Can you plant trees next to a retaining wall?
Perennials and shrubs are usually the best choices to plant close to retaining walls. If you’re set on adding a tree for a bigger burst of green, choose a small tree, like one of the ones below. And plant those near, not on top of, the wall. Perennials: There’s a multitude of sun-loving perennials perfect for wall-side borders. For instance, Salvia, Daylilies, and Sedum are excellent choices. For shady walls, try Hostas, Astilbes, or Ferns. Shrubs: Compact shrubs such as Boxwood or Dwarf Hydrangeas can form a low maintenance and attractive border.
How to landscape in front of a retaining wall?
Consider using hardy shrubs, perennials, or grasses in these spaces to complement the retaining wall design. If working with a stone retaining wall or concrete blocks, these tiers provide great opportunities for functional landscapes, such as flower beds or even a vegetable garden. By incorporating a well-designed drainage system, using geotextile fabric, choosing suitable backfill materials, incorporating vegetation and planting, and implementing terracing or staircases when necessary, you can effectively prevent soil erosion and ensure the long-term stability of your retaining wall.
What are the three possible types of failure of a retaining wall?
The four most common failure modes for retaining walls include sliding, overturning, bearing capacity, and global stability. Sliding a wedge of soil forms behind the wall, and the pressure it forms pushes the wall away from the soil. The wall stays intact, but the ground behind collapses. Absolutely! Even a 2-foot retaining wall needs an effective drainage system. Without it, water can build up behind the wall, leading to pressure that might cause the wall to lean or even collapse. All walls need systems to manage water effectively, preventing damage over time.A footing is critical for a retaining wall’s stability, even for a 2-foot structure. The footing ensures the wall evenly distributes weight and resists forces from soil pressure, water, and potential shifting.