Building close to existing shrubs
I am planning to build walls and create raised beds around what will be a new parking area on what I loosely describe as my front lawn.
There are several mature shrubs that I wish to retain which are located close to the line on which I intend to build a new retaining wall, and so will need to work around.
The plants that are likely to be affected are a 2.5m high Lilac, a 1.80m high deciduous Azalea and a 1.50m high Rhododendron.
In order that I can finalise the position of the wall (my current plan is shown by stringline on pic below), and before I start digging, it would help to know how large is the root ball on these plants likely to be and how tolerant are they to root disturbance / partial loss if I have to cut any back?
TIA
Owd

There are several mature shrubs that I wish to retain which are located close to the line on which I intend to build a new retaining wall, and so will need to work around.
The plants that are likely to be affected are a 2.5m high Lilac, a 1.80m high deciduous Azalea and a 1.50m high Rhododendron.
In order that I can finalise the position of the wall (my current plan is shown by stringline on pic below), and before I start digging, it would help to know how large is the root ball on these plants likely to be and how tolerant are they to root disturbance / partial loss if I have to cut any back?
TIA
Owd

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The delineated area is destined to become steps, descending from the peg at the foot of the lilac toward the car.
Depth of dig will also play a part here and at the top (adjacent Lilac), it will be approx 300mm increasing to 1.50m at the bottom.
Consequently, I think, despite being closest to the line, the Lilac may be the least affected but I expect I will need to trim/remove some shallower roots.
It is the other plants that I am more concerned about (the centre line of which will be about 800m from my excavation line, and hence my query about how tolerant these plants are to disturbance.
I would hate to lose either.
Good reminders.
no services here...
yet.
They are in the bird feeder now.
Anyone?
the stuff you learn..
I love this place.
In the above pic, what is now turf stripped is where I'd really like to position the steps, and which would mean me installing a wall to the left of the steps as viewed (about where the shaft of my edging blade is). In this position the wall would be approx 800mm from the Rhodo & Azalea. Just not sure whether this is too close. Alternatively I may install the wall along the stringline with the steps to the right of it.
Easier to achieve but I will lose some parking width which I am trying to maximise.
I'd really like to get as close as possible without causing any adverse effects on the plants.
Decisions, decisions...