When Koch Kuts was called in to tackle the outdoor space of this brand-new home in Burlington, Wisconsin, the property was nothing but graded dirt and rough terrain. The homeowners needed a full new construction landscaping solution—from basic ground shaping to modern hardscaping features that would boost curb appeal and add functionality to the steep-sloped yard.

Our crew took on every aspect of this job, including:

• Retaining wall installation to hold the slope and create level planting areas
• Paver walkway installation for a polished, usable front entry
• Concrete side step installation to safely navigate the hillside
• Raised planter wall construction for clean, contained landscaping beds
• Landscape grading and erosion control to prepare for sod or seed

Let’s walk through what went into this project.

When we arrived on site, the home’s yard was in its rawest form—dirt, heavy slope, and zero structure for walkability or planting. The backyard slope stabilization was the first priority. With such a steep incline behind the house, erosion was a major concern. Any landscaping work would have been short-lived without proper support.

In addition, the front and side of the home lacked access walkways. The owners had no way to get from their driveway to the front porch or lower-level entry without walking through dirt.

To address the grading challenges, we installed a tiered retaining wall system using sleek, durable block materials that complemented the home’s black-and-white exterior. These walls serve both structure and style—holding back the hill while giving the family future options for garden beds or decorative planting.

We carefully designed each tier to match the natural contours of the land, and reinforced the base with proper drainage to ensure long-term stability. This solution not only fixed the slope issue but also elevated the aesthetic with a modern retaining wall design that blends seamlessly with the home.

Access was the next focus. We installed wide, smooth concrete steps along the side of the home, giving residents and guests a safe route from the upper yard to the lower-level patio.

At the front of the house, we built a paver walkway with bold edging to lead from the driveway to the front porch. The paver walkway installation featured neutral gray tones with a darker contrasting border—offering a clean, modern look that ties beautifully into the black window trim and stone entryway.

This upgraded front path not only enhances curb appeal but also solves a common new-build problem: having no finished access to the front door.

On the side of the home, we also installed a raised bed planter wall—a small but functional addition that creates defined space for flowers or shrubs. The planter adds structure to an otherwise blank stretch of yard and breaks up the slope visually with an intentional design feature.

These beds are ideal for low-maintenance plants and will continue to enhance the yard year after year as the landscaping matures.

Once hardscaping was complete, we finished the job with professional landscape grading to smooth the surrounding soil and prepare it for grass seed. We applied straw erosion matting across the newly graded slope to prevent runoff and help the soil stay in place until lawn growth takes over.

This is a key step for any new construction landscaping in Burlington—without it, Wisconsin rains can quickly undo even the best groundwork.

Front Walkway

Before: Plain dirt, no access.

After: Elegant paver path with bold edging for a clean, modern look.

Side Yard & Steps

Before: Steep, unstable slope.

After: Concrete stairs paired with walkway pavers for year-round access.

Back Slope & Retaining Walls

Before: Eroding hillside with no usable space.

After: Tiered walls offering structure, planting space, and slope control.

Koch Kuts has been transforming outdoor spaces across Southeastern Wisconsin since 1999. Whether you need slope stabilization, patio installation, or a full new yard design, our team is ready to bring your vision to life.

👉 Call us at (262) 534-9509 or visit kochkuts.com to schedule a consultation for your retaining wall installation in Burlington WI.