Preparing Your Garden or Site for Wet Weather
As autumn rain sets in across Kent, many homeowners and site managers face the same challenge: how to keep outdoor areas safe, stable, and well-drained. Whether you’re protecting a garden, driveway, or an active building site, a little preparation goes a long way.
At Kernahans Contractors, we specialise in aggregates, groundworks services, excavation, and drainage solutions — so here are our top tips for preparing your space for the wet months ahead.
🍂 Clear Away Debris
Leaves, silt, and garden waste can block drains and soakaways, causing standing water and flooding.
Regularly clear leaves from driveways, patios, and lawns.
Keep gutters and downpipes free-flowing.
Inspect garden and site drains for blockages before heavy rainfall.
Pro tip: For sites in Kent, consider scheduling regular grab hire or waste clearance to keep access routes clear during the wetter months.
💧 Improve Drainage
Good drainage is the backbone of any long-lasting garden or groundwork project. If water pools on your lawn, patio, or site, it’s a sign that improvements are needed.
French drains and soakaways help redirect excess water.
Crushed concrete, MOT Type 1, and gravel provide permeable layers that encourage water to drain naturally.
On construction sites, temporary drainage channels prevent work delays.
As drainage contractors in Kent, we often see projects where poor water management has caused long-term damage. Investing in the right system upfront avoids costly repairs later.
🪨 Protect Surfaces and Ground
When the ground is saturated, it quickly turns to mud, making access difficult and damaging surfaces.
Lay MOT Type 1 or Type 2 aggregates to create stable site access roads.
Use sharp sand and ballast under paving to keep slabs and blocks from shifting.
Consider temporary trackway or ground protection mats for heavy machinery.
We supply a full range of aggregates in Kent, available for collection or delivery straight to your site.
🌱 Prepare Your Soil
Heavy rain compacts soil, leading to poor drainage and unhealthy planting conditions.
Improve structure with organic matter and screened soil.
Use twice-screened topsoil for raised beds and garden projects.
Blend soil with aggregates to enhance drainage and root growth.
Kernahans Contractors provides soil delivery across Kent, including loose loads and bagged options, so you can get the right materials for your landscaping needs.
🛠 When to Call in the Experts
Sometimes, DIY solutions aren’t enough. If you’re facing:
Flooding around your property,
Site access issues due to mud, or
A new project needing stable foundations…
…it’s time to get professional help.
Our team offers:
Drainage installation and repairs
Excavation and groundwork services in Kent
Aggregate supply and delivery (soil, sand, gravel, MOT Type 1, crushed concrete)
✅ Final Thoughts
Preparing for wet weather is about more than convenience — it protects your investment and keeps projects on track. With the right aggregates, drainage, and groundworks support, you can keep your garden or building site stable through the autumn and winter.
📞 Need materials or site support? Contact Kernahans Contractors today on 01634 907072 or email enquiries@kernahans-contractors.co.uk. We deliver aggregates and provide groundworks services across Kent, including Maidstone, Medway, Gravesend, and Tonbridge.
