Retaining walls near trees.

MacMillan · 03-09-2012, 07:56 PM

How far away from the bases of our trees should the footer for our retaining wall be dug? The wall will be 22" high in some areas and 34" high in some.

Bondo · 03-10-2012, 07:23 AM

Ayuh,.... I'd think puttin' a footer Anywhere near a tree is gonna either kill the tree, or the tree roots will eventually upset the footers...

BOSS Landscape · 03-10-2012, 10:12 AM

The general rule of thumb is do not excavate any closer than the width of the canopy. This is also called the drip line, the furthest point at which the branches extend from the trunk where water is dripped from the foliage.

It sounds like you have already plotted your wall, so I'm not sure if that is an option. If you get any closer know that if you come across a significant root, make a clean cut as opposed to ripping at it with a mini excavator.

Also, the type of wall matters. If you are getting that close know that the roots will not stop growing. Prefabbed concrete block is not a very sustainable option and could bow relatively quickly. Stone and mortar will do a better job of holding back the roots but eventually the tree roots will win. A quality dry stack of fieldstone could work as it can be maintained should bowing occur.

Hope that helps.

03-09-2012, 07:56 PM	#1
MacMillan Newbie Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 1	Retaining walls near trees. How far away from the bases of our trees should the footer for our retaining wall be dug? The wall will be 22" high in some areas and 34" high in some. Last edited by MacMillan; 03-09-2012 at 07:58 PM. Reason: " (inch) marks were exchanged for q???/ for some reason.

03-10-2012, 07:23 AM	#2
Bondo Master General ReEngineer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chaumont River, Ny. Posts: 3,175	Retaining walls near trees. Ayuh,.... I'd think puttin' a footer *Anywhere* near a tree is gonna either kill the tree, or the tree roots will eventually upset the footers...

03-10-2012, 10:12 AM	#3
BOSS Landscape Newbie Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Massachusetts, Connecticut Posts: 2	Retaining walls near trees. The general rule of thumb is do not excavate any closer than the width of the canopy. This is also called the drip line, the furthest point at which the branches extend from the trunk where water is dripped from the foliage. It sounds like you have already plotted your wall, so I'm not sure if that is an option. If you get any closer know that if you come across a significant root, make a clean cut as opposed to ripping at it with a mini excavator. Also, the type of wall matters. If you are getting that close know that the roots will not stop growing. Prefabbed concrete block is not a very sustainable option and could bow relatively quickly. Stone and mortar will do a better job of holding back the roots but eventually the tree roots will win. A quality dry stack of fieldstone could work as it can be maintained should bowing occur. Hope that helps.

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Retaining walls near trees.