That was a very interesting description of SRW step construction to minimize block cutting. Most of the good looking steps that I have seen in my area with the block available here has required a lot of cutting. No big thing for a contractor with the right equipment, but it gets the DIY folks in trouble. When I get asked by a local friend about a DIY wall with SRW block, the mention of steps is when I suggest they look at a different wall type. Every wall type has it's advantages. SRW construction has elements that favor a contractor and are often overlooked by a DIY'er. The lack of need for a footer and the simplicity of stacking blocks has sucked more than a few homeowners into a nightmare. In my opinion, a wall up to 50ft long, straight, with uniform height, with a flat top and not steped, not over 3ft high, is doable by a homeowner as a SRW. Here are some things I think a homeowner should consider before he starts. SRW requires an adequate base of compacted select fill. Be careful you know the quantity that will be needed. In my area, select fill can be had at the producer for 9 to $10.50 a cubic yard. Cheap for the contractor with a tax number and a truck. The homeowner buys from a retailer for triple the cost plus a delivery fee. Where will this material be dumped? Figure 5 yards to be about 12,000 lb. The contractor will move it to the wall location with a small piece of heavy equipment, and you have what? A wheelbarrow? You do know that you have to dig deep enough for the base and the first course of block, right? And don't skimp on the base width either! Sometimes there will be a spot where the ground has a soft spot, maybe due to a low area filled with topsoil when the lot was graded. The contractor will notice this and overdig the area to firm soil and backfill with base material. To get the base graded to perfection you need the right equipment and the knowledge to use it. The contractor will have an expensive laser or auto level to control the grade. And the base must be compacted. In this regard I know of no substitute for a plate compactor. You will need this equipment at all phases of the project and rental is expensive. You might better plan on buying one and selling after the project is completed. The precision needed in the base grading and the laying of the first course of block cannot be overstated. Homeowners should use a guide board along the front of the base that is secure and adjustable to one sixteenth of an inch. Good SRW doesn't use that lightweight block that will do a raised flower bed. Common block weights are 60 to 80 lb. Delivered on pallets where? I hope you like your wheelbarrow. And back surgery doesn't come cheap. There is real skill in screeding the thin layer of sand over the base to set the block on. As a beginner count on placing every block about five times to get it right. A good sweat and an aching back convince most homeowners it's "good enough". And the finished wall will scream homebuilt. The cap blocks give the wall a neat finished look. A contractor will have the equipment to both break and cut the block to achieve this. The homeowner has more expensive rental cost. Adding the detailed planning and custom work to incorporate steps is the straw that breaks the camel's back. And don't think you can call in a contractor to finish the job. He likely won't accept your work and you will pay him to remove what you did, including the base, to start from scratch.

Hey, I think the idea of replacing the Japanese Maple with an Eastern Redbud is a good one. The fact that there are few of these in your area is always a good sign that they will do well in your home. With the tree being a flowering ornamental tree will also give your garden a lively dynamic through the seasons Here is a link that might be useful: front yard landscaping ideas

James' new phone number is (716) 201-9842, if anyone is still interested in stonework or other landscaping. He is a part-time landscaper, part-time stay-at-home dad, which is also why sometimes his jobs take a bit longer. (We have two little ones at home together.) And I agree, he is an artist and is very talented!

A photo of the step and location, both relatively close in and how it sits in the landscape would be helpful. For instance, if this is on the path to your main entry, using inexpensive 12” or 24” patio block laid solid might be better than gravel with stepping stones for walkability, especially for anyone wearing heals or with mobility issues. If it is in an area that isn’t a main walkway, you have more flexibility with materials. Knowing where you are may be important as well. Where I live, being able to shovel snow off a surface, and winter drainage to avoid ice slicks on walkways is really important, as is having an appropriate base and materials that won’t shift with freeze and thaw cycles.