Benefits of Adding Retaining Walls to Your Yard
- jmelo67
- Sep 10
- 5 min read
By Jorge Melo
Introduction
“A good wall makes a good yard.” It’s not just a twist on an old saying—it’s true when it comes to landscaping. In our 35 years of business, we’ve seen countless homeowners transform unusable slopes into flat, functional, and beautiful outdoor spaces simply by adding a retaining wall. A retaining wall’s purpose is clear: it holds back soil, prevents erosion, and creates level areas where nature didn’t provide them. These structures aren’t just about strength—they’re about making your yard more usable, safer, and visually appealing. Whether you’re looking to stop water runoff, protect your foundation, or create a new space for planting, retaining walls are one of the most practical and attractive hardscaping investments you can make.
What Is a Retaining Wall?
A retaining wall is a structure built to hold soil in place. It helps reshape sloped land into flat, usable areas while protecting against erosion and water damage. These walls are commonly built from wood, stone, concrete, or brick and are designed to balance soil pressure with proper drainage systems. Without them, sloped yards often lose valuable soil and water control.
Types of Retaining Walls
Gravity Retaining Walls
Rely on their own weight to hold soil back. Great for smaller residential projects.
Cantilever Retaining Walls
Use reinforced concrete shaped like an inverted T. Stronger, taller, and ideal for larger loads.
Anchored Retaining Walls
Supported by steel cables or rods driven deep into the soil. Perfect for areas with limited space.
Gabion Retaining Walls
Wire mesh baskets filled with stone or concrete. Rustic in appearance and highly effective for drainage.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Retaining Wall
Wood Retaining Walls
Affordable, easy to install, but shorter lifespan.
Concrete Block Retaining Walls
Durable and versatile with many styles; a mid-range investment.
Natural Stone Retaining Walls
Elegant, timeless, and valuable—though heavier and often requiring professional installation.
Brick Retaining Walls
Classic and durable but higher in cost and labor.
Benefits of Adding Retaining Walls to Your Yard
Prevents Erosion
Stops soil from shifting during heavy rain, irrigation, or storms.
Manages Runoff
Redirects stormwater, preventing foundation damage and flooding.
Prevents Sinkholes
Distributes water properly, reducing risks in vulnerable soils.
Adds Structural Support
Protects foundations and keeps soil stable near your home.
Creates Usable Land for Planting and Entertainment
Flattens slopes so you can build gardens, patios, or play areas.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Available in wood, brick, stone, and concrete, they enhance curb appeal.
Adds Property Value
Landscaping investments like retaining walls can boost resale value by up to 20%.
Retaining Wall Design Principles
Height and Thickness Considerations
Walls under 4 feet can be simple; taller ones need engineering and permits.
Soil Pressure Management
Different soils exert different forces. Clay holds more water than sand, requiring stronger design.
Where Do You Find Retaining Walls?
Retaining walls are common in both homes and businesses where land needs stabilizing or reshaping.
Driveways or Stairways
Walls stabilize sloped driveways and stairs, improving safety and usability.
How Are Retaining Walls Built?
Perform soil tests to determine stability.
Decide on the wall’s purpose and load requirements.
Clear vegetation and debris.
Excavate carefully, accounting for drainage and utilities.
Install a strong foundation, often reinforced concrete.
Build the wall, ensuring drainage through pipes or weep holes.
Backfill with compacted soil and geotextile fabrics for reinforcement.
Common Problems With Retaining Walls
Poor Drainage – Causes hydrostatic pressure buildup.
Cracking – Often due to settling or expansion.
Foundation Issues – Weak footing can cause leaning.
Material Deterioration – Especially in wood walls.
Soil Settlement – Leads to uneven pressure.
Vegetation Growth – Roots destabilize the wall.
Inadequate Design – Poor planning causes early failure.
Frost Heave – Freezing cycles push walls upward.
Repair Solutions for a Failing Retaining Wall
Wall Plate Anchors
Steel plates and rods stabilize smaller walls without heavy excavation.
Helical Tieback Anchors
Helix-shaped steel anchors drilled into soil for larger wall stabilization.
Bowed Walls: What Causes Them and How to Fix Them Permanently
Excess soil pressure or water buildup often causes bowing. Anchors or rebuilding can fix this.
Foundation Sinking: Causes, Signs & Permanent Fixes
Caused by unstable soil beneath the wall; can be corrected with deep foundation solutions or piers.
Retaining Wall Maintenance and Longevity
Inspect walls regularly for cracks or leaning.
Keep drainage systems clear.
Seal porous materials against moisture.
With proper care, stone and concrete walls last 50–100 years; wood lasts 20–40.
Creative Ideas for Retaining Wall Landscaping
Terraced gardens with steps for planting.
Built-in seating for patios and fire pits.
Water features like waterfalls integrated into the wall.
Lighting and mixed materials for a modern look.
Residential and Commercial Use
Residential
Common in yards to create gardens, patios, and entertainment areas.
Commercial
Used to stabilize larger slopes near offices, plazas, and industrial properties.
When to Hire a Professional
Small walls under 3 feet can sometimes be DIY projects. But for taller, load-bearing, or complex drainage walls, hiring professional landscapers in Mattapoisett, MA or landscapers in Rochester, MA ensures safety and long-term results.
FAQ About Retaining Walls
Q: How long do retaining walls last?
A: With proper installation and maintenance, concrete and stone walls can last 50–100 years, while wood retaining walls typically last 20–40 years.
Q: Can retaining walls help with flooding problems?
A: Yes. Retaining walls are often designed with drainage systems like French drains or weep holes to redirect water away from your yard and foundation, reducing flood risks.
Q: Do I need a permit?
A: Many towns require permits for walls over 4 feet. Always check local regulations.
Q: Can retaining walls add value to my home?
A: Yes—up to 20% in increased property value with an ROI of 100–200%.
FAQ About New England Tree & Landscape
Q: Do you only work on landscaping, or do you handle hardscaping too?
A: We handle both landscaping and hardscaping in Mattapoisett, MA and Rochester, MA, including retaining walls, patios, walkways, and stonework.
Q: What areas do you serve?
A: We serve Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Dartmouth, New Bedford, and other nearby towns within 30 minutes of Fairhaven.
Q: Can you design custom retaining walls?
A: Yes—we design and build retaining walls that balance function, durability, and aesthetics.
Q: Do you provide maintenance after installation?
A: Absolutely. We offer ongoing landscaping care to keep your property in top shape.
Citations
American Precast Concrete Inc. “What Is the Purpose of Retaining Walls, and Where Are They Found?” American Precast Concrete, 22 Aug. 2021, www.americanprecastfences.com/what-is-the-purpose-of-retaining-walls/.
Leonard, Caleb. “7 Benefits of Adding Retaining Walls to Your Yard.” Lawn Love, 30 Nov. 2022, lawnlove.com/blog/benefits-retaining-walls-yard/.
“Tangent. The Main Purposes of a Retaining Wall.” Tangent Materials, 16 Aug. 2021, tangentmaterials.com/the-main-purposes-of-a-retaining-wall/.
Dalinghaus, Brian. “What Homeowners Need To Know About Retaining Walls.” Dalinghaus Construction, 2025, www.dalinghausconstruction.com/blog/what-homeowners-need-to-know-about-retaining-walls/.
Vaglica, Sal. “The Ultimate Guide to Retaining Walls: Types, Materials, and Design.” This Old House, 2 Oct. 2024, www.thisoldhouse.com/masonry/21018754/all-about-retaining-walls.
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