Retaining walls are a great addition to any backyard and can help prevent extra soil and rocks from sliding down and destroying your landscape. These walls are usually made of stone and can add texture and beauty to your home as well. John Relles, otherwise known as The Gardener, is an expert in designing and building retaining walls and has some suggestions for local homeowners.

Here are three reasons you should include retaining walls in your next landscape project:

• Landscape Protection: In most cases, retaining walls are built around portions of land that slope downward. Adding a retaining wall prevents excess soil and debris from collecting in your yard and potentially destroying your landscape.  It acts as a buffer, which is especially important during inclement weather when water runs down towards your home.
• Adding Aesthetics: Retaining walls are functional but can also be beautiful, adding new layers and textures to your landscape. An experienced landscape contractor like The Gardener can design multi-layered or multi-tiered walls, improving the aesthetics of any yard. 
• Creative Choices: Building a retaining wall gives you a chance to express your creativity and design your dream yard. The type of wall you need depends on the size of your yard and consistency of the soil. Some homeowners can rely on gravity and the weight of stones to control excess dirt and debris. For those living in tight spaces, piling sheet rock around the area may be a better option. Talk to your landscape contractor to determine the best retaining wall design for your home.

As a former city gardener for the Columbia Parks system, Relles has decades of experience and has assembled a team of professional landscape contractors you can trust. Better outdoor living is within your reach. Call The Gardener at (573) 446-0802 to schedule a consultation, or visit the website for examples of their landscape design work.