Made with stone, brick, or concrete pavers, a retaining wall is a common landscaping feature found in many outdoor spaces. Beautiful as they are useful, they’re designed to support land across a sloped surface, promote proper drainage, and prevent soil erosion. If you’re curious about how they work, read the following guide before planning your garden.

An Introduction to Retaining Walls

What benefits do retaining walls offer? 

Retaining walls stabilize sloping landscapes and allow homeowners to utilize otherwise inconvenient sections of land. The flatten areas that can be used to plant gardens and plants.

Retaining walls also prevent flooding, especially for those who have basements. These advantages are also useful in keeping the foundation in place since the soil is less likely to move.

Do you need a permit before having one installed? 

Depending on your city and county, you may need to obtain a permit from your zoning authority. In Conway, AR, you need a building permit for any new construction on residential properties. This includes the building of retaining walls.

Is there too steep a slope for a retaining wall? 

When a landscaping contractor designs the wall, they will also make adjustments to the slope of the land so that it can safely hold it. This process is known as grading.

If the ground is extremely sloped, instead of a single wall, your contractor may suggest a terraced design with multiple walls at varying levels instead. You can use these tiers to organize different types of plants or fruits and vegetables.

Can it simply be decorative?

Even if you don’t have a sloped area of land that requires a retaining wall, you can have one added to your property for visual interest and curb appeal. They can designate a place for a standout flowerbed or even provide additional lighting to your backyard.

When you want a retaining wall in your yard, contact Buzz Landscaping Inc. in Conway, AR. For more than 25 years, this full-service landscape design and lawn maintenance company has served residential and commercial customers throughout central Arkansas. Find examples of their previous projects on their website or call (501) 730-4515 to schedule a consultation.