Reducing soil erosion, turning steep slopes into terraced backdrops, creating focal points in the landscape—retaining walls serve many purposes. Indeed, they are some of the most common ways to ...

Ground with a steep pitch or slope can become a problem area if it is often eroded by runoff water from heavy rains. One way to contain the erosion is by leveling the slope with a terrace, then ...

Using heavy timbers to contain sloping ground or to make a terrace with steps is often easier, more attractive and less expensive than building with masonry. Six-by-six-inch timbers, usually eight ...

When it comes to choosing a retaining wall to hold back runoff in a terraced area, there are a lot of choices. Concrete walls are particularly popular because they are easy to use and come in a nice ...

This is the last of three stories on terracing hillsides. To read the first two stories, "Slippery slopes" and "Know your hillside," go to sfgate.com and type in Deborah K. Rich. "Almost all ...

Nobody enjoys mowing a steep lawn. Transform this hillside with terraced beds on both sides of stone stairs rather than turf grass. For year-round texture and color, fill the tiers with ...

Lowe Larretta is former lead editor for Forbes Home, covering all things related to home improvement and good design. She previously worked in the decor and lifestyle spaces for digital publishers ...