When it comes to creating outdoor living spaces, some properties have it easier than others. For example, a homeowner living in a planned community will likely have a home that is built on even or gently sloped land. In this situation, the landscaping and hardscaping necessary to create a nice outdoor living space is relatively straightforward. But for those whose backyards feature slopes, the answer is a little more complex. Retaining walls act not only as a practical way to create living space in a sloped backyard – they also play a major role in protecting properties from the effects of soil erosion as well. Here’s how they do it.
What Is a Retaining Wall?
Retaining walls are structures that are built into a landscape which hold back soil. They prevent erosion and create level areas of landscaping in places where the surface would naturally be uneven. While they can be built with a wide variety of materials, each type of material will have an impact on the stability and the durability of the structure. And there are several different types of retaining walls which each serve different purposes depending on the needs of the landscape.
What is Soil Erosion?
Soil erosion is a process during which soil is worn away in a landscape over time. This is due to several factors – rainfall, wind, snow, and other environmental factors make soil erosion happen. While the process is natural, it is also not very desirable for several reasons. In the commercial space, soil erosion is often associated with farming – since farming depends on good quality topsoil for the growth of crops, soil erosion can be very economically damaging.
For homeowners, soil erosion can primarily lead to problems with water drainage and flow. Depending on the course of nature, soil erosion can lead to water from rain storms and snow melts flowing towards the property. This leads to basement flooding and other problems related to water damage. It’s imperative to stop this, which is where retaining walls come in. When incorporated with other drainage features, retaining walls act as a solution to protect properties from water runoff and the other effects of soil erosion.
All of Your Landscaping and Asphalt Needs from Atlantic Maintenance Group
Atlantic Maintenance Group is a full-service landscaping company providing maintenance, design, and construction, as well as snow removal and asphalt and concrete services. We are your source for complete landscape and facility maintenance for commercial and residential properties throughout Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. We are a self-performing landscaping company, meaning we don’t hire subcontractors, and senior management is involved with every project. Our highly trained team of professionals receives constant, ongoing education on the latest industry trends, updates, and safety measures. This ensures we can deliver outstanding customer service and results to our clients, regardless of the size of your job.