Earthworks & Retaining Walls | AV Landscape Perth

Our approach

Getting the ground right

Earthworks is where most landscaping projects are won or lost. Whether it's clearing and levelling a block, preparing for paving, or managing fill and soil removal, the levels, drainage and compaction are what make everything built on top last.

A retaining wall without drainage behind it is only a temporary wall. We treat drainage as the most important part of every wall we build, and choose limestone, sleepers or block to suit the property, the height and the load.

01Drainage first
02Built for the site
03Ready for the next trade

How we work

From site assessment to a clean handover

01
Site assessment
We check levels, soil, drainage and access, and let you know if a wall needs council approval.
02
Plan & proposal
A clear scope, sequence and timeline, including soil removal and any materials.
03
Excavation & build
Digging, compaction, footings and walls, with drainage installed as standard.
04
Ready for what's next
Levels checked, the site cleaned up, and handed over ready for paving, turf or planting.

What's included

Earthworks & retaining services

Site assessment and planning
Stump grinding and root removal
Excavation and levelling
Soil removal and disposal
Fill placement and compaction
Drainage installation
Limestone block retaining walls
Timber sleeper and concrete block walls
Steps and feature walls
Footings and capping
Paving base preparation
Topsoil placement
Coordination with following trades

Common questions

FAQ

For most projects, yes. Good paving and landscaping depends on a properly prepared base — the right depth, correct drainage fall and adequate compaction. Skipping this stage is the most common reason paving moves and landscapes fail within a few years.

Yes — altered drainage paths without adequate replacement is one of the most common issues we see on older properties. We always consider where water will go before we move any ground.

Inadequate drainage behind the wall. Water that can't escape builds up hydrostatic pressure that the wall is rarely designed to resist. We install appropriate drainage as standard — it's not optional.

Limestone suits most western suburbs aesthetics and handles Perth's climate well. Timber sleepers give a warmer, more informal look but have a shorter lifespan in direct ground contact. Concrete block is the most durable and consistent. We'll help you weigh these up for your specific situation and budget.

Walls over 0.5m on a boundary or over 1m elsewhere generally require a building permit in Western Australia. We can advise on whether your planned wall requires approval and what the process involves.

A standard garden retaining wall typically takes one to three days, depending on length, height and site access. We'll give you a clear timeline as part of the quote.

Yes. Earthworks typically happens early in a project and we're experienced coordinating timing with concreters, pavers and landscapers who follow on. We'll make sure the site is ready for the next stage before we leave.

Getting the ground right

From site assessment to a clean handover

Site assessment

Plan & proposal

Excavation & build

Ready for what's next

Earthworks & retaining services

FAQ

Sloping block or a site to prepare?