How I approach the garden ???

How do I go about levelling a garden to have it paved and turfed ?

Asked by Leanne on 7th Aug 2023
Expert Trade Answers
"Hi, you will firstly need too bring in top soil have it compacted down, then put a 100mm sub base again compact this down and then it will be ready too be layed on"
Answered on 7th Aug 2023 - Member since Sep 2022 - report
"Right well the first thing I would do is just mk sure you no where all the services are as they may run through the garden allways good to check and if you can get a digger around the garden then I would hire one for a day and then if it’s just got to be levelling and it isn’t having nothing taken out I would just take 40 ml of and it will give you a nice level surface to start your preparation for you new project i hope it helps thanks Shane"
Answered on 29th Aug 2023 - Member since May 2023 - report
"You need to dig the ground up get rid of the muck and get it to a certain level then hardcore it then sand it then pave it same with the turf"
Answered on 13th Aug 2023 - Member since Aug 2023 - report
"Here's a general outline of the process:

Clear the Area:
Remove any existing vegetation, debris, rocks, and obstacles from the garden area. This will give you a clean slate to work with.

Plan and Design:
Determine the layout of the paved and turfed areas. Consider factors like walkways, seating areas, and the placement of the turf. Use stakes, string, or spray paint to mark out the planned areas.

Excavation:
Start by excavating the area. This involves digging up the existing soil to create a level and even surface. You may need to remove varying depths of soil depending on the existing slope and the desired level.

Grading:
Use a long, straight board (a level or a laser level) to check the evenness of the excavated area. Make adjustments by adding or removing soil until you achieve the desired grade. Proper grading ensures water drainage away from structures.

Compaction:
Compact the soil using a mechanical compactor or a hand tamper. This helps to stabilize the soil and prevent future settling, which could lead to uneven surfaces.

Add Base Materials:
For the paved areas, add a layer of crushed stone or gravel as a base. This layer provides stability and drainage for the paving material. Compact the base material to create a solid foundation.

Paving:
Install the chosen paving material (e.g., concrete pavers, bricks, or stone) according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Make sure to maintain proper spacing and alignment while setting the pavers.

Turf Preparation:
For the turfed area, spread a layer of topsoil over the compacted soil. This topsoil should be levelled and graded to create a smooth surface for the turf to be laid on.

Turf Installation:
Lay the rolls of turf on the prepared soil surface. Start from one edge and work your way across, ensuring the turf pieces are snugly fit together. Avoid stretching the turf, and tamp it down lightly to eliminate air pockets.

Watering and Maintenance:
Water the newly laid turf thoroughly to help it establish its root system. Follow a watering schedule provided by your turf supplier. Maintain the area by mowing, fertilizing, and watering as needed.

Finishing Touches:
Install any additional features like garden beds, edging, or seating areas as desired to complete the landscaping.

Regular Maintenance:
Keep an eye on the paved and turfed areas over time. Repair any uneven settling, weeds, or damage that may occur."
Answered on 7th Aug 2023 - Member since Jul 2023 - report
"Get an excavation company in who will bring a digger to move everything around"
Answered on 7th Aug 2023 - Member since Mar 2023 - report
"hire a digger, probably with a driver, they’re easy to use but grading the ground level is tricky and if you don’t go deep enough in sections you will have wonky slabs and if you go to deep you will be forking out loads of concrete/topsoil. once it’s level if it’s a patio put in a layer of hardcore and lay on top. if it’s turf get some top soil and plating compost, compact and lay."
Answered on 7th Aug 2023 - Member since Jul 2023 - report
"Hi this can be done diffrent ways all depends on how you want it how much slope your garden has if wanting it just to smoth over then put couple ton top soil level and compact then term or grass seed"
Answered on 19th Aug 2023 - Member since Apr 2023 - report
"Hello, you will need a cultivator and a rake to prepare your garden for paving and turfing. The paving part will require sand and a membrane under it, but the company that does the paving should do this as part of the job!"
Answered on 21st Aug 2023 - Member since Aug 2023 - report
"Hire a digger and gets some lines up to get your level"
Answered on 4th Sep 2023 - Member since Sep 2023 - report
"1. Planning:
Determine the extent of levelling needed. Use a level or surveying tools to identify the high and low points of your garden.
Decide on the layout for paving and turfing, considering factors like walkways, seating areas, and plant beds.
2. Gather Materials and Tools:
Shovels, rakes, wheelbarrow, and other basic gardening tools.
A compactor or plate compactor to compact the soil.
Building sand or a similar levelling material.
Topsoil for turfing.
Paving stones and turf rolls.
3. Clear the Area:
Remove any existing vegetation, debris, rocks, and obstacles from the garden area.
4. Mark High and Low Points:
Use stakes and string to mark the high and low points of the garden, based on your levelling plan.
5. Excavation:
Begin excavating the high areas, using a shovel or excavator, and transfer the soil to the low areas.
Continue this process until the surface is relatively even. You can use a level to check the progress.
6. Compact the Soil:
Use a compactor or plate compactor to compact the soil evenly. This will help prevent future settling and unevenness.
7. Add Levelling Material:
Spread a layer of building sand or similar material over the compacted soil. This will help fine-tune the levelling and create a smooth surface for the paving.
8. Install Paving:
Lay the paving stones according to your design plan. Use a rubber mallet to ensure they're level with one another and the surrounding ground.
9. Prepare for Turfing:
If you're turfing an area, remove any debris and stones from the soil.
Spread a layer of topsoil over the area, ensuring it's of good quality and free from weeds.
10. Lay Turf:
Unroll the turf rolls over the prepared soil. Start from one side and work your way across, making sure the edges are snug against each other.
Press down gently on the turf to ensure good contact with the soil.
11. Water and Settle:
Water the newly laid turf thoroughly to help it settle and establish good root contact with the soil.
Avoid walking on the newly laid turf for a few weeks to allow it to take root.
12. Finish Up:
Fill any gaps between paving stones with sand or mortar, depending on the type of paving you're using.
Regularly water and maintain the turf as it establishes.
Remember, the specific steps might vary based on the condition of your garden, the type of soil you have, and the materials you're using. It's also a good idea to consult with local landscaping experts or professionals who can provide tailored advice for your specific situation."
Answered on 21st Aug 2023 - Member since Aug 2023 - report
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