Retaining Walls Can Maximize Utilization Of Available Land In Your Sloping Lawn
Do you wish to get your lawn landscaped, but are facing difficulties due to the steep slope of the ground? Well, you are not the only one with this kind of problem. Research has showed that more than 21% homeowners across the US face at least some kind of difficulties with landscaping due to their sloping lawns and backyards. However, the problem can be solved if you get retaining walls built around the boundaries and raise the level of the soil to the proper height. If you wish to utilize the sloped land within your boundaries to the fullest extent possible, this is what you should do first.
Constructing a retaining wall, however, is never easy. There are so many factors to take into account that it is easy to make mistakes with the construction, unless you are careful. Here are some pointers that should help you avoid at least some of the common bloopers associated with the task:
1.Take time to dig a deep enough trench: The trench that will serve as the foundation of the retaining walls should be dug carefully. Make sure it is deep enough to support the wall. For instance, if you are constructing a 4 feet tall retaining wall, make sure that the supporting trench is at least 2 feet deep.
2.Build water outlets to minimize damage from rainfalls and snowfalls: Remember, retaining walls built around sloping lands will be subjected to water pressure, during rainy season, and in spring, when the snow collected on the ground melts. The pressure of water can be enough to crack the walls at places. Prevent such disasters by building French drains, tor drains, and perforated outlets for water in the wall.
3.Plant proper type of vegetation along the wall: Plant ornamental grass (having fibrous roots) or a line of shrubs along the retaining wall to help in controlling the amount of moisture that can accumulate in the soil. For steeper slopes, plant honeysuckle and ivy. The spread-out roots of these plants will bind the soil properly, and help strengthen the base of the wall. Do not neglect this step. Having too much moisture in the soil could easily result in the retaining wall crumbling in near future.
There are some homeowners who try to build the retaining walls by themselves. Suffice to say, the results are not always pleasant. Building retaining walls requires more than just patience and hard labor. You need to have proper knowledge of architecture, in order to build a flawless wall. That is why you should hire only experienced masons who have specialized in building retaining walls. Greensburg in Kansas is the home for many such masons. So, that is where your search should begin.
Constructing a retaining wall, however, is never easy. There are so many factors to take into account that it is easy to make mistakes with the construction, unless you are careful. Here are some pointers that should help you avoid at least some of the common bloopers associated with the task:
1.Take time to dig a deep enough trench: The trench that will serve as the foundation of the retaining walls should be dug carefully. Make sure it is deep enough to support the wall. For instance, if you are constructing a 4 feet tall retaining wall, make sure that the supporting trench is at least 2 feet deep.
2.Build water outlets to minimize damage from rainfalls and snowfalls: Remember, retaining walls built around sloping lands will be subjected to water pressure, during rainy season, and in spring, when the snow collected on the ground melts. The pressure of water can be enough to crack the walls at places. Prevent such disasters by building French drains, tor drains, and perforated outlets for water in the wall.
3.Plant proper type of vegetation along the wall: Plant ornamental grass (having fibrous roots) or a line of shrubs along the retaining wall to help in controlling the amount of moisture that can accumulate in the soil. For steeper slopes, plant honeysuckle and ivy. The spread-out roots of these plants will bind the soil properly, and help strengthen the base of the wall. Do not neglect this step. Having too much moisture in the soil could easily result in the retaining wall crumbling in near future.
There are some homeowners who try to build the retaining walls by themselves. Suffice to say, the results are not always pleasant. Building retaining walls requires more than just patience and hard labor. You need to have proper knowledge of architecture, in order to build a flawless wall. That is why you should hire only experienced masons who have specialized in building retaining walls. Greensburg in Kansas is the home for many such masons. So, that is where your search should begin.
Source...