Who Removes Boundary Fencing or Concrete When Building a Retaining Wall?
Retaining walls are a common part of residential landscaping across Melbourne and Victoria, especially on sloping blocks or properties where the ground needs to be stabilised. While the design of a retaining wall might appear straightforward on paper, the construction process often reveals challenges that homeowners did not anticipate.
One of the most common issues arises when the retaining wall is designed close to the property boundary. Builders may request that a fence or concrete mowing strip along the boundary be removed so the wall can be built properly. This can quickly become a sensitive situation if the neighbour is unsure or unwilling to allow the boundary structure to be disturbed.
We often see this scenario regularly on excavation projects. The issue is rarely about the fence itself. The real challenge is access. Retaining walls require precise excavation and structural preparation, and existing structures along the boundary can prevent contractors from doing that work correctly.
Understanding why builders need this access, how retaining walls are constructed, and the responsibilities typically associated with boundary structures can help homeowners navigate the situation more smoothly.
Why Retaining Walls Require Proper Excavation Access
Foundation Preparation Requires Digging Space
Retaining walls must sit on a properly prepared footing trench. Excavation contractors need space to dig and compact the base materials that support the wall and prevent future movement.
Drainage Systems Must Be Installed Behind the Wall
Retaining walls require drainage material and pipes behind the structure to prevent water pressure from building up in the soil. Without enough access along the boundary, contractors cannot install these drainage systems correctly.
Excavation Equipment Needs Room to Operate
Even with compact excavation machinery, contractors still need a safe working area to dig accurately. Fences or concrete mowing strips sitting directly on the boundary can block the excavation space.
Proper Construction Prevents Structural Failure
If the footing, drainage, or base preparation cannot be completed properly, the retaining wall may fail over time. Adequate excavation access ensures the wall is built in accordance with engineering requirements.
Boundary Obstacles Can Block Critical Work Areas
Structures such as fencing or concrete mowing strips often sit exactly where excavation is needed. Removing these obstacles temporarily allows contractors to prepare the site safely and construct the retaining wall correctly.
Can a Retaining Wall Be Built Directly on the Boundary?
Many homeowners assume that if a retaining wall is designed near the boundary, it can be installed right against the fence line. In practice, retaining wall construction involves several structural components that extend beyond the wall’s visible face.
Engineering designs usually include a base footing that sits below ground level. Behind the wall, there will also be drainage rock and sometimes a drainage pipe to direct water away from the structure.
These components require space during construction. Even if the finished wall sits close to the boundary line, the excavation stage may require additional working room.
Soil conditions also influence how the wall is built. On steeper blocks or areas with heavier soil loads, engineers may specify deeper footings or additional reinforcement. These requirements increase the need for access along the boundary during construction.
Because of these structural considerations, builders often request the temporary removal of obstacles along the boundary so the excavation work can be completed properly.
How Boundary Fences and Concrete Strips Affect Construction
Fence Posts Block the Excavation Line
Boundary fences are typically installed directly along the property line, with posts set into concrete footings. When excavation begins for a retaining wall, those posts often sit exactly where the footing trench needs to be dug.
Excavation Cannot Be Completed Around the Posts
Attempting to dig around fence posts restricts the excavation area and prevents contractors from forming a continuous footing trench. It can also weaken the fence structure if the surrounding soil is disturbed during digging.
Concrete Mowing Strips Sit Over the Wall Footing Area
Concrete mowing strips are commonly poured along the base of fences to make lawn maintenance easier. However, these strips are often located directly above the soil where the retaining wall footing must be installed.
The Footing Trench Cannot Reach the Required Depth
If the concrete strip remains in place, excavation equipment cannot dig the footing trench to the required depth or width. This prevents the base materials and drainage layers from being installed correctly.
Temporary Removal Allows Proper Construction
Because these structures sit in the work zone, builders often request that fencing or mowing strips be temporarily removed. Once excavation and retaining wall construction are completed, the fence can usually be reinstated along the boundary.
Who Is Responsible for Removing Boundary Structures?
Responsibility for removing fencing or concrete strips can vary depending on the structure’s ownership and the agreement between neighbours.
Boundary fences are often considered shared structures between adjoining properties. This means both neighbours typically have a say in any changes made to the fence.
In many retaining wall projects, the homeowner arranging the construction discusses the situation with their neighbour before work begins. If both parties agree, the fence may be temporarily removed and then reinstated once the retaining wall is complete.
Another option is for the builder or contractor to carefully remove sections of the fence and reinstall them after excavation and construction work are finished.
In some cases, the project may present an opportunity to replace an ageing fence with a new one once the retaining wall has been installed.
Every property is different, and arrangements can vary. The important point is that removal is usually temporary and done to allow proper construction access.
Why Concrete Mowing Strips Often Need to Be Removed
Concrete mowing strips can seem like a small feature, but they often become a major obstacle when excavation begins.
These strips are typically poured directly along the fence line and can extend slightly into the soil area where the retaining wall footing needs to be installed. Because they are made of solid concrete, excavation equipment cannot simply dig through them.
If the mowing strip remains in place, it can prevent the excavation contractor from digging the footing trench to the correct depth. It may also interfere with drainage systems that need to be installed behind the retaining wall.
Removing the strip early in the project allows excavation work to proceed properly and avoids complications later in the build.
From my experience in excavation projects, I have found that addressing these obstacles before construction begins is always the most efficient approach.
What happens if a Neighbour Is Reluctant to Agree?
Boundary construction can sometimes create uncertainty for neighbours. Concerns about property damage, boundary changes, or the condition of the fence after construction are common.
In most cases, these concerns can be resolved through clear communication. Explaining why the retaining wall needs to be built in a specific location and how the construction process works often helps neighbours understand the situation.
Providing reassurance that the fence will be reinstated after the work is completed can also help build confidence.
Sometimes builders provide written confirmation outlining how the fence will be removed, stored, and reinstalled. This gives neighbours peace of mind that the boundary will be restored.
If an agreement cannot be reached, the builder may need to explore alternative construction approaches. This could involve adjusting the retaining wall location slightly within the property or modifying the design.
However, these changes may reduce usable space or increase construction costs. That is why resolving access issues early is always preferable.
How Excavation Contractors Work in Tight Boundary Areas
Residential excavation often involves working in restricted spaces. Many Melbourne properties have narrow access points and limited working areas between buildings and fences.
To handle these situations, contractors use compact excavation equipment designed for tight access environments. Mini excavators allow precise digging in areas where larger machines cannot operate.
Even with specialised equipment, careful planning is required when excavating close to property boundaries. Contractors must avoid damaging existing structures while still preparing the footing correctly.
Excavation near boundaries also requires attention to soil stability and safety. Digging too close to a fence without proper support can risk soil movement or structural damage.
Experienced excavation contractors understand how to manage these risks and ensure that the retaining wall foundation is prepared in accordance with engineering specifications.
Steps Homeowners Can Take to Prevent Boundary Issues
Many boundary access problems can be avoided with early planning before construction begins.
Confirm the property boundary location.
A professional boundary survey ensures the retaining wall is correctly positioned and prevents disputes over property lines.
Discuss the project with neighbours early.
Informing neighbours about the retaining wall project allows concerns to be addressed before work starts.
Review engineering drawings carefully.
Understanding the retaining wall design helps identify whether access along the boundary will be required during excavation.
Identify obstacles before construction begins.
Fences, concrete strips, and landscaping features should be considered when planning the excavation stage.
Involve the excavation contractor during planning.
Experienced contractors can assess site access and identify potential challenges before the project begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in many cases it is easier to construct a retaining wall before the boundary fence is installed. Building the wall first gives excavation contractors full access to prepare the footing, drainage, and base materials properly. Once the wall is completed, the fence can then be installed neatly along the boundary without interfering with the structure.
Some retaining walls may require council approval depending on their height, location, and structural design. In Victoria, walls over certain heights or those supporting significant soil loads often need engineering drawings and permits. It is always best to confirm requirements with your local council or builder before construction begins.
Yes, a poorly built retaining wall can create problems if it fails or allows soil movement. If drainage is not installed properly, water pressure can push soil against the wall and affect nearby structures. This is why proper excavation, engineering design, and professional installation are essential for retaining walls near property boundaries.
Conclusion
Retaining walls built near property boundaries often require temporary access to the boundary area during construction. Existing fences and concrete mowing strips can prevent excavation contractors from properly preparing the footing and drainage systems.
In many cases, temporary removal of these structures allows the retaining wall to be built in accordance with engineering requirements while ensuring long-term stability.
From my experience running Hammer Excavations, the key to avoiding delays or disputes is planning. Early communication between homeowners, neighbours, builders, and excavation contractors makes the construction process much smoother.
When everyone understands why the access is required and how the boundary will be restored, most retaining wall projects move forward without major complications.
If you are planning a retaining wall near your property boundary, involving an experienced excavation contractor early in the process can help identify potential access challenges and ensure the project is completed safely and efficiently.
