How SRW Improves Outdoor Space

Segmental Retaining Walls

What is the Purpose of SRW Slope Stabilization?


Soil stabilization is key to maintaining the integrity of slope and the project site stability. By stabilizing a slope with a segmental retaining wall (SRW), you can increase your useable space on any project site, prevent unnecessary erosion and runoff, and make the site safer for the occupants, visitors and maintenance crews. Slope stabilization also improves the aesthetics of the site.

Advantages of SRW Slope Stabilization:



  • Increases Useable Land

  • Prevents Erosion

  • Prevents Runoff

  • Makes the Site Safer

  • Improves Aesthetics

Example of slope stabilization using Belgard Commercial retaining walls, pavers, and stairs.
Belgard Commercial: Anchor Diamond® 9D

Preventing and Managing Erosion


Erosion control is a primary concern for any site with a slope. Soil erosion and runoff must be managed both during and after construction of a project to make sites both useable and safe. Erosion can be prevented on stabilizing slopes that could be washed away with heavy rain by using retaining walls. Soil that is washed or blown away from a site is likely to make its way to nearby waterways and contributes to sedimentation. A carefully planned retaining wall can be a multi-faceted solution to erosion control and storm water management.

Advantages of Controlling Erosion:



  • Makes the site safer

  • Prevents excessive runoff

  • Helps with stormwater management

Retaining pond with curved Belgard Commercial retaining walls.
Belgard Commercial: Anchor Diamond Pro®

Stormwater Management


Water absorbed by the soil is pulled down-slope by gravity. A certain amount of water will build up behind a retaining wall, but building proper drainage into a retaining wall design can divert water and prevent damage to the wall and to the slope it is stabilizing.

How to Build a Retaining Wall to Prevent Erosion


For storm water management and erosion control, build segmental retaining walls with irrigation units that support plant root growth and stabilizes the soil. Retaining walls are designed to handle some water build-up by considering the soil type and backfill necessary to improve drainage and relieve water pressure and plants help to filter out pollutants from storm water or runoff and to help minimize potential damage from heavy rains. They also prevent excessive runoff into streets, parking lots, and nearby waterways. Incorporating plants onto supported terraces also allows the wall to withstand greater pressure, much like deep roots hold soil naturally.
Retaining pond with curved Belgard Commercial retaining walls and stairs.
Belgard Commercial: Keystone® Compac

Site Safety & Utility


Two obvious, but perhaps overlooked benefits of segmental retaining walls, are that they make a site more useable and safer for occupants. This is especially true in residential applications where the site has a significant slope. Adding a retaining wall can provide multiple tiers to a yard, offering the homeowner more useable space where there had previously be little to none.

Site safety is important in all instances, and minimizing an unstable slope directly impacts the safety and utility of the land.


  • Retaining walls create more useable space, by replacing an unusable slope with flat terrain

  • Retaining walls can also be used to create a variety of levels on the site such as terraced gardens and outdoor seating areas

Outdoor performance area with retaining wall seating by Belgard Commercial.