Combat Soil Erosion with Retaining Walls
Retaining walls add elegance and versatility to your garden. They’re also a key way to prevent soil erosion and water runoff. Soil erosion is a serious environmental problem that is also the reason your landscaping plans end in a muddy, wet disaster every season.
Retaining walls let you turn hilly and uneven lots into usable garden spaces. They keep your soil in place. If your plans for the spring and summer include a gardening scheme that’s truly green and sustainable, a landscape plan that includes retaining walls is a must.
Control Soil Erosion
Soil erosion is a serious problem. Scientists point out that loss of soil helped lead to the downfall of several ancient civilizations and is an ongoing threat to our environment today. Soil and topsoil are lost when water or wind strip them from sloped areas and wash them away.
You can do your part to combat this problem in your own yard with retaining walls. When it rains or when the snow melts, the water will soak into the soil behind the walls rather than running down the hill, pulling out soil and debris. To get even more from your retaining walls, place runoff drainage pipes under them that will divert the water to other parts of your garden.
A professional mason can show you the best options for your landscape and help you create a whole new way to enjoy your garden.
Retaining Wall Height
The height of your retaining wall depends on how steep the slope is. When planning to build a retaining wall, keep these considerations in mind:
- The wall’s base should be wide enough to be a safe foundation for the wall.
- Make sure the materials you use and the construction are strong enough to withstand the high levels of water pressure they’ll be supporting.
- Walls over four feet in height will require your mason to have a specialized permit. Capital Masonry can assist you with all permitting and zoning questions.
- You can build retaining walls with or without mortar or cement. For best results, consult your contractor.
A Natural Fix
Soil erosion is natural, but human activity has made it worse. Reverse that trend with a natural fix that incorporates stones, bricks, and other natural elements.
Do you have a steep hill in your yard that has made it impossible to plant? Are you tired of having your landscaping efforts collapse into a muddy mess every time it rains? Expand your options with retaining walls that control runoff and create new spaces where you can plant without fear.
Build Lasting Beauty
Retaining walls have many benefits besides runoff control. They will also last for decades if they’re properly built. You’ll have a practical solution to your gardening problems that also brings you lasting beauty.
- Keep plants and trees from getting uprooted in wet, windy weather.
- Create raised beds for vegetable or flower gardens.
- Make new areas for seating and entertaining.
- Use stones that complement your garden’s style.
- Decrease your risk of flooding during major storms.
Call Capital Masonry
If you’ve decided to build a solution that reduces soil erosion, protects your plants and increases your yard’s beauty, call Capital Masonry. We’ll discuss your options and outline a comprehensive building plan. Capital Masonry has built beautiful retaining walls for many customers throughout Virginia, and Maryland and we’ll be happy to do the same for you.