Those steep Norbury gardens need proper groundwork before any landscaping begins. Victorian terraces with their narrow plots present unique challenges that require experienced hands.
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Garden groundworks form the backbone of any outdoor transformation in SW16. Whether you're dealing with waterlogged clay beneath a Thornton Heath property or preparing foundations for a new patio overlooking Norbury Park, getting the basics right matters. Local soil conditions here vary dramatically - from the heavy London clay near Pollards Hill to sandier patches closer to the railway lines.
Excavation depth depends entirely on your project scope and existing ground conditions. Retaining walls for sloped gardens typically require footings down to 600mm, while simple pathway preparations might need just 200mm of excavation. Drainage installation becomes particularly critical in low-lying areas around Streatham Common borders where water naturally collects. Each cubic metre of soil removed gets carefully assessed for disposal or potential reuse as topsoil elsewhere on site.
Twenty years tackling Norbury's challenging terrain has taught us which corners to never cut. Local knowledge beats generic solutions every time, especially when dealing with tree preservation orders common throughout CR7's leafier streets.




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Most terraced properties in SW16 require £3,000-£6,000 for comprehensive groundworks including drainage and patio base preparation. Larger Victorian plots or those needing extensive levelling can reach £8,000-£12,000.
Absolutely - from the busy streets near Norbury station to quieter roads bordering Streatham and throughout both SW16 and CR7 postcodes. Regular projects in Thornton Heath and Pollards Hill too.
Straightforward drainage and base preparation typically takes 5-7 working days. Complex terracing or extensive excavation projects might extend to 2-3 weeks, weather permitting.
All structural groundworks carry our decade-long guarantee covering settlement issues and drainage performance. This includes retaining walls, hardcore sub-bases and french drain systems installed to British Standards.
Tree root protection is essential, particularly with Norbury's mature plane trees and oaks. We use hand-digging within root protection zones and install permeable membranes to maintain healthy root systems while completing necessary groundworks.
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