A builder-graded yard in West Hillhurst, rebuilt for everyday use.
Poor grading and a small wood edger left this backyard unusable. A properly placed retaining wall split it into open greenspace off the deck and a shaded patio by the garage.
A backyard the whole family can finally use.
The home builder's landscaping left our West Hillhurst clients with a backyard they couldn't use. With only a small wood edger holding it back, the grade had never been done correctly.
Taz knew the yard needed a proper retaining wall, but he wanted to position it so his clients could make full use of every part of the yard.
He broke the yard up into greenspace and patio space, and suggested keeping the patio near the detached garage at the back of the property line. The afternoon sun here can be harsh, and the garage's shade lets the family use the patio comfortably even on a hot, sunny day.
That move also opened up the top level off the deck as proper greenspace, with room for the kids and the dog to run around.
- Paving Stones
- Retaining Wall
- Softscaping
From builder grade to a yard that works.
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One wall, placed to get the most out of the yard.
The challenge
The home builder's landscaping was poorly done. The grade wasn't right, and a small wood edger was the only thing holding it back, so the family couldn't use their backyard.
On top of that, the yard gets harsh afternoon sun, which makes an open patio hard to enjoy on hot days.
The approach
Replace the edger with a proper retaining wall, positioned so the yard divides cleanly into greenspace and patio space.
Put the patio at the back of the property line by the detached garage, where the garage's shade keeps it usable all afternoon, and open up the top level off the deck as greenspace for the kids and the dog.
Every piece planned before the first shovel.
The 2D plan Taz drew for this yard. Click to enlarge.
- Retaining wall Replaces the builder's wood edger and corrects the grade, positioned to divide the yard into two usable levels.
- Paving stone patio Set at the back of the property line beside the detached garage, shaded from the afternoon sun.
- Greenspace off the deck The top level opened up as proper greenspace for the kids and the dog.
- Softscaping Planting that separates the greenspace from the patio and softens the wall.
The finished yard.
Have a yard that isn't working for you?
Every project starts the same way: a free on-site consultation, a measured 2D plan, and a transparent budget before any ground moves.