Case Study: Boulder Retaining Wall + Steps in Black Mountain, NC (Storm Damage Repair)

When Tropical Storm Helene hit Western North Carolina, it left this Black Mountain homeowner with a damaged fence, hillside erosion, and a backyard that no longer felt safe or usable.

Our team at Greenspan Landscaping Company stepped in with a custom solution: a natural boulder retaining wall integrated with stone steppers, designed to stabilize the slope and prepare the property for long-term use, beauty, and durability.

Project Overview

• Location: Black Mountain, NC

• Scope: Boulder retaining wall + integrated stone steps

• Budget: Approximately $26,000

• Materials Used:

  • ~25 tons of boulders and stone

  • Filter fabric + gravel backfill

• Challenges:

  • Tricky access with limited maneuvering space

  • 20 tons of soil removed before installation

  • Navigating post-storm terrain and erosion

Photos show natural stonework seamlessly blended into the wooded slope, with dry-stacked boulders and wide stone steps.

Why Boulder Walls Work in WNC

In mountainous towns like Black Mountain, we recommend boulder walls over block or timber because they:

• Withstand freeze-thaw cycles

• Handle sloped terrain and storm runoff

• Offer natural drainage when paired with gravel backfill

• Blend beautifully into wooded landscapes

For this job, we reinforced the entire wall with #57 stone behind the wall and wrapped the base in filter fabric to prevent soil migration — ensuring it drains properly and stands the test of time.

Natural Stone Steps = Access + Aesthetic

We also built wide, flat stone steps directly into the wall, making it easy to walk the property without disrupting the natural flow of the terrain. Additional steppers will be installed across the landscape to enhance both walkability and design.

Budget Breakdown

This boulder wall with steps cost around $26,000, which included:

• Excavation + haul-off of 20 tons of dirt

• Hand-selected boulders (25 tons of material)

• Skilled dry-stack installation

• Backfill, fabric, and finishing

While boulder walls cost more upfront than timber or block, they offer 50+ years of structural life with minimal maintenance — especially when built correctly.

Serving Black Mountain + WNC

We build custom hardscapes across Western North Carolina, including:

• Black Mountain

• Montreat

• Marion

• Fairview

• Swannanoa

• East Asheville

Want a Retaining Wall That Lasts?

If your slope is eroding, your wall is failing, or your yard needs a functional upgrade — we’re here to help.

Call: (828) 329-0512