new const. backyard grading: how steep is steep?

10 years ago

We've been on hold with our project for several months for many reasons. As we began gearing up to get started again, we learned that the builder who won our project in February has since retired. In conversation with one of the runners-up from the bidding process, we were discussing the backyard and whether we'll need the planned 3ft retaining wall along the bayou that defines our back boundary. Without the wall, we're looking at roughly an 11 degree grade. I have no concept of what that will look like. Is that a gentle slope or a sledding hill? No snow here, of course, but that's the frame of reference I grew up with. Any insights from GW?

Comments (4)

ChrisStewart
10 years ago
I suppose it would make a decent sledding hill, more than a gentle slope but certainly manageable to walk up. If I had to mow it with a push mower I would go from side to side and not up and down.
ellenandco
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks, that's exactly the kind of advice I was looking for.
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live_wire_oak
10 years ago
It's not usable as a yard if that's your intention. And it will be difficult to mow for sure. Are you sure a 3' wall will make a big enough difference? It sounds like you need a taller wall.
ellenandco
Original Author
10 years ago
Our neighbors have welcomed us to study their retaining walls or lack thereof. If we were on the other side of the road, we'd be planning an 8 foot wall. I'll have to check the grade with the 3 ft wall to make sure it gives us maximal usable yard space. That's been a clear priority for us from day 1, which is why the design calls for the retaining wall in the first place. I need to make sure the builder understands this as well. Thanks for helping me clarify the issues.