There are many reasons why retaining walls are used on both residential and commercial properties. While some property owners choose to have these types of walls built for decorative purposes, there are also a number of functional reasons that individual walls or full multi-tiered systems must be built in order to create usable space that is free from drainage or erosion complications.

If you have a property that is sloped and you are wondering if this type of structure is appropriate to meet the needs of your overall landscape design, we’ve put together a list of the many uses for retaining walls and why they are so commonly seen around New Jersey and New York.

Common Uses For Retaining Wall Systems:

• To increase usable space – If your property is sloped, you may be losing out on valuable usable space. By having a wall or wall system installed on the property, it allows for the land to be leveled off, providing additional space that can be used for a variety of purposes. Once a sufficient structural wall is in place, land can be backfilled to level off the ground, turning an unusable slope into usable flat land.
• To improve drainage – When land is sloped, it can create major issues due to water flowing down the slope. To improve drainage and avoid flooding, structural walls are often built to stop the water from travelling downhill. Even if an entire area is not leveled off, retaining wall systems can redirect water so that it has a chance to properly drain, rather than causing problems. This is especially helpful if land slopes down towards a house or building, where water can cause major internal flooding issues. It is also useful if land slopes towards a patio, driveway, parking lot or any other usable space where water flowing downhill will pool, turn the ground to mud or flood the area.
• To impede erosion – Soil on land that is severely sloped can erode over time as water, wind and gravity cause it to travel downhill. This can cause major problems, compromising the structural integrity of the land, as well as resulting in more minor issues.
• To enhance privacy – Sometimes retaining walls are built in order to enhance privacy between properties. These walls are useful as privacy enhancers when one home or building sits higher than another.
• To add visual interest – Very often, retaining walls are built primarily to add to the visual interest of a property’s landscaping. These walls add depth and dimension and can create a variety of visually interesting levels that enhance the overall design of the outdoor space. To add to the beauty of these structures, the walls can be built in a number of attractive, high-quality materials, including natural stone, stone veneer, pavers, blocks and concrete, among other finishes. Retaining walls can be designed to coordinate with surrounding features and to fit seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

For more information about the many uses of retaining walls, or to speak to a retaining wall installation specialist, contact Millenium Stoneworks at 732-519-1112 or 347-723-6990.