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Do you have a retaining wall on your property? If so, caring for your retaining wall will ensure that you reap the most satisfaction of having it on your property. Some people mistakenly think that certain things related to nature and their retaining walls are harmless. Ignoring these things can result in damage to your retaining wall. The following are a few things to be mindful of that will keep your retaining wall in great condition.

Leaves 

In the autumn, leaves will naturally fall and accumulate on the ground and on your retaining wall. You should not allow leaves to settle and sit on the wall for extended periods of time because they may stain your wall. This may result in you needing to use chemicals to remove the stains.

Weather

If you notice that some portions of your retaining wall are starting to lose their finish, the cause is likely due to precipitation. It can also be caused by solutions such as salt that people use to dissolve ice and snow. Refinish areas that have lost their finish due to weathering. Sometimes severe weather can lead to soil erosion. Planting flowers or adding mulch can aid in capturing some of the excess water from precipitous events. 

Grading

Your retaining wall should be constructed in a manner that drains away precipitation. If there is a drainage issue, it is possible that soil erosion could occur. Improper drainage can cause your retaining wall to shift. One sign of a potential drainage issue is the appearance of puddles after rain. Sometimes the ground shifts naturally. This can affect how soil settles. The fix for erosion and shifting issues is to add more soil to stabilize the wall. Sometimes drainage issues have to be fixed to correct the issue or additional grading materials need to be added. 

Weeds

You may not think much of weeds sprouting through your retaining wall, but weeds can spread in the cracks of the wall similarly to how they spread in a garden. You can pluck weeds if you only have a few. However, if you have ignored the issue and they have spread, you might need to rely on a spray-on weed killer to get rid of them. Ensure you rinse the chemical off of the surface of the wall to prevent damage. 

A landscaping contractor is a good resource to use to determine more ways to keep your retaining wall looking its best. They can also inspect your retaining wall and repair it if needed.