Decorative retaining walls

Stone stairway and retaining wallDecorative retaining walls serve both form and function. For homes built on a hillside, they add stability and beauty. A terraced hillside is easier (and safer) to maintain and more attractive. An unstable and erosion-prone slope is tough - and often dangerous - to mow. Retaining walls, whether made of stone or treated lumber, shore up a slope or hillside and protect against damaging erosion from wind and water. Depending on the size and slope of a hill, terracing may consist simply of one wall built into the bottom or middle of the hill, or a series of tiered wood or stone walls. Another method is through the use of large rocks or boulders set in tiered rows on a hillside.

A terrace or retaining wall made of stone or rock is typically more durable than wood - even the best treated timber will eventually rot. Plus, terracing done with rocks or boulders tends to look more natural. In some instances, though, treated timber may be preferable for terracing material because of aesthetics or economy. For the do-it-yourselfer, treated timbers are easier to work with than rocks or boulders. Even small boulders usually require heavy equipment, such as a frontend loader or backhoe, to move and set in place - a job best done by a professional.

Though retaining walls and terracing may look relatively simple to build, there is some science involved. Special consideration must be given to drainage. In some instances, a wall trench and/or underground drain tiles may be required.

To schedule a free consultation to review your landscaping needs, call owner John Toth at (734) 878-0107 or email us at sales@aeroscape.net.