Site Preparation and Demolition

This is a critical stage for setting yourself up for success in all subsequent phases of your project. Methodically working through this process ensures a smoother installation and also protects your investment and personal well-being. Set smaller goals for yourself and celebrate milestones, invite friends over to help and pay them with pizza, and remember that all of this grunt work paves the way for a really exciting future.

Here is a guide to site demolition and preparation. Take what you need from this, and leave what you don’t.

1. Review Essential Site Materials
   • Utilities
     • Mark out all underground utility lines with flags or spray paint so there is no chance of overlooking them while you work.
   • Zoning and HOA regulations
     • Refamiliarize yourself with any municipal or HOA regulations and restrictions such as easements, setbacks, etc.
   • Permits
     • Research and secure any work permits you might need for things like:
       • Structural additions like retaining walls, permanent structures, decks over a certain size, etc.
       • Large-scale irrigation systems
       • Permanent electrical installation
       • Significant grading or drainage infrastructure
       • Large tree removal
     • Generally, you don’t need permits for “cosmetic” landscaping, planting gardens, installing removable landscape features, or minor repairs.
2. Set Up Work Zones
   • Create designated zones for site use and organization, such as:
     • Work station
     • Equipment storage
     • Material storage
     • Debris/waste collection
3. Removal and Demolition
   • Vegetation Removal
     • You may need:
       • Work gloves
       • Safety glasses
       • Shovel
       • Pruning shears
       • Wheelbarrow
     • Tip: If the ground where you’re working is dry and highly compacted, water it thoroughly the day before removal. This will soften the soil up and make it much easier to dig.
     • Plant, shrub, and small tree removal:
       • Remove foliage and branches using your shears to make it much more manageable to dig and pull. 
       • Double check your underground utilities. It is entirely possible that the plant you’re removing was placed above a buried line, in which case you will have to work slowly and carefully to expose the plant’s roots.
       • Dig around the approximate area of the root ball until you have enough leverage to pry the mass out of the ground.
       • Shake soil from the roots back into the hole and backfill with supplemental soil as needed.
       • Large tree removal should be done by a professional.
     • Turf removal:
       • You may need:
         • Sod cutter (manual or powered)
         • Cardboard
         • Compost or soil mix
       • If removing a small area of sod (under 200 square feet), a manual sod cutter or even a sharp flat point shovel can be used to remove your turf in 1-2 foot squares.
       • For larger areas, consider renting a gas-powered sod cutter. These will greatly reduce the time and labor it takes to remove the sod.
       • Alternatively, if planning far enough ahead, you can organically kill your turf– swapping labor for time. Cover existing turf with flat sheets of cardboard or several layers of newspaper. Wet this down thoroughly, then top with a thick layer of compost, organic mulch, or soil mix. In 2-3 months, the grass will be mostly decomposed.
   • Hardscape Removal
     • You may need:
       • Work gloves
       • Safety glasses
       • Sledgehammer
       • Pry bar
       • Power drill
       • Wheelbarrow
     • Tip: many of the materials you remove could be reusable, especially lumber that is in good condition. Scope out salvageable materials in advance and mark it, so that you remember to remove it carefully to prevent damage.
     • Concrete removal
       • In these areas, start from the outside perimeters and work in, creating manageable sections. Be sure to wear proper safety equipment and take frequent breaks– this can be hard work!
     • Paver and Stone Removal
       • Mark pieces that can be reused in your new landscape or even donated. Set those pieces in a different pile than broken or unusable pieces.
     • Wood Structure Demolition
       • Disassemble whole pieces as much as possible before turning to demolition– this will maximize the amount of lumber that can be salvaged.
       • Create separate piles for reusable and waste lumber. Only save lumber that is structurally sound.
       • Be mindful of protruding nails and screws on your lumber. Never set lumber with these in a place where they might be stepped on, and always use gloves and caution when handling.
   • Remove Waste from Site
     • For your safety and clarity of mind, remove all waste from your site before beginning anything else. Healthy vegetation (not diseased) can be added to green waste. Consider borrowing a truck or trailer to haul waste offsite. Materials that you have salvaged for repurposing should be organized and stored where it makes sense.