So, you’ve pushed the button. You’ve decided to transform your garden. The design is in your head, the budget is set, and you are ready to go.
But before the first van pulls up, there is work to be done. A landscaping project involves moving tons of material in and out of your property. If the site isn't ready, it can lead to delays, extra costs, or even the dreaded "we can't get the digger in" conversation on day one.
At Joe's Fencing & Landscaping, we want your project to run as smoothly as possible. Here is our guide to preparing your home and garden for the big build.
1. The "Access Audit" (Crucial in Bristol)
Bristol is famous for its Victorian terraces and narrow streets. Access is the single biggest logistical challenge we face.
- Measure the Gap: If we are bringing a micro-digger, we typically need 750mm (about 2.5ft) of width. Measure your side gate, the alleyway, and check for any immovable drain pipes or gas meters that narrow the path.
- The "Through the House" Job: If you live in a mid-terrace with no rear access, everything has to go through your front door. You will need to clear the hallway completely and protect your floors with hardboard or dust sheets before we arrive.
- Parking: We need to park a van (and usually a skip) as close to the house as possible. If you live in a permit zone like Clifton or Southville, you might need to arrange visitor permits or suspend a parking bay with the council.
2. Clear the Decks (Literally)
The more you clear beforehand, the cheaper your quote will often be. Labour is expensive; do you want to pay a skilled landscaper to move your old plant pots?
- Furniture & Toys: Move the trampoline, the BBQ, and the garden chairs into the garage or shed. The site needs to be a blank canvas.
- Pet Waste: Please, please clear up after your dog. It sounds obvious, but working in a "minefield" is unpleasant and unhygienic for our team.
- Vegetation: If you are able to cut back brambles or remove the old rotten shed yourself, you save on our labour costs. However, if it’s a big job, we are happy to quote for "site clearance" as part of the package.
3. What Lies Beneath?
Before we stick a spade in the ground, we need to know what is under the mud.
- Cables: Did the previous owner run a DIY power cable to the shed? Is there garden lighting buried under the lawn? Let us know where they are.
- Pipes: Where are your manhole covers? We can’t build a permanent patio or deck over a manhole (you need access for drain unblocking), but we can install special "recessed trays" that hide them while keeping them accessible.
4. The "Neighbour Notification"
Landscaping is noisy. There will be stone cutters, cement mixers, and potentially diggers running from 8am.
- The Courtesy Knock: Pop round to your neighbours a few days before. Warn them there will be noise and dust.
- Shared Boundaries: If we are replacing a fence that sits on the boundary line, ensure your neighbour knows. Technically, we might need to step into their garden to fix the panels on the back. Getting permission before we turn up prevents awkward arguments over the garden fence.
5. Think About Your Daily Routine
If we are digging up your driveway or patio, how will you live around it?
- Pets: If the secure fence is coming down for a day, where will the dog go? You might need to keep them indoors or send them to a sitter.
- Access: If we are pouring concrete on your front path, you might not be able to use the front door for 24 hours. Plan your grocery deliveries accordingly!
Ready to Go?
Preparation is boring, but it pays off. A clear site with good access means we can start building your dream garden from the moment we arrive, rather than spending the first day moving plant pots and arguing with traffic wardens.
Still in the planning phase? Contact us for a site visit, and we can assess your access and give you a realistic project timeline.
Featured Image Image [A clear, empty garden space with a side gate open, ready for work to begin. A tape measure is visible in the foreground.] Image Alt Text [Preparing a garden for landscaping work and site access] Tags Select Tags Garden Prep Site Access Landscaping Tips Home Improvement Bristol SEO Settings Meta Title Garden Prep Guide for Decking & Landscaping Meta Description Planning a garden makeover? Here is how to prep your Bristol garden for landscapers, from checking access to clearing waste.