Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is a structural wall designed to resist the lateral pressure of soil, holding back earth on one side to create a level change in the landscape. Retaining walls have been essential engineering structures since ancient times, with Mesopotamian terraced gardens and Incan agricultural terraces representing early masterworks of retaining wall construction. The fundamental purpose of a retaining wall is to transform sloped, unusable terrain into flat, functional areas for planting, recreation, or building. In residential landscape design, retaining walls serve both structural and aesthetic roles. They can transform a steep, unusable hillside into a series of beautiful garden terraces, create level areas for patios and play spaces, prevent soil erosion, and manage water runoff. The choice of retaining wall material and style has a significant impact on the character of the landscape, from the rustic charm of dry-stacked fieldstone to the clean lines of poured concrete to the warm texture of timber crib walls. Engineering considerations are critical: walls over four feet in height typically require engineering design, permits, and proper drainage systems to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup that can cause wall failure.