Retaining walls stabilize landscapes and create usable yard space. If your property has uneven terrain, slopes, or drainage challenges, you may notice soil erosion, pooling water, or hardscapes that shift over time. At Assiniboine Lawns & Landscapes, we help you address these issues with professionally designed retaining walls that fit both your property and your vision.
Whether you are considering classic brick walls for a refined look, wood retaining walls for natural warmth, or boulder walls to handle steep slopes, we guide you in selecting the right solution. Our team evaluates your yard, recommends materials, and constructs walls that not only support soil and prevent erosion but also enhance your property’s appearance. By choosing the right type of retaining wall, you can transform challenging terrain into functional, attractive outdoor spaces that complement your home and landscape design.
Sign 1 – Soil Erosion on Sloped Areas
Soil erosion on sloped areas can gradually alter the shape and usability of your yard. Observing soil movement or washed-out garden beds indicates that your property needs support to maintain its landscape structure.
Slopes without support cause soil displacement during rain or snowmelt. When rainwater or melting snow flows down an incline, it can carry loose soil with it. This movement may leave bare patches, weaken garden beds, and even affect pathways or driveways over time. Left unmanaged, erosion can make yard maintenance difficult and reduce the functionality of outdoor spaces. Installing retaining walls helps manage soil movement, creating stability while also shaping terraces or planting areas to your liking.
Best Wall Types for Erosion Control
Boulder Walls – Durable and ideal for steep slopes
Boulder walls use large, naturally shaped stones stacked to form a solid barrier. These walls handle heavy water flow and prevent soil from washing away. Stones such as Armourstone and Ironstone are commonly used for Calgary properties with pronounced slopes, adding both structural support and a rugged aesthetic to your landscape.
Wood Retaining Walls – Suitable for gentle slopes and garden beds
Wood retaining walls are crafted from pressure-treated timber, providing support for smaller inclines and planting areas. They blend naturally with your yard, complement walkways or patios, and allow you to create terraces or garden beds that are both functional and visually appealing.
Sign 2 – Poor Drainage or Water Pooling
Excess water in your yard can create more than just muddy patches. It can damage plants, wash away soil, and reduce the usability of your outdoor space.
Standing water indicates poor drainage that can harm plants and damage soil. Water that collects near slopes, patios, or garden beds can weaken soil structure and stress vegetation. Over time, this may lead to soil settling, erosion, or even damage to nearby walkways and hardscapes. Retaining walls provide a physical barrier that guides water away from problem areas. They also allow you to shape your landscape to channel runoff in a controlled way, protecting both plants and soil while keeping the yard functional and visually appealing.
Recommended Retaining Wall Solutions
Brick Walls – Can be designed with drainage systems
Brick walls can be built with weep holes and gravel backfill to allow water to pass through instead of pooling behind the wall. This approach keeps soil firm, prevents erosion, and adds a neat, structured look to your garden or yard. Brick retaining walls can also be paired with other landscaping elements, such as planters or steps, to create a cohesive outdoor design.
Concrete Block Walls – Effective for managing runoff
Concrete block retaining walls are sturdy and capable of handling larger areas where water tends to accumulate. These walls hold back soil and redirect water away from low spots, reducing the risk of puddles or saturation. Their solid construction makes them suitable for Calgary properties with heavy clay soil or areas that receive significant rainfall or snowmelt. Concrete block walls also provide flexibility in design, allowing you to build straight, curved, or terraced walls depending on your yard layout.
At Assiniboine Lawns & Landscapes, we can guide you through selecting the right wall material and design to manage water effectively while enhancing your property’s appearance and functionality.
Sign 3 – Limited Usable Yard Space
Many properties in Calgary have uneven terrain that makes outdoor areas difficult to use. Slopes and irregular surfaces can limit the space available for patios, gardens, or recreational zones.
Uneven terrain reduces functional outdoor areas. Retaining walls transform these challenging areas into flat, level spaces where you can enjoy your yard fully. They allow you to create terraces that not only improve usability but also add structure and visual appeal to your landscape.
Retaining Wall Options for Terracing
Wood Retaining Walls – Cost-effective, aesthetic
Wood retaining walls provide an approachable solution for shaping slopes into usable terraces. They can follow the natural contours of your yard, giving each level a defined area that works for planting beds, seating areas, or small garden features. Their warm, natural finish blends seamlessly with other landscaping elements, making your outdoor space feel connected and inviting.
Manufactured Stone Walls – Long-lasting and visually appealing
Manufactured stone retaining walls, including options like Allan Block or Roman Pisa, create terraces that carry both strength and style. These walls support heavier soil loads, making them suitable for larger slopes or areas with existing landscaping features. The variety of stone textures and colours allows you to match the wall to your property’s design, giving each terrace a clean, polished look while improving the overall flow of your yard.
Sign 4 – Cracking or Shifting Hardscapes
Patios, driveways, and walkways can start to crack or shift over time, especially in areas with sloped or unstable soil. You may notice uneven surfaces or small gaps forming that affect both appearance and usability.
Hardscape features like patios or driveways crack when the soil beneath shifts. Changes in soil movement, freeze-thaw cycles, or heavy rain can create pressure beneath hard surfaces, causing them to separate, sink, or develop cracks. These issues are not just cosmetic. They can create trip hazards and make your outdoor spaces harder to maintain.
Structural Wall Solutions
Allan Block or Roman Pisa Blocks – Strong, stackable
Modular block walls made from Allan Block or Roman Pisa blocks provide solid support for patios, driveways, and walkways. You can build walls in straight lines or gentle curves, depending on your landscape, while the stackable design keeps soil in place and prevents shifting.
Natural Stone Boulders – Ideal for large-scale stabilization
Boulder walls use large, natural stones to support terraces, slopes, or extensive yard areas. They handle heavy loads from soil and landscaping features while adding a rugged, natural look that blends with your property’s surroundings.
When you choose the right type of retaining wall for stabilizing hardscapes, your yard remains functional and visually consistent. At Assiniboine Lawns & Landscapes, we combine practical design with durable materials to maintain both the strength and appeal of your outdoor spaces.
Sign 5 – Desire to Enhance Property Appearance
Enhancing the look of your yard can transform how your property is experienced by visitors and passersby. Retaining walls are not just functional structures; they can act as visual anchors that bring balance and style to your landscape.
Retaining walls can elevate curb appeal and create focal points. Placing a well-designed retaining wall can immediately draw attention to specific areas, such as garden beds, entryways, or terraces. They help separate different sections of your yard while adding depth and dimension. By incorporating retaining walls, you create a layered appearance that feels intentional and visually pleasing.
Design Considerations for Aesthetic Walls
Brick Walls – Classic, elegant look
Brick retaining walls offer clean lines and a timeless appearance. You can combine them with pathway lighting, staircases, or surrounding garden features to highlight specific areas and create a polished, structured look that complements your property.
Boulder Walls – Natural, rugged appeal
Boulder walls provide a more organic presence in your landscape. Their irregular shapes and textures work well with plants, patios, or steps, allowing you to create a cohesive design that feels connected to the natural surroundings.
Why Work With Assiniboine Lawns & Landscapes
Building retaining walls is a long-term investment in your property, and the quality of construction directly affects how well your landscape functions and looks. Choosing the right team can transform challenging slopes, uneven yards, or drainage issues into attractive, usable outdoor spaces.
Assiniboine Lawns & Landscapes delivers licensed, insured, and bonded retaining wall solutions. Our team has over 20 years of hands-on experience in creating brick walls, wood retaining walls, boulder walls, and other customized structures. Each wall is built to fit the unique slope and soil conditions of your Calgary property while complementing the existing landscape. Our team works carefully on every project, combining practical construction techniques with attention to aesthetics, so your yard gains both stability and visual appeal. All retaining walls come with a 2-year warranty, giving you confidence that your investment will remain solid and visually attractive for years to come.
Contact Us for a Retaining Wall Estimate
Take the first step toward transforming your Calgary property with a custom retaining wall. Contact Assiniboine Lawns & Landscapes for a free estimate today. Call us at (403) 301-3300 or email service@assiniboine.com to discuss your project.