Edgware based · Serving London & nearby areasTrading since March 2015
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✦ LANDSCAPING · LONDON & NEARBY

Retaining walls in London

A garden with changes in level may need more than a decorative edge. Where soil needs to be retained, the wall and its surroundings must be considered together before construction details are agreed.

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4.9 stars from 90+ Google reviews · DBS checked · Trading since March 2015 · Edgware based · Homes & businesses

Finished garden with a turf lawn, brick retaining wall and porcelain steps to a shed

Show the ground above and below the wall

Send a view from each level and a side view that shows the ground held back. Mark any path, steps or structure that must remain usable. If you are enquiring about an existing wall, photograph visible changes from a safe position and explain what you have noticed. Keep both the line of the wall and the area behind it in the enquiry.

Wall construction and adjoining work

We assess the retaining purpose, ground and access and discuss the materials for the agreed layout, including brickwork where appropriate. The written quotation identifies the wall work and any preparation. It also distinguishes adjoining paving and any assessment or design that needs to be arranged separately.

Three steps for your enquiry

  1. Show the retained ground and adjoining features
  2. Review the wall line, levels and any design input
  3. Confirm construction scope and responsibilities in writing

Height, planning and building control

The Planning Portal garden wall rules gives general planning height limits for garden walls in England, including 1 metre next to a highway used by vehicles or its footpath and 2 metres elsewhere, subject to conditions. For a retaining wall, show both levels and explain what the wall supports. Ask the planning authority and building control team what applies to the specific proposal. The GOV.UK guidance on retaining and boundary walls covers safe construction and maintenance of retaining walls.

What the service covers

Retaining work needs to be considered as part of the ground it supports. The wall, the soil behind it and nearby garden features influence one another. We begin by understanding why the ground needs retaining and how the proposed arrangement fits the wider layout.

An existing wall that is leaning, cracking or bulging needs careful assessment before repair or replacement is discussed. A new level change also needs more thought than a decorative edging choice. We establish the work and any design input needed so the proposal follows the actual ground conditions.

How it works

Photograph the area from both levels, standing clear of unstable edges or damaged walls. Include a wider view showing buildings, paths and boundaries nearby. Explain whether you want to create a new level, replace an existing wall or address visible movement.

Tell us what you know about the ground and any water gathering behind the wall. Make a note of nearby trees, drains or services without attempting to uncover them. In tightly arranged London gardens, a retaining wall may be close to neighbouring features, so access and space to carry out the work are important parts of the enquiry.

We assess the proposed line, the ground being retained and the relationship to adjacent structures and routes. The condition of existing work, signs of movement and water management all help define the questions that need answering. Structural assessment or design may form a separate part of establishing the job.

Once the scope and responsibilities are clear, we agree the quotation, plan the work and manage it from start to finish.

Where we work

Retaining-wall enquiries in Edgware, Harrow and Barnet should include views of the ground above and below the proposed work. For other properties, check our service areas and provide the postcode and reason for the change. Local Landscaping information: Edgware, Harrow, Barnet.

Questions about retaining walls

How do you quote a retaining wall?

We quote per job. The ground, wall line, retained height, nearby features and access all affect the assessment.

How long might work on the wall take?

The sequence depends on the assessed ground, access and work agreed around the wall. We discuss the programme once the scope is settled.

Can I arrange a retaining wall visit at a weekend or on a bank holiday?

Yes. We work at weekends and on bank holidays. Our usual hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 to 20:00, Saturday 08:00 to 17:00 and Sunday 09:00 to 17:00. Weekend and bank holiday visits are agreed in advance and confirmed in your written quotation.

Can you assess an existing wall that has moved?

Send photos from a safe place and describe what has changed. Further assessment may be needed before an approach can be agreed.

What checks and insurance apply when I book a retaining wall visit?

The team is DBS checked. LookDeVis holds public and products liability insurance up to 5 million pounds. Terms and exclusions apply.

Will the quotation include the patio above it?

Only where that surface is part of the specified scope. Explain which section you want to retain or include.

Can retaining work be assessed with new steps?

Yes. Show both levels and the route that would connect them so the two parts can be considered together.

What measurements should I send initially?

Give approximate length and the difference between ground levels where you can do so safely. Photos from both sides are useful.

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Garden levellingGarden stepsGarden design

Areas we cover.

We take enquiries for this work across these areas. Send the full postcode so we can confirm coverage and the route to the job.

Recent work

Tell us about your garden retaining walls job.

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