Retaining wall in back yard with no fence?

We're re-doing our back yard soon and our property is nowhere near level. We have a retaining wall with a 2-4 foot drop off along the end of our usable yard, beyond that is trees. I always thought we'd put a fence along it for safety but our landscape designer says it will look too harsh.

He's suggesting doing a planting bed along it to deter people (mainly kids, we have a 2 y/o and infant) from trying to walk beyond the wall and fall. I suggested placing boulders along it to help do the same thing. I'm mainly worried about kids running, not realizing how close the drop off is and getting hurt.

Do you think a row of boulders with a planting bed in front would be sufficient? Would you push for a fence?

Message edited 5/10/2013 11:32:34 AM.

Re: Retaining wall in back yard with no fence?

You could do a split-rail fence. That's very open and unobtrusive, but still a solid barrier along the entire edge.

Re: Retaining wall in back yard with no fence?

I would not be comfortable without a solid barrier like a fence. I agree with pp & you could do like a wrought iron which would be see through but still show anyone that there's a boundary.

I have 2 extremely active toddlers (2.5 & 3.5) & honesty I.could not feel comfortable having a drop off & no fence.

Re: Retaining wall in back yard with no fence?

Thinking about my son.. boulders would actually entice him. He would be all over the them. So yes, I would do a fence. Maybe a small picket fence?