Retaining Wall Installation Services
So you need a retaining wall. Retaining walls are a vital part of the landscape of a property. They play an important role in supporting the landscape as well as protecting the property from damage. A well planned and built retaining wall will increase the longevity of your property while contributing to its aesthetic appeal. We at GMC Landscapes offer retaining wall landscaping and installation services that are aimed at addressing the specific challenges our clients face. You can depend on our experienced and skilled team to help you choose the right materials for your retaining wall, install a strong retaining wall and design the ideal landscape for your property. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services and to get started.
What is the most cost-effective retaining wall?
There are various types of retaining wall systems. The most cost-effective retaining wall for your project will be the type of wall that will give you long-term results. It is therefore important to consider factors such as the soil type, landscape drainage, design and location to determine which will be the best retaining wall for your needs.
The most common choices for retaining walls include:
Gravity walls
These landscape walls rely on their weight to hold the soil piled behind them. They are often constructed from materials such as concrete blocks or stone. They are a common choice for both residential and commercial properties. They feature a thicker base and often lean backward slightly. They are a great choice for properties with limited space or with a hill.
Cantilevered walls
These walls are used where there are large amounts of soil. They consist of a base slab on which a thin stem of concrete reinforced with steel is built. The foundation slab makes an inverted T shape underground. The longer part of the base (the heel) lies under the backfill. These walls require less building material and can save a lot of time in cases where precast concrete is used. They offer a great deal of strength and are generally preferred in commercial projects.
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Anchored walls
These walls are similar to gravity walls. However, they are anchored into the ground often using strong steel cables. The anchors are secured into the ground using concrete. These anchors give extra support to the walls. These retaining walls are ideal for both residential and commercial properties with limited space. They are also ideal where only a thin wall can be installed or where there are higher loads on the wall.
Gabion walls
These landscaping walls are a great choice if your goal is to contain soil erosion or to stabilize a sloping segment of your landscape. They consist of mesh boxes that are filled with stones or rocks. They offer long-lasting protection and provide an attractive landscaping feature with a natural look. They are used for both residential and commercial projects.
What is the best base for a retaining wall?
There are different materials that you can use to build your retaining wall. Our landscape walls Seattle team will walk you through the selection of the right materials based on your property and your goals.
Concrete blocks
These are a great option as they are sturdy and long-lasting. They also provide for great flexibility with the design of your walls. For example, you can create a curved wall. They also hold their aesthetic value for longer.
Brick
If you want to achieve a warm and inviting look on your landscape, you can’t go wrong with brick. Like concrete blocks, they also provide a great deal of flexibility with design and shape. Brick is low-maintenance and durable too.
Stone
Stone offers a timeless and beautiful finish. It gives a natural look with varying textures and sizes. Stone is sturdy and lasts a long time. It also offers flexibility with design and requires little maintenance.
Poured concrete
This is a great and modern alternative to concrete blocks. It also ensures a stronger base while providing flexibility in design. Poured concrete is a popular choice for commercial applications as well as situations that call for a thinner or stronger wall.
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What can I plant behind a retaining wall?
Unlike choosing plants for other parts of your landscape, a lot of thought must be put into selecting what to plant behind your retaining wall. Our retaining wall installation services don’t end with the installation of your retaining wall. We also offer retaining wall landscaping services for your new feature. Our design team will walk you through the design of the landscape as well as the selection of the best plants for your new feature. We’ll ensure that you achieve an aesthetically pleasing landscape while protecting your retaining wall and property.
Plants you should consider for planting behind your retaining wall should be:
Plants that do well in alkaline soils
A lot of the materials used to construct retaining walls are highly alkaline. These can leach into the soil and increase its pH. While you can add materials to your soil to lower the pH, you will want to consider going for plants that do well in alkaline soils such as lilies, geraniums and lilac bushes if you want a low-maintenance landscape.
Drought-tolerant plants
Retaining walls are designed to redistribute water in order to protect the property. You don’t want to have to water the plants too much as this will damage the wall and defeat its purpose. Choose drought-resistant plants such as the African Iris to plant behind your retaining wall.
Are you searching for retaining wall installations services in Seattle? Get in touch with us for retaining wall landscaping Seattle residents trust.
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