The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Small Home Landscaping

The cheapest kind of retaining wall is a dry wall. This can be made of rock, boulders or cut stone. No cement is used. Soil is rammed behind and between the stones. Pockets are left and plants set. These will grow down the face of the wall. This could be an interesting and beautiful feature. It is a form of rock gardening without the upkeep a rock garden needs.

As in all constructions, the height of the wall and the mass of soil to be supported dictates the strength of the wall. A dry wall, because it is not held with concrete, is given an incline towards the bank.

Dressed stone makes beautiful walls. Some are set in mortar, others are built as free-standing walls. Free-standing walls have no mortar or cement foundation. They are usually started below grade level. The largest stones are laid as the foundation, other large stones are wedged in with smaller ones.

Steps

Like walls, steps are constructed with various materials. If they form part of the retaining wall, they should be built of the same materials to give unity. Narrow steps should be avoided when built into a bank, or wall. They spoil proportion and give an unsafe feeling. The risers (steps) should not exceed 7 inches in height, 4 to 5 inches is more comfortable. The tread or platform should be not less than 11 to 14 inches.