Landscaping & Design
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls that hold soil, create usable level space and handle Melbourne rain - built with drainage behind every wall.
Turn slopes into usable garden
Retaining walls turn slopes into level lawns, raised beds, terraces and steps. They also do a serious structural job, holding back tonnes of soil and water, so how they’re built matters.
Most wall failures come down to water. We install agricultural drainage and free-draining gravel behind our walls so pressure can’t build up, and set posts and footings to suit the height and soil. Clay-heavy, sloping areas like Kew East, Surrey Hills and Glen Iris need particular care.
Get a free quoteHow it works
Our Process
Assess
We look at the slope, soil, drainage, nearby trees and boundaries, and whether a permit or engineering is needed.
Design
Height, materials and drainage are planned so the wall suits the garden and does its job for the long term.
Build
Footings, posts, drainage and backfill are installed properly before the finished face goes on.
Good to know
Before you build
Permits
In Victoria, retaining walls over 1 metre high generally need a building permit and engineering design, and walls near boundaries or supporting other structures may too. We’ll flag this early so there are no surprises.
Drainage
Agricultural pipe and gravel behind the wall relieve water pressure - the most common cause of leaning or failed walls, especially in clay.
Materials
Timber should be rated for in-ground contact (H4-treated pine or durable hardwood). Material choice also matters in heritage overlays.
Trees
Walls near significant trees need care to protect root zones - common in Boroondara and Stonnington.
Boroondara servicesCase studies
See Our Landscaping Work
Moorabbin, Kingston
Moorabbin Garden Build & Ongoing Care
A staged landscape build, then regular care to keep it looking its best
Hampton, Bayside
Hampton Backyard Transformation
From a tired, sunken courtyard to a poolside garden built for entertaining
Carlton North, Inner North
Carlton North Garden Overhaul
A small, stony backyard turned into a bluestone courtyard garden
Reviews
Client Testimonials
Rated 5 stars on Google by homeowners across Melbourne.
I am extremely happy with the landscaping of my garden. They were very professional and worked quickly to achieve a great look. I am happy to recommend them.
I was soo impressed with Joe and his team, the level of service and communication was excellent, it's been a very refreshing experience. Not to mention how polite and well mannered the on-site team has been and good the work has been.
Good operators & people, user friendly and do a good job. Communicate well in advance and post.
FAQ
Retaining Walls FAQs
- Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
- In Victoria, walls over 1 metre high generally need a building permit and engineering, and lower walls can too if they are near a boundary or support a structure or driveway. We’ll advise on your specific situation.
- Why do retaining walls lean or fail?
- Usually water pressure building up behind the wall, or posts and footings that are too shallow for the load. Proper drainage and correctly sized posts prevent most failures.
- How long does a timber retaining wall last?
- Lifespan depends on the timber, its treatment and drainage. Using timber rated for in-ground contact (H4 or better) and keeping water away from the wall gives the longest life.
- Can you replace an old failing wall?
- Yes. We can remove a failed wall and rebuild it with proper drainage and footings.
Free guide
Landscaping & Garden Maintenance Costs in Melbourne
What affects the cost of garden maintenance and landscaping in Melbourne, typical landscaping budgets, and how to get the most from yours.
Get a free quote for retaining walls
Tell us what you have in mind and we'll arrange a time to see the garden and put together a clear, detailed quote - free of charge.
Mon–Fri 7:30am – 5:00pm · Based in Bentleigh