Help with garden in new home

3 years ago

We are in the process of buying this a 1930's semi. When we viewed there was a huge Eucalyptus tree in the middle of the garden. The surveyor raised concerned about the proximity to the house, etc especially as we want to extend towards it. The sellers agreed to cut it down and this is the picture they have just sent me. You can also see in the picture that there was previously a pond but this has mostly been filled in.
I am looking for some inspiration, how can we utilise the space around the stump and the previous water feature, whilst having space for the kids to play?

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Comments (21)

Neasa
3 years ago
Kids love 'features' in the garden, things they can climb on or in. Can you make these things 'playable' features for you kids? Could the pond be a sandpit? My daughter is 3 and loves climbing and jumping, she would climb the stump, and walk along that low wall. Could you even put a little table top on the stump and make it a kids table - add some small chairs? Depends on the age of your kids, of course.
Nicola
Original Author
3 years ago
Hi Neasa,

The sandpit in the pond is such a great idea! I was a bit anxious about the different levels and it being a bit of a hazard, but probably overthinking it!

Thanks for your great suggestions!
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Sonia
3 years ago
Tree stumps in borders are great wildlife habitat, but when they are in the middle of the garden they just get in the way. You can get the stump ground out. I had it done in my garden and was so glad we did - it meant we didn’t have to step around and sometimes trip over the stump when using the back gate! I think it cost about £90 but worth it. I would also remove the old pond. Then when you have a blank canvas you can then set about making the garden more suitable for children, and yourselves.
Juliet Docherty
3 years ago
I agree with Sonia, it's not a huge garden, I would consider redesigning it to make it better for your needs and for the long term.
Nicola
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you everyone, any design ideas would be greatly appreciated!!
Ricky Watkins
3 years ago
if the surveyor flagged up the tree issue then the stump & roots need removing too, I'd be asking for them to be taken out before completion. if budget allows I'd start from scratch again strip the lot back start again.
Nicola
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks Ricky, a bit of a novice when it comes to trees. The sellers told us that the tree surgeon advices that he would take the tree down in a way that it would stop the roots growing and slowly kill them off. I was surprised when she sent this picture to see there was still a stump! I have gone back to them to ask if they can have the stump grinded down before completion.

I am not sure how much it will cost to strip it all back but definitely feels like this is something we need to do in the long time to have it how we want it, instead of trying to work around the current features.

Thanks for all the advice!
Juliet Docherty
3 years ago
Where are you based?
Nicola
Original Author
3 years ago
New house is in South Croydon
Patrina
3 years ago
We had 2 large trees taken out at the end of our drive after we moved in. We liked the trees but the roots were causing damage to both our drive and more so our neighbours'. We had the stumps grounded down but even last year(4 years later) a bit of our neighbour's drive callapsed due to still rotting roots eek!
Nicola
Original Author
3 years ago
Oh no, really hoping the same doesn't happen to us!
keiblem
3 years ago
If it was indeed a eucalyptus then you may find that the stump will regrow. Eucalyptus tend to respond well to coppicing. If you don’t want it to grow back then I agree with Sonia have the stump ground down. The tree surgeon may have sprayed the stump but that isn’t always reliable.

The idea of converting the pond sandpit into a sandpit is good in principle. You may as well get some use out of it whilst you plan the redesign of the garden. The only difficulties that I see is it will take a lot of sand to fill and do you have neighbourhood cats?

As for a redesign. I wouldn’t be in too much of a hurry to clear fell it and start again. Give yourselves time to find out how you use the garden, what you like/dislike about it including what’s over the garden fence such as views in/out, climate etc, and of course what is already growing there.
Nicola
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you so much for your advice Keiblem,

I have added a picture before the tree was cut down so you can see it was indeed a Eucalyptus. We have decided we will definitely have the stump grinded. My concern about waiting was the best time to lay turf. Is it correct that this is in the spring? Can we have new turf laid later in the year?

Thanks

Nicola
Garden · More Info
Nicola
Original Author
3 years ago
Also as we haven't moved in yet not sure about neighbourhood cats but very good point to consider!
Victoria
3 years ago
Cats just mean you need to get a cover for the sand pit and make sure you use it.
Definitely get the stumps ground down.
keiblem
3 years ago
Yep that’s definitely a eucalyptus. Such a nice tree. It’s a pity it was felled but you did say you were planning to extend.

Laying turf is significantly more expensive than seeding and it needs a lot of TLC to get it to take especially during our long hot summers. Not that seeding is any easier but the cost benefits might appeal. I seeded a large area a couple of years ago and by the end of the year it looked amazing. Another thing to consider is if you plan to extend anytime soon then perhaps reconsider and just give the existing some TLC. A weed and feed and seeding the patches might be all it needs.
Nicola
Original Author
3 years ago
It was such a beautiful tree, but the concerns the surveyor raised made us quite concerned.

Thank you for all the advice, we will try the seeding/weed and feed patches route for now until we decide what we want to do with the whole garden.

The rear extension will be a way off, we plan to start with the loft first.
Juliet Docherty
3 years ago
I would consider a portable stand up sandpit. Those where they sit in are probably harder to keep clean and the sand will inevitably get dragged into the house. Also they grow out of things very quickly so you may not want to get stuck with it. A hard paved area for a swing seat is a lovely addition to a garden and very nice for kids too.
Neasa
3 years ago
If you want to discourage cats, there are certain plants that they don't like and which may keep them away. Obviously if you have a cat yourself you wouldn't want to plant them, but I think with small children it's best to keep neighbourhood cats away. Lavender and rosemary I think are supposed to be deterrants. And of course lavender is scented, ornamental and good for bees, so it's always a winner for me.
Nicola
Original Author
3 years ago
I love the idea of a swing set! There is a small paved area right at the back of the garden so that could be the perfect spot!!
keiblem
3 years ago
You are starting to think about how you want to use the garden which is good. Other things to consider are: Is that nice spot you think might be good for a seat overlooked by the neighbours? What time of day does the sun reach it? Is it a windy corner? Once you have moved in start making notes about how you use the garden, how much time you will have to maintain it, where you think might be the best place to put the dustbins, washing line, shed, seat, play area. Look at neighbours gardens for ideas about the best plants to grow. Think about views out and views in that you want to screen perhaps with a small tree, to replace the eucalyptus and better suited to the dimensions of your garden. The more information you pull together the better it will inform your garden design.

Help with garden in new home

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