Retaining walls, terraced gardens, and garden/yard centerpieces are a great way to add distinction to an overall landscaping plan.

“Retaining walls, tree rings and accent walls help define an outdoor retreat,” said Lynn Barnhart, landscape market manager, Anchor Wall Systems.

As home owners look for ways to expand their space, “the outdoors is a logical place to look because it’s available, achievable and affordable,” Barnhart said.

It's easy to transform your yard by adding retaining walls.

Retaining wall benefits:

·           Aesthetics – the geometric precision of a retaining wall provides a clean, finished look to a landscaped yard.

·           Natural separation – landscaping can be more interesting with terraced flowerbeds, tree surrounds, and others; a natural break allows the homeowner to easily vary flowers and shrubs

·           Natural barriers – in areas of the country where flooding may be a likely occurrence, building these barriers can protect yards from excess water.

Here's How to Get started:

Before forging ahead with this master transformation, there are a number of issues to consider:

·           Purpose – why are you adding a retaining wall? Is it form or function? Will it add to the visual appeal of the landscaping or shore up a rugged terrain? Are you trying to establish a barrier or boundary between your yard and the neighbor’s? Are you trying to hide a pool, an air conditioning unit or something else?

·           Look – what look are you trying to achieve? A rustic terrain or a more sophisticated design with natural stone? Are you trying to make a small yard look bigger by adding tiers in a garden?

·           Cost – how much do you want to spend? A few tree rings and a garden centerpiece will be less expensive than an large curved retaining wall that borders the entire yard.

The Cost

Retaining wall bricks are sold at home improvement stores for $1 to $3 per piece. If you get into nicer stones, such as flagstone or limestone, the cost will escalate quickly.