To the right is out staring point: the dividing line between two back-to-back properties. Surveys have determined that the line of ownership actually extends several feet further than had previously been supposed, in favor of the southern (in this photo, left hand) property. To better define this assessment, a new fence will be built on the line. Since the yard of the northern property lies at a lower grade level than that of the southern neighbor, a timber retaining wall will be constructed to even out the landscape of the southern property and create several feet of useful space. In preparation, a base course of timbers is placed to define the new wall's outline. The young trees which would seem to be swallowed up in the newly defined space will be transplanted so that they may still thrive in the northern property's back yard.

The timber retaining wall is being built up course by course. At regular intervals, vertical posts are placed along the length of the wall; these will be the supports for the fence that will be built above the height of the wall itself, which will only come to the new grade level defined by the southern property's existing landscape. The support posts' bases are buried further into the ground for extra stability, and are also secured to the retaining wall via metal support pieces. Also at regular intervals, long horizontal timbers jut back from the wall itself; when the space behind the wall is filled, these timbers will be buried, and provide extra stability for the wall.

Once the wall is completed, the area behind it can be filled. Since the reclaimed area is part of a driveway / carpark, the fill will be composed entirely of stone and gravel as opposed to earth. The gravel will help to ensure proper drainage for the filled in area. Prior to filling in the area, we laid down "drain tile" - long tubes of drainage piping - to help further encourage proper drainage of the area. As you can see, the area filled was quite considerable in size. The vertical support posts have been cut to uniform height in preparation to support the six foot wooden fence that will enclosed the newly defined property line.

The next step is to install the fencing itself. For consistency as well as for privacy, the homeowners have elected to extend the fence around the complete northern, eastern, and western perimeters of the property, though once beyond the carpark and backyard areas, the fence's height drops from six to four feet. The newly poured in gravel and stone behind the retaining wall will take some time to fully pack down. For the sake of prudence, a few seasons will be allowed to go by to assure that the gravel has had ample time to settle before the entire drive/carpark is covered and sealed for uniformity. As an added personal touch on the homeowners' part, a concrete gargoyle keeps watch at the front of the drive.

Here we are back at our starting point. As promised, the young tress have been transplanted so that the may continue to thrive in the northern property owner's back yard. The wall and fence are actually an asthetic improvement over the previous wire fence and disheveled slope, and will even provide for better drainage to lessen the chance of minor flooding in the northern property owners' yard from heavy downpours. The fence provides privacy for both properties without detracting from the appearance of either yard, allowing for a happy result for all parties concerned.