Not every backyard is smooth and flat. We don’t all have perfectly even terrain that’s perfectly suited for landscaping or for a patio. No, some homeowners — most of them, in fact — have to deal with an uneven back yard.
The Problems With an Uneven Back yard
When your yard doesn’t have the right slope or grade, you’re in for possible drainage problems. That can not only result in standing water every time it rains but it can seriously impact the structures on your property as well. For example, if those water-sogged pits are close to your home, you could end up with a flooded basement. And it’s not as if standing water wasn’t enough of a problem – you certainly don’t want mosquitoes taking up residence in your back yard!
An uneven back yard also places limits on the types of landscaping you can install. Improper drainage is a huge problem when you’re considering investing your money into a big landscaping project, you’ll have to deal with the uneven terrain, first. It also makes hardscaping projects like a patio nearly impossible, without first doing some form of remediation work. Enter the retaining wall.
Using a Retaining Wall to Create a Patio on Uneven Terrain
Whether it’s a steep hill or a series of slopes you’re dealing with, one of the best ways to solve your problems is with a hardscape patio and a wall. Retaining walls correct all sorts of issues in your yard where uneven grades and steep slopes are preventing you from using that space. By building a retaining wall, you can reclaim that unused spot and create a beautiful patio. Where you previously had nothing, now you have the chance to create a beautiful outdoor living space.
A retaining wall can shore up new soil that’s brought in to level any uneven area in your lawn. Or, if you plan some excavating work to dig out a spot for your patio, the retaining wall will hold back that area. And it’s not just functional – retaining walls come in all types of styles and can be carefully planned and designed to match and integrate with the rest of your yard and property. There are low retaining walls that edge up against elevated gardens or patios. These are nice when you want your wall to keep a low profile, in scale with a smaller yard. There are also higher retaining walls that can incorporate landscaping elements like plants and shrubs. These are more appropriate when you have a larger space and perhaps some mature trees to frame your retaining wall.
How About a Multi-Level Patio?
Some homeowners plan out multi level patios with a system of retaining walls at different elevations. The effect is dramatic and allows them to create more than one outdoor room in one integrated space in the yard. There are endless exciting possibilities and you can go anywhere with your plans, whether you want an outdoor kitchen, lounge area, or both in your patio. Incorporate benches into your wall or picture installing posts to support a pergola. Stairs are always nice, especially if they lead down to an expansive green lawn. And that new pergola can shelter your new spa, a reading nook, or the family dinner table for when you’re dining al fresco. However you plan your new patio, now’s the time to start planning and designing so you can get your project underway and completed in time to enjoy it this season.
