Services / Retaining Walls
Retaining Walls in Novato, CA
Retaining walls are one of the most misunderstood parts of a landscape. Built right, they hold for decades and disappear into the yard as intended. Built wrong, they lean, bulge, and eventually push earth into the neighbor's driveway. Our Novato retaining wall work is engineered for the hillside conditions Marin County actually has, with proper drainage and the reinforcement the height requires.
Our process
Every wall starts with a look at what is behind it. Soil type, slope, water flow, and load all determine what the wall needs to be, not the other way around. We size the footing correctly, install drain rock and pipe to move water out, and use the wall system that fits the aesthetic you want without cutting corners on the parts you will never see.
Who this is for
Homeowners in Novato and Marin County with a hillside lot, a failing wall from a prior contractor, or a grade change that needs to be tamed to make the yard usable. If the wall matters, this is the service.
Why Olympic Landscaping in Novato
Ten plus years of combined experience with Marin hillside conditions means we have built walls in the soils you have and know what they do in a wet winter. We do not treat drainage as optional because we have seen what happens when it is skipped.
Frequently asked questions about retaining walls in Novato
How tall can a retaining wall be without engineering?
In most Marin jurisdictions, walls over four feet from the bottom of the footing require an engineered plan. We coordinate that when needed.
What causes retaining walls to fail?
Almost always drainage, followed by undersized footings or missing reinforcement. All three are things we design for from the start.
How long does a retaining wall take to build?
A typical residential wall in Novato takes one to three weeks depending on length, height, and access.
Can you fix an existing wall or does it need to be replaced?
It depends on why it is failing. We do a site visit and give you an honest read on whether it can be repaired or should come out.
Get started
Request a quote for retaining walls in Novato
Tell us about the project and we will get back within one business day. No pressure, no obligation.