Spring checks
After winter, look for new cracks, settling, heaving and drain outlets blocked by leaves or silt. Clear them gently.
Check caps and joints.
Trim plants that crowd the wall.
Make a spring walk-around a habit. Early in the season, look at outlets, caps and joints and clear anything that blocks water. Small tasks done early prevent bigger ones.
Summer care
Water plants without soaking the area behind the wall. Keep mulch away from weep holes.
Watch for ants and roots near the base.
Clean the face if needed using gentle methods.
Water new plants carefully near walls. Overwatering saturates backfill and can increase pressure. Drip lines and timers help deliver water where plants need it.
Fall tasks
Clear leaves from outlets, gutters and swales before heavy rains. Check that downspouts discharge well away from the wall.
Move planters and loose material away from the top.
Note anything that changed over summer.
In fall, clear leaves from gutters and outlets before the heavy rains. A clogged outlet in a storm can undo years of good construction.
Winter and storms
Freeze and thaw can stress walls. After heavy rain or ice, look at outlets and the base from a safe distance.
Avoid piling snow against the wall.
Do not use harsh de-icers near masonry.
After a freeze, look for new cracks or movement. Report changes early, because winter damage may worsen in spring rains.
Warning signs
Leaning, bulging, new cracks, mud at the base, standing water and soil loss deserve prompt attention.
Photograph changes with dates.
Call for an inspection when something looks different.
Learn what normal looks like for your wall. Hairline marks may be normal, while a changing crack or a new bulge is not. Photos make comparisons easy.
Keep a log
Write down what you check, repairs made and storms that tested the wall. A simple log shows patterns.
Keep contractor notes and drawings with it.
Share it with future owners.
Share your log with your contractor at the annual check-up. Notes about storms and changes help focus attention where it is needed.
Keep outlets clear, redirect downspouts and check the wall after every big storm.
