rcahow the pond was dry in the above link that's how I got the chance to build the wall. My retaining wall is completed submergered except for top row. It is on the right side of the deck in this pic.
If you buy quality ties they are going to far out last you, even in water. This type of lumber is used on many ocean pears, retaining walls on golf course ponds, and sea walls. If I could have afforded a rock or solid concrete wall I would have but not in my budget. The only hard part of the railroad tie wall is getting the bottom row level to start. There also very heavy to handle you'll need a friend or 2 to help. I did most of mine alone but I'm a very large fellow.
