Question
We have an existing wall of 14ft high cedar hedges as a buffer from a busy street and our neighbours behind us.  We would like to put in a retaining wall behind that on the property line so that we can level our backyard.  This would require us to trim back the lower part of the hedges and add soil approx. 2-3 ft to level the yard.  Would this kill the cedar hedges?  We don't want to lose them.  We did think about putting the retaining wall on the other side of the hedges, but then our two small children could fall over the wall and into the trees and hurt themselves.  What do you suggest we do?

Answer
Hello Karen,

No you will not hurt the cedar hedges by cutting them back.  I would suggest installing a fence instead of a retaining wall, much less expensive, and the right choice especially since you have small children.  When leveling out your yard, be sure not to mound soil up near trunk of the hedges, this will surely kill the cedars.

Hope this helped you.