Landscaping in Upwey

Upwey is classic Dandenongs: hilly streets off the Burwood Highway, houses tucked into the slope among the trees, and long views from up on Glenfern Road along the ridge. It's a beautiful place to live. But a typical Upwey backyard is steep, shaded in places, and shaped by a long history of bushfires through the Ranges.

Upwey main street shops with a park bench and autumn trees in the Dandenong Ranges foothills

Photo: NatoV, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Front yard with charcoal block garden bed edging, planting and stepping-stone paving

Getting more flat space

On a steep block, flat ground is gold. The two main ways to get it are:

  • Terracing with retaining walls. Cut into the slope and hold it back with timber, concrete sleeper, block or rock walls. Good for lawns, veggie beds and play areas.
  • Decking. Build out over the slope. It often suits Upwey better than heavy digging, especially where you want to look out over the view.

Getting around safely

Upwey gardens need steps and paths that are safe in wet, leafy conditions. We build in block, stone or pavers, with a sensible rise and going, and drainage so water doesn't run straight down the steps.

Water and slopes

Heavy rain on a hillside has to go somewhere. Planning drainage behind walls and across paths is part of every Hills job we do, so walls aren't pushed out and paths don't wash out.

Walking path of the Ringwood–Belgrave Rail Trail winding through bushland in Upwey

Photo: Ozzmosis, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bushfire planning

Upwey has a long bushfire history, and plenty of properties have bushfire planning controls. Check yours with a free VicPlan property report, and read the CFA's "Landscaping for Bushfire" guide for planting and layout ideas.

See our services, our Dandenong Ranges page and the gallery.

Nearby: Belgrave, Ferntree Gully and Sassafras.

Timber sleeper retaining wall along a side boundary fence under construction

FAQ

Deck or retaining walls on a steep block? It depends on the slope, the soil, how the site can be accessed, and your budget. Often a mix works best. We'll give you options at the quote.

Can you get equipment into a steep Upwey block? Usually. We'll look at access when we visit and plan the job around it.

Do you charge to quote? No. Site visits and quotes are free.

Got a steep Upwey block? We're often booked a month or two ahead, so it pays to get in touch early. Call 0466 211 273 or contact us.