Artistic Landscapes designs and installs the following retaining walls:
- Stone walls
- Stack stone walls
- Modular block walls
- Block walls
- Brick walls
Elegant stone walls and designer modular block walls can be used to create landscape focal points. There are modular block walls available today with a more natural look. The Belgard Celtik wall is an example, with a blending of colors and different size blocks. Artistic Landscapes also installs block walls manufactured by Lee, Pavestone and Lafarge (Allen block). The beauty and long life of stone or block walls contribute greatly to the value of the home and the owner’s satisfaction.
Retaining Walls for Erosion Control & Terracing
Retaining walls are a necessity for many Atlanta landscapes because of heavy rains and runoff from driveways and downspouts can cause erosion. Often this problem can be fixed with underground piping of downspouts and proper landscaping. Retaining walls and grading can be use to level areas and redirect water runoff. A good drainage system behind any retaining wall in areas of runoff is crucial. Exposed soils that are not grassed or properly mulched will erode during rain events.
Many Atlanta homes have slopes in their front or back yard which can be terraced to provide more usable space and improve the appearance of the landscape. We frequently level areas for children’s play areas, for example.
Retaining Wall Replacement
If you have a cross tie wall or pressure treated timber wall that is in need of repair or replacement, we are very experienced in this area. We have replaced many cross tie walls that have rotted. These walls have fallen out of favor because they leak Creosote into the groundwater. Only a few landfills in the Atlanta area will accept railroad cross ties.
We have seen many poorly designed and constructed wood retaining walls. What initially seemed to be the cheapest retaining wall solution can become the most expensive solution if the wall is not built properly, including adequate drainage and grading to relieve hydrostatic pressure behind the wall. Depending on the municipality, walls higher than 30” (Cobb County) or four feet (Cherokee County) require a building permit and inspections by a licensed engineer. We specialize in these walls. Our engineer, SRDI, designs and inspects our walls to insure compliance with local codes.