Every time it rains, your yard turns into a soggy mess. Water collects in low spots, flows where it shouldn’t, and slowly eats away at your landscape. If you’ve dealt with pooling water, soil erosion, or a muddy slope, you’re not alone—and there’s a smart, long-lasting solution. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how retaining walls help solve common drainage problems, why they work so well, and where they make the biggest difference.
What Are Retaining Walls and How They Help With Drainage
Retaining walls are sturdy structures built to hold back soil, create level areas, and stabilize slopes. But they do more than just reshape a yard—they can be a key part of redirecting water and improving drainage in your landscape.
When built properly, retaining walls manage runoff by guiding water away from trouble spots. They can reduce erosion, protect foundations, and even prevent flooding. Their design can include drainage features like gravel backfill or weep holes that make a big impact over time.
Let’s take a closer look at how retaining walls can work as drainage-friendly structures—and how they solve problems you might be dealing with right now.
5 Ways Retaining Walls Help With Drainage Issues
Retaining walls do more than just look good—they serve a purpose when it comes to redirecting water. Here are five ways they help solve drainage issues while keeping your outdoor space safe and functional.
1. They Reduce Soil Erosion
Sloped areas are especially vulnerable to erosion during heavy rainfall. Retaining walls help hold the soil in place, preventing it from being washed away by runoff. This not only protects the slope but also safeguards nearby features like patios, walkways, and lawns. Over time, this reduces damage and keeps your outdoor space stable and attractive.
2. They Slow Down Water Flow
When rainwater moves too quickly down a slope, it can flood low areas and weaken the landscape. Retaining walls interrupt that flow, slowing it down and spreading it out more evenly. This allows the soil to absorb moisture gradually, reducing runoff issues. Slower water movement helps keep erosion and property damage in check.
3. They Direct Water Away From the Home
Retaining walls can be designed to include gentle slopes or channels that guide water in the right direction. Instead of pooling near your home’s foundation, water is redirected to safe drainage points. This lowers the risk of basement leaks or crawl space flooding. A well-planned wall protects your home from long-term water issues.
4. They Add Built-In Drainage Features
A quality retaining wall includes smart drainage elements built right into the structure. Materials like gravel backfill, perforated pipes, or weep holes help move water safely through the wall. These features stop pressure from building up behind the wall, which can lead to cracks or collapse. Built-in drainage is key for strength and durability.
5. They Create Terraced Levels
On steep properties, retaining walls can create flat, stepped levels across the slope. These terraces break up long, continuous slopes where water tends to rush downhill. As a result, each level controls runoff more effectively and reduces erosion. Terracing also gives you more usable outdoor space for planting or relaxing.
In addition to their drainage benefits, retaining walls offer a number of practical perks worth knowing about that make them a smart investment.
Other Benefits Retaining Walls Provide
Aside from solving drainage issues, retaining walls bring long-term value and stability to outdoor spaces. They improve function and design by creating structure, leveling slopes, and enhancing curb appeal. These walls do more than hold soil—they transform the way your landscape works and looks.
- Create more usable space on sloped properties
- Improve curb appeal with a custom hardscape feature
- Add definition to outdoor areas like patios and walkways
- Protect against soil movement and shifting
- Increase property value by improving structure and design
Retaining walls do more than stop water—they build structure into your landscape that lasts. But when do you really need one?
When Retaining Walls Make Sense in Indiana
Whether the land is flat with poor drainage or steep slopes prone to erosion, retaining walls offer a lasting fix. They hold back soil, redirect water, and improve the overall function of your outdoor space.
- Sloped yards where soil and water run downhill
- Homes with basements or crawl spaces at risk of water damage
- Properties with standing water or poor drainage after rain
- Areas where erosion is washing away topsoil
- Spaces needing more flat, usable outdoor areas
If any of these situations sound familiar, it might be time to talk about your options with a trusted contractor.
Why Homeowners Trust Us for Retaining Wall Projects
Building a retaining wall the right way requires more than stacking blocks—it requires the right design, materials, and installation process. That’s where we come in.
At New Gen Landscaping, we specialize in hardscaping solutions that solve problems and look great doing it. We design and install retaining walls that improve drainage, support slopes, and hold up for years to come. Whether you need one to solve runoff issues or just want to reclaim more usable space, we’ll create a plan that fits your property and your goals.
From concrete block walls to natural stone, every project is built with precision, care, and functionality in mind. We know Indiana weather, soil types, and what it takes to make your landscape work smarter—not harder.
Ready to Stop the Drainage Struggles? Let’s Talk
A retaining wall might be the missing piece in your drainage puzzle. If you’re dealing with erosion, runoff, or soggy spots, now’s the time to take action. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and see how a custom-built retaining wall can transform your outdoor space.