Retaining walls are beneficial for preventing erosion, flooding, and property damage. They also improve the appearance of your lawn and garden, creating neat sections that will boost the aesthetic appeal of your home exterior. If you’re considering installing some in your yard, you’ll find you have many options to choose from. To help you select the right one, here’s a brief overview of some of the most common types and their applications. 

What Are the Different Types of Retaining Walls?

1. Gravity

Gravity retaining walls are simple and rely on weight to hold back the soil. They’re usually made of heavy bricks, concrete pavers, or stones, so they typically do not require reinforcement. To install one, your contractor will dig a small trench, pour a cement footer, then stack the stones and use mortar to secure them. 

2. Reinforced

Also known as cantilevered walls, these contain steel bars within the stone structure that extend into the ground. This prevents the unit from leaning or collapsing under excess weight. Reinforced retaining walls may also have vertical wings in their foundations to provide additional durability. 

3. Anchored 

Anchored retaining walls are typically thin and supported by cables connected to anchors in the ground. Designed to hold back particularly heavy loads, these options are most often chosen for commercial and industrial applications. 

4. Sheet Piling

If you don’t have much space on your property, sheet piling walls are ideal. They consist of thin vinyl, wood, or steel sheets installed into the soil. For optimal strength, your contractor will use corrugated materials and drive them into the earth to ensure the structure has enough support. 

When you’re ready to improve the appearance and structural integrity of your lawn and landscaping, choose retaining wall solutions from DCM Landscaping LLC & Total Lawn Care. For nearly 30 years, they have provided lawn mowing, lot clearing, and landscape design to the Wood County, WI, area. Whether you need tree trimming or a hardscape installation, they’ll be happy to assist. Call (715) 325-5548 to set up a regular lawn maintenance schedule, or visit them online to learn more about what they do.