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Advice on new-build garden

Bob SmithBob Smith Posts: 1
in Problem solving
I am buying a new-build house, which will be ready in a few weeks. The rear garden is left un-turfed and doesn't look ready for turf. It is very compacted and there are rocks and construction rubble in it.   All we want to do is lay turf over the entire garden - but the area gets quite a lot of rain, so I'm keen to help drainage as much as possible.   It's approximately 7m x 7m   What would be a simple/low-cost (DIY as much as possible) plan of action to prepare it for turf?

Posts

  • Tropical SamTropical Sam Posts: 1,488

    The developer should rotavate it before handover. I would buy a few large bags of agriculture sand to level the area where the lawn will be and lay the turf on that. That will also provide drainage. Or you can pay a lawn company to do it for you.

  • KT53KT53 Posts: 8,040

    I believe the developer (a) should not remove any topsoil from site and (b) should remove all construction rubble.  I would be speaking to them NOW to ensure that you aren't left with all their junk to remove.  You will already have paid for that as part of the build.

    When I had a lawn laid last year it cost about £10 per square metre for turf and laying, so about £500 in your case.  If the cost is not prohibitive it's the best way to get a good finish.

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 52,095

    Would agree with blairs and KT about getting the developers to leave the plot in a suitable state.  Many people get the turf included in the house price but if you've not done that, it should certainly be suitable for you to complete it yourself. Builders are notorious for just dumping all the junk in the gardens. It might be worth checking your agreement, with your lawyer if necessary, and then contacting them Bob. Clearing it all is a lot of work for you to tackle yourself, and having a good base for your turf to go on really pays off image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,863

    Yes, make sure that they don't leave you with loads of rubble buried under a few inches of topsoil image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • TootlesTootles Posts: 1,469

    Hi Bob, we were in a very similar position when we purchased our place.  Lawn was freshly laid but the ground wasn't made even and now we have minor slopes, especially around the perimeter. We have dug various holes to put trees in and have always ended up lugging out bags of rubble and all sorts of builders rubbish. It's a bit like a disappointing and predictable episode of Timeteam! Good luck with yours.

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