Types of Landscaping Retaining Walls

Luckily there are a few landscaping solutions that are available depending on preference, budget, and circumstances. Lower cost solutions include strategically planting shrubs and bushes. As the roots spread, the plants will help to hold the slopes together reducing erosion. Additionally, choosing the right mix of plants will give your hill a lovely look. It also can be ecologically beneficial by offering food and shelter for local wildlife as long as appropriate native plants are selected. The main disadvantage is that it takes time for plants to take hold and results are never guaranteed especially since it can be difficult for every square ft of a hill to be consolidated by plants. If your hill is already eroding, this solution will likely not be enough.

For those with more budget available, retaining walls can be used. A variety of retaining walls from block to boulder, mortared to dry stack, are available that can accomplish this. The benefit of a retaining wall is that when properly constructed, it will last far longer than just using plants, results are more or less guaranteed, and they are effective immediately as opposed to waiting months or years. Additionally, retaining walls open up new flat spaces which one can plant various small plants as well or use for other purposes. For some, retaining walls are also a more aesthetically pleasing landscape.