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Tarmac Contaminated Soil Planting Solutions

IHateWeedingIHateWeeding Posts: 49
in Problem solving
I am looking to sort my back garden, which is largely Tarmac. We want to put in plants that will grow in the area.

The current tarmac covering is approx. 2 inches deep and directly onto the earth. I know that a now demolished garage was also in the area. Digging down 50cm - 70cm (For my fence posts) I can see all sorts of rubbish, green and black clay, bits of carpet and loads of bricks.

I wonder will the tarmac and other detritus has contaminated the soil and if so what I should do to remedy this?

Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Do You intend to remove the tarmac or plant beside it?
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    edited July 2020
    If it is anything like part of our garden you are looking at hard work. What you do depends on how much money and time you are willing to spend.
    Expensive way would be to hire a mini digger and scrape off the top 18 inches and re-soil the area with bought in top soil.
    We have a tarmac drive going right up the middle of our garden, it goes nowhere and has no function any more. The soil along side it is full of the gravel from it. We are talking here of 30 metres by 3 metres of tarmac. So I will be interested to see what advice you get.
  • IHateWeedingIHateWeeding Posts: 49
    edited July 2020
    Sorry B3 should have been clear am planning on removing tarmac and planting in the area.

    Also, I have not reached the end of the black / green clay it seems to go down forever this digging down in amongst the pavers (also in the area) as I say lots of real rubish in the area in general.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I've never heard of green clay in uk. Where are you? Is this the natural soil for your area?
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • ThebigeasyThebigeasy Posts: 190
    Pick a nice warm day for removing it, the heat will make it softer and easier break up.
  • IHateWeedingIHateWeeding Posts: 49
    edited July 2020
    Hi B3 it's not all green some black looking based in Gloucestershire.  No doesn't seem like the natural soil to me, in the front garden it's nice stuff.  Sounds like removal and replacement is required if planting anything too substantial.  
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    How big is the area?
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Maybe a few photos  would help us to get an idea😊
    Whatever ,you need to get rid of the rubbish before you can decide what to do.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
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