[clemmons]

We live on a small city lot in a North Dallas suburb. Our back yard is tiny and sloping. We want to level it so we can put a play fort back there for our children. We have a small vegetable garden on the adjoining side yard (also tiny - only about 6 ft wide between the house and the alley) that we would like to keep intact. Maybe some steps leading down to it.

We will need a retaining wall, probably 3-4 ft high max. I keep reading about retaining wall problems and would like to avoid them! We do not plan to do any of the work ourselves because there is a wall involved.

Any tips or hints for us as we interview contractors? Also, since the yard is very small and we want the surface to be safe for the kids as they fall (and they will!), I thought about putting 12-18 inches of mulch/wood chips on the entire area and just putting plantings in beds around the edges. No grass. Any thoughts?

Thank you!

[Stonehenge]

Hello Clemmons,

When you interview contractors, ask them how they go about building their retaining walls. I don't think you have freeze-thaw to worry about in north Dallas, but you still need solid construction to have a stable wall for years.

So ask them how they would build the wall, then listen to the asnwers. Jot some notes after the meeting. Compare that to what you've seen online re: methodology.

I don't think I'd be in favor of 12-18" thick mulch - in a couple years you'll have a moldy, mushy mess. Search Google for Rubberific mulch - they have a depth calculator based on height of fall. That might help. Plantings can also be an excellent deterrent.

Good luck!

[JEJ]

If you are concerned about a contractors intentions, I would ask for a scaled detail drawing of the wall they intend to build. This will show the wall from a side-on view so you will see the wall, grades behind and in front of it, any accomomodation for drainage material, and the base material they intend to use, all in a simple drawing. Ask them to explain anything you don't understand. If you are unsure of the contractor, be sure there is language in the install contract that ensures they will build the wall to the specifications shown on the detail.

Any contractor should be able to provide such a drawing, especially if they intend to use concrete masonry units (concrete block) for construction. This type of drawing would be in the information any contractor would receive from a materials supplier. By asking them to show you their construction methods, you can let them know that you are interested in industry standards and have some level of knowledge.

I would also consider asking for a scaled plan-view design (from straight down perspective- like a map) of the wall they intend to build and the rest of the yard- even if it is a simple site. By creating an accurate base map and design for the area you will be able to see opportunities for the site that you may not see from the ground. Be sure to consider such things as circulation around the site, maintenance, views and drainage whenever changing a site.

Hope this helps- JEJ

[clemmons]

Thank you very much for the suggestions. I have sent emails out to a few landscapers and am waiting on replies.

I really appreciate your input!

[GLAN]

Put grass


Kids are resilient (sp?)


For many generations kids have grown up on grass........as was said the yard of all mulch will be a mess..........ruberized mulch will be TOOOOOOO HOT in summer.


Grass is an air conditioner...........it cools the surrounding air and filters it.