For many homeowners, planning a new retaining wall can feel overwhelming. With the growing availability of options on the market, selecting materials for retaining walls can easily create a paralysis of choice. The Gardener is here to help. After nine years as city gardener for the Columbia Parks system, The Gardener founder John Relles turned his landscape expertise to creating gorgeous green spaces right in your backyard. Since 1990, this capable and creative landscaping contractor has been beautifying Columbia, MO, one yard at a time.

Here are a few tips for choosing the perfect retaining wall materials:

• Envision: Before you can select your materials, you need to know what you’d like to build with them. Visualize your desired retaining walls, considering both structural needs and the look of your landscape design. With an idea in mind, you’ll be better able to narrow down your options and find the required balance of functionality and aesthetics.
• Weigh Options: When it comes to retaining walls, you have three main options: timber, concrete, and stone blocks. Treated timber creates an appealing rustic look while offering a strong wooden base and good drainage. Concrete is a low-cost option frequently chosen for its dependable durability. Available in a wide range of styles, it’s easily customized to fit your landscape vision. Finally, stone block retaining walls create great visual interest in a landscape design, with varying stone sizes and colors opening doors for artistry. They are the most expensive to install, however.
• Call A Pro: While some decorative retaining walls can be done as DIY projects, those bolstering the structural integrity of your landscape are best done with professional assistance. Consider calling an experienced landscaping contractor for support with design, installation, or both.

For retaining walls and other landscape needs, count on the experience and expertise of The Gardener. After over two decades building a reputation for quality throughout Columbia, MO, you’ll know you’re getting service you can trust. Call (573) 446-0802 to schedule a consultation, or visit their website to learn more.