Retaining Walls
Front Yard Retaining Wall Project in Cedar Falls, IA
Cedar Falls, Iowa
A sloped front yard was leveled with an L-shaped retaining wall so the lawn and walk sit on usable ground.
The problem
The front yard fell toward the walk and street, so the lawn was hard to mow and the entry felt unfinished. The owner wanted a level approach without a tall fortress wall on the curb.
The property
Cedar Falls front yard with a moderate slope, public-facing street view, and a walk that needed to stay usable during construction.
Work performed
We laid out an L-shaped segmental wall, excavated, compacted the base, and built the corner so both legs stayed level. Backfill and drain tile went in, then we graded a flat lawn above the wall so the front yard became usable ground instead of a bank.
Materials
- Segmental retaining wall block
- Compacted base
- Gravel backfill
- Cap units
Layout, excavation, L-shaped wall build, backfill, and grading to create a flat front lawn.
Challenges
Front-yard walls have to look finished from the street. Courses, corners, and caps have to stay clean. We also had to keep water from the new upper lawn from spilling over the face. That is what the drain and grade are for.
Finished result
The front lawn sits on a level pad. The walk and yard are easier to use, and the wall reads as part of the house approach instead of a leftover slope. Same build details we use on backyard walls: base, gravel, pipe, then the pretty face.
Project questions
Where was this retaining walls project completed?
Front Yard Wall Rebuild was completed for a home in Cedar Falls, Iowa. A1 Property Services handles this work across Cedar Falls, Waterloo, and Black Hawk County.
Can you do a similar project on my property?
Yes. Every lot is different, but the same sequence applies: diagnose the site, build the structure or planting correctly for Iowa clay and freeze-thaw, then finish the grade. Request a free on-site quote and we will walk your property.