If you’re reading this, then you most probably think that it’s time to upgrade the look of your property with some crafty landscaping solutions and enhance the curb appeal of your home.

Well, here’s the thing- there are many different ways to go about with your landscaping project, and a dozen different options to choose from when it comes to hardscapes elements. So, making the decision as to what you want your backyard to look like can be quite a tough one.

Some hardscapes work better than others, depending on a lot of factors, such as the climate and topography of your area, as well as the size and shape of your property, not to mention what uses and purposes you want to get from your yard.

Here is one hardscape that works anywhere, is highly versatile, functional, and great looking- retaining walls!

In this article, we’ll guide you through the many different benefits of having a retaining wall in your backyard as an essential part of your landscape, how it can beautify and transform your yard, and just really make your life better.

Retaining walls protect your soil and your property

The main purpose of a retaining wall is to prevent erosion, which is extremely beneficial for locations with sloping lands, uneven terrains, and areas that get a lot of rainfall and precipitation.

Now, there are different types of retaining walls to suit various purposes, from 1 foot garden walls, to industrial walls for mountain slopes. We won’t go into detail as to the different types of retaining walls and how each one works, but we’ll just say that some work with gravity and some against.

If you are having issues with steep slopes that might erode at any moment, or experience a bit of flooding every rainy season, a strategically placed retaining wall can be a lifesaver. Otherwise, it can still work wonders in keeping soil together, especially if you are planning on some garden beds.

Retaining walls increase your yard’s usability

Because of a retaining wall’s primary function, it also effectively transforms an otherwise unusable sloping soil into a flat surface both above and below the wall, which you can use for a variety of purposes.

Depending on the type of wall, its shape, size, building material, and structural integrity, there are a number of uses that you can get out of your retaining wall. It can be as big and heavy as a swimming pool or a constantly used driveway, a comfortable area for some lounging decks or barbecues, or a nice little garden bed.

Keep in mind, however, that your wall’s usability depends on how it’s built, and purposes beyond a garden bed, for example, will require working with an expert contractor to build the wall safely.

Retaining walls give you some much needed privacy

Aside from effectively partitioning your land into usable sections of flat soil, retaining walls really just function as any other wall, meaning, it works great in providing some form of privacy on an otherwise open area.

This is like hitting not two but three birds with one stone, especially if your property is among clusters of other houses, or if your backyard basically extends to a vast open land.

You can install a high wall along your backyard or property line, and a lower one right by the street to serve as a form of fence for your front lawn.

Retaining Walls beautify your yard

This is probably what you have been waiting to hear- after all, who doesn’t dream of a pretty looking yard to spend warm Summers and crisp evenings in, not to mention be the envy of your neighbors and friends alike.

Here’s the good news- aside from being highly functional hardscapes, retaining walls are also highly decorative. Since there are many different types of retaining walls, and a vast options of building materials to construct the walls with, these hardscapes can be very versatile in appearance.

From streamlined concrete, to colored pavers, stained woods, rustic bricks, natural stones, and other primary building materials, to decorative glasses, plants, vines, and so on, there is no limit to the look and feel of your retaining wall.