What to do about the rocks and stuff left in a new home dirt-lot backyard?

Question

My backyard is a dirt-lot (since it's a new home). It's full of all those rocks and a smattering of nails.

What is usually done about this? Do they have to remove all rocks before doing landscaping? Do they just do landscaping over the rocks?

Thanks.

Answer 1

At the rental store you can borrow a magnetic rake that you pull over the dirt and it will remove the nails this is a must or someone will get nailed in the grass at some time.Next all sizable rocks will have to be removed and then the surface will need raked and cleaned again.You don't have to go too deep with the removal but you will need to get a flat surface or you'll have lumpy grass forever.

Answer 2

They usually just put topsoil over it and then landscape. The rocks won't hurt anything and probably make for better drainage. You can reove the large ones if you want.

Answer 3

That depends on whether the construction company is good or if they take *ahem* shortcuts.  Some companies bury their waste to save the cost of disposal.  If you can help it, don't let them do this.  If the rocks are decorative, keep them and use them for a patio or fire pit or something.  If you don't want to do anything with the rocks, they should dispose of those, too.  Or see if you can give them away on freecycle.  People pay good money for stone for walkways and such; I'm sure they'd be happy to have them for free.  The nails?  Make the construction company dispose of them properly, if you can.

Answer 4

Build a rock garden.

Answer 5

You get what you pay for, and if the building contractor is in charge of the landscaping as a part of the contract, you should ask what is included before the landscaping is done.  It is definitely better to go ahead and rake the yard clean and pick up any nails or building debris, even if you have to do it yourself.  Any gravel that is too small to rake is ok to leave, since they will probably need to bring in topsoil in order to plant grass.  It's your house, and you'll be the one mowing the grass and walking barefoot, so have a good look around to make sure you're satisfied that there are no hazards being buried in an inch of topsoil.

Answer 6

It Depends how your buyers agreement is written.  I would insist that they remove the debris before laying the sod or seeding your lawn.  The junk will probably be removed but it doesn't hurt to inquire.

Answer 7

Its best if you remove the rock and whatever before you landscape.If a builder did your home have his people remove the items.You bought the house from him not the rocks.Otherwise get a bucket and every afternoon pickup a few here and there until they are gone..Good Luck