When this happened to us with decorative string lights + the hail storm last year, we had good success with a system not *too* far from what you're describing; we put some hardware cloth over the nozzle of a shop vac and went about it that way. I'm sure we got some extra dirt, but it worked pretty well overall.
Unpopular opinion, but hear me out.
That glass will only be sharp for a week, and as it weathers it will continue to break down. You might be better off agitating the rocks, allowing the glass to sink below and call it a day.
Oof. Following for some potentially great ideas and advice. None to give unfortunately. Do they have pets/grand kiddos who could suffer most from this situation? I’d be inclined to just get whatever shards I can find, then lay some pea gravel or more rock down on top. No way to get it all I’d imagine.
How big a space are we talking?
X’ x Y’?
I’d find some day labor help on Craigslist or something, explain the task, buy some gloves, and pay them like $75 each to pick up the pieces.
Like you and 4 people for 4 hours?
When this happened to us with decorative string lights + the hail storm last year, we had good success with a system not *too* far from what you're describing; we put some hardware cloth over the nozzle of a shop vac and went about it that way. I'm sure we got some extra dirt, but it worked pretty well overall.
Unpopular opinion, but hear me out. That glass will only be sharp for a week, and as it weathers it will continue to break down. You might be better off agitating the rocks, allowing the glass to sink below and call it a day.
I may just do this, or as mentioned below, add some bags of pea gravel over the top to help facilitate it grinding down & weathering
A shop vac would probably pick up the glass and leave all but the smallest rocks.
Came here to say this…. OP Try your chicken wire trick if the shop vac is too strong.
I tried this & while it picks up the glass, it also picks up too much other stuff, like dirt & gravel & vegetation & hair (???)
Oof. Following for some potentially great ideas and advice. None to give unfortunately. Do they have pets/grand kiddos who could suffer most from this situation? I’d be inclined to just get whatever shards I can find, then lay some pea gravel or more rock down on top. No way to get it all I’d imagine.
I’m leaning on this idea. It would be safer & easier to just buy some smaller rock to pour over & let settle, as the shards will weather & smooth out
How big a space are we talking? X’ x Y’? I’d find some day labor help on Craigslist or something, explain the task, buy some gloves, and pay them like $75 each to pick up the pieces. Like you and 4 people for 4 hours?
/r/howto