What is the best material to fill behind a retaining wall?

• <div><p>Sand and gravel are two suitable options for filling behind a retaining wall. If you’re building your own retaining wall, you’ll complete this part of the process—known as backfilling—after you finish laying the blocks. Make sure not to skip it—otherwise, you could wind up with drainage issues, which can cause your retaining wall to collapse.</p></div>

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Q: Does a small retaining wall need a foundation?

• <div><p>Small retaining walls still require a foundation of some kind, typically a concrete footing. This helps to ensure the wall is structurally sound and prevents the ground from shifting over time, especially during those winter freeze/thaw cycles. The footing helps spread the weight of the wall and the load it carries over a larger area of the ground, thus assisting with stability. This is true of small retaining walls, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas.htm">larger rock garden</a> walls, and the like. </p></div>

Q: Are there decorative options for retaining walls?

• <div><p>Yes, including patterns, finishes, and plant integration for aesthetic enhancement.</p></div>

Q: What happens if you don't backfill a retaining wall?

• <div><p>If you don&rsquo;t backfill a retaining wall&mdash;either at all or adequately enough&mdash;the wall won&rsquo;t drain well, and water will be able to pass through it. Poor drainage will lead to a warped wall or a buildup of hydrostatic pressure, which can eventually collapse your retaining wall. If you have particularly sloped land, consult a structural engineer to ensure your <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/hardscape-features-bring-value-landscape.htm">hardscaping is adding value to your home</a>.</p></div>

Q: Do you need a permit for a retaining wall?

• <div><p>Yes, to build a retaining wall, a permit is required. Similarly, any repairs or modifications to an existing retaining wall require permits. If the planned wall measures higher than 4 feet, most municipalities require designs and permits come through a licensed engineer. In some locations, if the wall is shorter than 4 feet, a permit may not be required. For the requirements in your area, contact your local government.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Retaining Wall Installation pros in Las Vegas, NM

*The Angi rating for Retaining Wall Installation companies in Las Vegas, NM is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Retaining Wall Installation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Retaining Wall Installation companies in Las Vegas, NM is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Retaining Wall Installation needs.

Last update on May 25, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Several young workers removed leaves & debris, planted perennials, trimmed trees, rearranged rocks to be more decorative, Watered new & existing plants, applied iron nutrients, compost & new soil, listened to my suggestions & experience with front & back yards.
Scape Squad Landscaping
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Reviewed in September 2022
Drew is a good person and did a good job on my windows and even helped me with a door free of charge.
True Clean New Mexico
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Reviewed in August 2022
Justin was very outgoing and willing to take that extra step to insure that the job was done right Justin not only cleaned our carpets and upholstery but he also cleaned our vents and tile. I high recommend his services to anyone looking for a job done right the first time.
Justin's Cleaning Service
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Reviewed in July 2022
Military Personal Beware of The Alarm Store I am writing this review on behalf of my parents to include myself. I am an Army Veteran of 22+ years and I am now taking care of my parents. My parents were experiencing issues with the system to include arming it. My mom who is in her mid-60’s...
T A S Security Systems Inc
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Reviewed in November 2020
Finally someone found out what was wrong with my outside walls and now I have scheduled an appointment with someone who can fix it. I’m so glad I found this company.
Lopez Home Inspections
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Reviewed in October 2020
So far, terrible. First, a warning: I would recommend that a customer NOT agree to 50% up front money. They took a LOT of money, then didn't show up for 11 weeks. And communicating to find out about the delay was frustrating. They are over a month late (past their NLT date) finishing. They left...
Renewal by Andersen of New Mexico
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Reviewed in September 2019
I had two installers from DreamStyle come install my front door and my sliding back door (Gabriel Moreno and Ruben Olivares). They did amazing work and explained every detail. They cleaned up whatever mess they made with the tools and took time to make my house look incredible! I m so happy with...
Dreamstyle Remodeling of New Mexico
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Reviewed in October 2018
PJ Martinez and Mike Martinez arrived on time, prepared, and ready to work. From the start it was obvious that they knew how to do the job and how to do it right. They were efficient, knowledgeable, and ready to answer our questions. We are very satisfied with the quality of materials and with...
Dreamstyle Remodeling
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Reviewed in January 2014
It went amazingly well. The granite looks beautiful, and I am a very happy customer. I'm very grateful for their suggested improvements to the installation, which were to use the smaller of the two possible cutouts for the kitchen sink (to create a lip to hide the caulking), and to move the...
Granite Passion LLC
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Reviewed in June 2013
I bought a car 5 months ago from them. When I was there signing all the contracts for car that was priced at $8000.00, they told me I had been approved by a finance company. I was told I was ready to go and drove my new car home. I called after a few months to ask about my payments and when I...
Santa Fe Mazda-Volvo
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Find Retaining wall installation pros in Las Vegas

21 landscaping & turf LLC

4.9(

)

Serving Las Vegas, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Jose and his team were absolutely incredible! They worked so efficiently and managed to bring my dream yard to life. I can't thank them enough for their hard work and dedication. Without a doubt, I will be reaching out to them for any and all of my future landscaping needs."

+18

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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A's Landscaping Services

5.0(

)

Serving Las Vegas, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

"Alberto and his crew are excellent! Professional, efficient, timely, reliable, superior quality work on any project: we have hired Alberto’s crew for landscaping, planting large & small, rock work, maintenance - you name it. We cannot say enough good about them!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Sharp Concrete Masonry

5.0(

)

Serving Las Vegas, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Outstanding job! Alejandro Gomez did a great job with his crew to make my patio look wonderful and just the way I wanted. He was very accommodating and professional."

+15

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Peregrino Garden Landscaping LLC

New to Angi

Serving Las Vegas, NM and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Peregrino Garden Landscape LLC, offers you its services, we are a company that works for you, with great pleasure we can help you our experience is competitive, you can communicate with us without any commitment, we will give you a proposal so that you get a beautiful garden, we thank you for your preference, peregrino garden landscape, It is available for you

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E.L. Landscaping

New to Angi

Serving Las Vegas, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

My name is Elmer Lucero and I have a small company I want to grow as a company I am a punctual responsible person and I want to offer good service to my clients by doing a good job give a reasonable price and offer a free estimate

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Retaining Wall Installers questions, answered by experts

Small retaining walls still require a foundation of some kind, typically a concrete footing. This helps to ensure the wall is structurally sound and prevents the ground from shifting over time, especially during those winter freeze/thaw cycles. The footing helps spread the weight of the wall and the load it carries over a larger area of the ground, thus assisting with stability. This is true of small retaining walls, larger rock garden walls, and the like.

Yes, including patterns, finishes, and plant integration for aesthetic enhancement.

If you don’t backfill a retaining wall—either at all or adequately enough—the wall won’t drain well, and water will be able to pass through it. Poor drainage will lead to a warped wall or a buildup of hydrostatic pressure, which can eventually collapse your retaining wall. If you have particularly sloped land, consult a structural engineer to ensure your hardscaping is adding value to your home.

Yes, to build a retaining wall, a permit is required. Similarly, any repairs or modifications to an existing retaining wall require permits. If the planned wall measures higher than 4 feet, most municipalities require designs and permits come through a licensed engineer. In some locations, if the wall is shorter than 4 feet, a permit may not be required. For the requirements in your area, contact your local government.

Sand and gravel are two suitable options for filling behind a retaining wall. If you’re building your own retaining wall, you’ll complete this part of the process—known as backfilling—after you finish laying the blocks. Make sure not to skip it—otherwise, you could wind up with drainage issues, which can cause your retaining wall to collapse.

The Las Vegas, NM homeowners’ guide to retaining wall installation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost to Build? [2026 Data]
Kick erosion to the curb with an eye-catching retaining wall. Retaining wall costs vary based on the material, but this guide will help you budget.
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Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Do Retaining Wall Repairs Cost? [2026 Data]
Retaining wall repair cost can vary widely based on the age and condition of the wall being restored. Learn why finding the right pro is important for getting the job done.
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•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Concrete Retaining Wall Cost? [2026 Data]
Find out how much a concrete retaining wall costs. Get average prices, cost factors, and expert tips to budget and save on your installation.
Christopher Murray
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Who to Hire to Build a Retaining Wall: A Complete Guide
While it’s possible to DIY build a retaining wall, several pros have advanced knowledge of hardscaping and building. Learn who to hire to build a retaining wall.
Ginny Bartolone
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
20 Retaining Wall Ideas for Your Yard
There is no one-size-fits-all retaining wall for your yard. In fact, the options are endless. Check out 20 retaining wall ideas to upgrade your hardscape.
Dan Simms
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
6 Retaining Wall Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Professional
Replacing a retaining wall or installing a new one after grading? Here are some retaining wall questions you should be prepared to answer when hiring a pro.