Retaining walls are showcased in landscape creation projects all around the world. In many areas of the country, such as Seattle and other parts of the Pacific Northwest, they are especially common due to the hilly terrain and wet climatic conditions.
Unlike the mostly artistic garden wall, which is regularly utilized for small decorative terrace gardens, retaining walls have multi-functional uses that factor into the design and types of materials used. The number-one purpose of retaining walls is holding back the soil for erosion control. However, if a wall has to be built, most landscape contractors believe it should also be attractive and serve more than one purpose. In Seattle, contractors put up retaining walls to create "rooms" within a garden, to produce flat yards where slopes once existed, to serve as privacy screens, and even to serve as extra sitting room. The overall appearance and function of the yard is considered after it is determined that a retaining wall is needed.
Landscape architects follow several general rules when it comes to generating walls inside a garden space. For example, the height of a wall generally won't exceed four feet. This is primarily as a result of safety considerations as well as aesthetic and structural integrity of the wall. In some areas walls that are higher than 4 feet require engineered plans and additional, higher priced permits. Other considerations include the rise and slope in front of and behind the wall, and the total scale of the project.
Types of materials used range from economical decorative concrete blocks or poured concrete, to more costly brick, mortared stone and dry-laid stone. Railroad ties and treated lumber, the long-established materials for walls, are also still used. But unless the wood has been properly treated and installed by a specialized landscape service, it will rot over time, making it not only useless but also potentially unsafe when set in soil.
When landscapers decide on materials for retaining walls, they factor in durability, general appearance and charge. A solid concrete wall could do a great job of holding soil back from a well-manicured lawn, but it will also give the backyard an industrial feel. Meanwhile, facing the structure with a brick overlay or decorative cut stone will be more eye-catching, but more costly. What the designer and consumer would like to ultimately see in front of the retaining wall can help narrow the focus of which materials are best suited for the job.
Beyond the visual appearance, a retaining wall must be able to direct drainage from the controlled soil in a manner that will not damage the wall, the surrounding landscape or even the foundation of the residence or other structures. When planned properly, these walls will provide a channel for naturally occurring drainage patterns and will redirect water where designated - all without over-watering the landscape vegetation, draining onto a lawn, or perhaps worse, a decorative pond or pool.
A professional landscape contractor familiar with the rainfall patterns and soil conditions of the Pacific Northwest can create a sound, visually pleasing and functional wall for nearly every garden space.
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Stephen Daniels is an acclaimed Internet marketing strategist. If you are looking for landscape design professionals, he recommends Rick Young Landscape and Design. They work extensively with the client and offer services to meet any of your landscaping needs, from design to installation.
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Article: Retaining Walls Are Featured In Landscape Designs In And Around Seattle Author: Stephen Daniels Publication Date: 2010-12-02 Total Views: 203 Word Count: 568 Category:Home /
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