Sometimes a retaining wall is just what a landscape needs and why not use native stone? In the Texas Hill Country native stone is abundant so I try to incorporate as much of it as I can into the landscapes I design…without going overboard of course. Using too much rock just creates a busy landscape.
In the landscape pictured, there was a definite need for a retaining wall to not only prevent erosion but to also facilitate positive drainage. This particular house in Fischer Texas where shelf rock is as abundant as dramatic elevations, was built once a cut had been made in order to create a more level area for the foundation. Part of the shelf rock was left exposed once the foundation was poured and creating positive drainage became a critical issue in the small space left between the shelf and the house.
We used native rock on the property to create a mortared dry stack retaining wall on top of the existing exposed rock shelf. Due to the elevations the retaining wall was stepped down as the grade became less severe. Using river rock at the foot of the wall and along the foundation of the house helped to create positive drainage.
Once the retaining wall was constructed we backfilled with topsoil to create an open lawn space. Before creating the mulched island around the existing live oak trees, we used native stone again to create small wells around the trees in order to insure drainage and prevent soil build-up around the roots and flare. Building up soil around live oak trees in particular will cause the roots to smother and the eventual death of the trees.
The final look is a park-like front turf area with the functional and practical retaining wall taking center stage as a focal point.
Give us a call today and let us analyze whether a retaining wall could benefit any drainage issues you might have! We offer free estimates 830.608.0204