Landscaping
QA inspection checklist

Hard Landscaping

1. 1.

   Paving/slab type matches specification
   What to look forSlab/setts type, dimensions, finish, and colour match approved sample. CE/UKCA marked per BS EN 1339 (slabs) / 1338 (block paving) / 1342 (setts). Edges crisp, no chipped corners, colour batched. Source label or pallet ticket retained.
   Acceptable whenPer BS EN 1339:2003 (concrete slabs) / BS EN 1338:2003 (concrete blocks) / BS EN 1342:2012 (setts) / BS EN 1341 (natural stone slabs). Wear resistance Class 4 (≤ 23 mm groove); slip resistance USRV ≥ 35 (wet) per BS 7976. Visible faces match approved sample.
   StandardBS EN 1339:2003 (concrete slabs). BS EN 1338:2003 (concrete blocks). BS EN 1341:2012 / 1342:2012 (natural stone). BS 7533 series (installation).
   Common defectsWrong slab thickness — fails under design loadingColour batches mixed in same area — patchySlip class below 35 — fail Health & Safety / DDANo conformity declaration — non-compliant importEdges chipped on supply — cosmetic fail
2. 2.

   Levels and falls correct for drainage
   What to look forLevels checked with laser at multiple points. Falls direct surface water away from buildings to channel drains, gullies, or permeable areas. No back-falls, no birdbaths, no ponding > 20 minutes after rain. Falls match the drainage strategy.
   Acceptable whenPer BS 7533-7 / BS EN 1610: minimum fall 1:60 (1.7%) on paved areas; 1:80 acceptable on permeable paving. ±5 mm tolerance under 3 m straightedge. Drain to a designed surface water destination — not to neighbours.
   StandardBS 7533-7:2010 — Code of practice for design of permeable pavements. BS 8000-12 (paving). BS EN 1610 (drainage construction).
   Common defectsBirdbaths from poor screeding bedFall < 1:80 on impermeable paving — ponding, frost damageBack-fall to building — water at thresholdDrain inlets above paving — water bypassesLong-wave undulation — looks like patchwork
3. 3.

   Edgings and kerbs installed and aligned
   What to look forEdge restraint per design — concrete kerb, edging strip, or steel edge. Bedded on concrete with backing haunch. Edge straight in line, smooth at curves. Top level matches paving level (with allowance for slip if applicable). Joints consistent and pointed.
   Acceptable whenPer BS 7533-3 / BS 7533-7: edge restraint mortar bedding C20/25, backing haunch 100 mm minimum height up edge. Alignment ±3 mm in 3 m. Top level ±5 mm of design. Edge restraint mandatory to prevent paving loss.
   StandardBS 7533-3:2005 — Code of practice for laying precast concrete paving blocks. BS EN 1340:2003 (kerbs). SHW Series 1100.
   Common defectsNo backing haunch — kerb tilts, paving spreadsEdge restraint omitted — paving creeps outwardsWavy line at curvesTop of edge proud of paving — trip hazardJoints not pointed — weeds emerge within a season
4. 4.

   Steps and ramps compliant with Part M / BS 8300
   What to look forStep risers and goings consistent across flight (no variation > 5 mm). Riser height and going within Part M limits. Tactile contrast at top and bottom of flight. Ramp gradient measured with digital level along entire length. Handrails to BS 6180.
   Acceptable whenPer Approved Document M / BS 8300-1: external step rise 150 mm typical (75-180 mm range), going ≥ 280 mm. Ramp gradient ≤ 1:12 short, 1:15 medium, 1:20 long with rest landings. Tactile paving 800 mm deep at top of flight per Department for Transport guidance.
   StandardApproved Document M (Access). BS 8300-1:2018 — External environment. Department for Transport — Guidance on the use of tactile paving surfaces.
   Common defectsRisers vary > 5 mm — trip hazard, AD M failRamp steeper than 1:12 — non-compliantNo tactile paving at top of flight — visually impaired hazardNo landing at intermediate level on long rampHandrail height < 900 mm or > 1000 mm — non-compliant grip

Soft Landscaping

1. 5.

   Topsoil depth and quality correct

   Record: Depth (mm)
   What to look forTopsoil to BS 3882 grade — Multi-purpose, Specific Purpose, or Premium per spec. Depth measured at multiple points. Free of contaminants, weed seeds, and stones > 50 mm. Surface raked level. Compaction not excessive after spreading.
   Acceptable whenPer BS 3882:2015: topsoil depth typically 150 mm (lawn), 300-450 mm (shrub bed), 600 mm (tree pit). Topsoil tested for pH, nutrient levels, organic matter; certificate from supplier. Stones > 25 mm < 5% by mass.
   StandardBS 3882:2015 — Specification for topsoil. BS 7370-3:2019 — Maintenance of grassed areas. BS 4428 (general landscape ops).
   Common defectsTopsoil depth less than spec — plants struggle, lawn poorSubsoil mixed with topsoil — clods, poor drainageNo analysis certificate — quality unverifiedStony / stick-filled topsoil — not Premium grade as paid forTopsoil compacted by plant tracking — anaerobic, plant fail
2. 6.

   Planting species and sizes match schedule
   What to look forPlants match schedule — species, variety, size (height, stem girth, container size), and number. Stock from a Plant Healthy / Plant Passport supplier — biosecurity check. No signs of pest or disease (Xylella, OPM, Ash Dieback). Roots not pot-bound.
   Acceptable whenPer BS 8545:2014 (trees) / BS 4428 (general landscape): trees by stem girth (e.g. 12-14 cm, 16-18 cm) measured 1 m above ground; shrubs by container size or height. Plant Passport per Plant Health Regulation EU 2019/2072 (UK transition).
   StandardBS 8545:2014 — Trees: from nursery to independence. BS 3936 — Nursery stock. BS 4428:1989 — Code of practice for general landscape operations. Plant Health Regulations.
   Common defectsTrees smaller than spec — supplier substitutionNo Plant Passport — biosecurity unknown, may be quarantine riskPot-bound rootball — establishment poorVisible disease (Ash dieback, Phytophthora)Wrong species / variety — flower colour or growth habit different
3. 7.

   Trees staked and guyed
   What to look forStakes (single, double, or angled) per BS 8545 — driven before tree planted, not through rootball. Tree-tie at correct height (typically 1/3 above ground), with cross-spacer between stake and stem. Guys (where required) at three points 120° apart, with anchors and adjusters.
   Acceptable whenPer BS 8545:2014: stakes ≥ 50 mm dia × 1500-2400 mm long depending on tree size. Tree-tie 1/3 height of clear stem; spacer prevents stem rub. Underground guying for large trees per Arboricultural Association guidance. Stakes removed after 2 establishment seasons.
   StandardBS 8545:2014 — Trees: from nursery to independence. Arboricultural Association — tree planting guides.
   Common defectsTie too tight — girdles trunk, kills treeNo spacer — stake rubs bark offStake driven through rootball after plantingStake too long (above tie) — abrasion in windStake left in for years — tree never develops own anchorage
4. 8.

   Irrigation system functional (if specified)
   What to look forIrrigation system live — controller programmed, valves operate, sprinklers / drippers deliver water uniformly. Test each zone. Pop-up sprinklers retract fully. Drip lines pressure-tested. Backflow prevention (RPZ) installed and tested per Water Regulations.
   Acceptable whenPer BS EN 12484 (irrigation systems) and Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999: backflow prevention to fluid category 5. Coverage uniformity > 80% (DU). Controller programmed with seasonal adjust. Rain sensor / soil moisture sensor where specified.
   StandardBS EN 12484:2007 — Irrigation techniques. Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. WRAS approval for components.
   Common defectsSprinkler heads blocked or pop-up jammedNo backflow prevention — Water Regulations breachCoverage uneven — dry patches in lawnController not programmed for site location/seasonDrip line pierced by stake or spade — leak

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