Soft landscaping like turf and planting rarely needs approval, but the hard landscaping often does. Retaining walls over a certain height, significant tree removal and stormwater changes are the parts that add approval time.
The steps below are a general guide to how landscaping approvals and timelines work in Adelaide. Your landscaper and council confirm the specifics for your site.
When Approval Is Needed
Retaining walls. Retaining above a set height (and walls near boundaries or supporting a structure) generally needs engineering and development approval. Low garden-bed edging usually does not.
Tree removal. Significant or regulated trees are protected in SA and removal can require approval. Check before you plan to clear anything established.
Stormwater and drainage. Changing levels, paving large areas or altering drainage can affect stormwater and neighbours. This may need to be addressed formally.
Boundaries and structures. Sheds, large decks, pergolas or pool surrounds bundled into the job carry their own approval rules. Confirm the whole scope up front.
A Realistic Landscaping Timeline
Design and quotes (1 to 3 weeks)
Agree the concept, materials and staging, then get itemised quotes that separate hard and soft work.
Approvals if required (2 to 6 weeks)
Retaining, tree removal or drainage changes may need approval before work starts. Simple planting jobs skip this.
Site prep and hard landscaping (1 to 4 weeks)
Excavation, retaining, paving, drainage and any structures. This is the longest and most weather-dependent phase.
Soft landscaping and finishing (3 to 7 days)
Soil, turf, planting, mulch, irrigation and lighting complete the yard.
Timeframes are indicative and vary with approvals, weather, site access and the option you choose. This is general information, not approval advice. Confirm requirements with your builder and council.
Common Questions
It depends on the work. Turf, garden beds and planting usually need no approval, but retaining walls above a set height, significant or regulated tree removal, and stormwater or drainage changes often do. A full mid-range yard typically takes around 3 to 8 weeks to build once designed, with any approvals adding a few weeks on top. Sort the retaining and drainage questions early, because they drive both the timeline and the budget.
Related Guidance
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