New-build property sales in Hampshire, particularly around Eastleigh, Fareham, Basingstoke and Southampton, are significant and ongoing. The gardens that come with these properties are typically bare, compacted subsoil with rubble — a far cry from the manicured show home gardens used in marketing. Getting the garden right from the start saves time and money long-term.
The New Build Garden Challenge
Builders compact the ground with heavy machinery and remove topsoil during construction. What is left is rarely suitable for planting without significant remediation. Imported topsoil and thorough soil preparation are almost always necessary before any garden work can begin.
- Test the existing soil — often subsoil or builder's rubble
- Remove any hard materials from the planting zone
- Import screened topsoil to a minimum 150mm depth
- Rotovate and level before any turfing or planting
- Allow the ground to settle before laying turf if possible
- Plan drainage early — new builds often have drainage issues
Practical First Garden for a New Build
For most new-build plots, the most cost-effective first garden is: a turfed lawn, a paved patio area near the house, simple boundary planting and clean edges. This can be achieved for £3,000–£8,000 depending on plot size and creates an immediately usable, attractive space.
Planning Ahead
Think about what you might want in 5–10 years and design accordingly. Hiding conduit for future lighting, considering where trees will be planted and leaving space for a future outbuilding or extension all save costly remediation later.
A&T Landscapes specialises in new-build gardens across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. Call 07735 916029 for expert advice and a free quote.