Basic Do's And Don'Ts When Caring For Your Stone Retaining Wall

14 March 2017
 Categories: Home & Garden, Blog


Whether you have a real or faux stone retaining wall, it's likely the focal point of your yard. No matter if it's on the side of your house or right near the entrance, the wall needs attention year round. In the summer, it's important to make sure perennials are pruned and new annuals are planted and weeded frequently. But what about the stones that make up the retaining wall itself? Proper care is essential in order to ensure each stone stays in place. Here are just a few do's and don'ts when caring for your stone retaining wall.

Do Inspect Drains And Battering Each Spring

Every retaining wall is susceptible to water pools that can lead to erosion and ultimately its collapse. For large retaining walls, drains are strategically installed to help drive water away from the wall and the flower bed. Water that builds up near the stone wall, trim or walkway can cause mortar to come loose and crack. The result is a costly repair job that could mean a complete tear down and having to replace plants. The base or battering material that holds the wall back and together can also crumble and deteriorate. Inspect the drainage area every spring to ensure that there is no debris overloading the space and causing water to back up.

Don't Power wash Your Stone

Whether you have fieldstone, limestone or another type of decorative stone, avoid power washing it. Power washing is a quick way to restore dirty, faded natural stone, but it can also weaken your retaining wall. Use a garden hose sparingly to clean off dirty rocks. Or you can wash your wall by hand with a damp cloth. Too much pressure can cause mortar to break or crumble and the supporting gravel to wash away.

Do Intermix With Cast Stone To Save Money

If you're planning on repairing or building a new retaining wall, keep in mind that stones can be pricey. Delivery charges also take up the bulk cost of many decorative stones, including limestone. Cut back on some of the cost by using cast stone or man-made stone instead. A professional landscaper can create a stone wall made from a concrete derivative. Color and design can be added to a shape of your choosing. Intermixing real stone and concrete can shed hundreds off the total budget of your retaining wall project.

Don't Build Near Invasive Tree Or Plant Root Systems

When planning for a new retaining wall, carefully inspect the landscape of the surrounding area. Is there a large tree or plant root system close by? Shrubbery that spreads and grows quickly can also pose a threat to a new or existing wall. The root system of larger trees and plants can invade underneath the stones. This can cause a rock wall to buckle and a pathway to crack. If you tear down a large plant system or bush, be sure to destroy the entire underground root system too.

Utilizing basic stone wall care techniques will guarantee that your landscape will stay intact for years to come. Contact your local landscape company today and ask about stone products that will enhance your yard space. To find out more, visit a website like http://www.harristone.com.


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