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 the right wall?

Boulder Walls are often built from smooth, round glacial boulders, but there are many other boulder wall options to choose from.

Modular Block Walls use pre-engineered, pre-cast concrete blocks that come in a variety of colors and textures.

Popular around swimming pools and fire features, low seat walls can also be free-standing or used to retain soil for a planting bed or elevation change.

Stacked Stone Walls are constructed by specially trained staff without mortar between the stones. Yet they are strong, stable, lasting and uniquely beautiful.

Not everyone understands how to plan or build a retaining wall correctly. Mistakes in 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.

Modular block retaining wall with naturalistic texturing and integrated lighting.

Modular block retaining wall with naturalistic texturing and integrated lighting.

Limestone unifies the design of the luxury home and the lakeshore property

belgard retaining walls with rock beds and low maintenance plants

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

front yard landscaping and retaining walls with curb appeal

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

Classic brick seat retaining wall in St. Paul

Classic brick seat wall in a formal garden backyard in St. Paul.

Eagan, MN backyard boulder retaining wall

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

hillside retaining walls

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

Boulder retaining wall with gardens and staircase

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

Your Landscape Design and Construction Partner Learn how our landscape design process works

Our Design-Build Process

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

Explore More MN Landscape Design & Architecture

Related Landscape Projects


Tranquil Outdoor Refuge

These Edina homeowners wanted a place to greet neighbors in the front yard, places to entertain in the back, and a spa they could use year-round.

Historic Reflections

Minnesota Historical Society guided the restoration of this Summit Avenue home's original reflecting pool, brickwork, and gardens.

Modern Farmhouse Front Yard

Front yard landscape design drawing on the modern farmhouse architectural style of this Edina, MN home.

Dog-Friendly Backyard

A dog-loving couple envisioned an outdoor space that would satisfy humans and canines alike. Featuring a patio and pergola, fireplace, and a low-maintenance garden.

Multi-level Outdoor Living

A functional landscape design with patios at three levels. An outdoor kitchen, an outdoor living space with a fire pit, and a plunge pool and hot tub.

Resort Living on Lake Minnetonka

Nestled along the shores of Lake Minnetonka, this modern lakeshore landscape design seamlessly blends opulence and nature. Designed in partnership with builder John Kraemer & Sons and architects Murphy & Co, the home and outdoor space is an entertainer's paradise.