When planning your landscaping project, it’s important to know the difference between a garden wall and a retaining wall. While they may look similar, each serves a unique purpose and is built to handle different demands.
What is a garden wall used for in landscaping?
A garden wall is primarily decorative and defines spaces within your landscape.
Garden walls are typically low (under 2 feet), non-load-bearing structures that outline flower beds, walkways, or seating areas. They are often built for aesthetic purposes—to create visual boundaries, highlight focal points, or separate different zones in your yard. Garden walls can also serve functional purposes like keeping mulch or soil contained, but they’re not designed to hold back significant weight or pressure.
Common uses for garden walls:
- Bordering raised flower beds
- Creating seating walls around patios
- Defining pathways or lawn edges
- Enhancing curb appeal with structure and symmetry
What is the purpose of a retaining wall?
A retaining wall is built to support soil and prevent erosion on sloped landscapes.
Unlike garden walls, retaining walls are structural. They’re engineered to hold back soil and resist lateral pressure, especially in areas with elevation changes. Retaining walls are often necessary for sloped properties, where soil would otherwise erode or shift. These walls can range from a few feet to several feet tall and may require permits and drainage planning depending on their height and load-bearing requirements.
Typical uses for retaining walls:
- Holding back soil on steep slopes
- Preventing erosion near driveways, foundations, or walkways
- Creating level areas for patios or gardens
- Supporting raised planters or terraces
How do the materials and construction differ?
Retaining walls require reinforced materials and proper drainage, while garden walls can be more flexible.
Retaining walls are usually made from concrete blocks, poured concrete, large stone, or engineered block systems, and they often include drainage solutions like gravel backfill and weep holes to relieve pressure. The base must be properly excavated and compacted to support the load behind the wall.
Garden walls, on the other hand, can be constructed with smaller pavers, brick, natural stone, or even wood. They typically don’t require reinforcement or complex drainage, making them easier and less expensive to install.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall or garden wall?
You may need a permit for a retaining wall, but rarely for a garden wall.
Most municipalities require a building permit for retaining walls that exceed 3 to 4 feet in height, especially if the wall is load-bearing or near structures. Garden walls generally don’t require permits because they are not designed to support heavy loads. It’s always best to check with your local regulations before starting a project.
Which wall is right for your landscaping needs?
Choose a garden wall for aesthetics and space definition; choose a retaining wall for structural support.
If you’re simply looking to add style, separation, or a raised planting bed, a garden wall is likely sufficient. However, if your landscape includes slopes, drainage issues, or areas where soil retention is critical, a retaining wall is the smarter, safer option.
Can one project include both garden and retaining walls?
Yes, many landscape designs successfully incorporate both types of walls.
It’s common to use retaining walls for grade management and garden walls for visual interest or added function. For example, a retaining wall might hold back a slope, while a garden wall sits atop it to create a raised flower bed or built-in seating area. When planned together, the result is both functional and visually cohesive.
Need help deciding between a garden wall and a retaining wall?
Tebock’s Landscape can design and build the right wall for your outdoor space.
Whether you need to stabilize a slope or simply want to add character to your yard, our team provides expert guidance and professional installation. We specialize in building both retaining walls and garden walls with quality materials and craftsmanship.
📞 Contact Tebock’s Landscape today to schedule a consultation or request a free estimate.
