Cut Wall – A Retaining Wall Built Into a Hill

When your property is downhill from your neighbor’s, gain back some flat area by installing a cut wall. This post goes through how to place a cut wall as close as possible to the property line.

The placement of your wall will determine how much soil will need to be removed or brought onto the site. This is what determines whether you have a “cut” or a “fill” wall.

Cut Wall

A cut site is where it’s necessary to “cut” into the hillside and remove the soil. If you have a cut site, you will need to determine what to do with the excavated soil. Since many landfills will not take dirt, make sure you have a plan for how to dispose of the extra material, such as on vacant land.

Fill Wall

A fill site is where you need extra soil to “fill” in behind the wall. If you have a fill site, you will need additional backfill materials brought in behind the retaining wall.

How Close Can I Build it to the Property Line?

All excavation or fill must remain on your property, including drainage stone and geogrid zones. You cannot drive anchors (such as for a soil nail wall) or install geogrid under your neighbor’s yard. The wall cannot cause stability issues for your neighbor’s house or property. When in doubt, contact an engineer for assistance.

Avoid Upsetting Your Neighbor

Note, you could end up in a legal battle with your neighbor for encroachment if you start performing work on their property. Do not perform any excavating or moving equipment on your neighbor’s property without their permission. So first, talk to your neighbor to let them know what you are doing. Good communication is the best way to keep your neighbor happy.

If you damage your neighbor’s property with your equipment, be prepared to fully repair their property in a timely manner. For instance, if you tear up their grass trucking in materials, be prepared to level their ground back out and replace the sod in any damaged locations. Put this in your budget, and communicate with your neighbor throughout the process.

Make sure you control rainwater to keep mud from flowing into their yard. Start by placing tarps* over any exposed soil after each construction day. Use ditches and berms to route water away from the wall. Install a silt fence* at the property line to keep mud and runoff from ruining your neighbor’s lawn.

How Steep Can I Slope the Soil to Fit My Retaining Wall Close to the Property Line?

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