Retaining Wall Landscaping: Key Points
Retaining walls can become visually stunning features in your outdoor space
Creative landscaping with retaining walls can include various elements like gardens, seating areas, water features, and pathways
Professional landscaping agencies can build functional and visually appealing retaining walls in line with local regulations
Does your outdoor space have steep slopes or uneven terrain that make it difficult to use? Consider building retaining walls.
In this article, we will:
- Share five creative retaining wall landscaping ideas
- List the benefits of having retaining walls
- Explain how Urbanna Landscaping can help in the process.
6 Creative Retaining Wall Landscaping Ideas
Are you looking to shape your garden, define your outdoor living areas, or add a touch of magic to your yard? Here are several inspiring retaining wall ideas you will like.
Tiered Garden
Create a colorful, multi-level paradise with layered garden beds and fragrant flowers or delicious vegetables.
- Build a tiered retaining wall made of natural stone or concrete blocks.
- Plant a mix of desert plants, shrubs, and grasses.
- Use decorative stone between tiers to add more charm.
- Make steps or pathways so you can easily access and move between garden levels.
Seating Areas and Fire Pits
Looking to build a cozy gathering space to enjoy time with friends and family under the stars around a warm fire?
- Design a curved stone or brick retaining wall with built-in seating.
- Install a fire pit in the center — learn how to make one with our guide!
- Add cushions or seating covers for more comfort.
- Surround the area with native plants and soft lighting.
Water Features
Build a serene escape where the soothing sound of water helps you relax and meditate.
Use stacked stone to create a waterfall or cascading stream into the retaining wall.
Install a recirculating water pump for sustainability and low maintenance.
Add moss-covered rocks and aquatic plants for a natural look.
Add subtle lighting so that your water feature stands out during evening hours (Check out inspiring landscape lighting ideas).
Vertical Gardens and Green Walls
Interested in a living, lush, vertical garden that brings fresh air whenever you look at it?
- Make built-in pockets within the retaining wall or use modular planting panels.
- Fill the planters with native, low-water plants like Agastache, Winterfat, and Big Sage.
- Arrange plants in layers, combining different textures and colors for a stronger visual impact.
- Use self-watering containers to keep plants hydrated with minimum effort.
Stone Pathway Passage
Create a lively, entertaining space for hosting gatherings and celebrations in the open.
- Extend the retaining wall and add a built-in countertop or bar seating area.
- Use durable materials like stone or concrete.
- Add a small outdoor sink, grill, or pizza oven to enhance functionality.
- Use decorative lighting and planters to improve ambiance.
Benefits of Landscaping With Retaining Walls
Santa Fe’s unique landscape combines sloped terrain with arid conditions. In this environment, retaining walls can offer both practical and aesthetic advantages.
Prevent Soil Erosion and Structural Support
Retaining walls hold back soil, preventing it from washing away in rainy and windy weather. This is beneficial for sloped properties where erosion can cause instability and damage buildings, walkways, or gardens.
Manage Water Drainage
Retaining walls with built-in drainage systems — such as weep holes or perforated pipes — direct excess water away, preventing flooding and soil saturation.
Maximize Usable Space
Retaining walls create level areas on sloped land, making space for flagstone patios, gardens, seating areas, or even driveways. This is particularly useful if you have a small yard where every inch of space counts.
Add Aesthetics
Retaining walls add depth to your outdoor space, creating magical tiered gardens and romantic stone pathways enhanced by the charm of natural stone, brick, or concrete.
Increase Your Home Value
Building a retaining wall can make your property more attractive to buyers, as it enhances curb appeal, prevents erosion-related damage, and increases usable outdoor space. Read how landscaping increases your home value.
Retaining Wall Landscaping: Key Takeaways
Here’s what to remember when considering landscape retaining walls for your outdoor space in Santa Fe.
- Retaining walls can add beauty, provide structural integrity, and maximize your space.
- You can set the mood for your landscape by combining various design ideas, from materials to lighting.
- Plants, seating areas, and lighting can transform a basic wall into a stunning feature.
Create Beautiful Retaining Wall Landscaping With Urbanna Landscaping
At Urbanna Landscaping, we specialize in designing and building retaining walls that align with your home’s architecture and intertwine with Santa Fe’s natural beauty.
Do you dream of a rustic stone terrace or prefer modern minimalist design? We bring your vision to life and take care of maintaining its beauty afterwards so that you can enjoy your new landscaping year-round.
If you are looking into transforming your outdoor space beyond retaining walls, explore our expert insights about:
- Small garden ideas
- Stone landscaping ideas
- Drought-tolerant landscaping
- Backyard landscaping ideas
- Santa Fe landscaping trends in 2025
Call our team and we’ll transform your outdoor space just the way you envision it!
Retaining Wall Landscaping: FAQs
To help you better understand retaining walls and how they can add to your landscape, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions below.
What is a retaining wall?
A retaining wall is a structure that creates level areas for gardens, patios, or walkways in sloped landscapes. It holds back soil and prevents erosion while adding stability and visual appeal to outdoor spaces.
What materials can I choose for my Santa Fe retaining walls?
You can choose natural stone, concrete, and brick — durable and attractive, they will turn your outdoor space into an impressive piece of art.
Can I use my retaining walls for seating areas?
Yes, our experts at Urbanna Landscaping can create retaining wall designs with built-in seating, providing a perfect spot to relax, entertain guests, and enjoy nature’s beauty throughout the day.
How long can a retaining wall last?
The lifespan of a retaining wall depends on the materials and installation.
- Concrete walls can last 50+ years.
- Natural stone and brick walls typically last 40+ years.
- Timber walls are less resistant and last 15-20 years due to weathering and decay.
Can I build a high retaining wall without a permit?
Regulations vary by location. However, most areas allow building a retaining wall up to 3-4 feet without a permit. For taller walls, you will typically need engineering approval and a permit to ensure it’s stable and safe. Talk to our team at Urbanna Landscaping — our services include design and execution along with paperwork and permitting support for DYI projects.
How do I maintain my retaining wall?
To maintain your retaining wall:
- Check it regularly for cracks, bulges, or leaning sections.
- Clear debris from drainage systems.
- Inspect the area around the base for soil erosion.
- Repair minor damages before they turn into serious problems.lock have prolonged bloom cycles and can keep your Santa Fe garden beautiful for a long time.
