Did you know that there are over 60,000 species of trees globally? However, only about 30 of these species are native to the UK. In this article, we have put together a list of the most common trees that are found in Britain.
The Three Most Common Trees In The UK:
Silver Birch
This tree is most likely to be found on dry woodland areas, downs and heaths. Silver birches most recognisable feature is the white/ silver toned bark- hence the name! Alongside this attribute, this tree can also be distinguished by their triangular leaves. As the tree grows older, the trunk will become much rougher and will develop diamond shape crevices.
English Oak
Did you know that this species of tree can live for over 500 years? As the most common tree in the country, is regularly spotted in woodland areas, reaching heights of up to 40m. Other familiar features on this tree are the large, alternate lobed leaves that have smooth edges. In the early autumn, this species will produce acorns on stalks.
White Willow
Most known to be grown in wet conditions, willow trees will be located near streams and rivers. With long, thin oval shaped leaves, this tree is the fastest growing species in the world! White willow in particular is the largest type of willow tree, growing up to 25m tall. Both male and female trees grow flowers in the early spring. Male catkins grow up to 5cm long whereas female catkins grow to 4cm long.
Will you be keeping your eye out for these species from now on? Or do you have a tree that needs protection? Then, get in touch today!
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Why Won’t My Grass Grow?
There are many different explanations as to why your grass may not be growing this year, so we have created a list of primary reasons for you to be aware of! So, why won’t my grass grow?
Lack of Water
Whilst seeming like an obvious reason, sometimes your lawn will not grow due to a lack of water. Therefore, if we are going through a heatwave, it’s of utmost importance to hydrate your grass by hand to keep it looking green.
As well as this, grass may also dry out when located next to trees as the roots will absorb all of the surrounding water. So, take extra care of grass near a tree’s proximity.
Lack of Light
There are two main ways that your grass may not receive sunlight. Firstly, if the grass seed is buried too deep then it will not germinate as the sunlight will not reach it. Also, if the location of the grass is covered with too much shade it may affect the growth and colouring. To try and prevent shading, keep your hedges and shrubs trimmed and your trees pruned.
Lack of Air Flow
Soils do not receive air flow when under watered and compact. The grass’ roots need oxygen to develop and grow and struggle to do this when suffering from compaction. To decrease the amount of compression, you need to reduce the footfall and traffic that happens on the soils.
Think you’ve done everything right, but your plants and grass still aren’t growing? Then you may need a soil analysis test to find out the PH range and organic compounds within the soil. If you want to find out more then do not hesitate to get in contact with us today.
What Soil Is the Best For You?
Soils come in massive variations so sometimes it’s hard to know which soil is the best for your plants or vegetables. In this article, we will be going through different types of soils so your greenery can thrive. So, what soil is the best for you?
What Soil Is The Best For You?
Clay
Clay soils tend to consist of over 25% clay and therefore are heavy so cannot drain as well as others can. If you have noticed that water pools on your land rather than filtering into the soil; there is a high possibility that you have clay soil.
This type of earth can contain many more nutrients than others but is not the best for growing plants as it makes it tough for the roots to grow.
Sandy
Sandy soil is composed of mostly sand particles and odd parts of clay. Unfortunately, they dry out very quickly in the summer and tend to be low in plant nutrients but there are certain flowers that thrive in this earth due to it’s acidic PH and dryness. Examples of these would be, Lavender, Adam’s needle, Butterfly Weed and Rose of Sharon!
Silt
Silt soils have many different particles which are fertile and can drain well. In comparison to sandy soils, silt can hold more moisture, but it can also be easily compact like clay! Most vegetable and fruit crops thrive in this type of soil alongside yellow iris and Japanese iris.
If you’re struggling to know which soil you have or want to know in more depth about what nutrients are in your soil then contact us today and we can conduct a soil analysis test to discover all the characteristics of your earth.
Native Newts In The UK
Native Newts in the UK are typically found in ponds and their surrounding boggy areas. They’re most commonly discovered in the spring and summer- will you be on the look out for them this season? Here’s what to seek for:
Great Crested Newt
This specific species is protected by law in the UK. This means you cannot own or sell them and cannot disturb them or their habitat. Great crested newts have a rough, dark brown appearance with bright orange blotches on their underside. Males of this species have crests along their back with a white tip whereas females have a yellow tip.
Smooth Newt
A smooth newt is also a protected species but is the most commonly found newt in the UK. Typically, smooth newts are brown in colour and can grow to a length of 10cm. Both sexes of this newt have orange under belly’s and possess small black spots.
Palmate Newt
The final native newt in the UK is the Palmate newt which are most frequently found in shallow ponds on acid-rich soils. The appearance of this species is immensely similar to that of the smooth newt; however, the most identifiable difference is that the spots on the Palmate do not continue under their throat. Instead, this feature comprises of either a plain pink or a yellow colour.
Contact Us Today:
If you are looking to apply for planning and are unsure if you are situated in a protected area, then you may require an ecological survey! In this case, get in contact with us today where we can discuss all of your options.
