For homes built on gradient terrain and slopes, retaining walls are essential landscape features. Made of durable materials, they keep the dirt in the ground from moving out of place. But beyond their functionality, retaining walls are constructed for the visual appeal they bring to a landscape. Here’s a closer look at why you should add them to your property.

Why Should I Install Retaining Walls?

1. Offers Structural Support

A well-constructed retaining wall can withstand extreme pressure and force from downward-moving soil. When they’re made with high-quality materials like cement and brick, they are strong enough to contain the dirt, even as it changes or degrades from weather conditions. First and foremost, these walls provide needed stability and support for sloping terrain, acting as a sturdy barrier or buttress that protects your home and nearby structures from sudden landslides.

2. Protects Against Erosion

Landscapes on uneven terrain often don’t have trees and plants that can hold the soil in place. Water that runs over the sloping surface or harsh winds can erode the soil over time. With retaining walls, graded terrains are transformed into flat surfaces at elevated intervals, effectively reducing the speed of runoff and increasing water absorption into the ground. A series of channels and pipes can be added to the retaining wall’s design to improve drainage, control water, and prevent flooding.   

3. Enhances Landscape

Putting retaining walls in your landscape is a smart way to add usable surface area for your plants. By forming ‘terraces’ with the walls, it’s easier to landscape and place shrubs and groundcovers in between the intervals. Consider placing lights to provide illumination at night. Sometimes, a low wall — as a hardscape addition — can even double as seating or graduated steps used as garden pathways.    

4. Reduces Maintenance

Retaining walls are easy to maintain compared to other landscape support structures. When they’re constructed using poured concrete, cinder block, or natural stone, you no longer have to worry about their upkeep as they will last a long time.  

Retaining walls are excellent additions to landscapes with uneven ground and sloping surfaces. When you need to install one, count on the expert landscape contractors at Done Right Landscapes. Located in Saint Peters, MO, they provide exceptional landscaping and garden maintenance solutions throughout St. Charles County. Call (636) 373-3902 to request a quote, or browse their gallery of finished projects online.