While you’ve probably seen a retaining wall, you may not have considered one for your property. However, these hardscaping features serve many purposes for landscapes, from preventing soil erosion to creating elevated flower beds. To learn more about these unique features, below are a few frequently asked questions.

4 FAQ About Retaining Walls

What are the benefits?

By building a retaining wall, you can prevent runoff from flowing toward your home and pooling around the base of your property. Or, you could put one in front of an outdoor feature, such as an herb garden or stepping stone trail, to prevent it from being submerged after a storm. They can also block wet soil from shifting and cracking your home’s foundation.

Can you use them in commercial settings?

Retaining walls offer the same practical purposes around your business. They also create fence-like barriers around commercial properties, or between a building and a waterway prone to overflow. Additionally, they provide aesthetic value, such as framing the entrance or creating a space for signage.

Can you install them on sloping ground?

Steep slopes are prone to soil movement, so retaining walls are especially beneficial on hills. By creating a terraced pattern—similar to a large staircase or cascading pools—your contractor can create flat sections of land on the landscape’s grading. If you plant flowers and other plants within the confines of the wall, they won’t slide down the hill.

What are the design options?

Retaining walls are usually stone, brick, or poured concrete blocks. As a result, they can have many different colors and textures. You can also create a unique design by using various colors for one wall. Depending on your needs, they may range from 2 to 40 feet high. You can also choose between curved and straight styles to add aesthetic appeal to your property.

If you could benefit from a retaining wall, contact Hicon Inc., of Cincinnati, OH. They have been in business since 1977, providing a wide array of paving and masonry products. They can also restore your building’s facade, repair your chimney, or install a patio. To learn more about their services, visit the website. Call (513) 242-3612 to schedule a free consultation.