If you have bought a property that sits on naturally undulating land, you may be happy with your acquisition as it certainly has some additional style and character. Yet you may have to think about its practicality and especially if you have slopes that are quite steep. What can you do to take full advantage of your outdoor space and protect your investment at the same time?

Potential Problems

One of the biggest issues associated with steeply sloping land is run-off. As you know, some summertime thunderstorms can be particularly severe and a serious downpour can cause potential flooding issues. Furthermore, several days of unrelenting rain can weaken the very structure of the soil and cause a landslide. While much will depend on the actual configuration of your property, this could cause a lot of damage to your property or nearby buildings.

Slopes that are steep enough may also prevent you from using your outdoor space for entertainment or other purposes. They can also make it difficult to cut grass or keep the are in good repair.

Practical Solution

To handle all of these problems, you will need digging equipment. This will allow you to remove part of the slope in various, strategic locations so that you can create a flat terrace or multiple terraces for functional use. In doing so, you'll be able to retain some of the character of your property while also creating some level areas for entertainment purposes.

You will then need to build a retaining wall to hold back the soil and define your space. Only then will you be able to tile the area and think about bringing in tables, chairs or a barbecue grill.

Safety Measure

A retaining wall will also be critical during those bad weather events, as it will be very effective in overall flood control. The wall will help to channel the surface water down through the soil rather than across the top, although you may need to introduce some drainage pipes to help channel the water more effectively.

Perhaps most importantly, this wall will hold the soil back and resist a great deal of pressure in the event of a potential landslide. It could therefore help you to protect the rest of your property from damage.

Forward Progress

Talk with contractors today to see what type of retaining wall they suggest. They will be happy to draw up plans and transform your backyard space into something safe and practical.