My garden remains waterlogged for a long time. Can I do anything about it?

There are various ways to solve the problem of a frequently waterlogged garden. Check out our suggestions below:

Install a drainage system: If the soil above the groundwater level is waterlogged, you might have to install a drainage system so that the water can drain to a lower location. Such a system consists of ribbed tubes with thousands of holes in the walls, covered with coconut fibre. They do have to lead to some point where the water can go, and this must be lower than the drainage pipe.
Aeration: Regularly aerating the lawn helps the lawn and underlying soil absorb water, reducing the likelihood of puddles forming on the grass.
Improve the soil structure: Soils that retain a lot of moisture, such as clayey and loamy soil, are much more sensitive to heavy rain. If your garden contains this type of soil, it’s a good idea to spread a thin layer of sand each winter to improve the soil structure. This will help rainwater soak into the soil.
Create a wadi: A garden wadi (a type of soakaway) is a lowered area in your garden where rain can collect, and then infiltrate the soil. This both prevents water accumulating where you don’t want it, and stimulates biodiversity; it will become a habitat for plants and animals that can withstand water and drought. In addition, a wadi can reduce the burden on the sewer system if rainwater drains are connected to it.
Install an infiltration box: This is a large capacity box into which water can penetrate easily. The box acts as a buffer; it fills up with water in heavy rain, after which the water can gradually infiltrate the surrounding soil. One of the advantages is that it takes pressure of the sewers, as water can be directed to the box instead.
Grate gutters (drainage gutters): Placing grate gutters or channel gutters around the edge of the lawn works really well. Excess water is collected by the gutters, and discharged to the sewer.

Gerelateerde vragen

How much does it cost to create a garden design?

The cost of creating a garden design depends on various factors; the size of your garden, what you want to include in the design (such as a planting plan and a lighting plan), and so on. The good news is that the cost of a good garden design will pay itself back many times over, since a well thought out solution will use all the spaces optimally and take your preferences and lifestyle into account. Choosing the right materials, such as durable, long-lasting materials instead of less sustainable options, can also save you considerable expenditure in the long term.

I’m building a new home. When’s the best time to get Visser Tuinen involved?

We recommend you get Visser Tuinen involved in the construction process at an early stage. If you do, all those working on the project can discuss with each other questions such as which architectural elements are the contractor’s responsibility, which should be left to the landscaper, and so on. You could look together at the possibilities for a piled terrace, and its size, for example. If you use the services of Visser Tuinen, you can be sure that your garden perfectly matches your new home and your wishes.

When’s the best time to plant a garden? Is it also possible in winter?

In principle, we can create gardens in every season, unless the ground is frozen and we have to do earthwork. If you decide you want lots of trees, winter is the ideal time to landscape your garden. If, on the other hand, your preference is for a garden with lots of flowers, early spring is the best choice. Many potted plants are supplied in containers and can be planted all year round, as long as there’s not a severe ground frost

Do you also supply all the materials needed to landscape a garden?

Yes, Visser Tuinen supplies everything needed to landscape your new garden. This wide range of materials includes plants, trees, shrubs, sand, stones, wood for fencing, pergolas, and much more.

How much does it cost to landscape a garden?

The cost of landscaping a garden can vary greatly. It depends on multiple factors, such as the size of the garden, the design elements you want to include, the complexity of the landscaping, your specific situation, and your garden’s current condition. As well as individual garden designs, Visser Tuinen also creates gardens based on six thematic designs, such as ‘Practical’ and ‘Sustainable’. These gardens are created for a fixed landscaping price per square metre, excluding design and preparation costs. Themed gardens

Is a planting plan drawn up for each individual garden?

A planting plan is created when the garden design is ready. Lots of our customers generally prefer that Visser Tuinen takes care of this task, but we can obviously take your preferences into account if you wish. We’ll give you a list of the plants used, so that you can get to know them better once they’re established in your new garden, Although it’s not always necessary, a planting plan can be very useful here for you as a garden owner, depending on your specific situation and wishes.

Is a lighting plan drawn up for each individual garden?

Yes, we do indeed make a individual lighting plan for every garden as part of the garden design. We select the most suitable lighting fixtures and incorporate them in the design. This is based on the atmospheric effects you want to create, and addresses aspects such as safety, functionality, and energy efficiency. The end result is a garden you can enjoy to the full in the evening.

Do I need planning permission for a summer house or gazebo in the garden?

In many cases, you don’t need planning permission for a structure in the garden in the Netherlands, but this does depend on a number of factors, such as the size, installation method, and surroundings. You can also check with the ‘Omgevingsloket’ which arranges planning permission for minor interventions in the Netherlands, if you need permission. It’s always a good idea to check the specific rules with your local authority

What is the maximum height of the boundary fence?

The maximum allowed height of the fence marking the boundary with neighbours depends on where it is located. A fence, wall, or gate behind your house can be up to 2 metres high. The maximum height of a boundary fence in front of your house is 1 metre. If you want a higher boundary fence, you must apply for planning permission from your local authority, but once again communication with the neighbours is obviously the most important thing.

Does Visser Tuinen provide a warranty on the gardens it landscapes?

When Visser Tuinen landscapes a garden, the intervention is based on an extensive work description for each part. This quote for landscaping your garden is sent with the general terms and conditions for members of the Royal Association of Gardeners and Landscapers (VHG) attached. The terms and conditions of our warranty can be found in these documents. Terms and conditions and Terms and conditions Business to Business Please remember that your garden is subject to all the whims of our unpredictable Dutch climate, so things can occasionally break or a plant may not grow. We do provide a warranty, which varies depending on the part. For example, we provide a regrowth guarantee on the plants we supply for one growing season. If a plant is unable to establish itself, we will supply a new plant or recommend an alternative variety.

I’d like to have lots of butterflies and bees in my garden. How do I make my garden attractive to them?

Many plants attract butterflies and bees. Some are real magnets for these insects, so giving such plants a place in your garden is a guarantee for plenty of visitors. Some examples of plants that attract butterflies and bees: Verbena Buddleia (butterfly bush) Thymus (thyme) Hedera Arborescens (bush ivy) Salvia (sage) Crocus (crocus) Tetradium daniellii (bee-bee tree) You could also plant a small area in the garden with a wildflower mixture. This would provide a habitat for pollinators and improve soil health at the same time.

What types of paving allow water to pass through?

There are various types of permeable paving that help rainwater to infiltrate the soil easily. This helps reduce the risk of flooding during heavy downpours, and prevents large puddles forming in the garden because water immediately infiltrates the paving. Obvious examples include grass pavers and permeable paving, but you could also consider bricks/tiles with water-permeable joints that allow water to pass through. Rainwater can also easily penetrate the soil through gravel or grit. If water is a serious problem in your garden, consider additional measures such as drainage. Link to: Drainage

Should I disconnect my roof drainpipes from the sewer and divert rainwater to rain barrels in the garden?

The climate in the Netherlands is currently undergoing radical changes, so it’s a good idea to think about water in the garden. One option is to disconnect your roof drainpipes from the sewer and divert them to rain barrels. Rain barrels collect rainwater, and act as buffers that reduce flooding during heavy downpours. The collected rainwater can then be used for watering plants, or cleaning windows or bikes to save drinking water. Various local authorities provide a subsidy if you want to install a rain barrel. Visser Tuinen can help you install a rain barrel in your garden, as well as buffering and infiltration equipment, such as infiltration boxes. Collected rain water is then released more slowly into the surrounding soil.

Can I get a subsidy for a green roof?

Sedum roofs are attractive, relatively easy to install and maintain, and as a bonus they act as a rain buffer. Different types of green roofs exist, with various structures, purposes, and the amount of water they can collect and store. In the Netherlands, you could be entitled to a subsidy for a green roof. The exact amounts and conditions vary, depending on your specific local authority. In general, the subsidy varies from 20 to 35 euros per square metre of green roof. For more information: Green roofs

Can I turn an existing wall into a green wall?

A green wall is an attractive and sustainable way to bring greenery into your garden or building. There are systems suitable for almost all walls, in which it’s possible to create a ‘living painting’ with an interchangeable system of plant cassettes. The result is a full, lush wall. This type of intervention is also called ‘vertical gardening’. There are also ready-made solutions available, such as Mobilane's instant hedges, which consist of a metal grid completely intertwined with plants. This can also be placed against bare masonry walls. Depending on the specific circumstances and requirements, all kinds of options are possible. Visser Tuinen offers various solutions for this. You can plant espalier trees (trained trees with a support structure such as a rack). Fruit trees can also be trained to grow in this way. The great thing about espalier fruit trees is that after enjoying the blossom, you can also eat the fruits. Some espalier plants attach themselves to the wall, such as ivy or climbing hydrangea, while others need support from a wire or a rack. The latter include roses, grapes, and clematis. There’s an enormous choice available. Every situation requires a different approach, and this is where we can help you with advice and tips.

When’s the best time to plant fruit trees and other trees?

The best time to plant any type of tree is when it’s dormant, namely the period from November to April when internal sap flows in the tree are interrupted. In this period, trees can cope better with being moved and replanted. If you plant a tree early in the winter, it will have time to root properly. The tree will survive the winter well, and grow faster in the summer.

Do you supply instant hedges?

Yes, Visser Tuinen supplies instant hedges. These are Mobilane green systems, which consist of a metal grid completely covered with plants. A range of different types and heights are available. Such a hedge can be placed all year round, unless there is a risk of frost. These hedges only need some occasional attention and annual pruning, so they’re easy to maintain. Click the link if you’d like to know more: More information about the instant hedge

What are the rules concerning trees, shrubs, and the property boundaries?

The rules for planting trees and shrubs near a property boundary are as follows:

Trees must be at least 2 metres from the property boundary
Hedges and shrubs must be at least 50 cm from the property boundary

There are some exceptions:

A tree or hedge which is not higher than the fence
After 20 years, your right to demand the relocation of a tree or hedge ends. This is called the ‘statute of limitations’ in legal jargon.

How do I install paving on soft soil?

Installing paving on soft soil can be a challenge, so we’ve listed some suggestions below that could make it easier:

Avoid using paving: You could consider not using hard paving at all, but wooden decking. Decking planks are supported by underlying beams. Decking allows rainwater to drain more easily, so you’re less likely to experience puddles forming in your garden or, worse still, flooding.
Solid base layer: Create a solid base layer before placing the paving. This could be a layer of fine rubble or crushed sand.
Lightweight base layer: Sometimes, raising the surface with crushed sand isn’t the best solution, and a combination of materials works better. A lightweight structure based on EPS (expanded polystyrene) may be a solution. This helps maintain stability in the soil, and relieves the base. This synthetic filling material is also sold under the brand names Styrofoam and Tempex. Another option is YALI, a volcanic material that is also used for lightweight foundations. YALI is very easy to use. What’s best for your specific situation depends on various factors, but Visser Tuinen will gladly provide you with more information.
Drainage: Make sure there’s enough drainage capacity, so that water can drain easily and the soil doesn’t become waterlogged. Solutions include installing drainage pipes or using permeable paving.
Compaction: Thoroughly compact the surface before placing the paving. A tool such as a plate compactor helps with this job.
Edging: Make sure the edging of the paving is resistant enough to hold the paving in place.

My neighbours’ trees are a nuisance, can I do anything about this?

Neighbours' trees affecting the enjoyment of your garden can be distressing. Issues can include overhanging branches or trees blocking sunlight (possibly even causing shadows on solar panels). There are a number of steps you can take. The first thing is to talk to your neighbours, and let them know their trees are causing a nuisance. Check if the trees have been planted in accordance with the rules; a tree must be at least 2 metres from the property boundary. You cannot simply prune overhanging branches of a tree, you must let the owners know that the overhanging branches are causing problems. Give them the opportunity to prune their own tree. If you cannot reach an agreement with the neighbours, get professional legal advice. Visser Tuinen only prunes trees on behalf of the owner of the tree.