- You are here:
- Home »
- Blog »
- Landscaping »
- How to Protect Your Yard and Gardens from Contractor Carelessness
How to Protect Your Yard and Gardens from Contractor Carelessness
It’s exciting when you find the right contractor for your home project. Whether you’re getting overgrown trees trimmed, an inground pool installed, or something else built or repaired, you don’t want to watch your lawn being ruined. The construction project you’re excited about can be a nightmare for your yard.
More...
Does Your Contractor Have a Plan?
You spend a lot of time planting and nurturing your gardens. You shouldn’t have them destroyed by a careless contractor. They should be able to show you how they are protecting your yard, bushes, hardscapes, and trees. A careful contractor will cordon off your gardens and other plantings. They will lay down access mats to prevent tearing up the lawn.
These mats create temporary roads while also protecting properties and sensitive ecological areas. Your contractor should have a plan showing where to place the mats. You want it to be the most efficient route to and from the construction site. Your contractor can run trucks, cranes, bulldozers, and any other equipment they need to get the project done, but they are much less likely to cause destruction and erosion.
Here are a few reasons why you want your contractor to use ground protection.
Keep Your Lawn Looking Pristine
If you aren’t sure what construction mats are, they’re portable pieces of ground cover that provide traction for vehicles. The mats prevent vehicle tires from tearing up the yard. In rough or soggy terrain, the mats ensure the vehicles can get through.
Ground Protection
You worked hard on your lawn. It’s lush, green, and free from weeds. The last thing you want to see are deep, muddy ruts from construction vehicles. Even a project that only takes a few hours can do a number on your grass.
The grass isn’t the only thing you want to protect. What about your hardscapes, such as pavers and sidewalks? They are not designed to withstand wear and tear from vehicles. The stones can shift or crack, resulting in a new project to add to your list.
All-Weather Traction
Sometimes repairs or projects need to be completed when the weather is less than perfect. Rain and snow can make your property impassable for construction vehicles. Even heavy-duty pickup trucks can have a hard time getting through without tearing up your property.
Access mats work in all weather conditions. They provide a non-stick surface with plenty of traction. Vehicles can easily get to and from the construction site, and your property won’t show any signs the construction equipment was there. The mats allow the project to continue regardless of the weather.
Safeguard the Environment
Do you live around a fragile ecosystem? For example, near wetlands? A dock gives you easy access to the water, but what about the project’s impact on the environment? The heavy vehicles driving back and forth delivering supplies and work crews can damage the environment.
To minimize the damage, have your contractors use access mats. In some areas, with protected ecosystems, it may be a requirement. If you are having work down in or near a sensitive environment, it’s best to check with local regulations before starting any projects.
How Construction Mats Are Installed is Important
Construction mats are only effective when properly installed. If they aren’t, your yard may look like it recently hosted a monster truck rally. Talk to your contractor before the work begins and ask them a few questions about how they use access mats.
Use the Right Type of Access Mats
There are specific access mats for certain conditions. If your project doesn’t require heavy equipment, your contractor can use lightweight mats. The mats still protect the ground but are easier to install. Some are light enough to install without machinery. It may factor into a lower cost for your project.
In areas with light, loose soil composite access mats are a good choice. The material will adhere to the surface, providing traction for vehicles and ground protection. Wood mats are best suited for use over and near wetlands. If the mats are going over wetlands, make sure the contractor has them placed from one edge of the bank to the other.
Proper Installation
There’s a right and wrong way to install construction mats. Your contractor should have the ends of the mats parallel to traffic. In other words, the mats should connect at the ends creating a long and narrow temporary road.
If you see gaps or notice a mat is connected at the center, talk to the contractor. Pressure from construction vehicles is not being evenly distributed. It can cause significant damage to your yard.
Pay Extra if Machinery is Needed
Sometimes your contractor can’t lay the mats by hand. Wood mats are heavy, and water can make manual installation difficult. Listen to your contractor and look over the job site. If they need to use track excavators or skid steers to get the mats across the wetlands, it’s an expense you want to make.
The purpose of using access mats is to leave as little damage as possible. If the mats can’t be properly installed, they won’t be effective. You may spend more repairing the damage to your property than the added cost for using machinery.
Take Advantage of Construction Mats
You can have a project completed and protect your property from construction vehicle damage. Yards with ruts and tire marks are always the downside to any home repair or renovation project.
It doesn’t have to happen to your yard if your contractor uses access mats. The temporary road protects your lawn, along with fragile ecosystems, and is easy to install and take away. Most contractors automatically use construction mats, but it is always a good idea to double-check.
You don’t want one project to end, only to start another one repairing your damaged lawn.
About the Author Laura Bennett
Hello, I’m Laura Bennett. I love nature especially when it comes to flowers and different kinds of plants. I started a very small garden behind my house and I named it Humid Garden. So, I created this blog to provide aspiring and inspiring thoughts about gardening for gardeners and anyone who has the intention of keeping a garden.
Related Posts
22 Jun, 2023Six Steps to Create the Ultimate Garden Entertainment Zone
19 Jun, 20234 Garden Aesthetic Tips To Master Beautiful Landscaping
08 May, 2023Seven Fantastic Additions to Your Garden
22 Apr, 2023Pergola Outdoor Lighting Ideas
19 Apr, 2023How to Create an Outdoor Play Area That Your Kids Will Love
