At McDowell Landscapes, we specialize in designing and building custom boulder retaining walls throughout the Twin cities. These boulder retaining walls enhance both the aesthetic and functionality of your landscape, tailored to meet your unique needs and vision.

Our most common boulder retaining walls use glacial boulders. However we also offer various boulder types to suit your preferences. Options include superior trap rock, which features a unqiue color and texture similar to limestone, Mesabi Red, and a variety of limestone types. Boulders come in different shapes–round, rectangular, or angular–and sizes, ranging from 12-18″ stones to large boulders exceeding 48″. 

Building a retaining wall follows similar principles to a segmented wall. Proper drainage is crucial for long-term stability. We focus on important elements like grading behind the wall, installing drain tile, adding drain rock, and using fabric to prevent soil and rock from seeping through. For walls taller than 4 feet, an engineered plan is required to maintain structural integrity. 

Traditional boulder retaining walls are the most popular choice for homeowners. They are what most people imagine when they think of a retaining wall. These walls are typically built straight or in multi-tiered designs to create both functionality and visual interest. 

Traditional walls are perfect for those looking to maximize yard space. They can transform a sloped yard into a level area, offering more usable space for outdoor activities. Adding   tiers further enhances the landscape providing space for flowers, shrubs, and trees. You can even incorporate stairs to break up the space and create a dynamic design. 

Naturalistic boulder walls offer a softer, more organic look. While they may not resemble the traditional “wall” many envision, these walls create a beautiful and seamless transition between steep hillsides and your landscape. By placing boulders strategically, we can enhance the area with trees, shrubs, and flowers that naturally grow around the rocks. 

This type of wall pairs well with other landscaping features such as walkways, large stepping stones, dry creek beds, rocks gardens, or stairs. Together, they create a functional and appealing outdoor environment. 

McDowell Landscapes has the right equipment to safely and efficiently build large boulder walls. Large track skid steers are essential for moving boulders around the site and assisting with the wall construction. For precise placement, a large excavator with a grapple or thumb is the most effective tool.  

To the untrained eye, placing boulders might seem simple. However, it’s important to note that boulders can be extremely heavy.  For example, a 2-foot diameter limestone boulder is roughly 650 lbs. A 3-foot diameter boulder is around 2,200 lbs, and a 4-foot diameter boulder can weigh over 3,500 lbs. Using the right equipment ensures precision and safety, resulting in a durable, expertly crafted retaining wall.