While your landscape is made up of a whole bunch of green materials, like plants and turf, hardscapes are equally important. Walkways connect pieces of your property together, and patios provide great common areas for guests. Other hardscapes like fire pits can also become amenities within your landscape. However, we are not going to be talking about those hardscapes today, retaining walls will be the subject of the day. Retaining walls are generally viewed as functional landscape installations, improving drainage and preventing soil erosion in sloped yards. It is often perceived to be a costly investment, although one that is sure to increase the value of your property. Today, we are going to discuss some ideas for retaining walls on a budget.
Stone: Durable
When looking to install a retaining wall, the material you use is going to be the biggest cost factor. One of the most inexpensive yet still durable materials you can use is stacked stone. Although it may lack the elegance of other craftsmanship options, it will certainly perform its intended purpose. Additionally, you can select from a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes in the category of stone, so you need not throw aesthetics out of the window. Did we mention that stone requires almost no maintenance? That is a surefire way to cut costs.
Boulderscaping: Retaining Wall Alternative
Perhaps rather than installing a legitimate retaining wall, a few large boulders could be just as effective. The goal of a retaining wall is to create two separate levels of soil for drainage purposes, and this can be done with our locally-sourced boulders. While retaining walls are more functional, utilizing boulders gives you the creative freedom to install something more aesthetic, at a lower cost, and with less maintenance. Consider boulders as a retaining wall alternative for your Pittsburgh property.
Gabion Wall or Retaining Wall?
Another great alternative to a retaining wall is the installation of a gabion wall. Rather than a whole structure, this is a caged wall filled with rock and sand that runs parallel to the slope, letting the water run through. This is converse to a vertical wall with the water flowing freely through the cage. The benefits of these walls are immense, as they are portable, inexpensive, and do not require significant labor in comparison to a retaining wall installation. They can also be aesthetically covered by strategically placed plant material.
Concrete Blocks: Classic and Inexpensive
If you are looking for an inexpensive retaining wall option, you cannot go wrong with concrete blocks. Material cost will be relatively low, as will labor. The best aspect of a concrete retaining wall is that it will create a flat area on top. This area can be utilized to install colorful plant material or a small shrub. Concrete retaining walls also look great and will last for a long time. Durability should be no worry, and neither should maintenance. A lack of frequent upkeep is an important part of keeping your landscaping costs down.
Dream Greener Lawn & Landscape is led by a staff of service experts, each with ten years or more of professional experience, focused exclusively on lawn care & maintenance, landscaping, and snow & ice management. Locally owned and operated, we are proud to serve the greater Pittsburgh area. Give us a call at (412) 835-1035 or visit our website today.
