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A successful landscape design should incorporate a variety of shapes, textures, and colors, as well as definitive areas and spaces. Perhaps the most common hardscape elements used to accomplish this in St. Louis landscapes are retaining walls. Their classic appeal suits all types of landscape designs from rustic country to modern contemporary. But, what function do retaining walls serve and where are they best used?
The primary function of retaining walls is to mitigate soil erosion from steep embankments and uneven landscape surfaces. They are also employed to hold soil for landscape beds. In many landscapes, they are also used to create built-in seating. You might also consider retaining walls to create a wall next to a pathway to guide visitors to a location.
Retaining walls come in a wide variety of types from simple to complex. Some examples include gravity walls, which are typically massive, heavy structures, cantilever retaining walls (the most widely used), buttressed, and anchored retaining walls are also commonly used. The type of wall used depends upon the conditions it’ll be used in. Speak to a contractor to get advice about the right type of wall for you.
Landscape retaining walls can be constructed of a variety of materials to suit your design aesthetic and needs. Everything from wood to stone to concrete can be a suitable material. You may choose a masonry wall to match your home’s brick exterior, stones for a natural look, or a poured concrete wall to enhance the modern lines and colors of your home. There really is no right, or wrong way to go.
Like all of your hardscape elements, your retaining walls will last a very long time, due to the materials used. However, you may need to repair cracks in concrete and pavers or replace stones and bricks occasionally. Heavy rams may wash dirt away, which will need to be replaced to maintain the wall’s integrity. Butt, you can rest assured that retaining walls are a long-term investment.
While it may seem like a simple process, building effective, strong retaining walls is no easy feat. In fact, it’s downright difficult. Rather than investing time and money to do it yourself, hire a professional landscape company to design and build retaining walls for you. The end result will be much better and they’ll last for years to come.
Connect with our team of landscape design and build experts to discuss your retaining wall needs today. From consultation to the final reveal, we’re your local landscape partner.
