Garden Transformation Nottingham – New Fencing & Gravel Area

A homeowner in Nottingham contacted Joe Taylor Gardening Services to transform a neglected area of their garden. The project involved removing old, deteriorated fencing and replacing it with new gravel board fencing and concrete posts, grinding out a tree stump, clearing and preparing the ground, and laying membrane and gravel to create a low maintenance outdoor space. 

The Garden Transformation Process…

Removing The Old Fencing

The first stage involved dismantling and removing the old fencing. Our Nottingham fencing contractors systematically took down the deteriorated fence panels, working carefully to avoid damage to surrounding plants and property features.

The old fence posts were extracted from the ground, including any concrete footings that had been used in the original installation. This complete removal was necessary to provide a clean slate for the new fencing installation.

All waste materials from the old fencing were loaded and removed from site, leaving the area clear for the next phase of work. Responsible disposal of waste is an important part of our service, providing customers with a hassle free experience.

Tree Stump Grinding

With the old fence removed, attention turned to the tree stump that needed grinding out. Tree stumps can be challenging obstacles in garden projects, as they prevent proper ground preparation and can continue to sprout new growth if left in place.

Our team used professional stump grinding equipment to remove the stump efficiently. The grinder's rotating cutting wheel gradually reduced the stump to wood chips, working below ground level to eliminate the entire root system.

Stump grinding produces a significant volume of wood chips, which we removed from site along with the other waste materials. 

Site Clearance & Excavation

Once the fencing and stump had been removed, we carried out thorough site clearance. Any remaining vegetation, roots, and debris were cleared away to provide access to the bare soil underneath.

The excavation phase involved digging out the area to the required depth. This step achieves several important goals: it removes topsoil that may contain weed seeds, creates a level surface for the membrane and gravel, and provides adequate depth for a substantial gravel layer.

We used mechanical equipment where appropriate to speed up the excavation process, whilst hand tools were employed in areas requiring more precision or where access was restricted. The excavated soil was either redistributed elsewhere in the garden or removed from site, depending on the homeowner's preferences.

Installing Concrete Fence Posts

With the ground prepared, we began installing the new concrete fence posts. Concrete posts offer significant advantages over traditional timber posts, as they won't rot, warp, or deteriorate over time. This makes them the ideal choice for long term fencing installations.

Post holes were dug at regular intervals along the boundary line, with spacing calculated to accommodate the fence panels whilst providing adequate structural support. Each hole was excavated to the correct depth to provide a stable foundation.

The concrete posts were positioned in the holes and checked for vertical alignment using a spirit level. Quick setting concrete was then poured around each post, providing a solid anchor that would cure to full strength within hours.

Gravel boards were fitted to the bottom of each post before the fence panels were installed. These gravel boards sit at ground level and protect the main fence panels from soil contact and moisture, significantly extending the life of the fencing.

Fence Panel Installation

Once the posts and gravel boards were in place, we fitted the fence panels. Each panel was carefully positioned between the posts and secured using appropriate fixings, achieving a level installation despite any minor ground level variations.

The feather edge fencing style chosen for this project provides excellent privacy and wind resistance. The solid construction creates a secure boundary whilst the gravel boards at the base protect against ground moisture and potential rot.

Ground Preparation For Gravel

With the fencing complete, we turned our attention to preparing the ground for the gravel surface. The excavated area was carefully levelled and compacted to provide a firm, stable base.

Any remaining irregularities were addressed at this stage, as proper ground preparation is crucial for achieving a professional gravel surface. Low spots were filled and high spots were reduced, creating a consistent level across the entire area.

Laying Membrane

A high quality weed suppression membrane was laid across the entire prepared area. This membrane serves multiple purposes: it prevents weed growth, stops the gravel from sinking into the soil, and provides a stable base for the decorative gravel layer.

The membrane was carefully positioned with overlaps at the joints to provide complete coverage. We took care to extend the membrane right up to the fence line and any other boundaries, providing weed suppression across the full area.

Pegs were used to secure the membrane in place, preventing movement during the gravel application. Any cuts required to fit around posts or other features were made carefully to maintain the integrity of the weed barrier.

Gravel Application

The final stage involved spreading decorative gravel over the membrane. We selected gravel of an appropriate size and colour to complement the property and surrounding garden features.

The gravel was distributed evenly across the membrane, achieving a consistent depth throughout. Adequate gravel depth is important for both appearance and functionality, providing proper coverage of the membrane whilst creating an attractive surface.

We used rakes to spread and level the gravel, paying particular attention to edges and corners to achieve a neat, professional finish. The gravel surface was smoothed and any irregularities were corrected before completing the work.

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