Need help deciding if a retaining wall is right for me

10 years ago

I have 1.7 acres of land, and there is a clearing on the Southwest side where I intend to build. On the West side of the clearing is a drop off. The edge of the drop ranges probably 3 - 6 feet from the property line. (maybe 3-7) The drop is pretty much right at 5 foot in the highest points. The length of the drop is around 180 feet. The face isn't 100% flat by any means. (see picture by following link below)

I'm trying to decide if I should grade the drop into a manageable slope and just dig a ditch at the foot of it and connect that ditch into a south ditch that runs 90 degrees parallel to where the new ditch would be. Or if I should cut the face flat and build a 4 foot retaining wall with drainage behind it.

Grass does grow on the drop for the most part. So if I were to grade it and plant some more grass maybe that would help with erosion. The thing is, just past my property line on my neighbors side is a row of trees. These trees drop leaves onto the area and create shade so it may not really be the ideal environment for grass.

Below is a link to pictures. What are the pros and cons? Should I go retaining wall with a drainage system behind it or grade a slope and dig a ditch?

http://imgur.com/a/VSVJz

Thanks

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Comments (3)

Tony V
10 years ago
I would go with a stone basket retaining wall - that way you don't have to worry much about drainage systems or having to dig foundations - you can DIY it and keep the price really low.
Instead of grass, you could look into shade plants, maybe nice ferns. Unless you'd have a use for grass in that area.
Steven thanked Tony V
Steven
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Tony, V It doesn't have to be grass. What are some other plant ideas? I do have a lot of stones I could use to get started and some rather large ones too. I guess I'll research some more. I do want to have some kind of drainage system since the water flows down to my place. Even if that i just a ditch. Thanks.
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Arbordale Landscaping Ltd
7 years ago
I would go the route of retaining wall. Grass doesn't have quite the holding power on slopes that steep, and you will always be fighting it. You could look at plant lists that have good root systems for stabilizing slopes (Sumac is a good one, but invasive).

I like Tony V's suggestion of the gabion baskets. These are relatively cost effective, and if you can find some nicely coloured local stone it can add a nice dimension here.

You could slo do an armour stone retaining wall as it would act the same. For these two types of wall, you do not need a drainage system behind as they are porous and will allow water to pass through. You will need to install filtercloth to prevent the soil washing through.

The third option would be a modular retaining wall product from one of the big manufacturers (Unilock, Techo-Bloc, PErmacon etc.). This look might be a bit too refined for this application and would be rather unnatural in what looks like a very natural setting.