With the warmer months arriving, many homeowners across North London start turning their attention to the garden after a winter of neglect. Whether you have a small courtyard garden typical of a terraced house in Finchley or a larger plot in East Barnet, a bit of planning at this time of year makes a real difference to how usable the space is through summer. Some of this is simple maintenance, but it is also a good time to think about any hard landscaping or structural work you have been putting off.
Start with the basics before anything else
Before you buy plants or think about new features, it is worth clearing away winter debris, cutting back anything that has become overgrown, and checking your fences and boundary walls for damage after winter weather. This is also the point to check drainage, particularly if you noticed pooling water over winter, because standing water against a house wall can cause damp problems that are far more expensive to fix than the drainage issue itself.
Think about hard landscaping while the weather is good
Spring and early summer are the best times to have patios, paths and retaining walls built, because ground conditions are more predictable than in winter and the work will be finished in time for you to actually use the space. A cracked or uneven patio is not just cosmetic, it can be a trip hazard and often points to a poor sub-base that will only get worse. If your garden slopes, a properly built retaining wall with correct drainage behind it will prevent soil erosion and protect any planting beds.
Consider how the garden connects to your house
Many North London homes would benefit from better indoor-outdoor flow, whether that is bifold doors opening onto a patio, a raised deck outside a kitchen extension, or simply levelling a step-down garden to make it more accessible. If you are already planning a rear extension or conservatory, it is worth designing the garden works alongside it so the two jobs work together rather than one undoing the other.
- Clear debris and check fences and boundary walls before you plant anything
- Test drainage in low-lying areas before the ground dries out and hides the problem
- Book patio or path work early in the season while contractors have more availability
- Check whether any trees need work before they come into full leaf
- Plan hard landscaping alongside any extension work so access and levels line up
- Get a proper sub-base laid under any new paving, it is the single biggest factor in longevity
We see the same pattern every spring, homeowners want to sort the garden out but the underlying issue is often drainage or a poor sub-base under old paving, not the planting. Fix the groundwork first and everything else lasts a lot longer.
If your garden needs proper hard landscaping, drainage work or you are planning an extension that will change how you use the outdoor space, Hozea Construction can help. Call 07969 378509 for a free quote.
Common questions
- When is the best time to have patio work done?
- Spring and early summer are ideal, giving reliable ground conditions and time to enjoy the finished space over summer. Booking early in the season also means more contractor availability.
- What causes standing water in a garden?
- Usually poor drainage, compacted soil or a sub-base that was not properly laid under existing paving. It is worth addressing before doing any new landscaping, as it can also cause damp issues against the house.
- Should I plan garden work alongside an extension?
- Yes, if you are extending the rear of your house it makes sense to plan garden levels, drainage and access at the same time, so the two projects work together rather than needing to be redone.