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Show x PAGE 12 The Ttmes-lndepende- nt Spring Home A Garden March 21-2- 7, 2002 Transform your yard with new retaining walls Whether you're landscaping your new home or searching for a way to spruce up an older property, retaining walls can rejuvenate your yard while increasing your home's value. Many homeowners use retaining walls for functional and aesthetic reasons Retaining walls can help reclaim unusable as steep slopes or hills-o- r add an artistic touch to any yard when used for gardens, patios and terraces. The newest and most popular retaining wall system is the segmental retaining wall. These walls are concrete blocks composed of stone-likand are available in a variety of attractive shapes, colors and sizes. e Less expensive than concrete and more durable than landscape timbers, segmental walls do not require mortar or footings so they are relatively easy to install for land-suc- h e poured-in-plac- Choosing a wall system How do you decide which wall is right for you? Segmental walls can be solid concrete, or hollow in the center. Solid units tend to be more durable, and split easily to make special sizes for curves and comers On the other hand, hollow units are lighter, but may require you to purchase custom sizes. You can also choose from systems that use overhanging lips on each block to help placement, or "pinned systems that use fiberglass pins to keep the wall straight and structurally high-streng- th sound Either way, you'll want to make sure you lay the base course on a properly prepared surface. Most landscape supply stores will be able to provide detailed instructions for your particular application. Generally, you'll want to select smaller blocks for projects such as tree rings and planters, and larger, heavier blocks for tiers, terraces and taller walls. Your local landscape supply outlet can help you choose the wall that's right for you. Old Is new The newest trend in segmental retaining walls is the old" look. To achieve this rustic style, different sized blocks are used to assemble a random pattern, reminiscent of handcrafted, old European stone walls. Today, homeowners are selecting landscaping materials as carefully as they do their indoor furnishings," says Bob Dahm, landscape architect at Villa Landscapes, Oakdale, Minn. Choosing d wall like Mosaic is a a style statement-i- t stands out from the random-patterne- crowd." enhance this fashionable offer an additional "weathered" style. These To further look, some companies, units' rounded, stony edges and uneven, jagged faces, appear to have withstood many years of weather, wear and tear. Weathered walls are particularly popular with owners of older properties and those who use cultured stone to accentuate their homes exteriors. 05EDS ou Stylish new retaining walls can add an artistic touch to any yard. So whether you're looking to freshen up your existing landscape or add stylish flair to a new home, modem day retaining walls can make a huge functionality of your yard. For more information on retaining Web Site walls, visit the VERSA-LOat www.versa-lok.coor call K m difference in the appearance and 0i)axs(iixgTBiQm Real Estate According to a study conducted for the Utah Press Association by Consumer 59o Data Service, newspapers are the media source turned to first for information on local real estate markets. Place your ad today. For information, call Sadie at The 435.259.7525, or email sadiewmoabtimes.com. Times-lndepende- (IG0GSH1SIO loir-- nt, . 0t?i5vvnr |
