How a Retaining Wall Can Help Control Land Erosion in the Westerville, OH, Area

Erosion can cause many issues, including flooding, landslides, and sinkholes. Luckily there are some easy ways to prevent erosion and keep your property safe. Building a retaining wall is one solution to ensuring that your land stays put. Here’s how installing one on your Westerville, OH, property can help control erosion: 

Identifying the Problem

Surveying your land could be the first step to installing a retaining wall. Sometimes, land erosion can be tricky if you’re dealing with a good amount of sloping or unevenness. The area causing or contributing to erosion might be located in a different spot than where you can visibly see the erosion. Look for sparse areas where there are no plants or vegetation, as well as places where the land dips or slopes. Sometimes the top of the slope, which might seem fine, may be the cause of erosion. Installing a retaining wall well behind the point of erosion could be considered the safest way to control the land and prevent further erosion. You might need to also grade your property and add in soil amendments that make your land more secure. Once the problem area has been located, it is time to start planning your wall.

Related: 5 Ways to Add Charm to Your Dublin, OH, Retaining Wall

Planning for Your Retaining Wall

Depending on the degree of erosion you’re combatting, a standard retaining wall might suffice, or you could need a heavy-duty wall to stop serious issues. First, look into plotting out the configuration of your problem area in relation to your home, garage, shed, or any other structure that may be in its path. You will also want to consider the angle of the sloping, and whether or not you will use the area inside or outside of the wall. Plantings work well in combination with your wall to control erosion and maintain root systems that drink excess water and help to compact the soil. Depending on the size of your retaining wall, you may be able to install shrubs, bushes, or even small trees. Groundcover plants are another option for helping with this endeavor; they will carpet the ground in the form of foliage or flowers, while grabbing onto the soil and working in conjunction with other plants to produce a more stable ground.

Related: Common Retaining Wall Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Installing Your Retaining Wall

Different applications require different size stones to maintain stability. Larger wall applications may require an engineer to map out the specifications of the wall to ensure safety and durability. Unilock manufactures a number of options that are perfect for all types of retaining walls. Lineo Dimensional Stone, for example, is a go-to choice for smaller projects under a few feet tall. This wall unit provides a modern look that has a smooth finish, making it possibly the right choice if your wall is in your main entertaining area or close to it. Lineo Dimensional Stone can be used to complement other outdoor features like kitchen islands, so it’s great if you need a super-stylish solution to your erosion problem. More serious applications may require a heavy-duty stone option like Roman Wall, with a textured surface reminiscent of stones used to build ancient structures. This product is a great choice for larger applications, like walls that are holding back a serious amount of earth. Walls tens of feet high or wide tend to be best suited for these massive stones, which provide extraordinary stability.