DIY Curved Retaining Wall & Grass for Dry Shade

Retaining Wall Options for Homeowners

Engineered walls cost thousands per linear foot. For DIY, consider:

• Interlocking concrete blocks – Heavy but simple; look for curved units.
• Railroad ties or landscape timbers – Back with weed barrier or galvanized metal; sink 1/3 deep.
• Poured concrete in forms – Labor-intensive but durable; plastic carboys can make molds.

Height matters: walls over 18 inches need proper footings and drainage behind. Sandy soil requires deeper footings.

Grass for Dry Shade

Tall fescue ('Rembrandt', 'Plantation') is the most shade-tolerant turf. It still needs 4+ hours of dappled light and 1–3 inches of water weekly. In deep shade, switch to liriope, ivy, or pachysandra.