Garden Groundworks in Upper Norwood for projects that start properly and last. From site clearance and excavation to drainage, levelling and foundations, we prepare your garden for patios, lawns and structures. Expect careful access planning, clean waste removal and a finish ready for the next trade.
Response within 24 hours
If your garden sits on a slope or has tired, uneven ground, the right groundwork makes everything else easier. We deliver full site clearance, excavation, grading and levelling for homeowners across SE19, including around Crystal Palace Park and Westow Park. Whether you’re preparing for new paving, turf, steps or a garden room, we create stable, well-draining bases. The result is a cleaner build, fewer delays and a garden that performs in wet weather.
Upper Norwood’s hilltop setting and period streets often come with raised beds, retaining edges and awkward level changes. We regularly work on Victorian villas, Edwardian houses and period conversions where access can be tight and services need locating carefully. Our team plans excavation depths, falls and drainage routes to suit older plots and extensions. If you’re in Crystal Palace or near Norwood New Town, we’ll tailor the groundwork to your layout and long-term plans.
We start with a site visit to assess levels, existing drainage, soil conditions and access for machinery. Then we set out, excavate, install drainage where needed, form foundations and finish with accurate grading ready for surfacing or planting. Waste is removed promptly and legally, with clear communication throughout. Homeowners trust us because we work neatly, protect surrounding areas, and deliver consistent levels and falls that other trades can build on.
Working in the London Borough of Croydon, we’re used to Upper Norwood’s gradients, mature tree roots and mixed ground conditions. Many roads around SE19 have limited parking and narrower access, so we plan deliveries, spoil removal and machinery size in advance. We also consider neighbouring boundaries and party walls typical of period plots. If permissions or tree constraints apply near parks, we’ll flag them early and adjust the method.
Rated 4.9/5 from over 280 verified reviews
Costs vary with access, spoil volume, depth of excavation and whether drainage or foundations are needed. As a guide, small clearance and levelling jobs often start from £900–£2,500. More involved groundworks with excavation, drainage runs and sub-base preparation commonly fall between £3,000–£8,000. Larger projects with retaining work or extensive foundations can exceed £10,000. We provide a detailed, itemised quote after a site visit.
Most garden groundworks take 2–7 working days, depending on the size of the area and how much excavation and waste removal is required. Straightforward site clearance and levelling can be completed in 1–3 days. Projects involving drainage, foundations, or significant grading on sloped plots may take 1–2 weeks. Weather, access restrictions, hidden obstructions and drying/compaction time can all affect the schedule.
Many garden groundworks are permitted development, especially like-for-like preparation for patios, lawns and paths. However, planning can be needed for major level changes, retaining walls, works affecting drainage run-off, or if your property is listed or in a conservation area. Rules can also apply near protected trees. We’ll advise what’s likely, check practical constraints, and can help you prepare information for Croydon Council if an application is required.
Yes. Our workmanship is backed by a 10-year warranty on installed groundworks elements such as prepared sub-bases, foundations and drainage we supply and fit, provided the area is used as intended and not altered by others without agreement. The warranty covers defects caused by installation issues, not accidental damage or extreme events beyond reasonable control. We also document levels, falls and materials so future stages can proceed confidently.
We prepare bases for a wide range of finishes, including porcelain paving, sandstone, resin-bound surfaces, block paving, gravel, and turf or seeded lawns. For structure-ready areas, we can form foundations for garden rooms, pergolas, steps and edging. Drainage options include channel drains, soakaways and permeable sub-bases where suitable. We’ll recommend the best build-up for your budget, usage and the gradients typical of the garden groundworks Upper Norwood area.
Get your free, no-obligation quote today.