A well-built retaining wall does more than hold back soil. It transforms sloped and uneven terrain into usable outdoor living space, prevents erosion, manages stormwater runoff, and adds lasting visual appeal to your property. At Evergreen Hardscaping, we have been designing and constructing retaining walls across Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland since 1996 -- and every wall we build is engineered to perform for decades.
Retaining Walls Built to Last
Delaware's rolling terrain and clay-heavy soils create real challenges for homeowners. Without proper grade management, rainwater pools against foundations, garden beds wash away, and usable yard space shrinks with every storm. A professionally engineered retaining wall solves all of these problems while creating clean, level areas for patios, gardens, driveways, and play spaces.
Our team approaches every retaining wall project with a structural-engineering mindset. We evaluate soil conditions, hydrostatic pressure, slope angles, and surcharge loads before selecting materials or laying a single block. For walls exceeding four feet in exposed height, we work with licensed structural engineers to produce stamped drawings that meet Delaware building code requirements and ensure long-term stability.
The base is where most retaining walls succeed or fail. We excavate below the frost line, compact the subgrade in lifts using plate compactors, and install a minimum six-inch compacted aggregate base course. Every Evergreen retaining wall includes a geotextile fabric separation layer to prevent soil migration into the drainage aggregate, and perforated drain pipe at the footing to relieve hydrostatic pressure before it can compromise the structure.
Why Retaining Walls Matter for Delaware Properties
Delaware's Mid-Atlantic climate brings an average of 45 inches of rainfall per year, and the heavy clay soils common throughout New Castle and Kent counties drain poorly. This combination puts immense lateral pressure on any structure holding back earth. A retaining wall built without proper drainage, compaction, or reinforcement will eventually lean, crack, or collapse -- and the cost of rebuilding far exceeds doing it right the first time.
Beyond structural necessity, retaining walls unlock design possibilities that flat landscapes simply cannot offer. Tiered walls create distinct outdoor rooms -- a fire pit terrace on one level, a garden on the next, a patio above. They frame driveways, define property boundaries, and provide attractive seating edges along patios and walkways. When combined with landscape lighting, a well-designed retaining wall becomes a striking architectural feature after dark.
Retaining Wall Types We Build
Segmental Retaining Walls (SRW)
Segmental block walls are the most popular choice for residential retaining walls in Delaware. Manufactured concrete units interlock without mortar and are designed to lean back into the retained soil at a precise batter angle. We install leading brands including EP Henry, Belgard, Techo-Bloc, and Unilock. Segmental walls offer a wide range of textures, colors, and profiles -- from clean-lined contemporary to tumbled old-world aesthetics.
For walls requiring additional structural capacity, we install geogrid reinforcement layers at engineered intervals. Geogrid extends back into the compacted backfill zone and increases the effective mass of the wall system, allowing us to build taller structures with confidence. Our ICPI certification and NCMA accreditation mean we follow the industry's highest standards for segmental wall construction.
Natural Stone Retaining Walls
For clients who prefer an organic, timeless look, we build retaining walls using Pennsylvania fieldstone, bluestone, granite, and other locally sourced natural stone. Dry-stacked stone walls suit informal garden settings, while mortared stone walls provide greater structural capacity for taller applications. Each stone is hand-selected and placed with careful attention to fit, creating a wall that looks like it has been part of the landscape for generations.
Boulder Retaining Walls
Boulders deliver a bold, naturalistic aesthetic and exceptional structural performance. We source weathered Pennsylvania boulders ranging from 500 to 5,000 pounds and place them with excavators to create walls that blend seamlessly with wooded and rustic landscapes. Boulder walls work well along streams, at the base of slopes, and in settings where a rugged, organic feel is desired.
Retaining Wall Materials
We work with the region's top manufacturers and quarries to offer a full spectrum of materials for every style and budget.
Segmental Block
Manufactured concrete units in dozens of colors and textures. Interlocking design with optional geogrid reinforcement. Ideal for clean, uniform walls up to 20+ feet.
Natural Stone
Pennsylvania fieldstone, bluestone, and granite. Dry-stacked or mortared. Timeless appearance that weathers beautifully over decades.
Boulders
Weathered Pennsylvania boulders from 500 to 5,000 lbs. Machine-placed for a dramatic, naturalistic look along slopes, streams, and wooded lots.
Our Retaining Wall Process
Every Evergreen retaining wall follows a proven process designed around structural integrity, proper drainage, and lasting beauty.
Site Evaluation
We assess soil type, slope angle, drainage patterns, and surcharge loads to determine the right wall system for your property.
Engineering & Design
Custom design with 3D renderings. Walls over 4 feet receive stamped structural engineering drawings for code compliance.
Excavation & Base
Excavation below frost line, geotextile fabric placement, and compacted aggregate base course installed in controlled lifts.
Drainage System
Perforated drain pipe at the footing with clean drainage stone behind the wall. Proper drainage prevents hydrostatic pressure buildup.
Wall Construction
Block, stone, or boulder placement with precise leveling. Geogrid reinforcement installed at engineered intervals for tall walls.
Finishing & Capping
Cap stones or coping installed, backfill compacted, and landscape grading completed. Final walkthrough with the homeowner.
Related Services
"Scott and his team transformed our backyard into something out of a magazine. The retaining walls, fire pit, and paver patio all came together beautifully. Professional from day one."
Get a Free Retaining Wall Estimate
Whether you need a small garden wall or a large-scale structural retaining system, Evergreen Hardscaping has the experience and certifications to build it right. Schedule your free on-site consultation today.