Sculpting the landscape with walls

In addition to adding visual interest, retaining walls are often used to control erosion, manage runoff, or create level spaces for patios, gardens, or structures. Retaining walls can be used to literally sculpt the landscape and transform unusable hills into 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 serious 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. While there are a variety of landscaping walls, below are common types you might consider:

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.

Not Sure? Consult a Designer Today

BENEFITS OF RETAINING WALLS

Visual Interest & Practical Solutions

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 staircase 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 formal garden backyard in St. Paul.

BENEFITS OF RETAINING WALLS

Control Erosion & Manage Runoff

BENEFITS OF RETAINING WALLS

Create Level 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.

Three Reasons to Start Now


Enjoy the Process

The journey from a concept to a final plan and budget takes time. If you start now, you can enjoy the process without feeling rushed.

Avoid Permit Delays

Many projects require permits to build. Don't waste your precious summer waiting for a permit. It's so frustrating!

Beat the Spring Rush

With your plan complete and permit in hand, you'll be ready to build ahead of the spring rush.


Winter is perfect for planning!
Call (651) 203-3000

Winter Planning is Smart Planning

Most landscaping projects take time to design and require building permits from cities, HOAs, and watershed districts. The process often takes several weeks, sometimes months. Start working with a designer or landscape architect on a detailed plan now. You'll beat the spring rush and avoid frustrating permitting delays. Call (651) 203-3000 to schedule a meeting.

Schedule a Meeting

Explore More MN Landscape Design & Architecture

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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!


Schedule a Meeting