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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Alys Fowler

Ask Alys: how do I go about replacing my brick hardstanding with lawn?

Bricks be gone!
Bricks be gone! Photograph: Alamy

I’d like to replace my brick hardstanding with lawn. How difficult would this be to do myself, or should I get a professional to do it? Are the bricks sellable?

You may find a buyer for the bricks on eBay or Gumtree. It could be more hassle than it’s worth, though: do a brick search and see what price people get for them. If not, I’d put them on Freecycle or Freegle: community gardens and projects are often looking for materials. Actually I’m looking for some free bricks for my allotment right now.

As for replacing the bricks with lawn, it will be physical work. Take up the bricks and any footing that went down with them. No one will want the old footing, so you may need to take it to your local tip or hire a skip, depending on the quantity. Dig over the soil, because it will have been compacted, and add a layer of compost or topsoil because sitting under bricks means that it may be lacking in life and nutrients. Once you’ve levelled it and gently firmed it back down again, lay the turf on top and keep it watered till you see it start growing again. I’d say it would take you a weekend to do; less if you have help.

Got a question for Alys? Email askalys@theguardian.com

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