r/RetainingWallprojects

We are in the process of purchasing a property with a large retaining wall. The property and retaining wall are brand new, construction completed in January of this year.

Inspection highlighted a very slight forward lean and slight bowing (see photos). How worried should we be about this?

We have a dry-stacked limestone retaining wall holding back the neighbor's yard. Wall is 24" tall at the center, 30" tall at the tallest end. It's about 50 feet long. Wall was there when we moved in eight years ago. About five years ago a section of it fell, and we had the entire thing restacked. Within a year or two it was bowing and leaning again.

I don't think lack of drainage is the culprit. The wall has plenty of natural openings and during heavy rains I can see water flowing freely through it, so hydrostatic pressure doesn't seem to be the issue. I suspect it (and the neighbor's fence) is getting pushed out by the roots of those two large bushes in the middle. See how the rest of the wall is standing upright?

My neighbor is on board with me on addressing the wall and the fences at the same time.

Questions:

1. What do you think the cause is?
2. I want to have it replaced in the fall. I'm done trying to make the stacked limestone work. My spouse has already vetoed a poured concrete wall. What materials would you suggest?
3. What key design/install steps are important (i.e., deadmen, etc.)?
4. How do I find a contractor who will do it right?

I'd prefer that the water still flow through the wall, rather than rerouting it with perforated pipe or similar. Rerouting would just put it into my other neighbor's yard on one end or toward my house/basement on the other end.

What are the experts opinions on this retaining wall build? Not me, not my wall, just popped up on my IG feed - no relation to the guy.