Building a Retaining Wall Near Trees or Roots

Trees add beauty, shade, and value to your property—but they can also create challenges when it comes to landscaping and hardscaping. One of the most common questions we hear at Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor is: Can you build a retaining wall near existing trees or roots?

The short answer is yes—with the right approach. Whether you're trying to preserve a mature tree or dealing with invasive root systems, this guide will help you understand what’s involved and how to protect your landscape.

Why tree roots and retaining walls conflict

Tree roots play a vital role in keeping your trees healthy, upright, and resilient—but they often present a serious challenge when it comes to building retaining walls. Beneath the surface, tree roots can spread far wider than the canopy above, and they rarely follow predictable paths. When construction disturbs or damages these roots, the consequences can be significant—both for the tree and for your hardscape investment.

Retaining walls typically require trenching, grading, and compacting soil in the area around and behind the wall. This work can unintentionally sever major roots or compact the soil around them, disrupting the tree’s ability to access water and nutrients.

If you're not careful, you may:

• • Weaken or kill the tree: Cutting just a few large roots can compromise the tree’s stability and nutrient uptake, especially if the root loss exceeds 25% of the total system.
  • Cause structural instability: Trees with damaged roots are more likely to fall during windstorms or heavy rain—a liability risk for any property owner.
  • Create an entry point for disease or pests: Fresh cuts or tears in roots leave trees vulnerable to fungal infections, borers, and decay.
  • Damage the wall over time: Roots continue to grow and expand, especially near moisture. If your wall isn’t designed to accommodate root pressure, it can crack, bulge, or shift out of alignment.

In some cases, damage isn’t immediate. A tree might survive for several years after a poorly planned install, only to decline later due to cumulative stress and root rot. That’s why it’s essential to approach these situations with care.

Building a retaining wall near existing trees requires much more than standard construction—it demands expert planning, specialized techniques, and a design that accounts for both structural integrity and root preservation. At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we assess each tree individually, consult with arborists when needed, and tailor your project to protect both your landscape and your investment.

By respecting root zones and building with long-term performance in mind, we can help you achieve the yard you want—without sacrificing the trees you love.

Key considerations before building near trees

When planning to build a retaining wall near trees, it’s not just about making space—it’s about protecting two important assets at the same time: your hardscape investment and the trees that add value, shade, and character to your landscape. At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we take a thoughtful, site-specific approach to ensure your project is both structurally sound and environmentally responsible.

Here are the key factors we evaluate before breaking ground:

1. Tree species and root behavior

Understanding the type of tree on your property is essential. Every species has a unique root structure that responds differently to excavation and construction.

• • • Shallow-rooted trees like maples, birches, and willows tend to spread wide and stay near the surface—making them more vulnerable to root damage during trenching or grading.
    • Deep-rooted species like oaks and hickories often send roots downward, offering more room to work around them without compromising the tree’s stability.
    • Fast-growing ornamental trees may have aggressive or invasive root systems that can cause problems for hardscapes in the future.

Our team evaluates not only the tree species but also how mature it is, how it’s growing on the site, and whether the root system appears to be affecting soil conditions, existing structures, or drainage patterns.

2. Proximity to the trunk and critical root zone

Proximity to the tree's base determines how much of the root system is at risk. The "critical root zone" (CRZ) is typically calculated as one foot of radius per inch of trunk diameter. Disturbing this zone can severely impact a tree's health—even if the upper canopy looks fine in the short term.

Whenever possible, we design walls to:

• • • Stay outside the CRZ or limit excavation within it
    • Curve or offset the wall’s footprint to preserve more root space
    • Use air excavation tools instead of digging with heavy equipment near major roots

By identifying the safest working distance early on, we reduce the risk of long-term stress to the tree and avoid unnecessary setbacks during construction.

3. Tree health, age, and long-term viability

Not every tree is worth preserving at all costs. Some may already be in decline due to disease, pests, storm damage, or poor soil conditions. Others may be poorly positioned—too close to the home, overhanging utility lines, or creating safety risks.

In these situations, we help clients weigh their options:

• • • Would selective root pruning and a retaining wall allow the tree to survive and thrive?
    • Is the tree nearing the end of its life cycle?
    • Would the cost of preserving it outweigh the long-term benefits?

If removal is the best course of action, we can coordinate with a certified arborist and include tree replacement as part of the new landscape design.

4. Wall height, structural loads, and soil pressure

The taller your retaining wall, the more pressure it must withstand—not just from soil and water, but from any roots growing behind or beneath it. Tree roots can apply force over time as they expand, especially in compacted or poorly drained soils.

Our design process includes:

• • • Proper wall reinforcement using geogrid or tie-backs
    • Drainage layers behind the wall to relieve hydrostatic pressure
    • Soil testing if conditions are unclear or the site is near mature trees
    • Backfill and compaction techniques that support both the wall and surrounding root systems

Whether your goal is to support a hillside, create tiered garden space, or level out your backyard, we ensure the wall performs safely and effectively without compromising the health of nearby trees.

Smart solutions for building near tree roots

Preserving mature trees while constructing a retaining wall requires a thoughtful balance of engineering, landscaping, and environmental care. At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we apply specialized techniques to protect root systems, ensure wall integrity, and create landscapes that last for decades—even on tree-heavy lots.

Here are the key solutions we use to safely build retaining walls near tree roots:

• • Root pruning with precision tools
    When roots are in the way of wall footings or base prep, selective pruning may be necessary. Instead of ripping through roots with heavy equipment, we use air spades and other non-invasive tools to gently expose the root zone and identify which roots can be safely trimmed. We make clean cuts to minimize shock and avoid removing large, structural roots unless absolutely necessary. This careful approach helps preserve tree health while making space for construction.
  • Tree wells and strategic wall offsets
    For trees located close to the planned wall, we often recommend creating a tree well—a circular or semi-circular retaining structure built around the trunk that allows for elevation changes without burying the root flare. In cases where a tree well isn't feasible, we may offset or curve the wall away from the tree to stay outside the critical root zone. These strategies preserve essential roots while still achieving the desired grade and landscape layout.
  • Reinforced wall systems for added stability
    Tree roots can place significant pressure on retaining walls over time, especially if drainage isn’t properly addressed. That’s why we design our walls with geogrid reinforcement, high-quality compacted base materials, and built-in drainage systems. This structural support prevents root-related movement and protects the wall from shifting or bulging due to soil pressure or moisture buildup—essential for long-term performance near vegetation.
  • Segmental block systems for root flexibility
    When building near active root systems, segmental block retaining walls are often the best choice. These modular walls are slightly flexible by design, allowing them to accommodate minor root growth or soil movement without cracking like poured concrete. They’re also easier to repair or adjust if future changes are needed, making them a smart option for wooded properties or landscapes with large existing trees.

By combining these techniques with expert planning and local knowledge of Southwest Missouri landscapes, we can deliver customized solutions that respect both your trees and your vision for the space. Whether you're working with steep slopes, tight lot lines, or cherished mature trees, our team is equipped to build with care, precision, and long-term durability in mind.

Let us help you preserve what matters while creating the yard you’ve always wanted.

Real-world example: Backyard slope with large oak tree in Ozark

A recent client in Ozark had a steep backyard with a beautiful mature oak tree in the center. They wanted to create a level lawn and patio area without harming the tree. We designed a two-tier retaining wall system that wrapped around the oak, incorporating a tree well and drainage system. The wall used segmental blocks for flexibility, and we worked with an arborist to manage minor root trimming. Today, the tree is thriving—and the family enjoys a safe, usable backyard space.

Related services we offer

At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we handle every aspect of outdoor construction and landscaping, including:

• • Retaining wall design and installation
  • Property grading and drainage correction
  • Paver patios and hardscaped living areas
  • Tree well construction and landscape planning around mature trees
  • Erosion control and slope stabilization

We have the tools, experience, and local knowledge to tackle complex projects involving trees and terrain—without compromising on quality or safety.

Proudly serving Southwest Missouri

We provide expert retaining wall construction and landscaping services in:

• • Ozark
  • Springfield
  • Nixa
  • Republic
  • Rogersville
  • Branson
  • Branson West
  • Kimberling City
  • Fair Grove
  • Willard

Let’s protect your trees—and transform your yard

Contact us today for expert advice and a professional estimate

Whether you need to build near a tree, manage sloped ground, or create a private outdoor retreat, Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor is ready to help. Our experienced team will design a solution that balances beauty, function, and long-term tree health.

Serving Ozark, Missouri and surrounding communities with retaining walls, drainage systems, hardscapes, and custom landscaping that’s built to last.