ᐅ Excavation work is starting, but I need some advice.

Created on: 25 Feb 2014 12:45
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aytex
Hello everyone, I need a quick tip from you!

Our earthworks are starting, the rough staking has been done, and the company that will carry out the work is coming early tomorrow. I asked the person in charge at the company for a quick favor: in the area where they actually don’t have to work (the future garden area), to roughly turn over the top 10 cm (4 inches) of soil because there is a lot of wild growth there… (see photo).

Is it better to have this area plowed once, or should the soil together with the vegetation be removed and stored somewhere on the property?

Please give me quick advice, since we still have the chance to tell the workers what to do tomorrow. 🙂

NOTE: Since our building site was pre-filled with sand (included in the price along with the road costs), we will hardly have any topsoil left on the property after the earthworks…



Large tree in front of a white house in the garden area.
aytex26 Feb 2014 08:46
The tree will remain, as it is fixed by the development plan. I have been to the building authority and expect to receive feedback this week on whether it makes sense to apply for a pruning or if we might even have a chance of success if we apply for removal. Even in the worst-case scenario, the tree is not problematic and is healthy and attractive... I like the tree :-)
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stefanh
26 Feb 2014 08:49
I would have the excavation done right away if topsoil will be added later anyway.
fragri schrieb:
Hello,
what about the large tree in the photo?
I would consider cutting it down if it’s very close to the house...
If you have planned a wood-burning stove, that’s already firewood for a certain time 😉

Best regards, Fragri

Cutting down a tree without a permit – I wouldn’t risk it! Especially when you’re already sharing a picture here ;-)
aytex26 Feb 2014 08:53
stefanh schrieb:
I would have the excavation done right away, especially since topsoil will be added later anyway.

Cutting down a tree without permission – I wouldn’t risk it! Especially when there is even a photo posted here ;-)

No way, I definitely wouldn’t do that, especially since this is a new development area where the authorities know exactly which trees are still there. Regardless, cutting down a tree without permission can result in an administrative offense procedure...
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fragri
26 Feb 2014 09:21
Hi,
I wouldn’t necessarily cut down the tree either!
It can potentially pose a risk to the building if it is too close to the house, for example during a storm.
In our area, there is no tree ordinance, which means that if I want to cut down a tree on my property, I can do so within the allowed period.

"If you want to cut down trees, clear bushes, or have them removed, please note that the property owner is generally responsible.
1. On private grounds (home gardens) within built-up areas
Since the tree protection ordinance has been lifted, you no longer need a permit from October 1 to February 28. Outside of this period, clearing should be avoided whenever possible. Birds and other animals—for example, hedgehogs and squirrels—depend on trees and shrubs as nesting, resting, and feeding sites.
You may trim annual growth on hedges, for example to keep walkways or driveways clear. Removal or cutting back to the stump (cutting to about knee height) is only permitted during the winter months.
Species protection regulations apply all year round: this means you must check trees and shrubs for nests, nesting cavities, or squirrel dreys. If you find any, please consult with the local nature conservation authority to determine the next steps."

Best regards, Fragri
Der Da26 Feb 2014 15:08
Don’t let anyone pile up a big mound of soil. I’m speaking from painful experience... you’ll only be able to remove it later with an excavator. We tried to do it by hand after the summer... rock hard. No chance.

Your soil looks harmless... just break it up next year with a rototiller. Be careful around the tree roots...
K1300S26 Feb 2014 18:45
As mentioned before: By the time you start working on the garden, everything will have grown back anyway. So take it easy, build your house, and when it’s time to focus on the garden, you can tackle the weeds. In my opinion, anything else doesn’t make much sense.

Good luck

K1300S