Retaining walls do more than hold back dirt. They support entire sections of your yard, prevent erosion, and help manage water flow. But the strength of any retaining wall depends heavily on what lies beneath the footings.
Excavating for retaining wall footings isn’t something to rush. If done wrong, it can lead to leaning walls, collapse, and drainage issues. Here’s what you should know about proper footing excavation in Colorado and why Zeus Excavating is the trusted partner for these kinds of projects.
Why Footings Matter for Retaining Walls
Footings are the base of your wall. They transfer weight from the wall down into the soil and help resist the pressure of soil and water behind it. Without the right size, depth, and compaction, your wall could fail especially in Colorado where freeze-thaw cycles can cause shifting and heaving.
How We Excavate for Retaining Wall Footings
Here’s what goes into the excavation process:
– Digging a trench to the engineered depth and width based on the wall height and material
– Checking and adjusting slope for proper water runoff away from the wall
– Compacting the subgrade to avoid future settling
– Adding gravel or road base for drainage and structural support
– Coordinating with landscapers, builders, or engineers if needed
Common Mistakes in DIY Retaining Wall Footings
– Not digging deep enough below the frost line
– Skipping proper base material and compaction
– Ignoring natural water flow and drainage
– Using soft or unstable soil to backfill around the footings
Colorado Terrain Adds an Extra Challenge
Between sloped lots in Woodland Park and rocky soil in the foothills, Colorado isn’t the easiest place to build a retaining wall. Our crews understand local soil conditions and how to adjust for them. We bring the right equipment and know how to deal with tight access areas and drainage challenges.
Trust Zeus Excavating with Your Footing Prep
We’ve excavated footing trenches for retaining walls on everything from small garden terraces to large commercial landscapes. We work from engineered plans, manage drainage, and compact the base properly so your retaining wall doesn’t just look good, it lasts.
Need help installing drainage behind the wall? We do that too. From trenching and grading to hauling and backfilling, we take care of the heavy lifting.
Ready to Start Your Project with Zeus Excavating?
From simple grading jobs to full basement digs, Zeus Excavating offers the best mix of affordable pricing, expert-level service, and trusted local experience in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. 👉 Ask smart questions. Get even smarter service. 📞 Call Jesus today at (719) 210-3219
