Hold Back Soil Before It Moves

Bulkhead and retaining wall construction in Carencro, Louisiana

When soil starts sliding toward a lower area on your property in Carencro, you lose usable land and risk damage to structures, driveways, or landscaping below. Erosion becomes worse after heavy rain, and once the soil begins moving, it does not stop on its own. Bulkheads and retaining walls are built to hold soil in place, redirect water pressure, and stabilize the land so it stays where it belongs.

These structures are designed for residential yards, commercial sites, and waterfront properties throughout Carencro and nearby areas. Stelly's Dirt Service builds walls that account for Louisiana soil conditions, seasonal rainfall, and the way water moves through your property. The construction process includes excavation, drainage planning, and installation of materials that resist shifting and settling over time.

Get in touch to talk about erosion control or retaining wall options for your property in Carencro.

How Retaining Walls Stop Erosion

Building a retaining wall in Carencro starts with digging into the slope and creating a stable footing below the frost line. Drainage material is placed behind the wall so water does not build up and push against the structure. The wall itself is constructed from material chosen for strength and durability in wet conditions, and backfill is compacted in layers to prevent voids that could cause settling.

After installation, the land above the wall stays level and solid, even during storms. Water that used to wash soil downhill now drains through the system behind the wall and exits at planned locations. You will see a clear boundary between the retained area and the lower ground, and the wall will not lean or crack if it was built with proper drainage and compaction.

Retaining walls do not prevent all water movement, but they do manage it in a controlled way. If your property has multiple elevation changes or steep slopes, more than one wall may be needed to stabilize the entire area. The service includes site assessment to determine placement and height based on soil type and drainage patterns.

What Homeowners Ask About Retaining Walls

Property owners in Carencro often have questions about wall height, drainage, and how long construction takes. These answers address the practical details before starting a retaining wall or bulkhead project.

What causes a retaining wall to fail?
Most failures happen when water builds up behind the wall without a way to drain. Pressure from saturated soil pushes the wall forward, causing cracks or collapse.
How tall can a retaining wall be?
Wall height depends on soil stability and the slope you need to hold. Walls over four feet often require engineering and permits, so your site conditions will determine the final design.
What materials are used for bulkheads in Carencro?
Bulkheads are typically built from treated wood, steel, or concrete depending on the site and budget. Material choice affects durability in wet or waterfront conditions.
Why does drainage matter for a retaining wall?
Drainage removes water from behind the wall so pressure does not build up. Without it, even a well-built wall will eventually shift or crack under the weight of saturated soil.
How long does it take to build a retaining wall?
Most residential walls take two to five days depending on length, height, and site access. Larger commercial projects or walls with multiple tiers take longer to complete.

Stelly's Dirt Service builds retaining walls and bulkheads for properties in Carencro that need erosion control and land stabilization. If soil movement or water runoff is affecting your property, contact us to review the site and discuss construction options.