Darien Retaining Wall Installation

Bret-Mar Landscape provides Darien retaining wall installation for front yards, driveway edges, and home entries. A well-planned wall can manage a grade change, help with soil erosion, and give the front of a home a more finished look. Our team plans retaining walls to fit the property’s layout and the surrounding landscape.

For Darien property owners, a retaining wall project can serve functional needs while improving the visual appeal of residential homes. The right design depends on the site, the home, and how you want the outdoor spaces to look and work.

Plan Your Retaining Wall →

Retaining Walls for Front Yards, Driveways, and Entries

Retaining walls can frame a front walk, define a driveway edge, or add structure around an entry. They can also help hold soil on a slope and support erosion control where runoff affects the landscape. Each site has different landscape challenges, so we consider the grade, soil type, water flow, and drainage needs before planning the wall.

Wall Styles and Materials for Darien Homes

The design of the wall should work with both the front yard’s functional needs and the home’s style. Stone walls can add texture and visual interest, while natural stone, masonry, and custom block walls offer different styles and finishes. Natural stone wall installation can add texture and character to an entry; the best material depends on the site and your aesthetic preferences.

A retaining wall can be a structural feature and a decorative stone feature at the same time. Bret-Mar Landscape’s retaining wall work includes stone, masonry, and custom block options. For additional examples, see our retaining walls.

Retaining Wall Site Evaluation and Construction

The first step is a site evaluation to discuss the front yard, driveway or entry, grade, soil, drainage, and how the area should function. Careful planning helps determine the wall’s purpose, material, and placement.

Review the site

We look at the layout, grade, soil type, drainage needs, and water flow around the proposed wall.

Plan the wall

We consider how the wall will provide structural support, fit the home, and contribute to the front yard’s appearance. The design and materials should suit the site and the wall’s purpose, supporting its structural integrity. A plat of survey is required to begin our design process and, in most cases, is needed for a building permit.

Complete the wall construction

Our skilled in-house team oversees and completes landscape and hardscape installations, coordinating the wall with the rest of the project.

Stone, masonry, and custom block are durable materials used to suit the home and the project. The wall type and installation details depend on the site and the wall’s purpose. We plan for proper drainage and Chicagoland weather, including heavy rain.

Plan Your Wall

A retaining wall can bring a clearer edge to a front yard, driveway, or entry. It may help manage soil erosion and runoff while adding a design feature that complements the home. Well-built hardscapes can contribute to long-term property value, and Bret-Mar Landscape’s hardscape base warranty is two years. Additional manufacturer warranties, where applicable, are disclosed in the project proposal.

For landscaping and related services in Darien, visit our Darien landscaping.

  Add Structure and Curb Appeal

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Meet the Team

  • A smiling man with a beard wearing a gray cap that reads 'Bret Mar Landscape,' a blue shirt, and black pants, sitting outdoors in a garden surrounded by greenery and plants.

    Adam

    CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

    Adam was raised in the landscape industry and developed an early fascination with heavy equipment and hands-on construction. From a young age, he was drawn to understanding how things work—spending hours building and rebuilding projects with Legos, which naturally evolved into a passion for operating equipment and constructing outdoor spaces. He joined the family business after studying Agriculture and Soil Science at South Dakota State University, where he was also a member of the FarmHouse Fraternity. Adam oversees the operations side of the business, managing project construction and field execution. Outside of work, he is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys spending time with his dog, Charlie, and ice fishing.

  • A smiling woman with brown hair, wearing a gray button-up shirt and jeans, posing outdoors with her dog in front of a lush bush with pink and green flowers.

    Ashley

    PRESIDENT

    Ashley grew up in the landscape industry and studied Landscape Architecture and Business at South Dakota State University, where she was also a NCAA Division I equestrian athlete. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Landscape Illinois and is a past president of the organization. Ashley is passionate about landscape design and the ability to thoughtfully design outdoor spaces to enrich people’s lives—creating environments that encourage gathering and reflect pride of ownership. Outside of work, Ashley and her husband, Tim, enjoy spending time outdoors with their three dogs, hiking and fishing. She also competes in jumper competitions with her horse, Stella.

  • An elderly man with white hair and a mustache smiling outdoors surrounded by pink and cream hydrangea flowers.

    Kurt

    LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

    An avid outdoorsman, Kurt developed an early passion for land management. He studied Landscape Architecture at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he met his wife, Sharon. Kurt leads the development and care of the nursery grounds at Bret-Mar, taking great pride in growing and nurturing plants that go on to thrive in clients’ landscapes. Outside of work, he enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his family on fishing trips.

  • A smiling woman with glasses sitting outdoors on a rock with her dog in a garden. She is wearing a blue plaid shirt and white pants, while the dog is a white retriever with its tongue out.

    Sharon

    LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

    From an early age, Sharon knew she wanted to pursue a career in the landscape industry. Her first job, while in high school, was at a garden center, where she developed a strong passion for plants and horticulture. She studied Landscape Architecture at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she also met her husband, Kurt. The landscape industry remains a lifelong passion for Sharon, and she enjoys spending time in her garden harvesting vegetables and cut flowers alongside her dog, Elly.

  • The final result turned out even better than we ever imagined. Every detail was tailored to our exact taste, and we couldn’t be happier. We absolutely love everything they did and are so, so happy with the outcome. We would recommend Bret-Mar without hesitation and are already looking forward to working with them again in the future.

    — Michelle M.

  • Ashley, Bailey and Adam were a pleasure to work with on our stone wall project. Very responsive and helpful during the design and implementation. Will definitely use Bret-Mar again!

    — Marie

  • We have worked with Bret-Mar landscape for several of the projects in our yard and their work is top-notch. The entire team and crew at Bret-Mar goes above and beyond in their attention to detail, professionalism, communication & care throughout the project. Our yard has become a feature of our property and we are so grateful that Bret-Mar brought our vision to life.

    — jrse08

  • We are absolutely thrilled with the beauty and natural look of the landscaping. Sharon was very knowledgeable, professional and responsive. The staff and workers were friendly, courteous, and experienced. We highly recommend Bret-Mar for all your landscaping needs.

    — Roseanne G.

  • Bret-Mar always does such beautiful work, and not only do you get to enjoy the improved living space, it also ends up paying off as a great investment! We've had them do several improvements to our yard over the years. Now we are downsizing and moving to a condo, and so we listed our home for sale. We ended up getting much more money for our house than we expected, and the first couple who came to see it bought it!

    - Timothy M.

  • We recently had our front yard designed and installed by Bre-Mar. We had worked directly with Sharon.  She followed up on the project from start to finish.  Our vision, due to her knowledge, expertise, and professionalism provided us with a front yard that we are so proud of.  It truly exceeded our expectations.

    - Karen

  • I have used the services of Bret-Mar Landscape for the past eighteen years - from landscape design in both my front and back yards, brick paver installation, the design and installation of a pond and waterfall, and selection of mature trees for planting.

    Everyone at Bret Mar is thoughtful and really listen to a client's wants and wishes when planning.  Their suggestions are creative and very natural looking. I look forward to my next project.  It's always enjoyable working with them.  They treat me like I am their only client.

    - Dawn B.

 Plan Your Darien Retaining Wall

Tell us about the front yard, driveway edge, or entry you want to improve. Our team can discuss a retaining wall design that fits the property and the surrounding landscape.

Plan Your Retaining Wall

Serving: Homer Glen • Lemont • Orland Park • Lockport • Mokena • Palos Park • Palos Heights • New Lenox • Frankfort • Darien • Burr Ridge • Willow Springs • Naperville • Woodridge • Bolingbrook • Palos Hills • Tinley Park