About the Landscape Juice Network

Founded in 2008. The Landscape Juice Network (LJN) is the largest and fastest growing professional landscaping and horticultural association in the United Kingdom.

LJN's professional business forum is unrivalled and open to anyone within within the UK landscape industry

LJN's Business Objectives Group (BOG) is for any Pro serious about building their business.

For the researching visitor there's a wealth of landscaping ideas, garden design ideas, lawn advice tips and advice about garden maintenance.

PRO

Hello everyone, I'd like some advice on how to approach a job:

I have been asked to estimate for a 230m sq area (the entire garden), client would like artificial grass so his kids can play football all year. Usually (depending on the situation) I remove about 150mm depth of soil, retain with sleepers or other suitable timber, then build up the sub base with type 1 and granite dust on top.
But this would mean getting rid of 30m cubed odd of soil - quite expensive in south east london. Raising the level is out of the question because of established borders, fences, garage and a patio. For a job this size, I would be hiring a bloke and a digger - bit much for me and my mattock. Is there a company who'll take the soil and turfs? I'd imagine it'd be usable - access to the garden is uncommonly good.

So, should I just do my sums and tell him? I can't imagine there's going to be many savings to be had.

I did indicate to the guy that this would be a lot of money to do properly, and suggested that he like to think of this as a project for next year once he has a few prices in and has an idea of cost. Obviously I'd outline all of the work that I'm pricing for so he knows what he's getting.

Thanks for reading!

You need to be a member of Landscape Juice Network to add comments!

Join Landscape Juice Network

Votes: 0
Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • If i were you i would have 3 or 4 grab loads away.. plenty of grab companies about that will give you a price.

    If your nervous about giving a price. write a schedule of works so the client can read through and get to grips with the process and that there is actually a lot more to it than meets the eye

  • Hi Nathan

    Looking around, perhaps this site will help you - you might even send the URL to the client so that they can see the sheer volume you are contemplating:

    http://buildinghelp.co.uk/Calc-HowManySkips.php

    Cheers, Eugene

  • Grab truck in london...£285+

    could you think about building up, retaining the sides say a meter in from their current borders and creating a path and steps around the edge?

  • PRO

    Why the hell do you want to dig out that much.

    We have been installing artificial lawns on schools and private properties for years using a fifa approved artificial lawn.

    We would be happy to carry out this work for you and offer a 10 year guarantee using a FIFA approved artifical lawn. You could then put your mark up on the job.

    Get in touch if interested.

    graham

    01989 720 503

  • PRO

    axeljk - already discussed with the guy, he wants the new artificial turf to replace current as-is, right up to the boundaries etc, same level.

    Graham - because how else am I going to fit in the sub base?

  • I have seen more and more artifical lawns being laid on shock pads without any sub base. Of course this really depends upon the soil and drainage issues and other factors but might be worth considering?

  • You don't need such a deep sub-base, we have been told we go over the top by a couple of manufacturers and we edge the area with 47x100 treated batton then line with mypex then infill with 50mm type 1 and 50mm sharp sand. All wacked as we go and screeded to create levels

    Nathan - Plews Garden Design said:

    axeljk - already discussed with the guy, he wants the new artificial turf to replace current as-is, right up to the boundaries etc, same level.

    Graham - because how else am I going to fit in the sub base?

  • I agree with kieran. were an approved installer and 75mm mot is the max you will need for a heavy area like a nursery etc, so 50 and 50 should be fine. All you can do is price it and let him have the cost. Its not a cheap installation, its a long term one if done properly

  • PRO

    Thanks for the replies, everybody
    Graeme - drainage isn't great, main prompt for him to start asking.
    Kieran - you're right, just concerned about not doing a proper job! have you ever tried granite dust instead of sharp sand? good stuff

This reply was deleted.

Trade green waste centres

<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-WQ68WVXQ8K"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-WQ68WVXQ8K'); </script>

LJN Sponsor

Advertising

PRO Supplier

Pellenc Launches the Essential Line


Pellenc has announced the launch of the Essential Line – a range of on-board battery tools which offer a practical and cost-effective solution for maintaining green and urban spaces.

Pellenc is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland…

Read more…