Building Retaining Walls

This comes from the "Landscape Focus" which is a publication for the landscaping industry put out by your Cat dealer.
1. Consider the design. Rather than building a retaining wall in a straight line or a simple curve, consider a serpentine or "S" curve to give the wall added appeal and interest.
2. Think about height. If the site allows it, instead of building a six-foot-high retaining wall, two three-foot-high walls separated by a terrace, may look better and provide an additional area for planting perennials and shrubs. Also, lower walls are far more stable.
3. Plan a smooth ending. How will the wall terminate? Rather than coming to an abrupt vertical ending. A more pleasing look may be achieved by having the wall taper gradually into a slope or by stepping it down.
4. Create an homogenous effect. Consider how the color and texture of the retaining wall will compliment the existing landscape and nearby buildings. Perhaps using a different color or material would help the wall blend in more smoothly.
5. Look at the big picture. What types of plants, rocks and other landscaping will be installed next to or above the wall? This can affect the height, curvature and placement of the wall. Try to visualize the completed project before starting it. In addition I would recommend the following. View completed sites with a variety of walls. Check out several books and study the subject prior to beginning. Take your time.