7 Ways Your Outdoor Living Space May Need a Retaining Wall in Hummelstown PA

To many homeowners, erosion can be a nightmare. Whether it’s wind, rain or just kids running around, erosion can fundamentally change the landscape of a property for the worse. To combat this, retaining walls can be built to ensure topsoil stays put on a slope. However, adding a decorative wall can spark visual interest in the landscape as well. In fact, there are may ways a retaining wall can enhance your landscape. Here are 7 ways your outdoor living space may need a retaining wall in Hummelstown, PA.

Related: 3 Style Options for a Retaining Wall in Hershey and Harrisburg PA Areas

1. Soil Management

The first thing you need to know is what’s at stake. Erosion can cause the top layers of soil to travel downhill and expose the rocky layers below. The wall helps anchor those top layers especially during a rainstorm or in sandy areas. They can also help divert stormwater runoff in a direction away from the home. Above all, steep slopes and erosion can prove to be a stressful combination. 

2. Added Functional Space

Even if you love living in a place surrounded by hills, flat outdoor spaces are essential for taking full advantage of a home. With the addition of a stone retaining wall, homeowners can also create that horizontal functional space to play, cook, or relax. By creating a terrace with a retaining wall, homeowners can expand the possibilities of any sloped yard. 

3. Visual Interest

Even if erosion isn’t a problem in your area and you simply want to create visual intrigue and increase your home’s value, building a retaining wall can always benefit a home. Adding a vertical element to a mostly flat yard like a raised garden can increase the profile. A wall can even be built in a way to create a buffer and block the view of a home’s less-than-attractive foundation. Since there are so many options that building a retaining wall can add to a property, you can always make sure they look nice too. 

4. Optical Illusions

Retaining walls can change the perception of an outdoor space dramatically and homeowners can lean on visual techniques to either make the space feel more intimate or more expansive. In large spaces, use walls to create sections used for different purposes, like one space for sitting back and one more for. keeping busy. In small spaces, use curved walls to create a gentle visual guide that lets the viewer soak it all in. 

5. Artistic Expression

Retaining walls might be functional in many ways, but they can also be a fun way to make your property more unique. This can be accomplished by building fountains for the peaceful sights and sounds. There’s nothing like reading a book outside in the shade while listening to the babbling of a fountain. Sculptures, statues, potted plants, and more can be added to heighten the senses. Another way to add personality to a wall is to add texture or patterns with the stone. The structure of a retaining wall simply allows for so many ways to decorate the area.

6. Overflow Seating

Sometimes the party moves outside and there is little space to hold everyone. A retaining wall increases that horizontal space right outside to add more seating or standing area to make sure that whatever the weather is like, everyone feels comfortable. 

7. Lighting

While entertaining or spending time outdoors at night, it can be dangerous to walk around in the dark. Even if you’ve installed lighting, the uneven surfaces could prove a major problem. A retaining wall can include low-voltage lighting that stays out of the way and avoids angles that might cause glare. A lighted path will especially entice any guests to the area and ensure that no matter what, they can always see the path.

Related: Landscape Design Ideas for Picturesque Outdoor Living in Hershey, PA