications before you continue.

Transforming the Space

In this case, think about introducing retaining walls. There are several different options to consider, and a specialist contractor will help you make the right choice.

Reinforced Versus Gravity Retaining

Many people tend to choose reinforced retaining walls if the slope is significant or the nature of the soil behind the wall dictates. It may also be possible to use a gravity retaining wall, a trick design that relies on the weight of the wall itself to stand up to the pressure. This design will need to be engineered to make sure that each part of the wall can support a sliding wedge of soil. The wall will be set back from the vertical to lower the pressure and maintain stability.

Different opportunities

You'll typically have a choice when it comes to the material, so you can choose something that fits in with your aesthetic. For example, you may be able to use stone veneers, which are certainly great to look at and durable. Alternatively, choose brickwork or concrete blocks, or even dry stone boulders for a very special look. This latter choice will need careful consideration and ongoing maintenance to avoid any buildup of water and evolving problems.

Designing Your Plan

To move forward, you should develop a plan. Figure out what you would like to achieve and how extensive you would like your landscaping to be. Then, talk with your contractor to see what they can achieve in those circumstances, and they will also advise you about the best material and engineering process.

Contact a local contractor to learn more about retaining walls.

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