There are many other tasks that can be completed in the garden or outside the home, with the aide of a skip. Read on for more advice.
Skips for Landscaping
When tackling garden tasks, deciding what to do with the waste can be challenging. While some waste might be easy enough to burn, what if it’s wet soil, tree trunks, or unexpected items you’ve uncovered while digging up the lawn?
Perhaps you’ve experienced it yourself—working on a DIY landscaping project only to find buried surprises left by previous owners. It’s not uncommon to unearth everything from brickwork and rubble to old car parts where you intended to plant a lovely tree or flower bed.
There are specific guidelines to follow when hiring a skip for landscaping or garden projects, and this guide will help you navigate the process and manage your garden waste efficiently.
Landscaping Projects That Benefit From a Skip
Levelling the Ground
One of the most common tasks in landscaping is levelling uneven ground, whether you’re preparing to lay a new lawn, install a patio, or set up a raised bed. However, levelling creates a significant amount of waste, particularly soil, rocks, and potentially rubble from old foundations or structures. Even if you plan to reuse some of the soil, there’s often excess that needs removing. A skip provides an easy way to get rid of the waste in one go, saving you multiple trips to the local tip. Skips are also particularly useful when the waste contains rubble or larger pieces that might not fit in regular waste disposal bags.
How do I Calculate Volume?
You can quite easily calculate the volume of soil you need to remove in cubic metres or litres. To do this simply measure the length, width and depth of the area you need to dig out to level in metres and multiply the three figures together to get the volume in cubic metres. If one side is higher, measure the depth on multiple points, like the corners and the centre and take the average.
Example Calculation:
Let’s say you are levelling a 10-metre by 5-metre garden, and after measuring, you find the average depth of soil to remove is 0.2 metres.
Volume=10m×5m×0.2m=10m3
In this case, you would need to remove 10 cubic metres of soil.
Volume=Length (L)×Width (W)×Average Depth (D)
Taking Down Sheds or Outbuildings
Old sheds, greenhouses, or small outbuildings can quickly deteriorate, and replacing them or removing them altogether can be part of a garden renovation project. When dismantling these structures, you’ll likely find a mix of materials, from wood and glass to metal fixtures or asbestos sheeting, depending on the age of the building. Many of these materials can be hazardous or bulky, and transporting them safely in your own vehicle may be impossible. A skip allows you to dispose of everything safely, ensuring you’re not left with awkwardly large or hazardous debris in your garden. Plus, having the skip nearby while you work lets you clear as you go, keeping your workspace safe and manageable.
Tree Pruning or Removal
If you’re taking on the job of pruning or removing trees yourself, a skip can be an invaluable asset. While professional tree surgeons often use chippers to reduce branches to mulch, if you’re handling the job on your own, large branches, roots, and foliage can pile up quickly. Not all councils allow for the burning of garden waste, especially in urban or residential areas, so relying on a fire bin may not be practical or permitted. A skip can handle both green waste and larger tree stumps or branches that are too unwieldy to compost or bag up. Just be sure to check local guidelines, as some areas may have restrictions on green waste in skips.
Patio or Decking Removal
If you’re redesigning your garden and taking out an old patio, pathway, or decking, you’ll be dealing with heavy and bulky waste like paving stones, concrete, bricks, or timber. These materials aren’t only cumbersome to handle but can also damage your vehicle if you attempt to transport them to the tip yourself. A skip is ideal for handling these heavy-duty materials, allowing you to focus on your project without worrying about disposal logistics.
Pond Excavation or Filling
If you’re digging out a garden pond, there’s going to be a lot of soil, clay, and potential rubble to deal with. Depending on the size of the pond, this waste can quickly build up. Similarly, if you’re filling in an old pond, you might need to remove materials like liners, old rocks, or waterlogged soil. Skips are great for managing both these situations, ensuring that waste from large digging projects doesn’t overwhelm your garden or local waste facilities.
Garden Redesigns and Large-Scale Planting
When you’re completely overhauling your garden, you’re likely dealing with a wide variety of waste. From old turf, soil, and weeds to surplus materials like gravel, compost bags, or discarded pots, the amount of rubbish produced in even the most straightforward redesign can be surprising. Hiring a skip ensures you have a designated space for all the excess. Whether you’re installing new water features, laying artificial grass, or planting a substantial number of trees or shrubs, having a skip on hand to deal with the waste keeps the process smoother and the garden cleaner.
Fence Removal and Replacement
Replacing a fence often means removing large panels, posts, and possibly old concrete footings. Not only are these items bulky, but they also may contain treated wood, which isn’t always suitable for burning or regular waste disposal. Skips are useful for containing this type of waste and preventing old fence materials from becoming a safety hazard while you work.
