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
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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Bieber081519 Jan 2016 09:27Sebastian79 schrieb:
I simply assume that pouring hydrochloric acid into the ground is prohibited Why would it be? Of course, you can’t dump a full tank car of acid into your garden every week. But watering the blackberry plants once or twice with diluted hydrochloric acid should not cause any serious issues.
Whether this will achieve the desired result, I’m not sure.
S
Sebastian7919 Jan 2016 12:16I was referring to 30% hydrochloric acid – anything less wouldn’t have any effect.
And with that concentration, you could even pour out a liter (1 liter) of used oil – it’s not like it’s a full tanker load.
And with that concentration, you could even pour out a liter (1 liter) of used oil – it’s not like it’s a full tanker load.
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Bieber081519 Jan 2016 15:23Used oil (mineral oil) is different from hydrochloric acid. I still see no issue with using 30% hydrochloric acid in the garden (as long as the amount is low enough that you don’t acidify a stream 100 meters (330 feet) away, just as an example).
By the way, you are legally allowed to apply much more harmful substances in your garden. Hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide are not subject to any special restrictions here as far as I know (observe the safety data sheet!).
By the way, you are legally allowed to apply much more harmful substances in your garden. Hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide are not subject to any special restrictions here as far as I know (observe the safety data sheet!).
S
Sebastian7919 Jan 2016 17:55The hydrochloric acid will definitely kill the blackberries – and of course, you can neutralize an acid with a base... but the comparison doesn’t really work if you only use acid. You need to water the plants with it, not just spread the stuff randomly.
You won’t get far with manual weeding against this stuff – we had roots as thick as two fingers from the bush. And after four months, it was already growing back from the ground... you can’t control it once it has spread across the entire property.
You won’t get far with manual weeding against this stuff – we had roots as thick as two fingers from the bush. And after four months, it was already growing back from the ground... you can’t control it once it has spread across the entire property.
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Bieber081519 Jan 2016 19:50Elina schrieb:
You don’t have to use harsh chemicals for everything.[Answer deleted, Dirk Grafe]
Hello Sebastian,
Contrary to your assumption, a quick one-minute search across several websites clearly shows that hydrochloric acid is
1. ... difficult to handle,
2. ... fundamentally harmful,
3. ... prohibited by various legal regulations, and
4. ... punishable with fines up to 50,000 euros.
No offense, but it’s best to avoid this trouble both here and at home. And find another way to deal with the blackberry bushes.
Best regards,
Dirk Grafe
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