7 Ways Retaining Walls Prevent Erosion in Bennington and Elkhorn, NE’s Sloped Properties

If you live on a sloped property, you know that managing erosion can be challenging. Heavy rain, wind, and runoff can shift soil, wash away plantings, and destabilize your landscape. A well-constructed retaining wall is key to protecting your home. It helps preserve your lawn, plantings, and landscape beauty while stabilizing sloped areas. Here are seven ways a retaining wall in Bennington or Elkhorn, NE, prevents erosion and enhances your outdoor space.

Related: Create the Ultimate Family Pool Party Spot With Expert Pool Builders in Elkhorn and Papillion, NE

1. Preventing Soil Runoff

Soil runoff is one of the most significant contributors to erosion, especially on sloped properties. Without a solid barrier, heavy rainfall can easily wash away the top layer of soil, leading to planting loss and bare patches in the landscape. A properly designed retaining wall acts as a physical barrier to slow down and redirect the flow of water, effectively preventing it from washing soil away. The wall holds back the soil while allowing water to flow through it at a controlled rate, ensuring the ground remains intact and stable.

2. Reducing Water Erosion by Dividing Landscapes

For properties with multiple levels or large areas of sloping terrain, retaining walls divide the land into smaller, more manageable sections. This segmentation significantly reduces the rate at which water flows across the landscape, minimizing the potential for erosion. These smaller sections allow for better water absorption by the soil, preventing the pooling of excess water and the subsequent erosion that often follows. Dividing a sloped landscape into terraced zones with retaining walls provides a practical solution for maintaining the integrity of the property.

3. Stabilizing Steep Slopes

Steep slopes are particularly vulnerable to erosion because gravity causes water and soil to move more quickly down the incline. Retaining walls provide the necessary support to stabilize these slopes, preventing the soil from shifting or sliding. When built with durable materials such as natural stone or concrete blocks, retaining walls resist the pressure of shifting soil and hold it in place, giving you peace of mind that the next heavy rainfall won’t erode your landscape. The wall’s structural integrity is designed to withstand both the pressure of the soil behind it and the environmental forces acting upon it.

Related: Enhance Your Backyard Views With a Custom Retaining Wall in Bennington and Gretna, NE

4. Increasing Soil Retention

Soil retention is another essential function of retaining walls. The walls act as a barrier against erosion but also help keep the soil in place, making it more likely that plantings, shrubs, and grass will thrive. On sloped properties, soil can easily become displaced, especially during storms. The retaining wall prevents this displacement, holding the soil in its place. This increased retention of soil creates a healthier environment for plantings to grow and flourish, further protecting against erosion by stabilizing the soil with their roots.

5. Improving Drainage and Preventing Water Accumulation

While retaining walls prevent water from washing soil away, they also improve drainage and prevent water from pooling in certain areas. By incorporating a drainage system into the retaining wall, such as weep holes or a perforated drainage pipe, drainage experts can redirect excess water to more appropriate areas. Proper drainage ensures that water doesn't collect at the base of the wall, reducing the risk of soil saturation and erosion. The integration of this drainage feature ensures that water flows away from vulnerable areas, protecting your landscape from the long-term effects of water accumulation and erosion.

6. Enhancing the Durability of Landscaping Features

Sloped areas are more prone to soil displacement, which can result in uneven surfaces and unsightly patches in your landscaping. Retaining walls provide an additional level of protection by ensuring that soil stays in place, supporting the durability of other landscaping features such as planting beds, lawns, or structural elements. A properly constructed retaining wall improves the integrity of your entire landscape design. 

7. Providing a Long-Term Erosion Control Solution

Unlike temporary erosion control measures, retaining walls are a long-lasting solution for managing and preventing erosion. Once built, a retaining wall continues to provide continuous protection, keeping soil and landscaping intact for years to come. This durability makes retaining walls an ideal investment for homeowners who want to preserve their sloped property's aesthetic and functional aspects while avoiding the constant need for repairs or erosion control measures.

Related: What Are the Key Advantages of Building a Retaining Wall in Your Elkhorn or Papillion, NE Landscape?