Protecting a Dry-Stone Wall from Water and Roots
Water and vegetation are the two things to manage around a dry-stone wall. Keep the ground behind the wall free-draining: if soil has built up against the back, reduce it, and make sure surface water is directed away rather than soaking the bank above. Young seedlings appearing in the face can be removed carefully before they establish, but established roots should not be pulled out, since they may be holding stones in place and their removal can need planning or staged work. After storms, check that the base is not sitting in standing water and that no fine soil is washing out through the face, which signals hearting being lost.