How to raise level of land?

Doingitmyself

Hi all,

looking for advice on what material to use to raise level of land / any considerations.

im putting a retaining wall in front of existing fence, and looking to fill the space to raise the level of the land, then lay new grass 

any advice appreciated

thank you 

MitchellMc

Hi @Doingitmyself,

Since your land slopes towards the back fence, as you mentioned, the main challenge will be ensuring the fill is properly supported by retaining walls. You'll need a retaining wall at the back, but you'll also need additional retaining walls on the sides of the property that run along the neighbouring fence lines. This will ensure the fill is held in place on all three sides. 

As for materials, using sleepers is a great option for the retaining wall. You can use treated pine sleepers, which are durable and great for outdoor use. To hold the sleepers in place, galvanised steel sleeper posts are the ideal solution, as they provide strong support and resist rust, especially when exposed to the elements. 

When constructing your retaining wall, it’s important to incorporate proper drainage at the base to prevent water buildup behind the wall, which can lead to pressure and potential failure. Installing ag pipe (perforated drainage pipe) at the bottom, behind the wall, is an effective solution. The ag pipe should be surrounded with gravel to facilitate water flow and prevent clogging, and the pipe should be directed towards a suitable drainage outlet. This helps manage water flow and protects the wall from water pressure and soil erosion. It’s a vital step to ensure the long-term stability and durability of your retaining wall.

For filling the raised area, you’ll want to use landscaping soil or garden mix. This material is designed to provide good drainage while helping your grass grow. If you're looking to improve soil quality, you could also incorporate some organic compost or manure into the fill, especially if the soil quality in your area is poor.

Since you're planning to raise the ground level by 600mm at the rear, this will significantly alter the look of the fence, especially with the sloping angle. The fence will appear much lower from the new raised ground. To avoid this, you may want to consider extending the height of the fence or adding a feature such as garden trellis panels or lattice to ensure privacy and a more balanced look. Here's a helpful guide: How to add an extension to a Colorbond fence.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell