Hi Everyone --

I am trying to correctly prepare the ground beneath what will be a BBQ and potentially a stone setting/base. The area before had various plants with terribly annoying root systems.

My questions:

1) What approach should I be taking to ensure that the grading/level of the ground still effectively funnels any excess water from rain into the nearby drains and gutters? Do I need to create a higher level near the wall towards the pavers?

2) I've leveled the ground but I think I need to apply some type of additive.. sand? Should I also place some type of material to prevent any roots from sprouting up in the future?

3) Do I need to replace the dirt more efficiently with some type of top soil? The picture may not do it justice but there are a lot of roots and smaller rocks.

The vision is to put two or three large stones on the dirt you see below, on which the BBQ and base would sit. Then, I want to surround the stones with pea pebbles or something similar.

Am I missing any steps? Any changes that you would recommend ?