A retaining wall is a stabilizing structure used to hold sloping ground in place and to prevent the erosion and the movement of soil. A retaining wall must be substantial and sturdy in structure in order to accommodate and redistribute lateral pressure caused by sloping. It is normally designed with seepage holes, which allow collected ground water to escape. This releases the additional pressure created by accumulated water and helps keep the retaining wall stable.
Several different materials can be used to construct a retaining wall. Stone and concrete are often used, and there are special retaining wall blocks crafted from aggregate materials and light concrete which are designed for this purpose. Some styles interlock, making assembly simpler, less costly and less time consuming, because each block fits securely with the next. Because the fit of these blocks is secure, they do not require the addition of mortar. Versa lok, Keystone, and Allan Block are the most common wall systems used in the Milwaukee area.
A retaining wall can be a series of "steps" or tiers, which allows for a more attractive design as well as more efficient erosion control. The design can include different types of plantings, flowers or materials in each tier to bring more texture, color and interest to the area. Aside from the aesthetic value, a tiered design also provides better erosion control by breaking down the amount of soil, and therefore pressure, held by each division of the retaining wall.
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Finish grading is the process of clearing and smoothing out land to prepare it for sod, seed, landscape planting, home or land preparation or whatever the next step may be for you. Finish grading is the final grade done to the land. The Finish Grade provides the final shaping and prepares the seed bed or sod base for completion. Lots with exposed basements or sloped topography may need a retaining wall to complete the finish grade. Before finish grading can begin, the rough grade must be set within 1” of the final grade, and proper drainage established.
Land grading is reshaping the ground surface to planned grades as determined by engineering survey evaluation and layout. Grading of lots within a subdivision so that the runoff from each one is directed to a stable outlet rather than to an adjacent lot. Retaining walls are used to hold back adjacent land and provide a more level area in your property.
The purpose of grading is to provide more suitable topography for buildings, facilities and other land users; to control surface runoff; and to minimize soil erosion and sedimentation both during and after construction. Retaining walls can compliment site grading by providing a level lot or soften a hillside. The plan should define areas that must not be disrupted by grading and filling, including staking, marking and fencing required to prevent damage to these areas. These practices are applicable where grading to a planned elevation is necessary and practical for the proposed development of a site and for proper operation of sedimentation-control practices.
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Landscaping should be a means of creating an environment that enhances a person's lifestyle and enhances the area in which they are actually doing this enhancement, which might encompass many different things from hardscapes ie retaining wall to softscapes ie flowers and plants.
"Hardscaping," or "hardscape" refers to the inanimate (i.e., non-living) elements of a landscape. Hardscaping includes elements made from wood, even though wood was once animate (in the form of trees). Living plants, by contrast, constitute the "softscaping" or "softscape." In particular, as the name implies, "hardscaping" refers to hard elements such as those composed of concrete, brick or stone, in addition to wood. For instance, constructing a patio or retaining wall is a hardscaping project, as is a brick walkway, a stone wall, or a wooden fence. But hardscaping goes beyond large-scale projects such as these. Any non-living ornamentation in your landscaping is, technically, part of your hardscaping.
Softscape in a landscape encompasses every tree, flower, shrub, foliage plant, or ground cover that might be included to add beauty, color, or texture.
Oftentimes, softscape is added to help soften the hard lines of retaining walls, so that each element of the landscape design flows smoothly and effortlessly into the other. It is important for Milwaukee homeowners to balance the use of both soft and hardscapes in any landscape design.
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Landscaping is both science and art, and requires good observation and design skills. A good landscaper understands the elements of nature and construction, and blends them accordingly. Now is as good a time as any to start a landscaping project near Milwaukee.
Hardscaping has become increasingly popular with homeowners in Wisconsin in recent years. As people look to spend more time outdoors, hardscapes like paver patios, fire pits, and retaining walls help to liven up any backyard living space. Styles are continually changing and hardscaping technology used to build things like paver patios are constantly improving.
Whether you are a homeowner looking to hire a contractor or a do-it-yourselfer, this site is designed as a resource to residents of Milwaukee, WI and the surrounding communities to answer all of your grading & landscaping questions.
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