Considering a retaining wall? Here are the main types:

Retaining wall options:

• Tree rings – though it hardly seems appropriate to call this a retaining wall, tree rings circle the base of a tree and provide an area to add annual or perennial flowers or mulch as a way of drawing attention.
• Terraced flowerbeds – built alongside a stairway or in front of a home, a terraced garden adds visual dimension and helps soften the look of a stairway; depending on the material of the house, it may help blend the home and the garden.
• Tiered landscaping projects – whether alongside the house or in some area of the yard, a tiered approach provides a gradual transition from the house to the lawn.
• Garden/yard centerpiece – located near the street, in the center of the yard or off to the side, a garden centerpiece puts the focus on another area of the yard. This centerpiece could also include statues, water, or furniture – anything to make a statement.
• Transformation of a hill or terrain – shore up a rugged terrain or hill and provide a crisp clean visual in the process.
• Pool or deck support – this expansive project could serve as the surround to an above ground pool, giving it a below ground look.

A retaining wall can create a number of other “enhancements” or design elements. Stairs can be built-in to create ease of movement from a deck, through a terraced garden, to the grass or sidewalk. Benches or seating areas also can be built-in to a retaining wall.

If you are looking to simply accent or highlight areas of your yard, small terraced and tiered flower beds, tree rings and garden centerpieces may be the best route to take. If you have a grander landscape design plan you may get into large tiered and terraced flower beds, a pool or deck enhancement, etc.

Typically, people will vary the height of their retaining walls, from a couple of bricks high to four feet or more. For those who will go much beyond three feet, experts suggest consulting a professional designer with an engineering background. Additionally, for structures that high, it likely will be necessary to provide additional reinforcement and drainage.

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.