| ng walls are structures used to hold back soil from an | | | | as a basic building material for retaining walls because |
| area. They stabilize a slope to prevent it from | | | | of the strength they can give to the structure. |
| eroding and give it a more vertical or near-vertical | | | | On the other hand, most retaining walls serve the |
| character. In landscaping, they are part of the | | | | purpose of both being functional and aesthetic in |
| hardscaping components and are used to group | | | | nature. Though more expensive than a conventional |
| plants, make pathways and walkways, or just | | | | wall, walls using designer materials, such as |
| provide a certain feel or appearance to the | | | | architectural blocks, are now more preferred by |
| environment. Simple walls can be constructed without | | | | property owners because of the artistic value they |
| the help of professionals, but complex ones require | | | | get from the materials. Architectural blocks are used |
| the aid of an experienced engineer. In Minneapolis, | | | | to complement the other elements in a garden and |
| constructing a wall less than 4 feet in height doesn't | | | | contribute to its desired feel, design, and visual |
| require a permit, unless the wall supports a surcharge | | | | effect. |
| (a surcharge includes buildings, swimming pools, | | | | When designing a retaining wall for your dream |
| sidewalks, and parking surfaces, among others), but | | | | garden, always make sure that you discuss all your |
| having a site plan is. Also, if the property owner | | | | specifications with your contractor thoroughly. |
| decides to hire a contractor to construct the wall, | | | | Indicate the materials you want to use and the |
| the contractor must be a licensed one. Walls above 4 | | | | effect that you want to achieve. Be involved even |
| feet require a permit and must be designed by a | | | | the technical aspects of the construction. It is always |
| licensed engineer and its construction supervised by a | | | | better that you are directly engaged in all aspects of |
| professional builder. Your landscape contractor will | | | | the project, from planning to installation. Doing so will |
| inform you of all construction requirements during the | | | | help you understand the facets of the structure and |
| planning process. | | | | therefore let you maintain it more easily. |
| Retaining walls can be purely functional in nature. | | | | The key to constructing retaining walls that will stand |
| They can merely be constructed for the sake of | | | | the test of time and serve all its structural and |
| structural needs, such as maintaining the grade of a | | | | aesthetic functions actually lies in the hands of the |
| certain landscape feature, or to support areas such | | | | one who built them, so find a reliable contractor to |
| as a driveway. Walls that are built for purely | | | | entrust the project to. You can actually make it |
| functional purposes commonly make use of | | | | yourself to cut costs, but you will have to sacrifice |
| conventional materials such as manufactured | | | | quality in doing so. Minneapolis has a lot of landscape |
| concrete masonry blocks. These blocks are solid, | | | | contractors that can cater to your needs; you only |
| stable, and economical. Contractors use these blocks | | | | have to explore and look beyond your "wall". |