Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• remove existing planting including shrubs, perennials and turf

• dig out topsoil and cut out roots to agreed depth

• remove timber sleepers, edging or raised bed frames and load for disposal

• screen soil for weeds and invasive species and recommend containment or treatment

• load arisings into bags or a skip and take to licensed waste facility

• rake, level and compact bed ready for replacement planting or turf

• check for underground services and advise if hand digging only is required

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Small domestic beds are often cleared in 2–5 hours; larger or heavily rooted beds may take 1–2 days. Factors that extend time include difficult access, dense roots, need for machinery, presence of invasive species requiring treatment, and poor weather

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• Do you include waste removal and where will the arisings be disposed of?

• How will you deal with invasive species or persistent roots and is extra treatment charged?

• Do you need to locate underground services before digging and will you arrange that?

• What machinery will you use and will it affect access or lawn areas?

• Can you provide a written quote, start date and estimated finish time?

• Are you insured and do you provide a guarantee on your work?

How to Avoid Surprises

• clear a working route and reserve parking or inform of tight access

• mark plants you want to keep and inform the tradie beforehand

• check for buried services and tell the contractor about irrigation or lighting

• ensure pets and children are kept away during work

• agree where the skip or waste bags will be placed and any neighbour permissions

• discuss a contingency for bad weather or if deeper excavation is required