Living Retaining Wall Design & Installation

If you want to enhance the stability of your property while keeping it natural-looking, a living retaining wall is an excellent option for you. This type of structure is achieved by installing a series of galvanized welded wire forms known as soil baskets. Each basket is lined with a structural face wrap and geo-synthetic grid per specific engineered drawings. The baskets are backfilled and compacted with clean fill dirt and the face of the wall is planted, preferably with native plants.

Benefits of Living Retaining Walls

  • Less expensive – The materials are lighter and easier to transport and they take less time to install.
  • Superior Earth stabilization – The Soil Basket design is applicable to most slopes that need to be retained. The design requires that the dirt backfill be clean and free of debris and compacted to meet strict design standards. The baskets are made of galvanized steel so, properly installed, they will outlast any other products. In addition, the vegetated face of the structure will be key to the overall strength of the slope. Consideration should be given to the planting and watering needs of whatever is planted on the face. If near woods, the wall will be naturally seeded by nearby fauna. However, trees should not be allowed to grow out of the face of the wall, as they would jeopardize the structure.
  • Improves Drainage – The living wall will absorb the rainwater and allow it to drain gradually instead of encouraging runoff, which leads to flooding. 
  • Healthy for You, Your Family and Neighbors, and the Earth – The manufacturing, delivery, and installation of Soil Baskets have much less of a carbon footprint than concrete products. Adding a hillside of plants to any area will increase the welfare of the local biome. Making the choice to plant natively on your wall will allow your property to be better integrated into the larger biome. Native perennial wildflowers can be hydro seeded onto the face.
  • Natural Beauty – Living walls allow you to infuse your retaining wall with shades of green, pops of color from flowers, interesting textures from varied plant shapes and sizes, and even amazing aromas from fragrant plants. You can create a lush vertical garden as a focal point in your landscape.

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MaurerCo Retaining Walls is a family-owned and -operated company that specializes in the installation of high-quality living retaining walls.


To learn more about our services or to request a quote, get in touch with us today!