A retaining wall can completely transform a landscape. It can create usable space on a sloped property, prevent soil from moving downhill, define planting areas, and add structure and visual appeal to your yard.
But a retaining wall isn’t simply a stack of blocks holding back soil. It is an engineered landscape feature that has to withstand soil pressure, water, freezing temperatures, shifting ground, and the natural movement of the landscape.
Unfortunately, many retaining walls in the Omaha area begin to lean, crack, bow, or fail after 10 to 20 years. While age can certainly play a role, the underlying problem is often related to how the wall was originally designed, installed, or maintained.
Here are some of the most common reasons retaining walls fail—and what Omaha homeowners can do to help their walls last.
1. Poor Drainage Allows Water to Build Up Behind the Wall
One of the biggest threats to a retaining wall is water.
When rainwater or groundwater becomes trapped behind a wall, it increases the pressure pushing against the structure. Over time, that additional pressure can cause the wall to lean, bow, crack, or eventually collapse.
A properly designed retaining wall needs an effective drainage system to move water away from the back of the wall.
Depending on the project, drainage may involve features such as:
- Drainage stone
- Perforated drain pipe
- Proper grading
- Drainage outlets
- Water management behind the wall
Without proper drainage, even a well-built wall can eventually experience problems.
2. The Wall Wasn’t Built on a Proper Base
The foundation of a retaining wall is critical.
If the base isn’t properly prepared and compacted, the wall may settle unevenly. Once portions of the wall begin settling, the entire structure can become unstable.
A quality installation begins with preparing the ground beneath the wall and creating a stable foundation appropriate for the soil, wall type, and site conditions.
Skipping or rushing this step can save time during installation—but it can create expensive problems years later.
3. Omaha’s Freeze-Thaw Cycles Put Stress on Retaining Walls
Nebraska weather can be hard on outdoor structures.
During winter, moisture in the soil can freeze and expand. When temperatures rise, that frozen ground thaws and contracts. This repeated freeze-thaw cycle can cause movement in the soil surrounding a retaining wall.
Over many seasons, this movement can contribute to:
- Leaning walls
- Cracking
- Shifting blocks
- Uneven settlement
- Drainage problems
A retaining wall needs to be designed and installed with local weather and soil conditions in mind.
4. Soil Pressure Is Constantly Working Against the Wall
A retaining wall has one primary job: hold back soil.
That means the structure is under pressure every day.
If the wall wasn’t designed for the amount of soil it needs to retain or if additional weight is placed near the top of the wall—the pressure can increase significantly.
For example, placing heavy landscaping materials, structures, vehicles, or other loads near the edge of a retaining wall can increase the forces acting on it.
Proper planning is especially important for taller walls or walls supporting significant amounts of soil.
5. The Wrong Materials Were Used
Not every retaining wall material is appropriate for every application.
Landscape blocks, natural stone, poured concrete, timber, and other materials each have different characteristics and installation requirements.
Using materials that aren’t appropriate for the height, soil conditions, drainage needs, or overall design of the wall can contribute to premature failure.
Professional retaining wall installation takes these factors into consideration before construction begins.
6. The Wall Wasn’t Properly Reinforced
Some retaining walls require additional reinforcement to remain stable.
Depending on the wall’s height, soil conditions, and site characteristics, reinforcement may be necessary to help stabilize the structure and resist soil pressure.
For certain segmental retaining wall systems, geogrid reinforcement can extend behind the wall and help tie the structure into the surrounding soil.
The reinforcement requirements depend on the individual project, which is why retaining wall design shouldn’t be approached as a one-size-fits-all installation.
7. The Soil Behind the Wall Wasn’t Properly Compacted
Backfill material and compaction are also important.
If soil behind a retaining wall isn’t properly placed and compacted, it can settle over time. That settlement can create voids, movement, and additional stress on the wall.
A professional installation uses appropriate backfill and compaction techniques to create a more stable structure and reduce the likelihood of future movement.
8. Landscaping Changes Can Affect the Wall
Your landscape doesn’t stay exactly the same after a retaining wall is installed.
Trees grow. Gardens change. Drainage patterns can shift. Irrigation systems may be added. Homeowners may install patios, fences, sheds, or other features.
Changes around the wall can affect soil pressure and water movement.
For example, directing downspouts toward a retaining wall or installing irrigation where water can accumulate behind the structure may create problems that weren’t present when the wall was originally built.
Regularly inspecting the area around your retaining wall can help identify potential issues before they become major problems.
Signs Your Retaining Wall May Be Failing
You don’t have to wait until a retaining wall collapses to address a problem.
Keep an eye out for warning signs such as:
- The wall is beginning to lean
- Individual blocks or stones are shifting
- Cracks are developing
- Sections of the wall are bowing outward
- Soil is washing out
- Water is pooling behind the wall
- Drainage outlets are blocked
- Gaps are appearing between wall sections
- The ground above or below the wall is settling
If you notice these issues, it’s worth having the wall evaluated rather than assuming the problem will correct itself.
How to Make a Retaining Wall Last Longer
The key to a long-lasting retaining wall is addressing the factors that cause failure from the beginning.
A properly planned installation should consider:
Drainage: Water needs a way to move away from the structure.
Foundation: The wall needs a stable, properly prepared base.
Materials: The construction materials should be appropriate for the project.
Reinforcement: Taller or more heavily loaded walls may require additional stabilization.
Soil: Soil type, grading, and compaction all influence wall performance.
Local conditions: Omaha’s weather and seasonal ground movement should be considered during planning.
Professional design and installation can help address these factors before they become expensive problems.
Need a Retaining Wall in Omaha, NE?
A retaining wall should be more than something that looks good immediately after installation. It should be designed to withstand the conditions it will face for years to come.
If you’re considering a retaining wall installation in Omaha, Fort Calhoun, Bennington, Elkhorn, Blair, or the surrounding areas, Well Rooted Gardens can help you develop a landscape solution that balances function, durability, and appearance.
From managing slopes and drainage to creating attractive, usable outdoor spaces, proper planning is essential to getting the most from your investment.
Don’t wait until an aging retaining wall begins to fail. Contact Well Rooted Gardens to discuss your retaining wall and landscaping needs and create a plan built for the Omaha area’s conditions.