Green & Sustainable Retaining Wall Materials

From the pyramids at Giza to Machu Picchu, it is no coincidence that all of the longest lasting human structures are made from stone and rocks. Stone lasts forever, is natural, and is readily available in the environment. When it comes to outdoor landscaping, rocks or stone is often the most durable and low maintenance choice for surfaces. Unlike wood, plastics or composite materials, stone will not rot or disintegrate over time.

So rather than using timber or concrete or any other retaining material that must be processed prior to use or one that is prone to degeneration, stick to rocks and stone!

Why is stone more green?

One of the most compelling reasons for homeowners to consider stone is its sustainability. This doesn’t solely mean stone in a low carbon footprint kind of way but it also has the ability to endure and last an extremely long time. Where bricks and concrete may require baking, stone boulders are fully formed and ready to use upon extraction. What does that mean? No additional CO2 released to produce it. Stone also doesn’t have any nasty chemicals used in the production – it’s just mother earth’s beautiful art.

While stone boulder walls can be used to create planters to make a space more green, so can other types of retaining walls. So what sets natural rock walls apart is their inherent ability to create tiny pockets where greenery can grow. What starts out as a structural item quickly becomes the foundation for plants and vegetation to grow – with no effort at all! Quite simply, more plants is better for the planet.

If you need some retaining to make the most of your outdoor space, then get in touch with us – we’re here to answer any questions you might have.