Building a new garage is an exciting project—it adds value, functionality, and curb appeal to your home. But before the first shovel hits the ground, there’s an important step that often gets overlooked: preparing your yard for construction.

Your property may need some adjustments before work begins to ensure that construction runs smoothly and safely. From removing tree roots to relocating landscaping, a little preparation upfront can make a big difference once your garage project is underway.

1. Tree Removal or Pruning

One of the first things to consider is whether any trees are located in or near the area where your new garage will be built. Trees with large trunks or low-hanging branches can interfere with equipment access or even the structure itself.

• Tree removal: If a tree is too close to the planned foundation, it may need to be removed entirely to prevent future damage from roots or falling branches.
• Tree pruning: Sometimes, a simple trim is enough to create safe working space for machinery and framing crews.

However, it’s important to note that some villages and municipalities have strict tree preservation ordinances. In these cases, certain trees—especially mature parkway or protected species—must remain in place and be fenced off for protection during construction. Before any work begins, your builder will verify local requirements and ensure all necessary precautions are taken to stay in compliance.

2. Dealing with Tree Roots

Even if a tree isn’t directly in the way, its roots can pose challenges. Large roots running under the future garage area can disrupt excavation, interfere with concrete pouring, or eventually cause cracks in the foundation.

Before construction begins, any roots that extend into the work zone will likely need to be cut or removed. This ensures a stable foundation and prevents structural issues down the road.

3. Relocating Flowers, Bushes, and Landscaping

If you’ve invested time and effort into your landscaping, you’ll want to think about what can be temporarily relocated before construction starts. The area around your garage site will see heavy foot traffic, dirt movement, and equipment use—meaning your plants won’t be safe staying put.

Consider carefully transplanting flowers, shrubs, or decorative bushes to another area of your yard or into pots until your new garage is complete. Once construction wraps up, you can replant them and restore your landscaping to its original beauty.

4. Clearing the Work Area

Your yard may also need general clearing before the crew arrives. This can include:

• Moving patio furniture, grills, or play equipment out of the way
• Removing old concrete pads or sheds
• Ensuring there’s clear access for trucks and materials

The goal is to give your builder’s team a clean, accessible workspace so they can complete the project efficiently and safely.

5. Planning Ahead for Restoration

The good news? Once the garage is finished, you’ll have the opportunity to put your yard back together—better than before. Many homeowners take this chance to refresh their landscaping or add new plantings to complement the new structure.

A bit of planning now means that when construction is complete, your yard can quickly return to looking its best.

Preparing your yard before garage construction begins is a crucial step that helps prevent delays, protects your landscaping, and ensures the job site is safe and ready for work.

At Heartland Garages Builders, we’ll walk you through the entire process—identifying what needs to be removed, relocated, or protected, and coordinating with your local village when tree protection measures are required—so that when it’s time to start building, everything is set for a smooth and successful project.

For a FREE consultation and estimate, contact Heartland Garage Builders at HeartlandGarageBuilders.com or 224-326-2698.