Boulder Walls

Burly boulder walls that hold back tons of earth without breaking a sweat.

Modular Block Walls

To manage sloping hills, modular block walls can be curved, straight, or tiered; formal or informal.

Seat Walls

Seat walls are a convenient seating option in the Minnesota landscape design around a patio or fire pit.

Stacked Stone Walls

Natural stone creates an old-world look. Some stacked stone walls have lasted for centuries.

Sculpting the Minnesota landscape with retaining walls

Retaining walls add visual interest and are often used to control erosion, manage runoff, or create level spaces for patios, gardens, or structures. They can also sculpt the landscape and transform unusable hills into spectacular outdoor living spaces.

Which wall is right for you?

Not everyone understands how to plan or build a retaining wall correctly. Mistakes in the design or construction of retaining walls can create severe headaches (particularly water problems) for you or your neighbors. Southview Design brings superior landscaping expertise to every project, often solving problems in advance that competitors don’t foresee.

Our Minneapolis landscaping team excels at building outdoor living spaces on steep hills and challenging shorelines.

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BENEFITS OF RETAINING WALLS

Visual Interest & Practical Solutions

Retaining walls add depth and dimension to any landscape, creating a striking focal point while seamlessly blending with your outdoor environment. Whether using natural stone, concrete block, or boulders, they provide structural support while enhancing aesthetics. Thoughtfully designed walls can define garden beds, frame patios, or accentuate elevation changes, turning slopes into eye-catching features.

On Lake Minnetonka, the stacked limestone retaining wall creates a level space for a swimming pool and expansive patio.

front yard landscaping and retaining walls with curb appeal

Two-tiered formal block retaining walls add curb appeal to this home.

Boulder retaining wall with gardens and staircase

Boulder wall and cut stone steps lead guests from the front yard to the backyard at a lower elevation.

Modular block retaining wall with naturalistic texturing and integrated lighting.

Modular block retaining wall with naturalistic texturing and integrated lighting.

belgard retaining walls with rock beds and low maintenance plants

Tiered retaining walls correct the yard's steep grade and enhance it's functionality.

Classic brick seat retaining wall in St. Paul

Classic brick seat wall in a historic formal garden in St. Paul Minnesota.

BENEFITS OF RETAINING WALLS

Control Erosion & Manage Runoff

Minnesota’s changing seasons bring heavy rains, snowmelt, and shifting soil, making erosion control essential. Retaining walls prevent soil displacement by stabilizing slopes and directing water runoff safely. Engineered drainage solutions, such as weep holes or gravel backfill, help manage excess moisture, reducing the risk of flooding, soil loss, and foundation damage while keeping landscapes intact.

Massive boulder retaining wall on Lake Minnetonka

Burly granite boulder retaining wall and paved trail leads to the shoreline.

hillside retaining walls

This hillside backyard landscape makes use of both boulder and modular block retaining walls.

BENEFITS OF RETAINING WALLS

Create Level Spaces

Sloped properties can limit usable yard space, but retaining walls transform uneven terrain into functional areas for patios, gardens, or swimming pools. By leveling out land, they maximize your property’s potential, making outdoor living more enjoyable. Whether building terraced gardens or expanding a backyard retreat, retaining walls create more accessible and visually appealing spaces.

stacked limestone retaining wall in Edina, MN

Elegant stacked limestone retaining wall is essential for creating this level backyard for sports and games.

lush garden with green lawn

A modern backyard in St. Paul features corten steel walls with an eye-catching garden.

Eagan, MN backyard boulder retaining wall

Boulder retaining wall creates a level area for a swimming pool in this Eagan, MN backyard.

Improve Your Life Outdoors

Meet with A Landscape Designer or Architect

Your perfect outdoor living space begins with a simple conversation. Let’s talk about your outdoor living space!


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Explore More MN Landscape Design & Architecture

Related Landscape Projects


Next Door Inspiration

When their neighbor’s yard transformed from a hill of dirt into a terraced backyard, this homeowner decided it was time to make some changes of their own.

Big Impact - Small Space

Designers overcame several unique challenges to squeeze a deck, pool, and patio with fireplace onto this compact lot in Excelsior, MN.

Space for a Wedding

In just 10 days, Southview Design transformed this Eden Prairie landscape into an idyllic setting for a wedding.

Bungalow on the Bay

Following a major remodel, this Lake Minnetonka bungalow needed a landscape upgrade to match. Now, after some serious TLC, this Excelsior, MN, home on the bay is the jewel of the block.

Swimming Pool Overlooking Wetlands

2023 AWARD WINNER – Retaining walls transform a featureless slope into a multi-level backyard resort with a swimming pool, patio, wood-burning fireplace, and hot tub.

Bluestone on the Bluff

A 2022 North Central Region CotY (Contractor of the Year) award winner. Located high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River Valley, this million-dollar view was the perfect backdrop for the entertainment hub the clients always dreamed of.

Three Reasons to Start Now:


1. Enjoyment ASAP!

Permits and plans take time. Start now to enjoy your outdoor space this season.

2. Spring Fever

With warmer weather, homeowners are reaching out. Don't get stuck in the rush.

3. Worth Every Penny

A quality outdoor living space adds joy now and long-term value to your home.


Let's get your landscaping project started!
Call (651) 203-3000