Stage 4 Site preparation
Once you have finalized your design you're ready to start clearing and preparing the space.
Remember to Think Safe! Always research before moving any plants and check with the local environment officer before felling any large trees. Some plants aren't suitable for moving or could be toxic when handled and you could end up with a large fine if you damage a protected tree.
There are machines for almost any job in the garden. Use a mechanical turf stripper for removing large areas of lawn a rotavator for digging over the soil and so on. There are plus and minuses to using machinery, the key is to get advice from your local hire firm on the suitability of using it in your space.
If you need tools, the following companies offer a good selection:
Ideally moist ground is the easiest to work but avoid working waterlogged ground as this will destroy the soil structure. Work methodically from the back to the front tacking care not to churn up the ground where possible. Make sure the space is clear of all debris before moving on.
Forward to Stage 5 Installing your garden
Back to Stage 3 Designing your garden
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