Quote from larkinlandscaping on December 19, 2025, 5:40 am

The topography of Clive, IA is one of its most beautiful features. The rolling hills surrounding the Greenbelt and the natural valleys create scenic views and interesting neighborhoods. However, this same topography presents unique challenges for homeowners. Sloped yards can be difficult to mow, unusable for recreation, and prone to serious drainage issues. If you are struggling with a hill or a wet basement, the solution often lies in professional landscaping and retaining walls.

The Engineering of Retaining Walls

A retaining wall is more than just a stack of blocks; it is a structural dam holding back tons of soil pressure. In Clive, IA, where heavy spring rains saturate the ground, this pressure increases exponentially. If a wall is not built with proper engineering, it will bulge, lean, and eventually collapse.

At Larkin Landscape & Design, we treat retaining walls as construction projects.

·        The Base: We excavate a trench below the frost line and fill it with compacted aggregate to create a stable footer that won't shift during winter.

·        Drainage: This is the most critical component. We install perforated drain pipes and a "chimney" of clean gravel behind the wall. This ensures that water flows away rather than building up hydrostatic pressure behind the blocks.

·        Reinforcement: For taller walls, we use geogrid mesh buried in the soil layers to anchor the wall deep into the hillside.

Creating Usable Yard Space

If your backyard in Clive, IA is a steep slope, you likely feel like you are wasting property tax on land you can't use. You can't put a swing set on a 30-degree incline, and you certainly can't set up a patio table. Retaining walls allow us to "terrace" the property. We cut into the hill to create flat benches of land. The upper terrace might become a paver patio right off your back door. The lower terrace could be leveled for a grassy play area. Terracing turns a liability (a steep hill) into a feature (a multi-level garden estate).

Managing Water and Erosion

Erosion is a silent destroyer. In Clive, IA, runoff from slopes can wash away topsoil, expose tree roots, and silt up drainage swales. Worse, if the grade slopes toward your house, that water ends up against your foundation. We use retaining walls and strategic grading to direct water away from the home.

·        Burying Downspouts: A common solution in Clive, IA is to bury downspouts. We connect gutters to rigid PVC pipes underground, transporting roof runoff 20 or 30 feet away from the foundation to a safe discharge point.

·        French Drains: For low spots that stay soggy, we install French drains—gravel-filled trenches with perforated pipes that collect subsurface water and shuttle it away.

Aesthetics: Matching the Clive Look

Retaining walls don't have to look industrial. We offer materials that match the high aesthetic standards of Clive, IA neighborhoods.

·        Natural Stone: Large limestone boulders create a rustic, organic look that fits perfectly with homes near the Greenbelt or wooded lots.

·        Segmental Block: Modern concrete blocks come in textures that mimic slate or weathered stone, offering a clean, contemporary look that complements modern architecture.

Conclusion

Don't let a difficult slope dictate how you use your yard. With professional engineering and design, you can conquer the hills of Clive, IA. A retaining wall protects your property from erosion, keeps your basement dry, and unlocks new square footage for outdoor living. Trust the local experts to reshape your terrain into something functional and beautiful.