Want a backyard slope that stops losing soil after every storm? This retaining wall project, originally shared Reddit user @velolziraptorTurned a rundown side yard into a structured landscape with drainage, terraced planting beds, and curved retaining walls built entirely by hand in two weeks.
Instead of covering the hillside with mulch and hoping to slow erosion, the project rebuilt the entire grade from the ground up. Deep ditches, drainage pipes, backfill stone, landscape fabric, and stacked retaining blocks transformed the collapsing slope into a layered system designed to control water and hold the hillside in place.
Erosion had started all over the side yard
The original slope had almost no structure to hold the soil in place. Thin grass, exposed dirt and uneven grading made the side yard look unfinished while the rain continued to carve paths through the hillside.
The direct transition to the side of the house also created dead zones where weeds could spread faster than they could establish themselves. The entire bank next to the foundation looked shaky compared to the flat lawn below.
The existing grade left the hill open to washout
From a side angle, the elevation change becomes more apparent. Near the center of the slope the soil had already begun to collapse while weeds and stunted growth showed the amount of movement the hill was experiencing over time.
The slope also drew attention to the HVAC unit and exposed foundation, making the side yard feel more like a leftover space than part of the landscape design.
Layout lines mark the entire new wall system
Before excavation began, spray paint and string lines mapped the footprint of the future retaining wall on the hill. Long trenches show where the lower retaining wall and drainage channels will eventually run.
The layout already introduces something that the yard previously lacked: structure. Curved lines soften the slope while making room for several planting levels rather than one continuous hill.
Trenching turned the backyard into a perfect excavation field
Once excavation began, the project shifted from landscaping to major structural work. Deeper cuts into the sandy soil revealed how much material needed to be removed before the wall’s base could begin.
The trenches also revealed how carefully drainage paths needed to be controlled to keep future water pressure away from the wall system.
The excavation created the foundation for the lower wall
A large amount of soil was released from the slope to create a compacted base area wide enough to retain the blocks, gravel and drainage pipe. The depth of the trench indicates that this is not a surface-level landscaping project.
The cut also begins to flatten parts of the hill into future terraces, helping to break up steep slopes into more usable zones.
Dual trenches began to define the tiered layout
With the excavation of both trench lines, the terrace design became visible for the first time. A retaining wall will support the upper slope while the lower wall will create another planting area below the yard.
The layered structure immediately made the hill feel more deliberate, rather than one large receding surface.
A heavy landscape fabric covers the entire slope
A large sheet of landscape fabric covers the exposed soil before the drainage stone and backfill go in. The black material separated the soil from the drainage layer while helping to stabilize the hillside behind the retaining walls.
This phase also showed how dependent the retaining wall system is on what remains hidden underground after the project is completed.
A gravel base and drainage pipe form the core structure
The first retaining blocks sat directly on compacted gravel while a perforated drainage pipe ran behind the wall to redirect water away from the structure. Crushed stone fills the void around the pipe to improve drainage flow.
Instead of relying on stacked blocks alone, a retaining wall system uses multiple drainage layers to reduce back pressure.
Curved retaining blocks began to reshape the hill
Once several courses were stacked, the retaining wall began to change the entire look of the side yard. The curved layout naturally follows the slope while creating strong visual definition across the lawn.
Dark retaining blocks also present a contrast against pale grass and bare soil.
Drainage channels ran on both terrace levels
Additional drainage pipes and gravel retaining walls extended into the upper and lower sections of the system. Each level focuses on controlling how water moves down a hill after a rain.
This phase shows how much of the infrastructure disappears behind the finished landscaping once the mulch and plants are added.
Terraces replace the original uncontrolled slopes
After backfilling, the hill finally began to resemble a finished landscape rather than an excavation site. The terrace shape creates a flat planting zone while reducing the visual harshness of the slope.
Even before planting, the wall system already makes the side yard feel more stable and purposeful.
Mulch and gravel define new planting beds
Fresh mulch, decorative gravel and retaining caps clean the entire structure while separating planting areas from the lawn below. Gravel channels also visually reinforce drainage paths built into the wall.
Stepped retaining edges help the curved design feel custom-built rather than stiff or industrial.
Finished retaining walls completely transformed the side yard
The finished landscape no longer looks like an erosion problem next to the house. Tiered planting beds, layered retaining walls and curved transitions transformed the sloping hillside into a designed outdoor amenity.
The retaining system visually connected the foundation of the house to the lawn below, rather than leaving a steep slope between them.
A curved terrace gives the entire backyard a more finished feel
From the ultimate wide angle, retaining walls reshape how the entire property feels. The side yard now serves as part of the landscape rather than a wasted space next to the house.
Layered terraces, drainage stone, planting beds, and curved retaining blocks transform the crumbling slope into the backyard’s strongest visual features.
All image credits go to the Reddit user @velolziraptor. Thanks for sharing.
