If you have a sloped yard, you should consider a retaining wall. The topography of north Metro Atlanta is predominantly characterized by rolling hills. Parts of Cobb, North Fulton, and Cherokee counties have lovely subdivisions with spectacular views of hills and valleys, some are so high you can see downtown Atlanta. And while these properties are desirable they come with either sloping front or backyards and in some cases both.
A Retaining Wall is the Solution
A long-sloping yard looks very nice, but unfortunately, because of the slope, you can’t do much with your yard. Achieving a beautiful yard has a lot to do with managing soil and keeping it in place. Retaining walls are used to hold soil back, prevent erosion and keep plant roots intact. The amount of soil to be kept in place is what determines the height of a wall
If your yard includes a prominent slope away from your home, you have an excellent site for a retaining wall. A well-placed wall can provide a terraced area for lush gardens or play areas for your children. A stone foundation bed that is visually linked to your house foundation will create a “frame” that makes your house appear more settled in place.
In the front yard, a retaining wall imparts a feeling of symmetrical balance and sets a neat, orderly mood. When located in a side yard or backyard, a retaining wall may be very practical. For example, a side yard that slopes down to a driveway or walkway benefits from leveling by making the traffic area less prone to flooding and erosion.
A Raised Edge
Sometimes a little elevation is a good thing. Where a rise in the soil exists, a constructed raised edge of just 6 to 10 inches will emphasize the elevation, creating interest and diversity, as well as holding things together. Raising the edge of a bed is a design trick to make a small yard seem larger, bringing definition to an empty, boring space. No matter when it is applied, the raised edge controls soil erosion and prevents lawn grasses from invading a bed.
The team at Cumberland Landscape Group has designers and skilled craftsmen to construct your wall or edge. We have built many walls using only the finest in natural and man-made materials. Here are some to consider:
Dry-set stacked stone is considered to be a gravity wall, meaning it depends on the weight and mass of the stones it is built with. Rocks last forever. With the weight and mass of these stones, you can rest assured that this wall will last a long time.
Mortared Stack Stone is the same as above only mortar is added so it can withstand pressure from behind, above, and below. Adding mortar allows for a higher wall.
Veneer can be cut from natural or manufactured stone. It is cut thin enough to adhere with mortar. This product will not fade over time, it will hold its color and add value to your wall.
Natural Boulders are superb material for building walls. They are ultimately durable, versatile, and in the right hands can be arranged with lasting aesthetic results. Boulders are expensive and building time takes longer.
Timber Walls are natural, affordable, and will compliment a home that desires a more rustic appeal. Cumberland Landscape Group uses only high-durability treated timber that is resistant to termites and moisture.