What not to plant near a retaining wall?
Ideally, trees should be planted far away from retaining walls. The roots of trees never stop growing. Tree roots push up sidewalk, drill through pipes and compromise landscape design. Trees need room to breathe. Plant properly. This first landscaping rule might seem obvious, but it’s crucial that you’re planting in holes that are the right size and depth. Otherwise, your landscaped yard won’t last long.
Does a 2 foot retaining wall need drainage?
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. Retaining walls look as if they have to hold back great masses of earth, but they only have to hold back a small wedge. Rather than filling that wedge with moisture-loving soil that may threaten your wall, fill it with sandy, gravelly materials that compact easily and allow water to drain down and away from your wall.Plants at the top of a retaining wall can aid in erosion control. Their root systems help stabilise the soil, binding it together and reducing runoff during rain, which maintains the integrity of the wall structure. The above-ground vegetation protects the soil from sunlight, wind and rainwater as well.
What is the cheapest option for a retaining wall?
Poured concrete is the cheapest type of retaining wall, in terms of materials. Pressure-treated pine is next, and wood retaining walls are becoming more popular now. If you prefer stone, granite is generally the least expensive option. The cheapest material for a DIY retaining wall is pre-made concrete blocks. Using pavers or concrete blocks allows you to build your own secure and attractive retaining wall cheaply and easily.