Landscaping a new plot: where to start

After construction a plot looks bleak: soil compacted by machinery, building debris, level changes. The urge to sow a lawn quickly is understandable, but the wrong sequence means rework within a year or two.

Step 1: a plan, even a simple one

Before the first load of soil, decide where the terrace, paths, parking, barbecue area and beds will go. Moving a flower bed is easy; moving a paved path is a project.

Step 2: underground utilities

Everything that belongs in the ground goes in now: drainage, irrigation pipes, cable for lighting and power to the gazebo. Digging trenches through a finished lawn is expensive and frustrating.

Step 3: rough grading

Soil around the house is usually compacted like concrete and full of debris. It needs loosening or replacing, slopes set away from the house, and rubbish and stones removed.

Step 4: hard surfaces

Paving, paths and retaining walls come before the lawn and planting: machinery and barrows can still move freely across the plot.

Step 5: topsoil and lawn

A lawn needs at least 10–15 cm of good fertile soil. Only then — rolled turf or seeding.

Step 6: trees and shrubs

Large trees can go in earlier, together with grading. Hedges, shrubs and beds come last.

We run the full cycle from layout to finished garden and can stage the work to fit your budget. Inspection of a new plot and a work plan are free.