ᐅ New Construction – Plot Overgrown with Blackberries

Created on: 8 Dec 2014 15:43
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Sebastian79
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Sebastian79
8 Dec 2014 15:43
Hello,

I hope I’ve posted this in the right subforum.

Our 520 sqm (5600 sq ft) plot is unfortunately completely overgrown with blackberry bushes up to 3-4 m (10-13 ft) high. We plan to start construction (including the basement) in February/March, but I’m not familiar with all the necessary steps and would appreciate some guidance.

On Wednesday, my neighbor is coming with his team and a tractor with a mulcher to clear all the bushes — so finally we’ll have a clear view of the site.

But what next? For the basement, a construction pit will be excavated anyway, and the topsoil from that area will be removed. The existing sandy soil is suitable for backfilling.

However, the rest of the topsoil will remain in the garden area. What would be the best approach here — also aiming to keep costs low? Should I privately hire someone to scrape off all the topsoil before construction and pile it at the back of the garden? But can this soil be reused later (after sifting or applying herbicide)?

Or should the entire topsoil be removed (what is the cost per cubic meter?), and then new soil brought in later? If so, when is the best time for this? After the building is completed?

Sorry for the basic questions, but I’d prefer not to put the contractor in an awkward position that might cause unnecessary extra costs.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Best regards,
Sebastian
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stekna
17 Jan 2016 11:31
Hello Sebastian,
sorry to bring up the topic again. I am currently facing the same problem. May I ask how you solved it back then?
Thank you.
Best regards,
Stefan
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Sebastian79
17 Jan 2016 11:38
A tractor with a chipper attachment was used to clear the shrubbery.

Thanks to the cellar excavation, much of it was removed, but contrary to many opinions online, blackberries do not have shallow roots near the surface. In our case, the roots went very deep, and every root that remains is sprouting again.

You can use hydrochloric acid, but that is prohibited...
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Legurit
17 Jan 2016 11:51
We had the same problem – after sliding the tiles and all the construction work, we currently can’t find any more... I’m curious to see if they will come back.
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Bieber0815
18 Jan 2016 00:50
Sebastian79 schrieb:
You can use hydrochloric acid, but it is prohibited...

Can you specify the relevant legal regulations on this? (Genuine interest ...)
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Sebastian79
18 Jan 2016 21:41
No, I simply assume that pouring hydrochloric acid into the ground is prohibited.