Denver Sprinkler and Landscape, Inc
Retaining Wall Options
Retaining Walls... Your Needs, Desires and Your Options
Your landscape has a substantial slope across the back that causes you concern. Your initial thought is, “I need a retaining wall”!
Every landscape contractor you meet seems to agree that a retaining wall would be a great way in which to “Tame” that slope! Some speak of terracing. Creating multiple levels versus one single height wall. They paint a picture of cascading plants over the walls front edge. You go to the internet and view awe inspiring images on Pinterest of countless varieties of retaining walls now beginning to overwhelm you in an attempt to decide which style you like the most!…Soon, the estimates begin arriving for the installation of the retaining wall design each landscape contractor is trying to persuade you to buy! Suddenly, you realize that this project is going to be very expensive! Now those beautiful images you were viewing seem to haunt you.
If you can manage a moment to take a deep breath, there may be other avenues to look at with regards to your backyards slope enigma…Options that may be far more financially feasible!
From Mother Nature’s viewpoint (As well as one unnamed highly experienced landscape professional!) “Why” do you even need a retaining wall at all? Mother Nature does a majestic job landscaping our beautiful Colorado mountains!…And that includes many steep slopes!
Sloped areas of your landscape can be landscaped with elegant plant selections combined with optional large accent boulders if desired. You begin to sense that you many not necessarily “Need” a retaining wall. If you “Desire” a retaining wall to add beauty, accent your landscape or to level out an area for more usable space, then a retaining wall may well be worth serious consideration.
Retainage options for sloped areas can range from rustic natural boulder outcroppings to more formal or contemporary retaining wall options. Slopes can also be retained without actually having to construct a true retaining wall as such. Natural stone called Riprap can be installed on the existing slope with minimal preparation thus saving you a significant amount of money. With this option, the slope will be retained and if desired, the Riprap can be planted with ornamental plantings or the Riprap can be grouted (Filled in) with a quality soil mixture followed by seeding the grouted Riprap with an appropriate mix of native grasses or a blend of native grasses and colorful wildflowers.
Use of treated timbers or even used railroad ties persist as a frequently suggested retaining wall option. Unfortunately, all timbers or railroad ties degrade overtime thereby creating two serious issues…The first being the need to eventually having to replace the degrading timber or railroad tie wall and the second being the dangerous potential of having Yellow Jacket Wasps beginning to nest in the rotted, hollowed out cavities of the decomposing timbers or railroad ties. There is no reason to subject your family’s household budget to having to redo another retaining wall down the road nor subject your children or guests to the seriousness of a swarm of angry Wasps!
If you feel torn between the “Need” to install a retaining wall or simply the “Desire” to install one, we welcome your call in order to go over your options and guide you in making a satisfying decision.
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