About the service
Who will contact me?
One independent landscaping business that works in your area. We aim to pass your request to a local landscaper within one business day. From then on you deal with them directly.
Is it free?
Yes. The landscaping business may pay us for the referral; that never adds to your quote.
Do you pass my details to several businesses?
No. Each request goes to one business, and only if you tick the consent box on the form. See our privacy policy.
Permits and registration
When does a retaining wall need a building permit?
When it is about 1 metre high or more, or when it is part of other building work or protects the neighbouring property. Walls under 1 metre on their own are generally exempt (VBA practice note BP-01).
Does a deck need a permit?
A deck attached to the house or a pool needs a building permit whatever its size (BP-01). A low deck no more than 800 mm above the ground is generally exempt from a planning permit, unless an overlay on your land says otherwise.
When do I need a registered builder?
When domestic building work in the contract is worth more than $10,000. Walls, decks, attached pergolas and fences generally count; planting, garden beds and paving on their own generally do not. Over $16,000, domestic building insurance is required too (Victorian building regulator).
Do fences need a permit?
Most residential fences do not need a building permit if they are no more than 2 metres high, no more than 1.5 metres within 3 metres of a street (1.2 metres for masonry or concrete) and no more than 1 metre near a corner (BP-01). Some overlays, such as those in the Highton Village and Ocean Grove's Goandra Estate, need a planning permit for a fence. Pool fences always need a permit.
Who pays for a dividing fence?
Neighbours generally share the cost of a sufficient dividing fence equally. A neighbour who wants something more expensive pays the difference. The process starts with a fencing notice (fencing in Victoria).
Can I remove a tree?
Check first. In most residential zones in Greater Geelong a permit is needed to remove or lop a canopy tree at least 5 metres high with a canopy at least 4 metres across, with exemptions (clause 52.37). Overlays in parts of Ocean Grove, Newtown, Waurn Ponds and Torquay protect smaller trees. Only the council may remove street trees (City of Greater Geelong).
Water, soil and planting
When can I water the garden?
Under Barwon Water's permanent water saving rules, sprinklers, drippers and other watering systems may run only between 6pm and 10am. Hand-held hoses with a trigger nozzle, watering cans and buckets can be used at any time. The rules cover drinking water, not rainwater or recycled water.
What can I do with my nature strip?
In Greater Geelong you can plant low plants within set height limits or use drought-tolerant grass or mulch, following the nature strip guidelines. Synthetic turf, retaining walls, fencing, irrigation and loose stones are not allowed, and you should register a nature strip garden with the council.
Which plants suit the Geelong region?
Indigenous plants matched to your local zone. The City of Greater Geelong's indigenous plant guides cover 19 zones, from the limestone plains around Geelong to the coastal dunes.
What should I check before digging?
Where underground pipes and cables run. The City of Greater Geelong advises calling 1100 before you dig, including for stormwater pipes on private property (council advice).
What about asbestos in old fences or sheds?
Homes and structures built or renovated before 1990 may contain asbestos, and fences are among the places it is found. Only a laboratory test can confirm it, and removal should be done by a licensed removalist (Victorian Government asbestos guidance).
Costs and timing
What does a landscaper charge per hour?
A published cost guide's Geelong estimates (October 2026, GST inclusive) put landscaper rates at $51 to $100 an hour.
What does a backyard makeover cost?
The same guide puts a basic backyard makeover at $4,650 to $13,950 and a full landscape for a new home at $13,950 to $55,800. Your quote depends on size, access, soil and materials.
When is the best time to start?
Plan in winter, build walls and paving when the ground is workable and plant in autumn or spring. Landscapers book out in spring, so ask early.