The Many Uses of a Retaining Wall in Goshen and Monroe NY Areas
If you think a retaining wall is just for fixing issues within a landscape, you might be surprised to learn that retaining walls actually have many purposes. From concrete to masonry to concrete stone, the types of retaining walls vary as do the functions but one thing is true of all the walls—they can make your Goshen and Monroe, NY, area property more useful and attractive.
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What is a retaining wall?
Constructed of sturdy materials, the general purpose of a retaining wall is to hold back dirt but sometimes it can be for purely decorative purposes, too. A retaining wall that is to be four feet or over usually needs an engineering plan because of the weight of the dirt, drainage concerns, and structural soundness. Anything lower should have the same considerations but perhaps not as detailed planning and preparation. Frequently used to remedy a slope in a yard that prohibits a homeowner from accessing portions of the landscape, a retaining wall can help to fix erosion issues and to divert water to a safer location.
What are the types of retaining walls?
An experienced landscape professional can build any number of walls but the most common tend to be poured concrete, masonry, and concrete paving stone. The poured concrete is a smooth surface which can be straight or curving, complementing a more contemporary home style and landscape.
The masonry retaining wall can be more versatile in the use of materials. This wall can be natural stone that is mined from the earth, manufactured stone that is durable and beautiful, glass blocks for added interest, and ceramic tile for color.
A concrete paving stone can provide various color-hues, shapes, and textures for a truly personalized retaining wall. A skilled stone mason can combine materials to create a one-of-a kind wall in almost any landscape.
What are the uses of a retaining wall?
Terrace a Slope: If your yard has a slope that prevents your children from having a play area or limits the room for a vegetable garden, terracing the slope can help to fix that. Most often composed of 2-3 levels, a terrace involves low retaining walls at intervals on the slope, usually with stone steps to provide safe and easy access to the top of the slope. Within the terrace, you can plant flowers or an herb garden, you can build a play space for your children, you can do whatever serves your family best.
Create a Patio: When the slope ends right at the back of your house, it can hinder plans that you might have for a patio where you can dine outdoors in the beautiful weather. A well-planned retaining wall can carve out the space you want to provide space for that patio you have been dreaming of.
Edge Flower Beds: A low retaining wall can be ideal for holding the soil and mulch in your landscape and flower beds, keeping the grass out and the plants in. This wall can bend and curve with the landscape beds to create visual drama within your landscape, making the entire space look amazing.
If a retaining wall seems right for your Goshen and Monroe, NY, area outdoor space, a passionate and knowledgeable landscape expert can design the right wall to make your landscape shine and work for you in ways you never dreamed.
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