Sloped and uneven yards can create problems with erosion, drainage, planting, and how much of the property can actually be used. Soil may wash into lower areas, lawn and planting beds can be difficult to maintain, and changes in elevation can make it harder to connect patios, walkways, and other parts of the landscape.

Rolling Hills Landscapes designs and installs retaining walls for homeowners throughout Greater Pittsburgh. We plan each wall around the conditions of the property and what the wall needs to accomplish, whether that means supporting soil, creating a more usable area, controlling erosion, or managing changes in grade.

A retaining wall is more than a decorative landscape feature. It needs the right base, drainage, materials, and construction methods to manage the soil behind it and perform reliably over time.

Planning a Retaining Wall for Your Property

Before determining the appropriate wall design, we evaluate the area where the wall will be built and the conditions surrounding it. The slope and amount of grade change help determine the demands placed on the wall, while soil conditions and water movement can affect both construction and long-term performance.

Drainage is particularly important because water collecting behind a retaining wall can increase pressure on the structure. We also consider how the surrounding property will be used and what is located above, below, or alongside the proposed wall.

Patios, walkways, lawn areas, planting beds, steps, driveways, and other landscape features can all influence the layout. Looking at these conditions together allows us to plan a retaining wall that works as part of the overall property rather than treating it as an isolated structure.

Gravity Retaining Wall Construction

Many residential retaining walls can be constructed as gravity walls. These systems rely primarily on the weight and configuration of the wall units to resist the pressure of the retained soil.

Successful construction starts below the visible wall. The area is excavated and a properly prepared and compacted base is created to provide stable support. Wall units are then installed with the appropriate setback, or batter, so successive courses are positioned according to the requirements of the selected wall system.

Drainage stone behind the wall helps water move away rather than accumulating against the structure. Backfill is placed and compacted appropriately as construction progresses to reduce settlement and provide support behind the wall.

Material selection also depends on the project. Segmental concrete wall systems are available in different sizes, textures, and configurations, while natural stone can provide a different appearance where it suits the landscape. The wall system should be selected for the required application rather than appearance alone.

"Proper installation methods are critical, no matter the size or scope of a retaining wall project."

John A. Linder, Owner, Lead Installer and Certified SRW Instructor

Where Retaining Walls Fit Into Residential Landscapes

Retaining walls can solve several practical problems while helping organize different areas of a property. On a sloped yard, a wall can create a more manageable transition between upper and lower elevations instead of leaving one continuous grade.

Walls can also be used to create or support level lawn and planting areas, making portions of a yard easier to maintain and use. Where a patio or other outdoor area meets a change in elevation, a retaining wall may provide the soil support necessary to establish a stable transition around the space.

On properties with several elevations, retaining walls can work with steps, walkways, and landscape areas to connect different levels of the yard. They can also help control soil movement where erosion has become a recurring problem.

When Does a Retaining Wall Need Engineering?

Some retaining wall projects require more than a standard gravity wall. Wall height, steep slopes, difficult soil conditions, water pressure, or additional loads from driveways, pools, structures, and other nearby features can require project-specific engineering and reinforcement.

Projects requiring engineering involve additional structural and permitting considerations. Read More About Engineered Retaining Walls >>

Ready to Address Your Sloped or Uneven Yard?

If erosion, an uneven grade, or a difficult slope is limiting how you use your property, Rolling Hills Landscapes can evaluate the site and determine the appropriate retaining wall approach.

Contact us today at 412-885-7049 or via our online form to schedule a property assessment and discuss your retaining wall project.