Boulder walls in the United States have existed since shortly after the nation’s birth.

1. The Art Of Building A Boulder Wall
Boulder walls in the United States have existed since shortly after the nation’s birth. Early
settlers cleared forests to create fields, and then had the unenviable task of removing rocks and
boulders to make the land tillable and suitable for crops. These were stacked into walls which
divided fields, defined property lines, or simply acted as a border between the new fields and the
forests. Many of these walls have stood the test of time and still crisscross the countryside, a
testament to not only the durability of the material but to the artistry and skill of the reluctant
builders.
Boulder walls of today are created for both practical and aesthetic reasons, usually as retaining
walls, with much less physical exertion than in years past thanks to modern technology. What
has not changed is the artistry and skill involved in creating a wall that is both beautiful and
timeless.
The total height and length of the boulder wall are factors to contemplate. Choosing the right size
boulders to fit the job is of paramount importance. Huge boulders for a smaller scale wall or
small boulders for a massive wall would be impractical and visually unappealing. A variety of
sizes, in scale with the total size of the wall, is desirable.
The first step in the building of the wall is staking out the location. The use of a string line or
laser may be prudent for a straight and level wall. Next comes the carving out of the earth where
the boulders will be placed. For a smaller project or for those who want a workout, doing this
chore manually is certainly an option, but for larger jobs and ease on the body, power equipment
may be the wiser choice.
The good news is that with a boulder wall, digging a trench for a stabilizing footing should not
be necessary. The sheer size and weight of the boulders themselves precludes the need for a
footing. The builder needs to be sure that the earth is shaped such that the wall is pitchedinward
towards the area to be retained. If a boulder wall higher than 4 – 5 feet is desired, tiers should be
used with setbacks of several feet between walls to achieve the required total height.
Once the earth is shaped and is ready for the boulder placement, fabric or plastic may be laid to
impede the growth of weeds and grass. The largest boulders should be set on the bottom layer
and they should be placed tightly against the earth and snugly against each other. Once the
bottom row is set, the builderwill work their way up with similar size or slightly smaller
boulders. Once the top row has been set, smaller stones should be used to fill in the gaps between
the larger boulders.
The fitting of all the boulders and smaller stones together is where the artistry of the builder
comes in. Done well, he or she will create a strong yet visually appealing boulder wall that will
endure for many years to come.
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