Landscape excavation involves removing or relocating soil and other materials to prepare a property for landscaping. It may be required to establish appropriate levels and prepare areas for paving, retaining walls, lawns, garden beds, pathways and other landscape construction.

Excavation helps create the levels and foundations required for the landscape elements that follow. Proper preparation can be particularly important for drainage, paving, retaining structures and other constructed landscape features.

Landscape demolition involves removing existing outdoor structures, surfaces or landscape elements that are no longer required before a new landscape is constructed.

Depending on the property and project requirements, demolition may involve removing existing paving, garden structures, edging, walls or other unwanted landscape elements to make way for the new design.

Where required as part of a landscaping project, existing paving can be removed so the area can be appropriately excavated and prepared for the new landscape construction.

Yes. Retaining wall construction can require excavation to establish appropriate levels, foundations and working areas. Requirements will vary according to the wall, site and landscape design.

Paving generally requires appropriate site preparation to establish the required finished levels and base. The amount of excavation required depends on the existing site and proposed paving construction.

Excavation and earthworks can be used to modify levels and create more functional areas within a landscape. On sloping properties, this may work in conjunction with retaining walls, steps and other landscape elements.

Site preparation is the work undertaken before the main landscape construction begins. Depending on the project, it may include demolition, clearing, excavation, soil removal, levelling and grading.

Grading involves shaping and adjusting ground levels to create the required contours, slopes and falls. It can influence how different areas of the landscape connect and how surface water moves through the property.

Ground levels affect paving, lawns, garden beds, pathways, steps, retaining walls and drainage. Establishing appropriate levels early helps the different elements of the finished landscape work together.

Yes. Changing ground levels can affect the movement of water across a property, so drainage and appropriate falls should be considered as part of excavation and landscape construction.

Site preparation may include establishing areas and levels for new garden beds and lawns as part of a complete landscape project.

Yes, depending on site conditions and access. Sloping properties often require careful consideration of excavation, levels, drainage, retaining structures, steps and access as part of the landscape design.

Yes. An established outdoor area can be transformed by removing unwanted elements, preparing the site and constructing a new landscape based on the proposed design.

Not necessarily. Existing landscape elements may sometimes be retained and incorporated into the new design where appropriate. The site can be assessed to determine what should remain and what needs to be removed.

Yes. Ideally, demolition and excavation should be based on the proposed landscape design so that the site is prepared specifically for the construction that will follow.

Yes. Coordinating excavation with subsequent landscape construction means levels and preparation can be established with the finished paving, stone walls, pathways and other features in mind.

Yes. Property access can influence the equipment that can be used and how excavation, material removal and construction are approached. Access should therefore be considered when planning the project.

Depending on the project, excavated material may be reused where appropriate or removed from the property. The requirements will depend on the type and condition of the material and the proposed landscape works.

Permit requirements depend on what is being demolished, the property and applicable council or building regulations. Larger structures and certain types of work may require permits or specialist contractors, so requirements should be established before work begins.

This depends on the extent and location of the excavation and the work being constructed. Planning, building, engineering or other requirements may apply to certain projects, particularly where retaining structures, significant level changes or boundaries are involved.

When excavation is coordinated with the landscape construction, the site can be prepared according to the requirements of the finished design. This can provide better continuity between demolition, excavation, drainage, levels and the construction stages that follow.

Phillip Merrett Landscapes provides excavation, demolition and site preparation as part of landscape construction projects, helping prepare sites for paving, retaining walls, stonework, lawns, planting and other landscape features.

Contact Phillip Merrett Landscapes to discuss your existing property and proposed landscaping project. The site, access, existing structures and scope of the new landscape can then be considered when determining the work required.