Planning for your landscape retainer wall

There are many reasons why you might be considering a retainer wall for your property, but before you start planting stakes and laying down materials, there are a few things you will want to take into consideration first. A little planning up front can help steer you away from a big investment that you ultimately regret or wish you could do over.

Tips for planning your retainer wall:

1. Consider the aesthetics of the wall. Does the retaining wall match your lifestyle? Beyond being utilitarian, retaining walls can make grand statements and help create a beautiful outdoor living space.
   
   
2. Walls do not have to be in straight lines. If you want to make your retaining wall more interesting or a softer part of your landscape, consider using curves. An easy way to accomplish this is by laying out a long rope to get a sense of the curve you would like for your design.
   
   
3. The bigger the wall, the more you will need to plan. For instance, if your wall is going to be taller than about four feet, you may need to consult an engineer to make sure the height can bear the weight. Also, if your wall is too tall, you might be in violation of building codes. Checking on these two items will save you from costly headaches.
   
   
4. If you want to save time and have an easier installation, consider using manufactured blocks or stones. One of the biggest benefits for using this type of material is that you will have uniform sizes which makes measuring and placement of each piece much simpler. Another bonus is that these materials come in a variety of colors and finishes so your wall can be customized to fit with your landscape.
   
   
5. Like any built structure, a strong foundation is key. Make sure you take the time to properly prepare the base for your wall. If your base is uneven, your wall will be, too.
   
   
6. Plan for proper drainage. When your wall has a sloped surface, more water will collect at the base. To avoid this, make sure you include extra drainage at the base and make sure you include some type of filter so you won't have to dig out any clogs.
   
   
7. Critical to having a long-lasting, steady wall is making sure you keep it level throughout the entire construction process. Just because you measured before you began building doesn't mean things didn't shift as stones or blocks are placed. A good tip is to check your levels with each layer of your wall.
   
   
8. Support is important while your wall is under construction. Imagine building a free-standing wall without support — it won't take much to make it tumble. If you instead backfill as you build each level, your wall will have greater support.
   
   
9. Terracing can help make your wall feel less ominous. Terraces are gradual step ups in height. When you apply this to your retaining wall, you create the sense of a large space and you increase the amount of plantable square footage for a nice variety of vegetation.
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10. Last, but not least, don't be afraid to decorate your new retaining wall. Too often people choose to keep their walls quiet — and that's fine. But, imagine the fun you can have with paint or plants integrated into the final surface. The possibilities are endless.

Of course, you can opt to build a retaining wall on your own. But, if this seems like too much to handle or more than you would like to take on, give your team of experts a call. We have built retaining walls for homeowners across Eugene, Springfield, and the surrounding areas. The professionals at Graham Landscape & Design can be reached by calling 541-729-8029.