Retaining Walls

Ground Up can install retaining walls of dry rock or dry block. (“Dry” means that the wall is constructed with little or no cement or mortar, “rock” refers to natural stone, and “block” refers to man-made concrete blocks made to look like stone.) Because there is little or no cementing agent used, these retaining walls are porous and will allow water to pass between the joints in the stone or block. Gravel back fill can be used behind the retaining wall to further facilitate drainage as well.

In addition to addressing drainage/erosion issues, retaining walls can help:

• Reduce safety issues associated with walking, mowing or other yard maintenance on steep slopes (see ADVANTAGES OF RETAINING WALLS listed below),
• Create more usable space and
• Add structure and beauty to your yard.

You can also choose to add trailing plants above the wall or in planting pockets created in the crevices for a simple, easy way to add more color and texture to your landscape.

To see the many styles, colors and designs available for retaining wall projects, visit any of the industry links below:

• Belgard or click on the logo at right.
• Marshall Stone
• Techno-Bloc

Work begins on retaining walls

Retaining Walls Complete

Some of the potential problems associated with steep slopes are listed below. As you can see, the advantages of retaining walls not only include more space for the outdoor activities you enjoy, but also making lawn and garden maintenance safer and navigation around your landscape easier for you, your family and your guests.

If you are experiencing any of the potential problems listed below
and would like to discuss methods for resolving them,
call or click here to contact Ground Up
for a free consultation and estimate.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH STEEP SLOPES:		ADVANTAGES OF RETAINING WALLS:
Eroded areas where little or nothing grows		You can grow the turf or ornamental plants you want
Difficult, unsafe mowing areas with slopes greater than 15 degrees (or 27 percent slope) for riding lawn mowers		Easier, safer mowing with more level lawn areas
Unusable areas for outdoor recreation or gardening		More space for outdoor activities: lawn games, sports, gardening, relaxing...
Difficult, unsafe pathways to navigate (falling or slipping hazards)		Safer, easier access to other parts of the yard with steps and retaining walls
Difficulty maintaining planting beds (pruning, mulching, weeding, etc.)		Easier maintenance of planting beds due to more gradual slopes
Mulch or small stone washing away with rainfall		Less cost and labor replacing mulch or small stone
Fertilizer and irrigation water are not utilized in the areas where they are applied but flow downhill		More even application of fertilizer and irrigation water to plantings or turf

• Blue Ridge, VA
• Boones Mill, VA
• Botetourt County, VA
• Cave Spring, VA
• Cloverdale, VA
• Daleville, VA

• Fincastle, VA
• Franklin County, VA
• Garden City, VA
• Hardy, VA
• Hollins, VA
• Moneta, VA

• Roanoke, VA
• Rocky Mount, VA
• Salem, VA
• Smith Mountain Lake, VA
• Troutville, VA
• Vinton, VA