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Volume 1 Issue 2
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Department
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Landscape Design Techniques
Retaining Walls
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ProGardenBiz Landscape & Garden Magazine for the Green Industry
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Article by Dan Eskelson
Retaining Wall Design and Construction
Sloping sites can benefit from the construction of retaining walls to provide more level areas for planting and other uses; walls are one of the most popular and
useful hardscape additions to the landscape. It's extremely important to understand the possibly catastrophic consequences of poor design or construction; the significant physical forces involved in holding back large quantities of soil require very thorough engineering and careful construction. The drawings and photo below show a wall built with interlocking concrete block, one of the best alternatives for a retaining wall; construction of other types of walls such as stone, timbers and railroad ties, share many of the underlying principles shown in the diagrams. The installer will be wise to resolve any questions or concerns with the help of a qualified professional; you really don't want to do this project twice!

(Above retaining wall graphic used by permission from Versa-Lok)
Notice the provisions included to facilitate drainage; it is essential to allow water to flow away from the back of the wall. Also notice the use of geosynthetic reinforcement to help tie the wall into the soil; traditional wood timber walls use a similar construction technique with "dead men" beams anchored back into the soil. These modular blocks are designed to produce the slight stair step lean back into the hill. Though this project requires dedicated planning and flawless execution, it's not out of the range for the energetic first-timer. Be sure to obtain all essential installation manuals and specifications from the manufacturer or supplier.
Visit the Clearwater Landscape Design Site for Interactive Landscaping Solutions. Plan and Visualize Your New Landscape Online. You're an Essential Part of the Design Team!
If you want to learn more about your profession or wish to start a landscaping or lawn care business then discussion groups are the place to get answers and discuss problems with others in your field. Participants share ideas, challenges and opportunities. They also develop valuable professional and personal relationships. Start talking now...
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FENCES, WALLS & GATES includes more than 30 complete projects for creating landscape "walls" for your outdoor home. |
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Internet Search Tips
If you are looking for more information on the Green Industry and the landscaping and gardening business ProGardenBiz has over 40 feature articles, columns, news, and tips in each issue. Previous articles and information can be found in the Archives.
For additional information you can use a good search site such as Google or All-the-Web. When doing a search use terms that define your interest.
Typical search terms for the Green Industry are:
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Page Notes: For web sites that wish to link to this page here is some relevant information that you may use to describe this page and it's information.
Title: Landscape Design Techniques - Retaining Walls.
Description: ProGardenBiz is an Online magazine for the professional gardener, landscape contractor, irrigation specialist and others in the Green Industry. It covers lawn and garden maintenance, irrigation, landscape installation, landscape design, planting, tree care, waterscapes, business tips, and much more. This regular feature provides tips and advice on landscape design techniques for your landscape and garden business. This column is on retaining walls.
To locate similar information important search terms to use are: garden, gardener, landscape, landscape contractor, landscaping, install landscaping, trees, tree care, aborist, aboriculture, plants, plant care, lawn, lawn care, lawns, lawn maintenance, mowing, mow, edge, grounds maintenance, nursery, Green Industry, landscape magazine, garden magazine, landscape business, garden business, landscape maintenance contractor, contractor techniques, landscape design, retaining wall.
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