Designing your ideal garden means there are various factors to consider, and selecting suitable plants for your space is just the beginning. It's important to remember that any landscaping work in your new garden can cause significant disruption, so it's crucial to prioritise the safety of your property as well.

Although digging may seem straightforward, there is always a risk of encountering something unexpected underground. By following our simple tips, you can ensure a smooth and safe landscaping process without any unwanted surprises for your new home.

Avoid land drainage and weep holes

When making changes to your outdoor space, it’s important to avoid covering drainage points in your garden or any weep holes located at the base of your property. These drainage points and weep holes play a crucial role in distributing surface water and excess moisture.

Covering them can lead to problems indoors, such as water accumulation or moisture-related issues in your property. Therefore, it is essential to ensure these drainage points remain uncovered and unobstructed to maintain proper water flow and prevent potential issues.

Investigate underground drainage pipes

Before embarking on any landscaping projects, it is crucial to consider the presence of underground drainage pipes in your garden. Prioritise figuring out their exact locations before you begin planning your garden, an essential step to prevent accidental damage to the pipes.

Additionally, when planting trees, it is important to keep the underground drainage system in mind. Tree roots can grow and potentially disrupt the drainage system over time. So, carefully consider the positioning of trees to minimise the risk of root interference with the pipes.

Steer clear of the damp proof course

When landscaping or ground levelling near your house or garage, it is crucial to ensure the damp proof course (DPC) remains clear and unobstructed. Avoid building up your garden or raising the ground level close to the first few feet of your property. This way you’ll avoid causing moisture to penetrate the brickwork, which can lead to significant damage.

By keeping the area around the damp course clear and maintaining a gap between the garden and the base of your property, you can protect against potential moisture-related issues. This simple measure helps safeguard the integrity of your property's structure and prevents the risk of long-term damage.

For more ideas about landscaping your new garden, head to Inspiration.