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Check the make-up of your 'receiving' soil
Simple, commercially available, soil-testing kits only cover pH. There are other parameters at least as important including the levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs); if the land has been subject to industrial use in the past, there could be significant levels of contaminants still present.
The only way to be sure is to use a professional soil investigation service which will give you a totally independent report covering such parameters as:
- pH
- electrical conductivity (uS/cm)
- PTEs
- organic matter
- nutrient status
- texture
- soil structure
This type of service will ensure you take remedial action if needed and buy the correct soil for your circumstances.
More information at: environment-agency.gov.uk
Prepare & optimise the area
It is vitally important to prepare the area where you're applying the topsoil.
The following are particularly important:
Debris
Remove all debris and contaminants such as wood, concrete, bricks, tarmac, glass, etc
De-compaction
Lightly culivate the surface to a depth of approx 30mm to loosen the soil and create a 'key' for the new topsoil.
Preserve this preparation by minimising pedestrian and vehicular traffic, especially in wet conditions.
Drainage
If you do not have a free-draining site then the installation of a suitable drainage system should be considered.
Weeds
Perennial and evasive weeds such as couch grass or Japanese Knotweed must be controlled and removed in accordance with statuatory requirements.
All TOPSOIL products are free of perrenial weeds and Japanese Knotweed.
Designate the area
Once prepared, mark the boundary and ensure traffic routes avoid the area.
Plan your planting scheme
In deciding on a particular planting scheme it is very important to consider compatibility with soil type along with other factors such as shelter, moisture and sunlight levels. All these can make a significant difference as to how well the new plants thrive. If in doubt, speak to your supplier or contractor.
Take account of any site restrictions
When you talk to your supplier/ contractor make sure you cover details such as site access as this could affect what size of vehicle can be used; deliveries tend to be made by articulated trucks carrying 30 tonnes or rigid vehicles carrying 20 tonnes. Also consider any effect on local residents and any possible delivery time restrictions. |