8 Retaining Wall Landscaping Ideas You’ll Love

Retaining walls are one of the most common and important aspects of a great landscape. Retaining walls play a critical role in the management of erosion and contribute significantly to a landscape’s overall aesthetic. There is a lot riding on the design that you choose for a retaining wall. Fortunately, the experts at Triad Associates are here to make that decision a little easier for you, by offering guidance on the best retaining wall landscaping ideas for your project.

Types of Retaining Walls

A strong influence on the finished look of any retaining wall is the type of retaining wall that is chosen.

Concrete Retaining Walls

Concrete retaining walls are made of cinder blocks or other blocks that have been poured from concrete. Cinder blocks can then be covered with veneer or cement for a more decorative look. Concrete itself tends to be a bit uninspiring, though it is one of the more affordable options. 

Stone Retaining Walls

Stone retaining walls require a bigger investment, but they also look more sophisticated and increase the value of the property. The stone for retaining walls comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures, giving you a variety of choices for your finished design. 

Timber Retaining Walls

Finally, timber retaining walls are made of stacked pieces of thick, square timber. Usually, railroad ties are used for these walls. Timber retaining walls have a natural, rustic look that works for many design schemes. It’s worth noting that timber retaining walls have a more limited lifespan than their concrete or stone counterparts.

Retaining Wall Landscaping Ideas

Exploring some different design options can help you determine what would be right for your property. The designers at Triad Associates can give you tailored advice for your property, but you may also be inspired by these eight retaining wall landscaping ideas: 

Retaining Wall with Pavers

A paver retaining wall can be used as a border around a patio or other hardscape area, defining the space for entertaining, relaxing, or decor. Choose the right complement between the retaining wall material and paver type.

Natural Stone Wall

A natural stone wall can blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape and improves the organic look of your hardscape. Choose your landscaping wisely to maximize the impact. 

Retaining Wall with Raised Flower Bed

Landscapes and hardscapes are perfect complements to each other, so get the benefits of both by combining a retaining wall with a raised flower bed. Choose wall materials and plants that complement each other to make this design stand out. 

Curved Retaining Wall with Flowers

Don’t forget that you have more options for your wall than a straight line. Try a curved retaining wall with flowers to create an organic and natural design with your landscaping. 

Poolside Retaining Wall

Poolside retaining walls not only prevent erosion that would otherwise end up in your pool, but they also create a decorative border for the pool to elevate its design. Add flowers or other plants to emphasize the wall. 

Paver and Natural Stone Retaining Wall

Pavers are the perfect cap for a natural stone retaining wall, helping to give it an ordered look and accenting the design. 

Paver Wall with Steps

Retaining walls can also segment different elevations of a hardscape area, such as a pool or patio. Adding steps provides the perfect transitions between these layers. 

Terraced Retaining Wall with Flowers

A terraced retaining wall is the ideal choice when working with sloped terrain. Add flowers to ease the transition through the steps.

Retaining Wall Uses

Understanding how you might use a retaining wall is essential to determining which of these retaining wall landscaping ideas would be best for your property. 

Erosion Control

One of the most common reasons that property owners choose to install a retaining wall is to control erosion. A retaining wall can put a stop next to sloping land, preventing the soil from washing away over time. The wall provides drainage control and protects the integrity of the ground, as well.

Creating Terraced Gardens and Flower Beds

Another common reason that people install retaining walls is to create a landscaping solution. For example, retaining walls can create terraced gardens on property that is sloped. Or retaining walls can be used to create raised flower beds to control weeds and ensure proper moisture retention. 
How you want to use your retaining wall will have a big impact on the design and material you should choose. 

Planting Ideas for Retaining Walls

Retaining walls offer wonderful opportunities to upgrade your landscaping. Make sure you take advantage of them and plant something great. 

Consider Sun Exposure, Water, and Soil

Before you decide what to plant, you’ll need to consider the conditions in the space, including the amount of sun exposure the area gets, the kind of soil, and how well the area retains moisture. You may be able to manage soil or water issues, but they may require a lot of maintenance. Choosing plants that can thrive in the current conditions is usually the best option. 

Planting Options

Explore all of your options for plants, including succulents (great for dry conditions), trailing vines, small shrubs, and flowers. Consider not only the type of care these plants would need but also how they will look in the space. Think about your plants like the icing on your cake and have some fun!

Hire Triad Associates’ Retaining Wall Design Experts Today

The experienced designers at Triad Associates are ready to help you create the perfect retaining wall landscape for your space, tackling the functional needs of your property while also optimizing its beauty. We can give you tailored advice on everything from the best materials to planting options. We use material samples, 3D design software, and sketches to help you visualize what’s possible. Call us today to schedule a consultation and get started with a site review. We’re ready to help you realize the full potential of your space!