When Should You Build a Retaining Wall?

Reasons You’ll Need a Retaining Wall

Keeping your home and landscape beautiful is critical. You’ve invested a lot of time and money in your home’s appearance, and with a retaining wall, there are several ways you can protect that investment. You may consider installing a retaining wall if:

retaining wall-You have rainwater issues.

If you are looking for a way to divert rainwater and prevent it from leaking into your basement and damaging your valuables and foundation, then a retaining wall is the way to go. A retaining wall can be used to divert the rainwater away from your home and to the proper drainage areas to prevent leaks and structural damage.

You’re struggling with erosion on your property.

Retaining walls are designed to hold the soil in place and prevent it from falling down a slope and onto your home. Retaining walls can also prevent soil from falling out from under your home due to erosion. With a retaining wall, you can protect your home from the serious damage that erosion can cause.

You want to transform your unusable backyard.

If you have a steep or sloped backyard that you want to be able to use, adding a retaining all or two can help create a parking space, a sport court, or a patio space that can make your yard more functional.

Your yard could use more definition.

If you want to add some visual interest to your hillside, a retaining wall is a great solution. With a retaining wall, we can help you create terraces and level plant beds for growing vegetables or flowers. Retaining walls also allow you to create defined, usable areas in your sloped backyard.

You want to add more seating to your outdoor space.

If you want to add more seating around your outdoor space, a retaining wall is a perfect solution. You will be able to define certain areas of your outdoor space while also providing more seating for your guests.

Your current retaining wall is older or poorly constructed.

Like with any outdoor fixture, the elements can be hard on your retaining wall. If your retaining wall has been damaged, worn down, or was not installed properly, it is time to replace your retaining wall with a new, expertly constructed wall.

When’s the Best Time to Install a Retaining Wall?

If you meet one or more of the above criteria, you may be wondering when you should have your retaining wall installed. It is recommended to have your retaining wall installed prior to the winter season. There are two times of the year we recommend for retaining wall installation, which is late April and May or in October through early winter.

If you prefer to have time to design your plant beds within your new retaining walls, then you should opt to have your walls installed as soon as possible. If this is not a concern for you, you could wait to install it in autumn. When planning your installation, keep in mind that you want to give the earth ample time to settle before any major temperature shifts begin.

Additionally, installing a retaining wall prior to the winter season can help protect your plants from the harsh winter winds and can also serve as a windbreaker to help ease winter maintenance on your patio. It will also help prevent the erosion that can occur due to the melting snow and rain common in Pittsburgh during the winter.

Benefits of Retaining Walls

Installing a retaining wall can provide a variety of benefits to your home and your property. From patio space to seating areas, the possibilities of retaining walls are endless. Here are some of the main benefits of adding a retaining wall to your outdoor living space:

Make Your Outdoor Space Usable

Instead of installing a wooden deck that requires constant maintenance, consider creating an outdoor space using SRWs and pavers. With these materials, you can create a stunning raised patio that can be used to entertain friends and family. Low fencing, plant, and freestanding walls can be used to create a barrier without obstructing your view of your property.

Create Outdoor Seating

If you often entertain guests, adding seating to your patio is crucial for their comfort and convenience. With a retaining wall, you can create durable stadium or amphitheater-style seating on your patio. You can also create other seating options, such as freestanding seating, which will provide privacy and comfort to guests. Other options include two-tier couch seating designs. This seating can also be incorporated with a fire pit or a patio to create the ultimate gathering space.

Transform Your Hillside

If your yard is more a hillside than a functional yard, consider using retaining walls to create flat, usable areas. This will not only give you space for planting but will also add more visual interest to the space.

DIY or Retaining Wall Contactors

While you may be the type of person who prefers DIY projects over hiring someone, when it comes to retaining walls, a contractor is worth the investment. While doing your retaining wall yourself may save you on labor costs, it could end up costing you more money and time in the long run. When you hire a licensed contractor, you can not only save time and money, but you can rest assured that your project is completed safely and meets industry standards of quality.

By hiring a licensed contractor for your retaining wall project, you can enjoy these benefits:

Save Time and Money

With a professional, you will get years of experience in retaining wall installation. They will know the right materials to use while accounting for budget, proper drainage, current soil conditions, and more. When you DIY major landscaping projects like this, you risk making mistakes and costing yourself more in additional materials.

Stay Safe

A professional landscape contractor is licensed and trained to handle the installation of a retaining wall. From heavy lifting and other risky tasks, you could become injured while trying to install your retaining wall yourself.
Get Great Results
When trying to complete the retaining wall installation yourself, you may not get the results you hoped for. The right contracting will protect your investment in your landscape by getting the job done right the first time, providing you with a retaining wall you can enjoy for years to come.

Professional Retaining Wall Installation Pittsburgh

At J Bird’s Landscaping, our experienced team can install the retaining wall you need to protect your property and more! Contact us today to learn more!

A man and a child are sitting in a vehicle that says ' ec ' on it

Author: Jay Nagy


Owner & Founded of J Bird's Landscaping. 18+ Years of experience in Pittsburgh lawn cutting, patio installation, trucking/hauling, French drain installation, and other landscape/design services.



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Managing stormwater effectively is crucial for maintaining a property that is safe, stable, and compliant with local environmental regulations. Whether you're a homeowner experiencing pooling water in your backyard or a developer planning large-scale drainage infrastructure, water retention systems offer the perfect solution. But before the system can do its job, there's one crucial phase that determines its success: excavation. This blog explores how professional excavation services in South Hills play a vital role in designing and installing effective water retention systems. We'll explain these systems, why they matter, and how excavation ensures they function efficiently from day one. What Is a Water Retention System, and Why Is It Needed? Water retention systems are designed to collect, hold, and slowly release stormwater. They serve two primary purposes: Flood Prevention — Retention systems protect buildings, landscapes, and roadways from flooding by controlling where and how water flows. Erosion Control and Soil Protection – Proper drainage prevents water from washing away topsoil, weakening foundations, or damaging plants. Water retention is critical in the South Hills region due to hilly terrain, older infrastructure, and heavy seasonal rainfall. Without proper drainage, properties can face water damage, basement flooding, and runoff that contributes to pollution downstream. Common Types of Water Retention Systems There are several types of retention systems, each requiring different levels of excavation and drainage planning: Retention ponds: Open basins designed to hold large volumes of water. Detention basins: Temporarily hold water before releasing it at a controlled rate. Dry wells: Underground chambers that collect and slowly disperse water. French drains: Gravel-filled trenches that help redirect water away from structures. Subsurface tank systems: Modular units buried underground to capture and manage runoff. Each of these systems begins with excavation, shaping the landscape to support the size, volume, and location of the drainage structure. Excavation: The Backbone of Every Drainage Project Excavation is a precise process that lays a strong foundation for an effective and reliable water retention system. Whether you're installing a dry well in your backyard or planning a large-scale basin for your commercial site, proper excavation helps you make sure that the system performs safely and efficiently. Here's why excavation is the first step in any water retention system installation: 1. Soil Testing and Assessment To begin the excavation process, contractors will conduct a detailed soil evaluation. Different soil types absorb and drain water differently. For example, sandy soils will allow water to percolate quickly, while clay soils, common in many South Hills neighborhoods, tend to retain water, increasing the risk of surface flooding. Soil testing helps determine the following: How deep to excavate What type of backfill or gravel may be needed Whether soil amendments or drainage fabrics are required Local experience plays a significant role here. A qualified excavation service in South Hills will understand the unique geotechnical conditions in areas like Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, and Baldwin. 2. Customized Grading and Land Shaping Grading refers to the process of sloping and contouring the land so that water flows in the desired direction. On sloped properties, precise grading is essential to avoid water collecting near foundations or running into neighboring lots. Excavation crews use GPS-enabled equipment and laser levels to: Establish positive drainage away from buildings. Create uniform slopes for channels or swales. Ensure retention basins have the correct depth and volume. Grading isn't just about utility; it's also about appearance. A well-graded retention area can blend into your landscape, doubling as a garden bed or natural-looking water feature. 3. Digging for Tanks, Basins, and Pipes Once grading is completed, excavation will begin for the drainage components. Depending on the system, this may involve: Digging deep pits for dry wells or water tanks Creating trenches for underground piping Shaping shallow depressions for surface retention basins Building reinforced walls for concrete or block containment systems This is where expertise and equipment matter most. The depth and width must meet strict guidelines for capacity, safety, and durability. Excavation crews also need to account for potential underground utilities, bedrock, or other unexpected obstacles. What to Expect from a Professional Excavation Service in South Hills Choosing an experienced excavation contractor helps you to ensure that your drainage project is completed on time, within your budget, and in compliance with local codes. A professional excavation service in South Hills will guide you through the following steps: Step 1: Initial Consultation and Planning The process starts with an on-site evaluation. The contractor will walk the property, assess slopes and soil, and help determine which retention system fits your needs. They'll also identify any permitting requirements based on municipal or county regulations. Step 2: Utility Marking and Site Preparation Before digging can start, all underground utilities, gas lines, water lines, and electrical cables must be marked. The excavation team will then clear the site, removing vegetation, old concrete, or debris. Step 3: Excavation and Installation Using backhoes, mini-excavators, or trenchers, the crew will shape the area. They will measure depths, apply gravel layers or liners, and install components like: Retention tanks Drainage pipes Filter fabrics Perforated basins Step 4: Backfilling and Restoration After installation is complete, the excavated area is backfilled with gravel, soil, or sand, depending on the project. The team then regrades the surface and may plant grass or install sod to blend the area into your existing landscape. Step 5: Final Inspection and Maintenance Plan Once the system is complete, your contractor will inspect it for performance and provide guidelines for seasonal maintenance. This may include: Removing debris from inlets or outlets Checking for erosion or settlement Inspecting overflow channels during heavy rain Excavation Challenges Specific to the South Hills Region If your property is located in the South Hills, you may have to deal with a few region-specific excavation concerns, such as: 1. Steep Slopes and Elevation Changes Many neighborhoods, like Upper St. Clair and Pleasant Hills, have sloped yards and driveways. Excavation in these areas requires slope stabilization and may include installing retaining walls or erosion control blankets. 2. Older Infrastructure and Tight Lots South Hills includes a mix of newer developments and older homes. Excavators often need to work around aging sewer systems, narrow access points, or tight property lines. 3. Municipal Stormwater Regulations Several South Hills municipalities have adopted stormwater ordinances that regulate the amount of water that can be released into public drains. Excavation contractors must ensure that systems are correctly sized and permitted. Benefits of Working with a Local Excavation Team Stormwater management is not a one-size-fits-all task. Working with a local excavation service in South Hills brings many benefits, including: Familiarity with local permitting offices and building codes Knowledge of soil patterns and drainage behavior across neighborhoods Faster response times for inspections and project coordination Established relationships with local engineers and landscape architects At J Bird's Landscaping, we combine local insight with professional-grade excavation capabilities to deliver reliable water retention solutions. Integrating Excavation and Landscaping for Seamless Results Excavation isn't just about digging; it's part of a bigger picture. After your retention system is installed, our landscaping team can restore the area with plants, mulch, pavers, or even decorative stone to match your property's aesthetics. Some of our most popular post-excavation upgrades include: Rain gardens that add beauty and pollinator support Permeable walkways to reduce runoff Decorative swales or bioswales with native grasses Low-maintenance groundcovers for erosion-prone slopes By choosing a company that handles both excavation and landscape design, you can be confident that your drainage solution will not only work but also look great. Water Retention Systems for Better Drainage Stormwater retention systems are critical for protecting your home, landscape, and local environment. However, the success of any system depends heavily on the quality of excavation that supports it. From soil testing and grading to trenching and system integration, excavation is the engine that drives performance. If you're considering a new water retention system or upgrading outdated drainage on your property, partnering with an experienced excavation service in South Hills is the smartest first step. Get in Touch with J Bird's Landscaping Today! Ready to take control of your property's water management? J Bird's Landscaping offers complete support for water retention system installation, including professional excavation, drainage planning, and finishing touches. We proudly serve homeowners, contractors, and property managers throughout the South Hills area. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or request an on-site evaluation.
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