Garden and landscaping problems
Waterlogged gardens, patios draining the wrong way, bulging retaining walls, unusable slopes and turf that died — what each fault means and how urgent it is.
Garden Floods Every Winter
CautionRain sits on the surface for days instead of soaking away, and the same part of the garden is under water every winter.
Patio Drains Towards The House
High riskRain runs off the patio towards the wall instead of away from it, and the paving sits level with or above the damp-proof course.
Garden Retaining Wall Bulging Or Leaning
High riskA wall holding back a bank or a raised level has started to lean, bulge or crack, and the ground behind it is moving.
Garden Too Steep To Use
Low riskThe garden slopes so much that there is nowhere flat to sit, play or put a table, and mowing it is a chore.
New Turf Died After Laying
Low riskFreshly laid turf has gone brown, shrunk at the joints, or lifts away in sheets instead of rooting into the soil.
Artificial Grass Rippling And Lifting
Low riskArtificial turf has developed ripples, waves or lifted edges, and joins between rolls have opened up or become visible.
Garden Steps Uneven And Unsafe
CautionGarden or terrace steps have settled, cracked or worn to different heights, and people catch their feet on them.
Railway Sleeper Beds Rotting And Spreading
Low riskSleeper-built raised beds or low retaining walls have gone soft, bowed outwards, or the stacked courses have slipped apart.
Builders' Rubble Under The Lawn
Low riskA spade hits brick, block and plastic a few inches down, and the lawn above it is thin, lumpy and dries out fast.
Decking Slippery, Soft And Bouncy
CautionThe deck is slippery in wet weather, boards flex or feel spongy underfoot, and fixings have started to lift.