Excitement is building. You have signed off on the quote, chosen your materials, and the start date for your new garden transformation is circled on the calendar.
At Joe's Fencing & Landscaping, we want to hit the ground running the moment we arrive. While our team handles all the heavy lifting and construction, a little bit of "site prep" from homeowners can make the difference between a project that starts instantly and one that gets bogged down in logistics. Here are 5 practical ways you can prepare your garden for a professional installation.
1. Clear the Access Route
This is the biggest hurdle we face in Bristol, especially with Victorian terraces and homes with narrow side alleys.
The Prep: Walk the route from the road to your garden. If we need to bring 8ft fence posts or tonnes of gravel through a side gate, is the path clear? Move the bins, unlock the gate, and trim back any thorny bushes that encroach on the path. If we have to come through the house, clear the hallway of shoes, coats, and fragile picture frames to prevent accidental knocks.
2. Save Your Precious Plants
Landscapers are careful, but a construction site is a tough environment for delicate flora. We will be wearing steel-toe boots and carrying heavy timber.
The Prep: If you have prize-winning roses or sentimental potted plants right next to the work zone (e.g., along the fence line being replaced), move them.
- Pots: Move them to the far side of the garden or into the garage.
- In the Ground: If a shrub is right where a new post needs to be dug, consider digging it up and temporarily potting it. If it stays, it risks being trampled or damaged by cement dust.
3. Manage the Pets (and Kids)
We love dogs, but they don't always love power tools. An open gate during a material delivery is an escape opportunity for a curious pet.
The Prep: Plan ahead for their safety. Keep dogs and cats inside or at a relative's house during working hours. Not only does this prevent escapes, but it also stops them from walking through wet concrete or getting underfoot while we are operating machinery.
4. The "Neighbour Notification"
Construction is noisy. There will be drilling, hammering, and potentially a skip on the road. Nothing sours a relationship faster than a surprise 8am jackhammer.
The Prep: A quick knock on the door or a text message goes a long way. Let your neighbours know we are coming and how long the job will take. If we are replacing a shared boundary fence, this is doubly important—ensure they know the old fence is coming down so they don't let their dog out into an unsecured garden.
5. Clear the Zone
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often we arrive to find the patio full of furniture, toys, and BBQs.
The Prep: We need a clear canvas. Please clear the immediate work area of all furniture, washing lines, and children's toys. If we have to spend the first two hours moving your shed contents or stacking chairs, that is two hours we aren't spending building your new garden.
Smooth Sailing
A well-prepped site means a happy crew and a faster, more efficient build. A little effort the weekend before we arrive ensures we can focus entirely on delivering the high-quality finish you paid for.
Featured Image Image * [A clear garden path and side gate with a wheelbarrow ready, illustrating good access for tradespeople] Image Alt Text * Garden prepared for landscaping work with clear access Tags Select Tags * Project Preparation, Garden Renovation, Home Improvement, Working with Trades, Bristol SEO Settings Meta Title * Tips for Preparing Your Garden for New Installations Meta Description * Getting a new fence or patio? Ensure the job runs smoothly with our 5 tips for preparing your garden, from clearing access to managing pets and neighbours.