As a homeowner, you have various concerns to worry about, and soil erosion is one of them. Retaining walls are crucial for protecting against erosion. If you're considering adding a retaining wall, take a look below at how excavating contractors build them.

They Dig a Trench

Digging a trench is where excavating contractors come in handy for retaining walls. Soil can be especially heavy, so professional excavation tools are crucial. According to Geotechnicalinfo.com, a square foot of soil weighs between 70 and 150 pounds. The professionals will use their tools to dig a trench that's deep and wide enough to bury the first course with the material they lay underneath it. A contractor will be able to efficiently determine how deep and wide your trench needs to be.

They Create the Base

Next up is compacting the trench to make sure it's secure and filling it with a base of crushed stone. Creating a solid base for your retaining wall prevents it from sagging or falling apart, so you get a long-lasting product that stands up to inclement weather.

They Lay the First Course

Once your trench is prepared, contractors can lay the first course of the retaining wall. They'll make sure to be careful when they're laying the first course because it dictates how all the other courses are laid. They'll also take their time to lay the first course right so your entire retaining wall looks good.

They Install Drainage

While they're adding layers to your retaining wall, they'll also install drain tee fittings, drain grates, and perforated drain tiles along the path at appropriate distances. If they expect a lot of rainwater to run off your retaining wall, they may take care to install drainage at closer distances.

They Backfill the Area Around It

Now that your retaining wall is pretty much complete, the professionals will backfill the area around it with more crushed stone. They'll backfill until there's enough space visible beneath the capstones, that way there's still enough room for a layer of soil and turf on top.

Getting a retaining wall is one of the best things you can do to protect your property from erosion while adding a little flair to your yard. When stone retaining walls are built right, they can last for several decades. If you need excavating contractors to help you make your retaining wall project a reality, call Cirone Construction & Carting to get a quote.