Cedar Hedge Preservation When Installing a Retaining Wall

Trimming lower cedar hedge branches and adding 2–3 feet of fill behind a new retaining wall will kill the hedge if soil mounds against trunks. Cedars cannot tolerate buried root flares. Instead, install a fence on the wall top—cheaper, safer for kids, and avoids root disturbance.

If you must grade, keep soil off trunks, taper fill away from stems, and install a tree well or retaining wall at the hedge line with drainage. But a fence is the smarter, simpler solution for a 14-foot hedge buffer.