Retaining walls in the landscape turn sloped areas into usable spaces. The shape of a wall defines the space. The texture and color of the wall are usually viewed all months of the year and create the background for landscape plantings. The taller the wall, the more attention needs to be given to the structural design. Freestanding walls are also used to define spaces and may even serve as seating around a patio. Careful layout for desirable spaces, attention to structural needs, and material selection with consideration for the home and other landscape features are all aspects of expert wall design.