Reasons a Retaining Wall May Be Included in Your Drainage Solution in the Spring Hill, TN, Area
If your Spring Hill, TN, property is experiencing water drainage issues, you will likely want to have a drainage system installed to resolve the problems before they cause damage to your structures and landscape. While you may think of a drainage system as being a network of connected pipes beneath the ground, you may be surprised to learn that a retaining wall is often used as part of a drainage system. Here are some of the reasons that a retaining wall may be included in your drainage solution.
Slows Down the Flow of Water
If you live on a steep slope, you’ve likely seen heavy rainfalls where the rain rushes quickly down the hill. A retaining wall is often used to help slow down the flow of water so that you can avoid a plethora of problems.
The way a retaining wall functions is that it is used to provide stability to the soil, while also leveling out sections of the land. These flat surfaces slow down the flow of water. In addition, some retaining walls are built with pipes that then direct the water to an ideal location.
Oftentimes a retaining wall serves as a space for a plant bed. The purpose of this is twofold in that it improves the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space and the plants also help to soak up the water, ultimately slowing down the flow of water down the slope. You can appreciate beautiful blooming plantings and vibrant greenery that make use of the rainwater that would have been a nuisance without a retaining wall area.
Prevents Flooding
If your home is located near the bottom of a slope, you may have experienced flooding in your basement. You may have areas of your landscape that are lower in elevation than others. Because water follows the path of least resistance, thanks to gravity, it often results in flooding or water pooling up on your lawn or lower areas of your landscape. These areas are often located near the foundation of your home, and the pressure from the water can cause damage to the structure of your home. A retaining wall helps prevent flooding and damage by leveling out the grade of the land so that water flows to a designated location.
Prevents Soil Erosion
As water rushes down a hill, it can wash away the soil, taking all of the essential nutrients along with it. When this happens, soil erosion occurs and it may result in bare spots throughout your landscape where nothing will grow. In severe cases, it can even produce gullies.
Creates More Functional Space
Because retaining walls can help flatten out land on a hill, they can effectively create more functional space throughout your landscape. It’s very difficult to traverse sloped land, and is much easier when you have retaining walls with stairways connecting the various levels of your outdoor space.
This additional functional space can be used to make your front yard or backyard more enjoyable. For example, where before you may have simply had a hill with grass, you can convert this area to include an outdoor kitchen, a spacious paver patio with a fire pit, or even a pool with a pool patio where you can bask in the sun.
Related: 5 SIGNS YOU NEED A PROFESSIONAL DRAINAGE SOLUTION IN BRENTWOOD AND COLLEGE GROVE, TN
About the Author
In 1990, at just 14 years old, Jayme Niedergeses took the first step in starting his own company when he started mowing lawns around his hometown. From that one-man lawn-mowing operation grew a reliable, full-service landscaping company that serves the entire Middle Tennessee Area. Niedergeses landscapers are fully licensed, insured, highly trained, and extensively experienced. Every full-time and seasonal member of our crew is dedicated to providing excellent customer service as they create and care for beautiful landscapes.
