Retaining Walls
A retaining wall is a structure that holds back soil or rock from a building, structure or area. Retaining walls prevent downslope movement or erosion and provide support for vertical or near-vertical grade changes.
The most important consideration in proper design and installation of retaining walls is that the retained material is attempting to move forward and downslope due to gravity. This creates a soil pressure behind the wall which depends on the angle of internal friction (phi) and the cohesive strength (c) of the retained material, as well as the direction and magnitude of movement the retaining structure undergoes. Lateral earth pressures are typically smallest at the top of the wall and increase toward the bottom. Earth pressures will push the wall forward or overturn it if not properly addressed. Also, any groundwater behind the wall that is not dissipated by a drainage system causes an additional horizontal hydraulic pressure on the wall.
Though technically a simple pathway through a natural area, a paver walkway can truly rise above its pragmatic origins. With the vast variety of pavers available to the consumer, you can truly make your walkway a minor work of art.
Pavers are essentially highly durable “stones” made of any number of concrete-based materials used to create walkways. With the advancement of pigmentation techniques, the choice of paver colors is almost limitless.
Part of the “trick” of laying a paver walkway is correctly preparing the surface area. The area has to be prepped by laying down a firm layer of fine gravel or sand. This then has to be stamped down until it is compact and completely even. If this base is not properly laid, then the final product—the paver walkway itself—will be uneven and imperfect. We are experts at laying pavers, and we can ensure that the job is done correctly and according to your exact specifications.
Water Features
A pond waterfall greatly enhances a pond’s beauty, and immediately becomes the focal point of any pond and waterfall design.
Without a doubt a waterfall for your new, existing, or intended pond will be the most prominent, and therefore, most important factor of your water feature. The benefits of building waterfalls for ponds continue to grow. Aside from the obvious pleasant sound of a waterfall welcoming you and your guests into your own tropical paradise, there are many other practical benefits you may not know about.
Do you live near a busy street or freeway? Homeowners have reported to us that a major benefit of owning a pond waterfall significantly reduces traffic noise.
Pond waterfalls actually help to decrease the traffic sounds near your home, giving you the backyard oasis you thought wasn’t possible due to the unwanted noise. This of course, increases your home’s property value too!
Another benefit of having a pond waterfall is that mosquitoes cannot breed in moving water. This benefit is of particular interest to anyone concerned about the West Nile Virus and heartworm, which mosquitoes carry.
Moving water discourages mosquitoes, which love to breed in stagnant pools of water. Adding a pond waterfall can help prevent your pond from becoming a neighborhood breeding ground and will make those evenings by the pond more enjoyable for everyone.
