People flock to the Lower Mainland from all over the world to enjoy an unparalleled outdoor lifestyle, whether it’s biking, hiking, or enjoying one of the area’s many beaches. But sometimes, it’s nice to enjoy the great outdoors from a space a little closer to home: the comfort of your backyard. With spring on our heels and summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to jump on those backyard upgrades you’ve been dreaming about.
While areas like North Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Burnaby are big on sweeping views, they are limited on yard space. With dramatically sloping lots, usable space is often hard to come by. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right retention wall contractors, you can reclaim your yard and enjoy more outdoor living.
Soccer game in a sloped yard? Not the most practical playing surface. A strategically placed retention wall can help carve out more flat, usable space, making room for everything from a lush lawn to a dedicated play area for kids. Depending on the direction of your slope, there are two ways retention wall contractors can create a more level playing field in your backyard.
If you have a large, running slope, your contractors can easily carve out sections to make a level yard. This process involves excavating part of the slope to create a flat surface and then installing a retention wall to hold back the remaining soil. It’s a great option and gives you many opportunities to integrate landscaping into the wall to make the space both functional and visually appealing while preserving as much of your yard as possible.
Alternatively, if your slope drops off sharply, a contractor can build a retention wall at the further edge of your property and backfill behind it to create a level surface. While the process is different than carving a retaining wall out of an upward-sloping property, the result is the same: more usable yard space.
Sloped yards can make gardening a challenge, but a series of tiered retention walls can transform an unusable hill into a beautifully structured garden. When working with the right retention wall contractor, there are virtually no limits to what you can accomplish. Whether you want to grow vegetables, plant flowers, or opt for low-maintenance native plants, you can create a visually stunning and highly functional design element using retaining walls.
Navigating a sloped backyard can be tricky at the best of times, but rain, snow, or overgrowth can make it even worse. Even if a full retention wall is not on your list of backyard upgrades this summer, you can still create a more usable and visually appealing back garden with thoughtful planting and the addition of well-defined pathways and stairs integrated into the natural landscaping.
In some cases, hiring a contractor for a retention wall project may be more about keeping your property safe than adding space. Heavily sloping yards can direct rainfall toward your home, creating the potential for significant water-related issues. Building a retaining wall with proper draining helps redirect water away from your foundation to designated areas like your stormwater system or a garden bed rather than pooling in unwanted spots. This not only protects your property from water-related issues but also enhances the aesthetic and functionality of your outdoor space.
A well-designed retention wall isn’t just practical, it can completely change the way you use your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to create more room for entertaining, gardening, or simply enjoying the view, a professional contractor can help design a solution that works for your property.