Natural Stone Wall – A Pleasing Addition to Your Landscape

A retaining wall is used to keep soil in place, especially in cases when there is a change in slope or elevation in an area. Retaining walls are also used to separate hardscaping like walkways or patios, from softscapes, like the actual lawn or plants. These walls are not only functional; they also add to the aesthetics of your landscaping. Oftentimes properties with beautifully done retaining walls have higher appraisal values, and it does add a lot to the overall appeal of your land.

Natural stones are the oldest materials used for retaining walls. From time immemorial, man has been building fences and walls, and the most widespread and readily available materials are rocks and stones. Not only is it the oldest, it is also the toughest material out there. It can last years, even decades, with very minimal maintenance.

Stone walls are very pleasing to the eye, it adds character to your landscaping, and it is also easy to match with any outdoor furniture. Since it varies in texture and color, you can choose a stone that easily matches or compliments the exterior of your house or building. Unlike concrete, natural stone adds that rustic feel to your property, and it gives the property that expensive feel.  Among the popular choices are limestone, granite and fieldstone.

Stones are also your best choice for inherent grade transitions. If the area has a natural elevation or slope to it, stones are the best way to go. Stones also do not need connectors like mortar to keep them together. Because of this, natural stone walls are often used for projects that do not require much height, like planters, edging or garden walls. Taller walls made from natural stone are more prone to toppling. Mortar can still be used, but this will add to the maintenance cost of having a retaining wall. If the stones are secured by mortar, it wouldn’t move naturally with the soil as temperature and seasons change. They’ll eventually crack and need some repair. Natural stone walls are also labor intensive, since your landscape contractor will have to stack the stones in a way that it is appealing. But the end results are well worth it. Nothing can replace the beauty of natural stones.

When you decide which materials to use for your retaining wall, always consult your landscape contractor. Be aware that prices of materials vary. Natural stones are generally more expensive that manufactured walls because of the labor involved in laying out the stones. But if you are after a more organic feel to your property, then natural stones may be the best route to take.

When laying down a natural stone wall, a trench will be dug, and this is where the base stones will be placed. The stones are then stacked on top of one another, slightly tapering backward for each layer. For every layer added, a back-fill needs to be immediately added behind the wall. This ensures that there are no spaces for mud to push through on the event that the aggregate gets wet. It also helps with the natural movement of the wall with the soil as seasons change.

Nature’s Image has built many of these magnificent retaining walls. It takes both science and art to build something that is both functional and appealing. Call us now and we’ll make sure that we’ll build you a natural stone wall that will catch everyone’s attention for years and years to come. (417) 724-8774