What Is A Landscape Berm?
What Is A Landscape Berm?
A landscape berm is an elevated mound of soil that can be used to enhance the visual appeal of a garden, aid in drainage, create separations between different sections, highlight walkways, and serve as the foundation for privacy screens.
Berms are typically constructed from the soil, other natural materials, or synthetic alternatives and feature sloping sides that make them look similar to hills. They can help improve property values and provide homes with serene outdoor settings with individually tailored designs.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Landscape Berm?
Building a landscape berm can be an expensive undertaking, with most homeowners paying anywhere between $1,500 to $5,500. These costs typically cover the installation of features such as soil, rocks, shrubs, and other plants necessary for creating the landscape berm.
Depending on the size and complexity of the berm desired, additional costs may also be incurred for supplies such as sod mats or geotextiles that are needed to complete the project.
Lastly, labor costs should not be forgotten when estimating how much it will cost to build a berm; these can range from basic landscaping services all the way up to a full-service outdoor construction company.
What Is The Purpose Of The Berm?
The purpose of a berm is to slow, pond, or filter runoff and divert it onto a sediment trap/basin to make sure that clean upland runoff does not move into disturbed areas.
It also helps protect water sources and property from the harmful effects of construction-site runoff, further serving as an effective means of managing erosion and protecting against floods.
Often made out of compacted soil mixed with vegetation, berms are a highly effective storm water management tool that helps promote the protection of soil resources.
What Are The Dimensions Of A Berm?
A berm typically has a length of four to five times its height, with a maximum height of 18-24 inches (45.5-61 cm). The design usually trails out gradually into the landscape and can be created with multiple peaks for added interest.
Berms are often carefully shaped to perform specific functions such as blocking wind and creating visual interest.
What Is The Minimum Height Of A Berm?
The minimum height of a berm is four feet, with a maximum slope of three to one (3:1) and a minimum width of 30 feet when used in residential developments along non-subdivision streets.
This will provide visual protection for the property owner from the roadway and act as a natural landscape buffer.
What Are The Advantages Of A Berm House?
Berm houses offer numerous advantages. They are extremely resistant to harsh weather conditions, both hot and cold, and can reduce energy costs by up to 85%. Maintenance is also cheaper since pipes can be placed underground without fear of freezing in a cold climate.
Additionally, they are more efficient to heat and cooling when compared to traditional homes, resulting in further savings on energy costs.
Berm houses have long been an attractive option for many looking for a home that will last through harsh climates while providing notable cost savings.
How Do You Calculate Cubic Yards Of A Berm?
To calculate the cubic yards of a berm, you must first measure its length, width, and depth in feet, then convert any measurements in inches to feet (by dividing the measurements by 12). Once you have those figures, multiply them together to get the total volume in cubic feet.
Lastly, divide this total by 27 (the number of cubic feet in a yard) to get your final figure – the estimated amount of cubic yards required for your berm.
