I have never been a natural gardener. For years, I struggled to keep basic houseplants alive, only to kill them at the first opportunity. It was difficult and stressful to buy a home with a yard, but I knew that I might be able to learn what I was doing wrong and correct the problem. To start off, I focused heavily on the lawn, and tried hard to keep it trimmed and well-maintained. Next, I cleaned up the flowerbeds. It was a lot of work, but I knew that it would pay off in the end. When I was done, my front yard was gorgeous, and guess what--it even stayed alive. This blog is all about loving your little landscape.
It is common to think of a retaining wall being used to level the yard for landscaping purposes. Wind, rain, and snow can cause the soil to erode, sloughing off any grass or flowers as it moves down a small hill. The truth is, a retaining wall can also be used to save the foundation of your home. If you notice that the basement or crawlspace stays moist, or that more of the foundation is visible from the outside, you should consider having a retaining wall built.
Moist or Wet Foundation, Basement, or Crawlspace
While it is not uncommon to have a bit of moisture under the floors of your home after a rain or snow, it shouldn't still be wet a few days later. If your home is positioned at the bottom of a sloped yard, any ground water will continually flow towards it. You may not even notice the slight slope to your land, but it can be enough to keep things wet. Wet concrete becomes weak and crumbles over time. The floors in your home may start to warp and the walls will eventually buckle as the foundation fails. Build up the ground around the house to create a level area around the building. Use a retaining wall to hold this new ground in place.
Ground Eroding from the Foundation
When the slope is such that the house is on the highest part of the yard, the ground around the base of the building can be washed away, exposing the concrete. Part of the strength in the foundation lies in the ground itself. As more and more erodes away, the foundation becomes weaker and more likely to start to collapse or crumble. Build up your yard so that it is level around the house and then use a retaining wall to keep everything where it needs to be. When the wall is across the front of your yard, it can become a focal point, making your yard on a separate level from the street.
A retaining wall can be made from stone, wood, or even a plastic mesh. The important thing is to save your foundation and keep your home sound and stable. Once you have the ground level or sloped correctly, have the ground built tall enough to hold it completely. You can start with the most inexpensive method and then, over time, create a wall that will add beauty to the look and feel of the property.
For a landscaping company, contact a business such as Quality Lawn & Landscape.
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