mediamatrix (X) Nov 5, 2009:

From a gardening point of view... ... it makes very little sense to remove the topsoil, because that's percisely what provides nutrients to the new hedge - unless it is clear from the text that the existing topsoil is removed AND replaced by topsoil brought in from somewhere else; this might be justified in certain special circumstances - e.g. if the exsting topsoil has been contaminated in some way. I'd go for 'turf removal' on the basis of what's been written here so far...

Travelin Ann Nov 5, 2009:

I think turf removal makes better sense, especially when you look at the link I posted with a photo. That certainly looks like the rich, dark topsoil is still present, but no turf/grass/lawn remains.

Adam Warren Nov 5, 2009:

I don't think it's a typo I can't decide between turf cutting / removal and topsoil removal, though.

Travelin Ann Nov 5, 2009:

Turf removal seems to be the best option. Why don't you post it as an answer?

Hilary Wilson Nov 4, 2009:

If you look at tourbe in GDT, rather than detourbage, the agricultural def. is helpful.

Travelin Ann Nov 4, 2009:

Hilary I'm sure your link has wonderful info, but it is not working for me. Can you try again? Thanks. I searched on GDT, but don't think I found what you did.

Hilary Wilson Nov 4, 2009:

so I would suggest maybe turf removal?

Hilary Wilson Nov 4, 2009:

I think this may help: http://www.granddictionnaire.com/btml/fra/r_motclef/index800...
It seems that in Canadian French tourbe may mean what we call lawn or turf. In which case, detourbage would mean the removal of the grassed surface, which would tally with Ann's websites and picures.

Travelin Ann Nov 4, 2009:

I found some websites with détourbage - but nothing that helped me understand what it is.<br>http://www.pamar.ca/index.html<br>http://www.myvirtual...

This one has a photo: http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y179/PauletteB/Terrasse 200...

mediamatrix (X) Nov 4, 2009:

Typo? Could it be 'détourage' - i.e. clearing vegetation from the area on either side of the newly-planted hedge?

José Patrício Nov 3, 2009:

drainage?
http://www.google.pt/search?hl=pt-PT&rlz=1R2GGLL_en&ei=1r_wS...
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Débourbage

Daniel Bouchard (asker) Nov 3, 2009:

Je voulais bien sûr dire ensemencement et non ensensement ;)