We recently completed a residential retaining wall installation in Hudson, Ohio, delivering a solution that improved slope stability, enhanced curb appeal, and protected the customer’s landscape from erosion. This project combined thoughtful design, quality materials, and proper drainage to ensure long-term performance in Northeast Ohio’s climate.
Project Overview
The project presented a moderately sloped area behind the home where water runoff and soil erosion were beginning to impact the yard and planting beds. Our team designed and installed a retaining wall to create a level planting terrace, reduce erosion, and provide a clean, finished edge to the landscape. The wall runs approximately 40 feet long and varies in height up to 3.5 feet at the tallest section.
Materials and Design
We selected concrete segmental retaining wall (SRW) units for their durability, ease of installation, and attractive, natural appearance. Key components included:
- SRW blocks with a textured finish to match the home’s exterior palette
- Compacted crushed stone base for a stable footing
- Perforated drainage pipe wrapped in filter fabric to prevent clogging
- Gravel backfill and geotextile fabric to promote drainage and separate soil from aggregates
- Top cap stones to create a clean, finished look
Installation Process
Our crew followed best practices for small retaining walls to ensure stability and longevity:
- Site preparation: Removed existing unstable material, graded the area, and set out string lines for alignment.
- Excavation and base prep: Dug a trench for the base, installed compacted aggregate, and leveled the first course of blocks.
- Block installation: Laid the SRW units course-by-course, backfilling with gravel and compacting each lift.
- Drainage implementation: Installed a perforated drain pipe at the base of the wall, wrapped in filter fabric, tied into the property’s storm system where appropriate.
- Finishing touches: Installed capstones, cleaned the site, and regraded the planting beds with new topsoil and mulch.
Challenges and Solutions
Two main challenges required particular attention:
- Uneven grade and limited access: We used compact, efficient equipment and a staged installation to minimize disturbance to the yard and existing landscaping.
- Ohio freeze-thaw cycles: To mitigate frost heave, we ensured a well-draining gravel base and proper drainage behind the wall, reducing frost-related movement over time.
Timeline and Costs
The project took four working days from start to finish, including site prep, wall construction, drainage installation, and cleanup. Timeline can vary depending on site conditions and weather. Costs reflect material quality and labor for proper drainage and compaction—investing in these details is key to avoiding issues and costly repairs later.
Customer Feedback
The homeowner was pleased with the final appearance and the functional benefits. They appreciated the clean lines of the wall, the new planting terrace, and the reassurance that proper drainage was installed to protect the yard during heavy rains and spring thaw.
Maintenance and Care
Retaining walls are low maintenance when installed correctly. Recommended care includes:
- Inspecting the wall annually for signs of shifting or settled units.
- Keeping drainage outlets clear of debris.
- Avoiding heavy loads behind the wall unless designed for surcharge loads.
- Refreshing joint polymeric sand or vegetation management at the capstones as needed.
Final Thoughts
This completed retaining wall in Hudson, Ohio demonstrates how proper planning, quality materials, and attention to drainage can transform a problem slope into a beautiful, functional landscape feature. The project met the customer’s goals for erosion control and aesthetic improvement while ensuring long-term performance suitable for the local climate.
