While new-build homes can offer a fantastic blank canvas, the garden is often where problems start to show. From waterlogging and poor drainage to pests and patchy turf, these issues can quickly turn an outdoor space from exciting to frustrating – especially if they’re left unresolved.
In fact, according to the Home Builders Federation, 93.7 per cent of new-build buyers reported problems with their home. One homeowner even claimed: ‘Add £8,000 to the market price, as you will need to spend this to fix the garden.’
While it’s easy to assume these problems require major landscaping work, many can be tackled with the right approach early on. Below, we explain the most common new-build garden issues – and the practical ways to fix them before they escalate.
1. Leatherjackets
While wildlife is certainly welcome in the garden – with bees and butterflies even helping it thrive – there are some bugs you definitely don’t want taking over your lawn.
‘Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies, which eat at the roots of the grass and cause it to die off, thin out and go brown,’ explains James Holmes, managing director at Validus Construction. ‘These thrive in damp, poorly drained soil, which is often found in new-build gardens with compacted ground, poor turf and excess moisture.’
Common signs of leatherjackets include yellowing or thinning grass, patchy areas across the lawn and increased bird activity, as birds peck at the turf to feed on the larvae.
How to fix it
‘To treat any areas, first aerate compacted soil to improve the drainage, followed by seeding to strengthen the lawn, remove any excess thatch and encourage natural predators of leatherjackets like birds,’ says James. After this, be sure to feed your lawn regularly – just avoid overwatering or relying too heavily on chemical treatments.
2. Compacted soil
During the construction of a new-build home, gardens are often exposed to heavy machinery and vehicles, which can leave the soil badly compacted.
‘It’s common for only a thin layer of topsoil to be used, making it difficult for roots, water and nutrients to penetrate the lower layers of soil,’ says James. ‘Common signs your soil is too compacted include hard ground which is difficult to dig, plants that fail to establish, and water sitting on the surface.’
How to fix it
To improve the condition of the soil, add organic matter, compost and quality topsoil wherever possible. It’s also worth opting for hardy, well-established plants initially, as these are more likely to tolerate difficult conditions while the soil recovers. Growing plants in pots can also help add greenery while the garden establishes itself.
3. Discarded rubbish
When moving into a new-build home, most buyers expect the garden to be as pristine as the property itself. However, the buyers report found that many homeowners uncovered discarded construction waste beneath their gardens, including plastic sheeting, bricks and plaster.
‘If you’re struggling to dig, plants don’t grow well, or lawns become uneven, it may be a sign that some construction rubble is lurking beneath the surface,’ says James.
How to fix it
When gardening, try screening the soil to remove any inorganic debris, and avoid planting too deeply until you’ve checked the quality of the soil underneath.
4. Waterlogging
Compacted soil doesn’t just make planting difficult – it can also prevent proper drainage, leading to waterlogged gardens.
‘It’s not uncommon for new-build developments to remove natural drainage routes during construction, and this commonly presents as standing water after rain, excessively muddy gardens throughout winter and dead patches of turf,’ says James.
How to fix it
While it can be tempting to cover the space with paving or artificial grass, there are ways to improve drainage while still creating a natural garden filled with flowers and plants.
French drains – gravel-filled trenches containing pipes that redirect water away from lawns – can help prevent waterlogging. Rain gardens and gravel areas are also effective solutions, as they encourage excess water to soak away naturally rather than sitting on the surface.
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