You’re not imagining it. That slope is getting worse every storm.
Charlotte gets 43 inches of rain a year, which is above the national average. Add in the possibility of flash floods and heavy summer storms, and you’ve got a real problem. Your topsoil washes down the hill, your grass thins out, and you’re left with ruts, sinkholes, and unusable space.
A properly installed retaining wall in Olive Branch, NC stops that cycle. It holds the soil in place, manages water runoff before it carves channels through your yard, and creates level ground where you can actually walk, play, or landscape. You’re not just protecting what you have. You’re getting back space you’ve been losing for years.
And if you’ve been fertilizing that lawn? You’re watching your money run into the street every time it pours. Retention wall blocks keep your investment where it belongs.
Union Landscaping and Hardscape S Corp is a family-owned company based in Monroe, North Carolina. We’ve been installing retaining walls, patios, and outdoor structures throughout Olive Branch and the surrounding areas long enough to know what works here and what doesn’t.
We’re ICPI and NCMA certified for paver and retaining wall installation. That means we know how to prep the base, account for drainage, and build walls that last decades, not just a few seasons. We handle permit research and applications when your project needs it, and we know the local codes well enough to keep you out of trouble down the line.
You’re not getting a crew that’s winging it. You’re getting people who’ve done this hundreds of times in soil and weather conditions just like yours.
First, we assess your property. We look at the slope, the soil type, where water runs when it rains, and whether you’re dealing with any structural issues that need fixing before we start. If your project requires a permit, we handle that too.
Next, we excavate and prep the foundation. This is the part most people don’t see, but it’s the reason a wall either lasts five years or fifty. We’re not cutting corners on base material, compaction, or drainage setup. Concrete retaining wall blocks need a solid foundation, or they’ll shift, crack, and fail.
Then we install the retaining wall blocks. Depending on your design, we use natural stone, concrete block, or brick. We build in proper drainage behind the wall so water doesn’t build up and push it over. Every course is leveled, every block is secured, and every joint is checked.
Finally, we backfill, compact, and finish the area. You get a wall that’s structurally sound, visually clean, and ready to handle whatever weather Olive Branch throws at it.
Ready to get started?
You get a full site evaluation before we touch a shovel. We measure, plan, and design based on your property’s specific conditions. If you’ve got drainage problems, steep grades, or limited space, we account for all of it.
You get professional-grade materials. We use retaining wall blocks that are rated for structural load and weather exposure. No flimsy pavers or undersized stone. Everything is chosen to hold up under pressure and look good doing it.
You get proper installation. That means excavation to the right depth, crushed stone base that’s compacted correctly, and drainage systems built into the wall. It also means we pull permits when needed and make sure your project meets local building codes in Olive Branch, NC.
And you get a complete warranty on materials and installation. We stand behind the work because we know how to do it right the first time. If something’s not holding up the way it should, we fix it.
It depends on the height and location of the wall. Most basic retaining walls under four feet don’t require a permit in Olive Branch, but if you’re building near a property line, altering drainage patterns, or going taller than that, you probably do.
We handle the permit research and application as part of our service. We know the local requirements and what the county wants to see in terms of engineering, drainage plans, and setbacks. It’s always better to check beforehand than deal with compliance issues later.
If your wall doesn’t need a permit, we’ll tell you that too. But we’re not guessing. We know the codes.
Most residential retaining wall projects take between three and seven days, depending on the size, height, and site conditions. A simple 20-foot wall on flat ground with good access goes faster than a tiered system on a steep slope with limited equipment access.
Weather plays a role too. If we’re in the middle of a wet stretch, we may need to pause until the ground firms up. Trying to compact a base in mud doesn’t work, and we’re not going to rush a foundation just to meet a deadline.
We’ll give you a realistic timeline during the estimate. And if something changes, we’ll let you know before it becomes a problem.
Concrete retaining wall blocks are the most common choice because they’re durable, affordable, and available in a range of styles. They hold up well in our climate, they’re easy to replace if one ever gets damaged, and they don’t require mortar, which can crack over time.
Natural stone is another solid option if you want a more custom look. It’s heavier, more expensive, and takes longer to install, but it’s hard to beat aesthetically. Brick works too, but it’s less common for structural walls because it requires mortar and more maintenance.
We’ll walk you through the pros and cons based on your budget, your property, and how you want the finished wall to look. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but we’ll help you pick the right material for your situation.
Yes, if it’s designed correctly. A retaining wall doesn’t just hold back soil. It also redirects water and prevents runoff from carving through your yard. We build drainage into every wall we install, using gravel backfill, weep holes, and perforated pipe to move water away from the structure.
If you’ve got standing water, erosion channels, or areas where your yard floods after heavy rain, a retaining wall can be part of the solution. But it’s not automatic. The wall has to be positioned right, graded properly, and integrated with the rest of your drainage system.
We assess all of that during the site visit. If a retaining wall won’t solve your drainage issue, we’ll tell you what will.
Cost depends on height, length, materials, and site conditions. A basic concrete block wall runs less than a custom natural stone design. A wall on flat ground with easy access costs less than one on a steep slope where we need special equipment.
We’re not the cheapest option, and that’s intentional. You’re paying for proper excavation, quality materials, certified installation, and a warranty that actually means something. Cheap retaining walls fail. They lean, crack, and need to be rebuilt within a few years.
We’ll give you a detailed estimate after we see your property. No surprises, no upselling. Just a clear breakdown of what it costs to do the job right.
Look for cracks, bulging, or sections that are leaning forward. If you see separation between blocks, soil spilling over the top, or water pooling near the base, those are all signs the wall is failing. Ignore them long enough, and you’re looking at a full replacement instead of a repair.
Most retaining wall problems come from poor drainage or a weak foundation. Water builds up behind the wall, pressure increases, and the structure gives way. If the base wasn’t compacted right or the backfill wasn’t done correctly, the wall will shift over time.
We can assess your existing wall and tell you whether it’s worth repairing or if you’re better off starting over. Either way, addressing it now prevents bigger problems later.
Local Resources
Useful Links
Other Services we provide in Olive Branch
