Retaining walls are attractive additions to a yard or business property that not only add visual appeal, they can save a ton of time in landscape maintenance and a lot of money in water and upkeep. We at Mirage Landscaping have been building and installing retaining walls in Calgary for three generations now, and we highly recommend them for many types of properties.
The Three Main Functions of a Retaining Wall
Retaining walls are perfect for Calgary’s many sloped properties. Basically what they do is provide more “flat” space, which is far easier to mow, water and plant on. They can be built to provide extra stability and support to neutralize the natural effects of gravity and erosion on properties with steep downhill slopes. They also serve several other purposes.
First, retaining walls can be built to increase the overall amount of usable land on a sloped property. These terraced retaining wall designs have been used like this for thousands of years, and are still employed by farmers in many parts of the world today to increase crop yields. Think of the beautiful terraced rice fields of the Philippines and you will get an idea of what we mean.
Second, retaining walls can also be used to save water. Given Calgary’s naturally hard, dry and arid earth, sloped properties can be terrible for wasting moisture. Sprinkler water will quickly run off the surface and into the gutters before it can be absorbed. And unless rain is relatively soft and prolonged, it won’t help either. Calgary’s fast and hard thundershowers cause for tons of runoff and really don’t work to assist much in keeping sloped properties green. Underground irrigation helps to keep the ground moist and soft enough for water to soak in properly on sloped surfaces, but even then it’s not perfect. Retaining walls help to make the most out of your water dollars.
Finally, retaining walls can add to the ambience of your yard. They are very easy to plant with interesting perennials and shrubs that will look beautiful and last well during our often-variable Calgary summers. They are just as easy to mulch in for our cold winters to provide additional longevity. We can pave or brick them over to provide lots of room for extra seating, an outdoor kitchen or barbecue section, a play area for the kids or just an extra space for your annual pots.
To maintain your property easily, and keep it looking great, thank seriously about retaining wall if:
- You live on a sloped property and have noticed the effects of erosion
- Your home is downhill from a potential source of flooding
- Your home’s foundation is at risk of being destabilized by moving earth and debris
Major Types of Retaining Walls
Broadly speaking, retaining walls can be grouped into two main types: structural retaining walls, and ornamental retaining walls. As the name implies, structural retaining walls are functionally necessary to prevent the problems associated with erosion and water runoff. While they are usually needed on properties with sharp slopes, some gentle slopes can even create these risks. If you’re not sure whether or not you need a structural retaining wall, it’s a good idea to get professional advice.
Ornamental walls are used for decorative purposes, and are often built from stone or bricks. They can also double as planters for gardens and trees, or as bases for any playground equipment you might add to your yard.
Contact Mirage for All of Your Southeast Calgary Landscaping Needs
The pros at Mirage Landscaping have been providing exceptional southeast Calgary residential and commercial landscaping services at affordable rates for three generations. Our family-owned company specializes in residential and commercial landscaping for these southeast Calgary districts and communities:
Auburn Bay, Chaparral, Chaparral Valley, Copperfield, Cranston, Douglasdale, Heritage Pointe, Lake Bonavista, Mahogany, McKenzie Lake, Mackenzie Towne, Maple Ridge, New Brighton, Odgen/Lynwood/Millican, Parkland, Riverbend, Sundance, Walden, and Willow Park.
Mirage Landscaping is pleased to offer year-round service that includes landscape construction, landscape maintenance, and a comprehensive range of lawn and garden care services.
Make Mirage Landscaping your ally all year round. Get started today by contacting Mirage for a fast, free project quote.
