Retaining walls are an excellent way to reshape your landscape, hold back slopes and create multiple levels for your outdoor spaces. They also create an attractive aesthetic, introducing form, texture and color to your yard. However, to make sure that your retaining walls are able to stand up against the harshness of winter, quality materials and professional construction is absolutely essential. Following are some of the reasons why investing in a retaining wall is imperative to beat the cold snap of winter.
Protecting plants and property from the wind
During winter, the alcoves created by retaining walls can be used to nestle vulnerable evergreens that may be sensitive to wind exposure. Used in this way, retaining walls provide excellent windbreakers for flower beds and even patios that may still be used during the winter. Retaining walls are perfect for any location and your home is sure to benefit.
Protecting your landscape against water damage and erosion
Retaining walls are an excellent tool in protecting against soil erosion but correct drainage is required in order for this to be effective. Professional installation of retaining walls and the design of correct drainage will ensure that your retaining walls act to guard against water damage and erosion rather than exacerbate issues such as pooling and ground being swept into lower areas.
Beating the freeze/thaw cycle
As the temperature fluctuates over the winter months, moisture released by ice, snow and rain, seeps into the concrete or natural stone materials of outdoor features. If this moisture freezes again, it expands, causing cracks in weak points of the materials. To guard against this, high quality materials with a low porosity should be used. When dense materials are used this prevents water from seeping in and eradicates the problems created by the freeze/thaw cycle.
Winter is the perfect time
If you’ve been thinking about building a retaining wall winter is actually the perfect time. Not only is the ground soft and easy to mould, it’s also the perfect time to plant new flower beds or foliage once the wall has been constructed, in time for fresh Spring growth.
Empire Retaining Walls are the leaders in retaining wall construction on the Mornington Peninsula. Talk to our team today about your property and what you’re looking to achieve. We build retaining walls every day of the week and will know what’s best when it comes to your property, your budget and your needs.
