There’s much to be said for practical and attractive solutions to problems. Retaining walls are an ideal example and are one of the best hardscaping solutions a homeowner can invest in. But a common question many property owners have is: What does a retaining wall retain? The short answer is soil, but in reality, a retaining wall does much more than just hold back dirt. It’s a vital tool in managing landscapes, controlling erosion, and protecting structures. Greenway has nearly two decades of experience helping Nashville homeowners and businesses design and build long-lasting retaining walls that offer both function and curb appeal. We’ll help you see what retaining walls do best, how they’re constructed, their benefits, and why it’s worth working with experienced contractors when building one.

How Retaining Walls Help Your Home

The primary purpose of a retaining wall is to hold back soil that would otherwise shift due to gravity, especially on sloped land. When there is a slope, soil naturally wants to move downhill, especially when there are added forces involved, like rainfall. Retaining walls provide the structural support to stop that movement, maintaining the landscape. 

Retaining walls are key players in managing water runoff by directing stormwater to proper drainage points to avoid pooling and foundation damage. They also prevent valuable topsoil from washing away during heavy rains, reducing harmful erosion. This can help support paved surfaces, preventing movement of ground that could lead to cracking or the collapse of driveways or patios. Retaining walls can even support raised planting areas, patios, and other functional outdoor spaces through terraced designs. Above all, retaining walls don’t just retain; they protect. Your landscape, home foundation, usable outdoor space, and overall property value are kept safe with a well-designed and constructed retaining wall system. 

How Retaining Walls Are Built

Effective retaining wall installation is part science and part craftsmanship. Poorly built walls will fail under pressure sooner or later, especially with moisture and freeze-thaw cycles. That’s why Greenway takes a detail-oriented approach to every retaining wall project. There are core steps to a proper installation that begins with evaluating the area. For Greenway’s approach, we assess the slope, soil type, drainage issues, and your goals to determine the best design. We provide you with the ideal options and recommendations, and once you choose the final design, it’s time to get underway. 

We begin by excavating and leveling the base to ensure a stable foundation for the wall, no matter the material used. Without a good foundation, any wall will fail. Crushed stone or gravel is compacted at the base to allow proper drainage and load support. Depending on the materials for the retaining wall installation, blocks or stones are laid with staggered joints and a slight setback to manage pressure from behind. Behind the base of the wall, we typically install PVC pipes and gravel backfill to relieve hydrostatic pressure and ensure water drains away from the wall. As the wall grows in height, additional measures may be added to help secure and anchor the structure. Based on the material used, mortar may be necessary for bonding the stones in place. 

Each of these steps is critical for structural integrity and longevity, especially for tall retaining walls or those near buildings or driveways. With attention to detail, Greenway’s retaining wall contractors craft structures that go beyond function; they add visual beauty to any landscape. 

Understanding the Options for Retaining Wall Materials

Greenway offers several material options depending on your style, budget, and needs. Whether you prefer a natural look or a modern edge, there’s something for every aesthetic. Greenway helps clients select the right materials based on property grading, intended use, and aesthetic preferences. 

• Concrete Retaining Walls: Great for structural walls, modern designs, and large-scale projects, concrete is durable, long-lasting, and customizable in appearance. Stamping and staining provide the opportunity to make concrete appear far different than the standard flat gray. It can be a temperamental option due to needing perfectly designed forms, setting time, and potential rebar reinforcement. Professional installation is ideal here to avoid cracks, instability, and potential failure.
• Concrete Masonry Unit Walls: This material is modular, versatile, and strong. While also made of concrete, these pre-cast blocks are ready to be stacked without waiting for the concrete to set, like in a poured wall. They are great for tall or commercial-grade retaining walls, but they need to be placed just right to ensure stability. 
• Natural Stone Walls: When you’re thinking of whimsical beauty from a forest, natural stone is what you want. It has an aesthetic that blends with the landscape, but it tends to be more expensive and labor-intensive. Those looking for high-end designs, garden walls, and a premium appearance gravitate to natural stone but will need to be prepared for heavy lifting and mortaring to keep them secure.
• Retaining Wall Blocks: Designed to lock together, these blocks are ideal for walls that are four feet or less in height. They aren’t ideal for very tall or high-pressure walls without reinforcement. They have a balanced appearance that’s aesthetically pleasing, landing between natural stone and concrete. 

Ways Retaining Walls Benefit Your Property

Retaining walls have endless uses in both residential and commercial settings, including: 

• Creating level areas on a sloped yard for patios, gardens, or play areas.
• Protecting driveways or walkways from soil creep or flooding.
• Framing landscape features, such as raised garden beds or flower borders.
• Managing water drainage to divert rainwater away from structures.
• Adding structure and interest to multi-tiered outdoor designs.

Whatever the use, a well-built wall can provide decades of performance while improving the look and function of your yard.

The Benefits of Hiring Greenway to Craft Your Retaining Wall 

Who wants to spend their free time building a retaining wall? The truth is that you’ll sink far more time into the project than you plan to, and even small errors can lead to bulging, cracking, or total failure. Working with professional retaining wall contractors near Nashville makes all the difference and gives you the freedom to enjoy your time elsewhere. 

You need to choose a team that understands the full scope, from material selection to finished results. Greenway does everything, including determining the right engineering for your soil and slope. Our planning includes integrated drainage to prevent hydrostatic pressure and helping you pick the aesthetic that matches your vision. We’re your secret weapon to make sure your investment stands the test of time. We also know Nashville’s building codes and manage permitting for you. In most parts of Tennessee, a permit is typically required for retaining walls taller than four feet. This is because taller walls are considered structural and need to meet safety codes. Don’t start stressing about the process, though; we handle all necessary paperwork and inspections so your wall is 100% compliant. Plus, with our accurate, guaranteed estimates, you won’t face surprise fees. What’s better than knowing your cost is set? 

Get a Retaining Wall That Lasts

Retaining walls are more than just a barrier; they are a structural and visual solution to the natural challenges of your land. Whether it’s protecting your yard from erosion, supporting a sloped driveway, or defining usable outdoor space, a retaining wall is an essential investment. 
Want to learn more about your options for a concrete retaining wall or explore designs tailored to your property? It’s time to contact Greenway for a consultation. Let’s retain your soil, your style, and your peace of mind.