Retaining Walls

Guide to Retaining Walls

Prevent soil erosion and improve water retention with functional and attractive concrete retaining walls
By Patti Richards

Retaining walls not only add beauty to your landscaping, they also provide valuable soil erosion control and better water retention. Water retention is important in hot, dry climates or during periods of extreme drought conditions.

Properly constructed retaining walls are a great way to bring order and functionality to areas of your landscaping that need attention. Build a retaining wall anywhere you want to create a new plant bed or simply add an area of geometric interest. Concrete retaining walls as well as cinder block retaining walls are the sturdiest type of retaining walls. These types of walls are especially appropriate at or around parking areas, driveways or walkout basements.

You can also build a retaining wall to elevate certain portions of your landscape that are prone to too much water retention. Not only do retaining walls help keep dry areas moist — when properly constructed, they provide great drainage for areas of your lawn that stay saturated.

Well placed, expertly constructed retaining walls will:

1. Add beauty and interest to your landscaping.
2. Provide new areas for planting.
3. Improve the overall safety and functionality of driveways, parking areas and walkouts.
4. Prevent soil erosion and improve water retention or drain saturated areas.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Work with a respected landscaping designer for the best retaining wall options Let experts create a retaining wall design to add beauty and interest to your landscaping plan. Landscape designers have quick and easy access to design tools that let you see the finished product before they ever get out a shovel.

I recommend:  The Association of Professional Landscape Designers provides links to qualified professional landscape designers in your area who can meet all your design needs.

Plant new beds around retaining walls for year-round color and interest Installing retaining walls give the added benefit of providing new planting areas. Colorful flower borders, perennial bedding plants, shrubs and trees all bring added texture, color and interest to your landscaping.

I recommend:  See GardenPlans.com for a variety of beautiful and functional garden plans for areas around retaining walls. Garden plans come with a full listing of plants, seeds, spacing instructions and placement diagrams to create beautiful spaces around or near retaining walls.

Use concrete retaining walls or a cinder block retaining wall for functionality Concrete retaining walls are great for driveways, walkouts and parking lots where safety, form and functionality all work together. Well placed and bordered parking lots get businesses noticed. Learn how to build a cinderblock retaining wall yourself for added savings on home landscaping projects.

I recommend:  Visit Homeblue Contractor Network to help you find a qualified retaining wall contractor in your area. For do it yourself cinder block walls, check out Lowes.com for plans, materials and instructions.

Use retaining walls for problem lawn areas Properly positioned retaining walls help address areas of your lawn that need more or less moisture They also stop soil erosion by keeping the topsoil from escaping with runoff water.

I recommend:  Check out Erosion Control for the latest in information on retaining wall designs for your lawn's problem areas. Erosion Control provides advice, information and links to professionals in erosion control.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Consider taking a class in how to build a cinder block retaining wall before beginning this type of project. Contact a home supply store in your area for information on free do it yourself classes.