Tricky Terrain—Tips For Building On Steep Or Uneven Land?
That sounds a lot like what I did with my hillside garden wall, minus the mats. I totally get the temptation to overthink drainage—water can be such a sneaky problem, especially on a slope. Did you consider using any kind of waterproofing membrane behind the wall, or was that overkill for your site? I went back and forth on it but ended up just using extra gravel and a thicker pipe, kind of like you.
I do wonder sometimes if those fancy mats are more about peace of mind than actual necessity, unless you’re dealing with really heavy runoff or clay soil. Have you noticed any settling or shifting since you finished? I had a tiny bit after the first big rain, but nothing major. Getting the slope right is huge though... I spent way too long with a level and some string lines, but it paid off.
Curious if you did anything special for landscaping above the wall to help with runoff? I planted some deep-rooted grasses and it seems to help slow things down.
I do wonder sometimes if those fancy mats are more about peace of mind than actual necessity, unless you’re dealing with really heavy runoff or clay soil.
Yeah, I’m with you there. I skipped the membrane too—just didn’t see the point for my spot, since the soil drains pretty well. I did get a bit of settling after a storm, but nothing dramatic. The grasses above the wall are a smart move. I went with some low junipers and they seem to help, but I’m not convinced they’re as effective as deep-rooted stuff. Did you do anything to direct water away from the base, like a swale or berm? That’s one thing I keep second-guessing.
I’ve seen a lot of folks skip the membrane if their drainage is solid, and honestly, it’s rarely been a problem unless you’re on heavy clay or a really steep grade. You’re right about grasses—deep-rooted natives do more for stability than most groundcovers, in my experience. As for water diversion, I usually recommend at least a shallow swale or even just a slight grade away from the wall. It’s surprising how much difference that can make during a big downpour. Sometimes it feels like overkill, but one bad storm can change your mind pretty quick...
