Retaining walls serve several critical functions in a Homer Glen and Manhattan, IL, landscape. From reducing erosion to creating usable outdoor space, here are some key ways to incorporate a retaining wall into your property.
Remedy a Front Slope
When you dread mowing the front yard because of the steep slope that makes cutting the grass so hard, a retaining wall can be the solution you need. Getting anything to grow on a slope can be difficult and usually is not too attractive. Having grass on the slope means you must battle the hill every week during the summer months.
When your landscaper designs a custom retaining wall of gorgeous wall stone in tones to complement your home’s architecture and colors, not only will you get a space that is easy to landscape but you will no longer have to heave the mower up and down the hill. With a flat, grassy space at the base of the wall and plenty of natural area for flowers that spill over the top edge of the retaining wall, what was once a problem can now be a lovely focal point.
Your landscaper can add a set of deep stone steps that lead to the front entry from the bottom of the hill for a second way to access your front door. You can opt for low pillars at the junction of the retaining wall and steps for a special look, even incorporating lanterns to cast a soft glow over the space.
Fix the Erosion
Having storm water gushing down the slope of your backyard to sit at the foundation of your home and then continue into a neighbor’s property can be a nightmare. Your landscaper can plan the ideal height retaining wall to catch that storm water and drain it in a safer spot.
When a retaining wall is over four feet high, it must be engineered to hold the weight of the earth and provide ample drainage holes for the water to flow through to a more suitable location. Your landscaper has the experience and skill to craft a retaining wall that fixes the ongoing erosion and brings functional landscape space to your backyard. No longer will you need to walk around in soggy mud when your retaining wall solves the water issue.
When you can look out on the backyard and see a gorgeous, inviting backyard landscape instead of gullies and muddy spaces, you can plan for an outdoor feature such as a pergola to lend shade on a sunny day or a fire pit for gathering to roast marshmallows.
The backyard can also have stone steps to give access to the top of the hill. With so many materials choices such as cobbled wall stone, oversized rock, and glass block, you can customize your retaining wall to a look that makes you happy.
Elevated Patio
If your backdoor has a drop off to reach the grass, consider having your landscaper design an elevated patio of custom patio pavers. A stone retaining wall can allow a patio to be raised above ground level for a more functional outdoor space.
When you extend the retaining wall to come above the patio, this can increase the seating space for larger groups and make your new patio feel more private.
Related: CREATING FLOW IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN: DECIDING WHERE A NEW RETAINING WALL SHOULD GO IN HOMER GLEN IL
