Prepping base on very wet ground - Paving & artificial grass

[Totalgroundcare1]

Hi guys,

I am about to start a landscape of a back garden which includes artificial grass and a patio area etc. I am slightly concerned with the ground conditions it is a new build and the back garden is extremely heavy wet clay soil. The extent of the problem is so bad standing on certain parts you will boots will sink ankle depth in the ground. My initial thought was to dig the area out install a herringbone drainage system into a soak away and stabilise the soil with the grids systems. Then compact 75 mm of type on top to stabilise the area. I know this may seem O.T.T but I'm out of ideas. Ps there are no natural springs and the area sits well above the water table any suggestions to make things more cost effective would be greatly appreciated.

[Tony McC]

Land drainage on a new build is often a waste of time and money. The ground will have been so disturbed during the fdoundation works that it will take several months for a new groundwater regime to establish itself, so the usual advice is to leave it for at least 12 months and then decide whether land drainage is really warranted.

In the meantime, a good base of 150mm of Type 1 (75mm is just an ineffectual peppering) should be adequate for the paved areas.