A sloped property could give you spectacular views, but it can also potentially lead to landscaping challenges that result in standing water, soil movement, or flooding. If the land slopes toward the home, then you could end up with costly foundation problems. If you’re not sure what to look for, here are four common landscape issues and how a retaining wall can solve them in Macomb and West Bloomfield Township, MI.
Related: 4 Benefits to Great Landscape Design in Troy and Macomb, MI
Strategic placement of a retaining wall or series of retaining walls helps direct rain and snowmelt where you want it to go, and they can prevent movement of waterlogged soil.
1. Flooding
Flooding after heavy rains or a sudden spring thaw can be a concern in times of heavy rains when the soil is already saturated and water has nowhere to go… but downhill. The force of this water can cause significant damage to the home and the landscaping.
Strategically placed retaining walls can divert surface water to drainage areas and keep your driveway and landscaping from being covered with debris, and prevent water from infiltrating your home’s foundation after heavy rains or spring runoff.
2. Erosion and Mudslides
When heavy rains saturate the soil, this waterlogged soil no longer holds together firmly, but starts to slide. And waterlogged soil is exponentially heavier than dry soil (just one gallon of water weighs about eight pounds). To prevent erosion, you need a well-built retaining wall that is structurally strong enough to hold back soil and contains a drainage system. Not only will this prevent the slide, but just as importantly, the wall will allow the water that’s trapped in the soil to drain away.
3. Damage From the Freeze-Thaw Cycle
The freeze-thaw cycle causes water trapped in soil to expand and contract. The force of expanding soil is tremendous: It’s strong enough to crack foundations, and even cause heaving and sinking of some driveways and patios. A retaining wall can’t stop the freeze-thaw cycle, but it can help prevent the accumulation of water where it can potentially cause damage.
4. Not Enough Living Space
Sloped properties may feature amazing views, but they often lack usable outdoor living space. A retaining wall allows you to carve out additional usable space in a hillside, and make it an attractive place to be. In fact, a retaining wall can become an important focal point of your landscape.
Imagine, for example, a fire pit area with seating built right into the retaining wall. The wall will reflect the heat of the fire, keeping the space cozy even on the coldest winter days.
An outdoor fireplace, wood-fired pizza oven, a fire feature, or even the back of an outdoor kitchen can be incorporated into the retaining wall to maximize space and give the wall a more integrated feeling, giving your outdoor living space a more intimate feel.
Retaining walls can also house outdoor lighting. This solution keeps your outdoor living space clutter-free, and beautifully accentuates the textures of the wall’s masonry after dark.
Terraces, or a series of retaining walls, are a way to tame even the steepest hillside and create usable land for gardening or, if the terraces are wide enough, for outdoor living. This time-honored tradition will give your landscape an old-world character and charm.
Related: Landscaping Companies Suggest These Ideas for a Retaining Wall in Rochester Hills, MI Area
