We complete tomorrow - Garden is a quagmire

da_rule

As long as you haven't purposely done anything to cause the damage then you're fine (legally - as has been said, you can still feel bad/morally responsible). Also, it would appear that the condition of the garden between exchange and completion hasn't changed massively, and the condition of a property is normally gauged on how it is at exchange.

jimmy_cricket

My lawn is very similar, churned up by my dog. Every late summer it is scarrified, top dressed and overseeded. It picks up in the spring and looks brilliant for the whole of the growing season. Winter it looks a mess.

If they are gardeners, they will realise this. If not, there is not much to say to them. You can't be held liable for the seasons.

glasgowdan

Do't worry about it...they could have taken soil samples if they were so inclined. I assume it's very clayey.

DiscoCat9

Hi glasgowdan, you're spot on. There is a lot of clay

sparky130a

I wouldn't worry about it.

There's always a drainage solution. But let's be honest, most normal minded people really aren't bothered by the garden in winter.

harrys_dad

DigForVictory wrote: »

Things change, especially in gardens.
Let it roll & give the new owners a chance to make it their garden.

Sit tight, exchange & see if the yelling starts at all.

Best of luck with your new place!

What a great name you have for a reply on this thread. Maybe your name could be the solution

robatwork

Have the buyers seen the garden since September?

Flooding is just normal "wear and tear" but I think because your dogs have done the main damage then you are morally liable. Can you get the garden back to the state it would have been in if you hadn't had dogs?

That's what I would be aiming for. If you can't I would think about a gesture such as offering to pay for a landscaper for a day or two.

walwyn1978

Bottle of wine, nice card, carry on with your life. You've done nothing wrong and you shouldn't worry. As already mentioned, if they're gardeners they'll know this anyway. Most people's gardens look rubbish at this time of year.

teddysmum

We are top of a hill, on clay soil and our lawn is boggy at the moment (two small elderly dogs so no running ). However, come the warmer weather it will dry out , with luxurious growth and the ground could actually crack if the weather is really dry.


Even at the top of a hill, the paving under the front window has a mini flood in heavy rain. Nothing can be done about it, but it soon dries up.

ReadingTim

I would hope that most people realise that a lawn won't look quite as nice in winter as it does in summer. However, I think most people would be pretty p!ssed off when they discover that what they thought was a lawn was actually a dog exercise and toilet area ('cos let's face it - I can't imagine "running" was all they were doing out there).

I wouldn't worry about leaving grass seed, but would make sure I didn't leave any dog eggs for the next owners to find, and hope spring comes early and the matter is forgotten about.... Probably make sure you get the Royal Mail to redirect your post, as too many little reminders from your canine companions and your buyers may not be too keen to forward on any post for you....