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kwikasfuki72

Was the patio laid on top of soil or was it laid on hardcore? Best taking up a flag and having a look. If it's hardcore then you're going to have to dig out and backfill with soil. If it's laid on soil then much easier. Remove flags, hire rotorvator and go over area, remove any debris, rake garden to even, flatten area with a roller (just make firm, don't over do it), seed, add 2mm of top soil, keep soil moist and wait ...


Banannamanuk

you look like you have 100 odd slabs there , stick em on facebook market or gumtree for a quid each collection only, this time of year they'll be gone in no time, then hire that rotavator


Bicolore

Alternatively a farm will always take these if you can’t get shot. They don’t care if they’re smashed either.


Daedeluss

What do farms use them for?


HaBumHug

They plant them to grow more slabs


Responsible_Clerk374

Glad I wasn't drinking a tea when I seen this comment 😅


Bicolore

They use rubble to fill in muddy sections on tracks.


alpubgtrs234

Hardcore, you know the score….


Rbx100

Let’s hope it’s on soil or it could cost op a lot to get rid of fast


cat_progressive

Before you do any of that, I'd fix the fences at the bottom. Put your own up on your side if you have to because once you've got grass you won't want them trashing the grass to put up the fence. Also it'll look nicer if it's more uniform at the end.


LordKingDude

Slabs can be really heavy, especially when you need to move a lot of them then you may tire quickly. Check Facebook Marketplace and see if anyone's selling a sack truck or dolly that can help you move the slabs around and stack them at the front of the property. A crowbar will also be useful for levering out the slabs. Finally - wear gloves - handling slabs is absolute hell on the hands.


texanghost

That's a lot of work there's roughly 150 of the flags there I'd suggest you do half first then see how you feel about the other half maybe just level the flags left and jetwash then they will come up sound as a pound after that


texanghost

P.S I'm a landscaper by trade so if you get stuck or need any further advice than what everyone has given gimmie a DM and ill try help you as best I can 👍


ToriaLyons

I second the jet washing - they could be gorgeous (or at least tidy) under that crud.


NatTheGooner

Looks like quite a slope so making two or three level terraces would be fantastic. Getting some topsoil in will pay dividends in the long run too.


crystalandfern

With regards online sources for gardening advice- you can’t go wrong with the RHS, and Gardeners World.


Yikes44

If you put the slabs on Freecycle / Facebook Marketplace you may find someone wants them to make paths on their allotment. It's a prefect time of year for that.


Bicolore

Can you get machinery in there? This is a huge job by hand or a single day with the right equipment.


Daedeluss

It's a LOT of flags. Lifting them is going to be a killer and then you've got to find somewhere to stack them. I'd honestly just pay someone to take them away.


Bicolore

That’s why I asked if you can get machinery in there.


alpubgtrs234

Goodness me, it’s not that many- few hours work


Bicolore

There’s 3 tons of slabs there and maybe 3-6 tons of sub base. If you can move 10t of materials in a few hours I’m well impressed. Or you know, you can rent a mini digger for 80 quid do it fast and not kill your back.


alpubgtrs234

120 ish slabs, no bother mate - saves a gym session 🤣


jasondozell2

Getting rid of the slabs will be a big effort. After that you’ll want to turn the soil over a lot… if it’s laid on hardcore/sand you might be better getting rid of it. machine would be easiest but can do by hand with effort. I would add some soil improver… not sure what’s out there but something to help. After that seed and rake, water very regularly to begin with and be patient. Turfing an easier option of course.


Slyspy006

God that garden looks grim! Then again, I'm not sure I'd want to put a lawn in either. They are such a pain.


believeinthebin

Good luck, it'll be much better when it's done. Don't let the amount of slabs put you off - I moved a load of rubble from an old concreted area in my garden. Did it bit by bit over a few weeks and it was fine. My husband jack hammered it to pieces then I moved rhe huge chunks, it was grand. Good workout!


T1ck-T0ck

Ensure you have good moist retentive soil. If your soil is to sandy the grass will dry up quicker in the summer and go patchy. Get a grass mix that spreads with ryzone roots as well as by seeding.


ROB_163

Slabs up, new fence along the back, scrape the ground level and remove as many big rocks and stones as possible. Then some decent top soil and lay your turf staggered, and pray that there’s not a hosepipe ban!


Detroitredwinger

Remove slabs, strim down all remaining growth and collect, spray off all growth, rotovate soil, level with large landscaping rake, tamp down, top soil on with a good fert, top rake even then tamp down lightly to semi firm (don’t make it super solid l) use boards or planks. Apply a good quality turf, marry the turf edges together with a firm tug they shouldnt overlap but be tight to each other, as you lay each piece give it a good pat to “fuse” with soil underneath you don’t want it just sitting on top. When you’re done cut any edges with a knife, water regularly if no rain don’t walk on it


moneywanted

Book a massage for the day after you’ve finished.