Clearance & Groundworks

Groundworks

The foundations that make every landscaping project possible — done properly from the start.

About this service

Groundworks is everything that happens below the surface — excavation, sub-base preparation, drainage installation, retaining wall foundations and ground levelling. Getting this right is critical: poor groundworks is the most common cause of paving failure, waterlogging and structural movement. We carry out all our own groundworks rather than subcontracting it out.

Excavation & Bulk Dig

Topsoil strip, bulk excavation and material removal using a mini excavator. All depths confirmed against drawings before concrete or sub-base is installed.

Sub-base Installation

MOT Type 1 or Type 3 (for SuDS applications) granular sub-base compacted in 100 mm layers using a plate compactor — essential for all hardstandings.

Concrete Foundations

Strip footings and pad foundations for walls, posts and structures. Mix design confirmed by load and ground conditions — C20 as standard, C30 in poor ground.

Levelling & Regrading

Sloping sites regraded to create level terraces or uniform falls for drainage. Surplus soil removed or spread to agreed profiles.

Shuttering & Formwork

Temporary shuttering for concrete pours ensures clean edges and the correct depth. We use recycled or reusable formwork wherever possible.

Service Protection

We use a cable avoidance tool (CAT) and genny before any excavation near buildings or roads to locate buried services and avoid damage.

Our process

A clear, professional approach on every project — so you know what to expect at every stage.

Service Location

Before any breaking of ground we use a CAT scanner and, on larger projects, commission a detailed utility survey to identify buried cables, pipes and drains.

Excavation

Ground is excavated to the design depth and profile. All material is loaded into a skip or tipper truck and removed from site.

Sub-base & Compaction

Granular sub-base is laid in layers and compacted to a minimum 95% Proctor density. Surface regularity is checked with a straight edge.

Drainage & Services

Any drainage runs, duct routes or service crossings are installed before the final surface course — far cheaper than breaking out afterwards.

Sign-off & Handover

Levels and dimensions are checked against the agreed specification before the next trade or our own team continues with the surface works.

Common questions

Practical answers to the questions we hear most often about groundworks.

Why does groundworks cost so much?

Excavation, sub-base material and spoil disposal are the most material- and labour-intensive parts of any landscaping project. Cutting corners here results in settlement, cracking and drainage failure that costs far more to put right.

How deep does a sub-base need to be for a patio?

For a lightly loaded domestic patio we lay a minimum 100 mm compacted Type 1 sub-base. For a driveway taking car traffic, 150 mm is standard. HGV access requires a structural design.

Can you work in wet weather?

Light rain does not stop groundworks. However, concrete cannot be placed in heavy rain or frost and earthworks on clay soils should avoid prolonged wet conditions to prevent smearing of the sub-grade.

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