The Right Materials

Reasons To Consider A Retaining Wall In A Flat Yard

14 August 2020 by Frank Lynch

While a retaining wall is often built on hilly or sloping grounds — it doesn't have to be. You can use a retaining wall to add layering and levels, even if your yard is as flat as a pancake. Consider the following reasons to construct a retaining wall in an even garden.

Add Levels And Layers  

A flat yard can be monotonous. A retaining wall that encloses raised garden beds creates height contrasts that don't exist naturally. You could form a central elevated plot in the middle of the space, filling it with vibrant flowers. Alternatively, spread it with colourful pebbles and a sundial, sculpture or water feature. You can arrange your layers in a multitude of ways. For example, you could form a sunken courtyard effect by constructing raised regions around the perimeter using a retaining wall.

Provides Visual Decoration  

Retaining walls add colour and texture, no matter what the natural terrain is doing. You could stack natural stone in hues like tan, blue and orange for lovely interplays of shades and patterns. Otherwise, heap relatively uniform sandstone to set up a honey-coloured wall or bluestone for a slate-toned barrier. 

Other materials like brick incorporate burnt earthy tones into the landscape. Timber sleepers add grainy textures, and with concrete, you can colour and texture it however you wish. A wall can do all this decorating regardless of the natural lie of the land. 

Patio Seating

When entertaining outdoors with family or friends, finding seating for everyone can be a hassle. You might need to move chairs from inside to the patio or retrieve garden furniture from the garage. Why not consider a low, flat retaining wall, encircling the space? It will merge with the landscape while providing natural seating, and you won't have to worry about it blowing away in the wind or bother yourself with bringing it in from the rain. Retaining wall seating will be ready any time for an impromptu get together. 

Whether your patio is curved or straight, the wall can border the area, making it more cosy and organised. You could build an elongated, raised garden bed alongside the barrier and fill it with lush foliage. Alternatively, leave a broad stone wall to stand by itself.

Thus, a retaining wall enhances even flat garden landscape. These walls incorporate colourful textures and materials, adding interesting levels and layers. Additionally, they can be highly practical and function as seating. Ask a residential retaining wall contractor for more creative and practical ways to incorporate these structures into the landscape.

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