How to Hide a Concrete Retaining Wall

December 1, 2021

If you have a concrete  retaining wall  in your garden that is ruining your view, you might feel your only option is to tear it down and rebuild it. However, your unsightly wall doesn’t have to cost a fortune to replace. Instead, you can use these tips to learn how to hide a concrete retaining wall for a fraction of the cost.  

If you have a concrete  retaining wall  in your garden that is ruining your view, you might feel your only option is to tear it down and rebuild it. However, your unsightly wall doesn’t have to cost a fortune to replace. Instead, you can use these tips to learn how to hide a concrete retaining wall for a fraction of the cost.  

Plant Some Vines  

Adding natural greenery to cover your concrete retaining wall is one of the simplest and most affordable options. Vines are very low maintenance plants to hide a retaining wall and come in many species offering different depths of colours and textures. You can plant them without much effort and then watch them climb the wall acting as natural, pretty camouflage.  

Build a Trellis  

Trellises are easy to install, as they practically come ready-made. They can be used to encourage a number of different types of  plants  to grow from ivies to roses and sweet peas to clematis. You can choose from different materials including pressure-treated wood, natural wood like cedar, bamboo, and various metals.  

Plant Some Shrubs  

There are dozens of low-lying shrub plants to hide a retaining wall; from textured leaves to shrubs that produce berries and from plants that bloom in the spring to those with stunning bark in the stark winter. They create the perfect natural wall that is both aesthetically pleasing and reasonably low  maintenance .  

Create a Living Wall  

Much denser than the results you’ll get from vines or trellises, a living wall system is an excellent choice, especially in gardens that tend to heat up. They help cool your garden while also providing soothing greenery to cover that hideous wall. While they are a bit more of an investment, you can choose from many different systems some of which can even produce berries and vegetables. More complicated systems include irrigation systems. While living walls will cost more and also require more care, they are well worth the effort.  

Need some ideas to update your landscaping?  Contact our team  today to learn more!  

 

Create a Custom Façade  

The ultimate cover-up, a façade treatment completely transforms your wall. There are tons of choices including different wood claddings, faux stone products, exterior stucco products, various types of metals, brick or even cedar shingles. The options are only limited by your budget and creativity.  

Built-Ins  

Depending on how you use your garden space, you can consider a number of built-in options. This could include a deck, a “boardwalk”, free-floating structures, a walk-up bar, benches, etc.  

Raised Garden Beds  

Cover the wall with a raised garden bed using a material that appeals to you such as interlocking pavers. You can then plant an assortment of plants or shrubs that will cover the wall behind. You can even consider doing a vegetable garden, herb garden or strawberry patch.  

It just takes a little creativity to come up with ideas that will suit your taste and your budget.  

If you have an ugly retaining wall that needs some help, look no further! Our team at Breakaway Landscaping can help.  Contact us today  to learn more.  

Share This Blog

A vibrant autumn garden with colorful trees, manicured lawn, and flowerbeds.
March 24, 2026
Is core aeration right for your lawn? Discover signs of compaction, best timing in Ontario, and what to do after aeration for thicker grass.
Red flowers bloom next to a brick pathway in a sunny garden.
March 18, 2026
Choose plants that thrive locally. Compare native and ornamental options for colour, pollinators, drought tolerance, and low-maintenance gardens.
Stone barrier with varying green and red-toned plants and flowers, with a backdrop of trees.
March 10, 2026
Get a clear retaining wall cost breakdown—blocks vs. natural stone, base prep, drainage, permits, and labor—so you can budget with confidence.
Metal grate drain on gray stone paving next to green grass.
March 4, 2026
Spring thaw can flood lawns and basements. Learn grading, swales, drains, and downspout fixes that stop pooling water around your home
Stone retaining wall with plants next to a pool. Blue water, wooden fence, sunny day.
February 24, 2026
Wondering when to start outdoor design? See ideal booking timelines for landscape design services, 3D plans, permits, and spring installs.
A person in blue overalls uses a snow blower to clear a snowy walkway next to a yellow building.
February 18, 2026
A practical snow removal checklist for Ontario properties: plowing timing, de-icing choices, sidewalk regulations, and site safety documentation.
Lush front yard with manicured bushes, brick walkway, and a brick house. Sunny day with green grass and trees.
February 10, 2026
Keep guests safe on Family Day with slip-resistant winter walkways. Plus, how to rinse salt and protect pavers, stone, and lawns.
Outdoor seating area with a fire pit surrounded by dark wicker chairs on a stone patio.
February 4, 2026
Plan a winter-friendly fire pit nook with seating walls and wind screens. Learn design tips, material choices, and safety clearances for your yard this season.
Brown horizontal slat fence with a gate in a snowy outdoor setting.
January 27, 2026
Can fences be built in winter? Learn ideal temps, permit timing, heave risks, and repair options for wood, vinyl, and aluminum in the GTA.
Person wearing orange gloves trimming dried flower heads; wearing red vest and blue shirt.
January 21, 2026
Reduce slips and claims with clear routes, smart stockpiles, de-icer selection, signage, and inspections. A winter safety checklist for GTA properties.