Follow Us x
Retaining Walls Built to Hold Soil and Manage Water
Custom retaining wall construction in Smyrna, Georgia for erosion control, leveling, and long-term landscape stability.
When a slope begins to erode, soil washes into driveways, pools along foundations, and leaves uneven patches across your yard. In Smyrna, where rain is frequent and slopes are common, this erosion can accelerate quickly without intervention. A retaining wall holds the soil in place, redirects water away from vulnerable areas, and creates level zones where grass, plants, or hardscaping can be installed. The wall functions as both a structural support and a drainage system.
Atlanta's J & J Landscape & Tree Service, Inc. builds retaining walls using concrete block, natural stone, or pavers depending on the site conditions and the load the wall needs to support. Each wall is designed to manage the pressure exerted by the soil behind it and includes drainage features that prevent water from building up and destabilizing the structure. The base is excavated and leveled, then filled with compacted gravel to create a stable foundation.
If you are dealing with erosion or uneven terrain in Smyrna, reach out to discuss wall design and material options.
How Retaining Walls Are Constructed
The crew begins by excavating the area where the wall will sit, removing loose soil and creating a trench that extends below the frost line. A layer of compacted gravel is installed to provide drainage and support. In Smyrna, where clay soils retain moisture, this base layer is critical to preventing shifting and settling over time.
Once the wall is built, you will see a level surface where soil was previously sloping or unstable. Water will drain away from the wall through weep holes or gravel backfill rather than pooling behind the structure. The wall will hold its position through freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rain, and seasonal soil movement.
Backfill is placed behind the wall in compacted layers, and the top is capped or left open depending on the design. The service includes excavation, base preparation, wall construction, and backfill, but does not include landscaping, irrigation, or grading work beyond what is needed to support the wall. Walls over a certain height may require engineering review or permits depending on local code.
What Homeowners Want to Know
Most questions about retaining walls involve materials, drainage, height limits, and how long the structure will last.
What materials are used to build retaining walls?
Atlanta's J & J Landscape & Tree Service, Inc. uses concrete block, natural stone, or interlocking pavers depending on your budget, the wall height, and the look you want. Each material is selected to handle soil pressure and drainage needs.
How does the wall prevent water from building up behind it?
Gravel backfill and weep holes allow water to drain through the wall rather than pooling behind it. This reduces hydrostatic pressure and keeps the wall stable during heavy rain.
How tall can a retaining wall be built?
Most residential walls range from two to four feet in height. Taller walls may require engineering, additional reinforcement, or permits depending on local regulations in Smyrna.
Why is the base layer so important?
The compacted gravel base distributes the weight of the wall evenly and prevents settling. Without it, the wall can shift or tilt over time, especially in clay soils that expand and contract with moisture.
How long does a retaining wall last?
A properly built retaining wall can last several decades with minimal maintenance. The longevity depends on the quality of the base, the drainage system, and the materials used.
If you are managing erosion, uneven terrain, or drainage problems in Smyrna, Atlanta's J & J Landscape & Tree Service, Inc. can design and build a retaining wall that holds up to soil pressure and weather over time. Contact the team to review your site and discuss materials.
