Failed or collapsed landscape Retaining walls are generally caused by failure to consider and implement suitable footings and drainage during design and construction. Brisbane’s 2011 extensive wet season and subsequent flooding highlighted these problems to many home owners.

In many cases affected walls had little or no drainage behind walls to assist with alleviating water build up. While appropriate structural footings for retaining walls should never be overlooked, efficient drainage and appropriate back fill for retaining walls should be considered as important as the retaining wall structure itself.

With Modern house allotments limiting  site access for future repairs / replacement, it is imperative to build a durable retaining wall. Visit Brisbane Landscapers Greenscene Gardenscope for more information.

Brisbane Landscapers Greenscene Gardenscope were engaged by a North Brisbane client to design and construct a durable retaining wall that would also direct flood water away from property structures. The retainer wall in question would incorporate over sixty meters of link wall with a varying retainer wall height. The wall was not to exceed one meter in height therefore avoiding additional council approvals.

On commencement major excavation work was undertaken to shape the landscape area for works. Excess soil was relocated to form a raised garden area to assist with redirection of storm water. This photo shows landscape preparation works underway.

On completion of excavation works, both structural footings and the first coarse of Boral soft split link wall blocks were laid. The footings for this work was a one hundred millimeter concrete footing with reinforcement rod installed in the footing. Accurate landscape levels were ascertained by laser level.

After our initial footings had sufficiently cured the retainer wall was constructed. One hundred millimeter socked agg pipe was installed behind the wall, along with drainage gravel to ensure no water pressure could build up behind and undermine the retaining walls structure. This photo depicts the agg drain being laid behind the wall.

The retaining wall, being of varying heights was then terraced for aesthetic presentation. Numerous levels of garden areas were formed. Terracing this retaining wall added character to the garden areas, assisted with the direction of storm water and disguised the varying heights of the area. The following photos show terracing to both the side and rear areas of the structure.

Simple, low maintenance, colour by foliage plants such as Liriope stripey white, Cycad Revoluta, Strelizia (Bird of Paradise), Dracena Song of India, Dracena Tri-colour / Colourama, Xanadu, Lomandra Hystrix and various Cordylines will grow to create a future vibrant garden with year round colour and… without the maintenance.

For more samples of our works and other projects visit www.greenscenegardenscope.com.au

With a BSA structural landscape license, irrigation and drainage license, current qualifications and a whole lot of experience Greenscene Gardenscope can repair damages caused by Brisbanes flooding including insurance claims for retaining walls, paving, drainage, decks, and general landscaping. Flooding can have an undermining affect on large and even small trees with saturated grounds. Strong winds can uproot trees sending them crashing down. Ground water can also be banked up behind poorly drained retaining walls and structures putting added weight and pressure on the footings and walls. Wet areas in properties may require sub surface drainage to remove stagnant water which not only causes structural problems but is also a breeding ground for mosquitoes. With the ability to laser level sites to ascertain true indications of possible scenarios and solutions we can certainly assist to improve the situation. We strongly believe in building all our work to last the test of time. With strong footings and prep work come strong structures and landscapes. All too often we see poorly constructed retaining walls, paving, decking, irrigation, drainage, and even gardens and plant selections.  Let us, professional fully equipped structural landscapers assist with works around your homes. We encourage you to look at our website for our qualifications and past jobs at www.greenscenegardenscope.com.au . Landscaping from Brisbane to the sunshine, contact Greenscene Gardenscope for hassle free quote for landscape and drainage works for residential, commercial, industrial, government departments or councils projects.

www.greenscenegardenscope.com.au for a portfolio of our Brisbane retaining wall and landscape projects.

Retaining wall are a very common requirement for most home owners. Retainers can be a reasonable expense, so maximizing the life span of your investment is critical. On some sites it can be difficult to get reasonable access to remove deteriorated retaining walls, hence the importance of correctly selecting and constructing a durable retaining wall.

Retaining wall can be constructed using a range of different products. H4 treated timber sleeper walls and block walls are both popular selections.In most areas of south east Queensland walls can be constructed without council approval providing they do not exceed 1 meter in height.
Block walls being a concrete product have a longer service life (providing they are correctly installed). Blocks are available in several styles and finishes. one of the most common is link wall blocks. These are often selected above timber for there service life and there price efficiency verse other concrete block products. Many suppliers suggest a minimum requirement of a compacted road base / crusher dust base.  A solid concrete footing is our recommendation.

Timber or sleeper walls should always use h4 treated timber designed for in ground installation. Timbers suitable for retaining walls are usually hardwood or pine h4 treated sleepers in 50mm or 75mm depth (timber thickness). Timber selection and design of retaining walls should always be based on individual site requirements.

Consideration for back fill and drainage should never be over looked. Generally a minimum of agg drainage, socked preferably to prevent sediment entering and/or blocking drain and 200mm of drainage gravel between wall and soil being retained is required.  Any wall will only be as good as its foundations and drainage.

Greenscene Gardenscope construct durable retaining walls from a wide range of products. For a profile of our work and information on the range of landscaping services we offer visit us at www.greenscenegardenscope.com.au