Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Inspect and measure the area and confirm stone coverage

• remove weeds, turf and surface roots; apply hand weeding and spot herbicide if agreed

• strip and remove topsoil or spoil and either dispose or stockpile as instructed

• prepare and compact a sub‑base, lay weed membrane and fit edge restraints

• supply and spread decorative stones (gravel or crushed stone) and level to falls

• operate wearing PPE such as gloves, boots and eye protection.

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Most small garden clear-and-lay jobs (10–30 m²) take 3–8 hours; larger areas, heavy root removal or poor access can extend work to 1–2 days. Wet weather, lots of roots, unexpected buried obstructions and delayed material deliveries are the main factors that extend time on site

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• can you show photos of similar stone installs and provide references?

• what preparatory work is included (weed removal, sub‑base, membrane, edging)?

• are materials, delivery and VAT included in the quote and which stone size/colour will you use?

• how will you dispose of spoil and green waste and what are the likely disposal charges?

• do you carry public liability insurance and do you provide a workmanship guarantee?

• what access, parking and on‑site storage do you need for materials and any plant?

How to Avoid Surprises

• ensure clear access and a parking space for the van or small dumper

• move or protect cherished plants and mark out areas you want to keep

• tell the tradesperson about buried services and ask for a locate before digging

• agree where waste and skips will go and whether you or the tradie arranges them

• make sure there is a water supply and external power if compaction tools are needed

• keep pets and children away from the work area