The Verdict Slopes in Southwest Michigan are liabilities; they are dangerous to mow, they channel water toward your foundation, and they represent square footage you pay taxes on but never use. A tiered hardscape system solves the drainage crisis immediately while creating flat, usable "rooms" for fire pits or seating. However, if you build this wall without accounting for the Hydrostatic Pressure of wet clay, the freeze-thaw cycle will push it over within three winters. The