Your backyard is filled with untapped potential that you cannot take at face value. You cannot add extra land to your backyard but can maximize it use. If you are planning backyard remodeling, one of the best solutions to enhance its look is retaining walls.

Modern Landscaping

Simply defined, retaining walls hold soil, dirt, and organic materials in place. But, its function is beyond that. In outdoor landscaping, these walls are used as flat terrain or serve as stunning focal points. They can be carved into smaller sections in your backyard, such as a terraced garden, intimate dining area, or sunny patio.

Ideas to consider for retaining walls in backyard landscaping

Consider the material 

Different materials used for constructing retaining walls are natural stone, brick, concrete blocks, and wood.

  • The natural stone includes fieldstone, limestone, and slate, which are expensive. People use natural stone because it offers durability and adds a rustic and timeless appeal.
  • Brick is classic and versatile, making it easy for you to personalize the style of the retaining walls. The look is traditional but perfect for both formal and informal settings.
  • Concrete blocks are available in different sizes and finishes, so you can fit them into your different designs.  They give a more modern or industrial look.
  • If you want a more rustic or natural appearance, wood is an ideal option. Wood is durable but not like stone or concrete, and it’s easy to work.

Consider the design styles

Different retaining wall design styles for backyard landscaping are terraced levels, curved walls, integrated seating, planter walls, water features, fire pit integration, and vertical gardens.

  • Terraced levels are good for sloped areas. The multiple levels or terraces add visual interest and give more space to plant or make seating arrangements.
  • The flow of the curved walls looks more natural as it softens the landscape without extra effort. Instead of straight walls, curve or gently bend them to get the look.
  • Make your retaining walls functional by incorporating seating arrangements. Get built-in benches or ledges for your wall design.
  • Retaining walls in your backyard can be used as a planting area. If you love plantations, build planters into the wall. In these planters, you can grow herbs, flowers, small shrubs, or any plant of your choice.
  • You can combine retaining walls with a water feature. You can combine it with a waterfall or a small pond, creating a stunning and serene focal point.
  • Incorporating a fire pit in the design of your retaining walls is also a great idea. You can have a seating arrangement around the fire pit.
  • Retaining walls can be used to grow climbing plants by attaching vertical garden panels to them. This can help you add greenery to your backyard without taking your floor space.

Consider the functionality 

You can make retaining walls functional with proper drainage, height and stability, accessibility, and lighting.

  • Proper drainage behind the wall is important to prevent water buildup. With no water buildup, you can avoid erosion and structural issues in your backyard.
  • Sometimes, tall retaining walls are not feasible. If your walls are tall, consider geo-grid systems or tie-backs for stability and safety.
  • If there are changes in elevation because of retaining walls in your backyard, incorporate pathways for easy accessibility and movement in and around the yard.
  • To highlight the retaining walls at night, add built-in lighting to them. If not on walls, you can install lights in nearby landscaping.

Are you ready to enhance your backyard with a durable and stylish retaining wall? Contact High Desert Affordable Landscaping for backyard remodeling.