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Terracing Slopes

Terracing Slopes with Walls

When terracing slopes, the steepness of the slopes often dictates wall height. Make the terraces in your yard high enough so the land between them is fairly level. Be sure the terrace material is strong enough and anchored well enough to stay in place through freezing and thawing, and heavy rainstorms. Do not underestimate the pressure of water-logged soil behind a wall. It can be enormous and cause improperly constructed walls to bulge or collapse. Many communities have building codes for building walls and terracing slopes. Large projects will need the expertise of a professional to make sure the walls can stand up to water pressure in the soil. Terracing slopes that are extra large will need proper drainage that is tied back into the slope properly. Because of the expertise and equipment required to do this correctly, you will probably want to restrict terracing slopes you build yourself to no more than a foot or two high.