Front Yard Stone Retaining Wall Makeover
This featured project involved revitalizing a front-yard landscape with a new dry-stacked stone retaining wall in Manasquan, New Jersey. The homeowners were seeking a solution to replace an older, loosely arranged stone edge that lacked structure and had begun to deteriorate over time. The goal was to build a cleaner, more durable wall that both improved the curb appeal and stabilized the sloped garden bed beneath a mature tree.
The Challenge
The original stone border, as shown in the before photo, consisted of unevenly stacked flat stones that had shifted and slumped over time. Without mortar or proper alignment, the edging lacked stability and visual cohesion. The challenge was to rework the existing stone materials into a proper dry-stacked retaining wall that would retain the raised bed and complement the natural landscaping—without disturbing the surrounding mature plantings.
“Perfectly executed! Neat job, exceeded our expectations.”
My Approach
I started by carefully removing the existing stones and clearing the base area to prepare a stable foundation. The homeowners wanted to reuse the same stone, which added a layer of craftsmanship to ensure every piece was placed intentionally for both strength and style. I sorted and shaped the stones to create a clean, level look, layering them with precision to avoid gaps and maintain consistency in height and form.
Working beneath the established tree and around existing greenery required attention to root systems and the surrounding grade. I took care not to disturb the plantings while improving the structure and flow of the retaining wall Manasquan, New Jersey.
THE TRANSFORMATION
The after image highlights the result: a beautifully built dry-stacked retaining wall that elevates the landscaping and creates a polished, permanent edge to the garden bed. The stones are now evenly layered, tightly fitted, and follow a consistent, gently curving line that enhances the natural lines of the yard. The previously uneven and overgrown area is now clean and visually balanced, bringing new life to the home’s front entry.
This transformation not only improved the visual appeal but also helped stabilize the soil and made maintenance easier for the homeowner in Manasquan, New Jersey.
CLIENT’S ENDORSEMENT
The homeowner’s feedback reflects their delight with the project:
“Perfectly executed! Neat job, exceeded our expectations. Would definitely hire this team again!”
CONCLUSION
This project reflects the kind of thoughtful, detail-oriented work I bring to every masonry job. It was a pleasure to take an underperforming landscape feature and give it the craftsmanship and care it deserved. If you're considering a stonework upgrade or want to bring more structure and beauty to your outdoor spaces, I’d be happy to talk through ideas.
Visit my website to explore more of my work or to request a consultation for your next project.