A retaining wall can turn a sloping block into level garden beds, a flat lawn or a usable courtyard. It also holds back a surprising weight of soil and water. That is why walls need more planning than most garden projects. A wall that looks fine on day one can lean or crack within a few years if the basics are skipped.
This guide covers the questions to answer before any digging starts. It looks at approvals, drainage, neighbours and materials. The rules quoted here come from council and state planning guidance. Rules differ between states and councils, so treat this as a starting point and check with your own council.
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