Retaining Wall Ideas for Hilly Cincinnati
Make Your Yard Bigger and Lawn Care Easier
Several years ago, a Paramount Lawn + Landscape customer in Hyde Park engaged us for a hardscape project after completing an addition to their home. The backyard was torn up from heavy construction equipment, so we built them a paver patio and retaining wall, along with installing sod. This fall, the same customer reached out to us for more retaining wall ideas on their side yard.
We were able to significantly increase their flat yard space. The new area is also going to be easier to maintain than the weed-filled ivy that covered the slope.
Here’s what their property looked like before we started, including the wall we built for them previously.
Retaining Wall Ideas:
Before the Project
At Paramount, we specialize in retaining walls that are four feet high or less. You can see how this retaining wall extended the back yard for this Cincinnati family up to their sidewalk. Previously, there has been a slope with bushes, instead.
The family hoped to gain more flat yard space in this side yard area. Our retaining wall idea proposal was to:
- Build a retaining wall extension to the existing wall
- Install a French drain, to help keep the home’s basement dry
- Backfill with dirt
- Install sod
Retaining Wall Ideas:
Demolition Time!
To run the backyard and side yard together, our team first had to demolish an existing concrete staircase. Safety for the team and passing pedestrians was key during this phase. So was hauling away all the construction debris.
Retaining Wall Ideas:
Foundations are Foundational
Our team carefully dug a foundation trench into the ground. A retaining wall needs to be secure, if you want it to last a lifetime. Our project leader also enjoyed the challenge of laying out a straight wall, when the sidewalk squares were not even (OK, maybe that wasn’t his favorite part of the job).
Retaining Wall Ideas:
A Level Base Makes a Level Wall
We leveled the trench with gravel, then started laying the first retaining wall blocks. Gravel lets us adjust the first string of blocks bit by bit until the row is level.
Retaining Wall Ideas:
Managing Water
A retaining wall takes the place of a slope, so the Paramount team needed to plan for where rainfall would go in the future. With an old Hyde Park home, it’s especially important to keep water away from the foundation. We wanted to help keep this family’s basement dry. We installed a discreet French drain near one end of the wall.
Here’s a back view of the French drain installation in progress. Also note how we fill the retaining wall blocks with gravel for extra strength and durability. And our trusty level keeps us on track.
Retaining Wall Ideas:
Significant Extra Square Footage
With this retaining wall idea, our customer picked up an extra 400-500 sq. ft. of back yard space. Their sons were looking forward to a new area to play football, and the family dog also seemed to enjoy more room to roam.
Retaining Wall Ideas:
Old & New Together
Before accepting the project, we made sure our customer understood that the new retaining wall blocks wouldn’t match the existing wall. Over the years, the blocks weather and change color. In time, we expect that the wall color will start to look the same from edge to edge. Our customer loved the outcome, nevertheless.
Retaining Wall Ideas:
Installing Sod
To make the transition from back yard to new side yard space seamless, we matched the soil height between the two spaces. Sod installation will take hold and prevent erosion.
What a way to turn a difficult-to-maintain slope into usable back yard space! In a hilly neighborhood like Hyde Park, where the houses are close together, it can be rare to find open, flat yard.
Here’s a picture of the retaining wall idea project when we were finished. At this point, our part of the project was done, but the customer hired a fence contractor to install a new privacy fence.
Retaining Wall Ideas:
Fence for Safety
If you’re installing a retaining wall of this height, it’s important to prevent people (or pets!) from being able to fall. This family chose to upgrade their previous chain link fence to this attractive, lattice-topped privacy fence. Paramount doesn’t install fencing, but we can make recommendations for our customers’ needs. Now, might we suggest some landscape lighting to turn this new back yard into an even better gathering place?
Do you have a hilly area that’s hard to maintain? Turn that square footage into something to be proud of with our retaining wall ideas. Reach out to the Paramount team, and we’ll help bring your dreams into reality. We want you to love you lawn and landscape!
