Carefully planting a tree on your property can add beauty to the surrounding area. However, if you get the placement wrong, it can have a huge negative impact on neighbouring properties. Thinking about planting trees next to a building? Here’s why you shouldn’t…
Structural Damage
When a tree is growing, the roots underground also spread. As these are not visible, it can be dangerous as you are not aware of the length that the roots are reaching to. Some tree roots can lift paving and also cause damage to buildings, such as cracking.
As well as this, tree branches can also cause damage to a roof or other parts of a property, predominantly if they fall down in a storm.
Drain Damage
Tree roots often proliferate where there is a supply of water which can cause them to extend into building drainage. This can cause a drain blockage leading to further destruction to your property.
Litter
If you are considering whether to plant a tree on your property, then it is wise to pick one that will not create too much litter. For example, some trees will drop messy fruit or shed seed pods, leading to messy surroundings that need frequent upkeep.
How to safely plant trees
When planting a tree, make sure you choose one that is to the right scale for your property. A typical rule used for planting is that a tree over 70ft tall should be at least 20ft away from a property and small trees under 30ft should be at least 8-10ft away from a building.
Root Barrier Designs are specialised membranes that can inhibit the root progression of living trees. However, what are they used for?
Most trees have a very large root system that are not visible to us above ground. The problem with this is that, as a tree grows, these roots can begin to uplift pavements or cause damage to properties. When creating or paying for hardscaping, the potential destruction that could be caused by tree roots is often not a thought but can be painful to witness if it ever does happen.
Although there is nothing that solves this issue completely, a root barrier reduces the risk. If the roots were ever to grow back, they would be smaller and weaker; highly decreasing the probability of damage to infrastructure.
A root barrier needs three things to be effective:
To be UV resistant.
To be deep, below the root system.
To protrude above the ground level slightly.
To measure how well a root barrier is installed, a root barrier design is implemented. This identifies where the membrane would be laid and at what depth, taking the spread of the tree roots into consideration. It would also consider the health of the tree and any existing or planned landscape features.
If you are in need of or want to know more about a root barrier design to protect your property, then please get into contact with us today!
Benefits Of A Soil Analysis On Your Property.
Soil analysis has become a valuable tool for farmers, gardeners, and property developers all over the world. Soil testing is a diagnostic tool for determining the nutrient profile and structure of the soil and is completed by measuring the chemical and physical attributes of the earth. So, what are the benefits of a soil analysis?
Checks the soils’ pH range.
Most soils have a pH of 6 – 6.5. The reason it is beneficial to check this is because different plants thrive with different soil types. For example, Magnolias, Camellias and Ceanothus grow better in acidic soils where as Polemoniums, Lavender and Honeysuckle prefer alkaline conditions. By making sure that you plant the right plants for the type of soil present in your garden, you can ensure that they thrive going forward.
Controls unwanted pests and diseases.
Soils that have been struck with infestation usually have a nutrient imbalance in the earth. A soil analysis can help to determine what nutrients your soil lacks and what steps should you take to amend it. Once adjusted, pest problems should no longer be an issue.
Minimise costs on fertilizer.
As a soil test allows you to discover what nutrients are in your soil, you will not need to waste money on testing out many different types of fertilizer to make your crops thrive. Instead, you will know exactly which nutrients your plants need and can buy the right fertilizer, the first time.
When should soil tests be conducted?
A soil analysis can be completed at any time of year but is usually done before you start to plant any crops or plants. It is recommended that an analysis is carried out when the soil is dry.
If you’re in need of a soil analysis or any other soil services such as a pressure soil test or WAC testing, then feel free to contact us!
Three Endangered UK Animal Species
The term ‘endangered species’ often leads people to think of tropical or sea animals, such as wales, giant tortoises or big cats. However, the UK does have several endangered species whose habitats are constantly being affected by developments. Please see below for some information about three of the lesser-known endangered UK animal species.
Three Endangered UK Animal Species
Capercaillies Capercaillies are the largest members of the grouse family and are around the same size as a turkey. These birds originate from Scotland, but they also live in Northern England, specifically in pine woods or conifer plantations. In the last 20 years, the population of capercaillies has declined by as much as 50% (2,000 in 1990 down to 1,000 in 2016). The main reason for their decline is predators encroaching onto their habitat due to continued urbanisation; conservationists are keen to reverse this as soon as possible.
Water voles Water voles may appear similar to rats, but they have rounder bodies, a shorter snout, and hairy tails. Voles live on grassy banks where they can feed on grass, tree bark and insects. The water vole population has decreased by 90% in the last 100 years (based on the number of sites where voles have been sighted). As such, they are currently classed as Britain’s most threatened mammal. Riverside properties have become ever more popular which has led to the destruction of the vole’s habitat. Pollution has also had a negative impact on waterways, resulting in less organic growth and affecting the vole’s food source.
Hazel dormice Hazel dormice are nocturnal mice, with large black eyes and sandy, golden fur. These mice make their home in light woodland and old hedgerows. Like many rodents, they have a varied diet – feeding on seeds, flowers or insects, depending on the season. The hazel dormouse has also been referred to as being one of the ‘most endearing’ mice species, due to the large eyes and cute appearance. However, in the last 20 years, the population of these mice has dropped by 70%, with studies suggesting this is almost entirely down to habitat loss and climate change.
With these animal species, and more, facing extinction, an endangered species survey on your development may improve more crucial than ever. Please contact ProHort if you are considering, or are in the early stages of, a development and find out more information about our ecological services.
