Yardvaark -- nice: "wall made by dump truck" ;-) Actually, after looking at that, I can see the issues w/OPs wall. It does look more like rock piles than a structure. I guess I thought it was supposed to have a rough look, like tumbling stones...but I can see how that just comes across as sloppy. deviant -- all those little rocks in the gap are amazing! Amazing the way that they all cozy together so neatly. catkim -- I agree, another level to the wall would make is have greater visual impact. lindsroc -- good luck, I think the plan that you linked will work out whether or not you keep the retaining wall. I, personally, prefer a level yard; your yard seems like it would have a fairly gentle grade though, which would be easy to live with. I do think your wall has potential. However, I have not a clue how much it would cost to make it beautiful or if it's in your budget. If lindsroc leaves the wall as is, would it help to plant some type of overhanging plants along the wall, to sort of drape over it? Or would that just be tacky? ;-)

I have no advice to offer, only encouragement. What a great project! Well, I do have one piece of advice - take care with your back and hands. I am making a flagstone walk, and have learned how carpal tunnel can effect moving that flagstone around, although I am well past the age of toddlers. : ) Keep us posted with photos as you progress. I hope you get great advice from those 'in the know'. Jane

People need to get over the mindset of a large tree in close proximity to a house is evil and forebodes all manner of doom! In many area of the country that are rather heavily treed naturally, trees planted or existing close to structures are commonplace. Tree roots are seldom an issue with foundation damage if the foundation is structurally sound - I'd be much more concerned about those of the water lovers and any underground plumbing. And it is almost impossible to replace the stately presence and shade generating capacity of a mature tree in one's lifetime if it is removed. It is very simple to have a tree evaluated by a certified arborist to confirm it is healthy and structurally sound before deciding whether or not to remove. We should be leaving as many mature trees as possible in place rather than cutting them down willy nilly for no valid reason other than we are fearful of its location.

We took a walk through the neighborhood this past weekend , and I finally figured out why the rock wall is there (sort of). Almost all the homes have some sort of rock wall formation on their property, and I believe it’s because the neighborhood is built on a mountain top, so the various builders all seemed to have utilized in some form or fashion all the rock that was excavated during the building process. I think once we find a solution for the red brick, the wall won’t be as big of an eyesore and flow a little better with the lot and the neighborhood. And agree absolutely about the landscaping! We’re working on it now!