An expert witness is a person with an in-depth knowledge of their field, and the primary function of an expert witness is to give an independent option, based on their own impartial findings. The information can be delivered in several different ways, including a report, or verbally in court.
There are countless numbers of reasons why an expert witness may be needed but, in the field of horticulture, the most common involve disputes between two parties over the following topics:
Japanese knotweed, and other non-native invasive species. For this, a specific report that is Part 35 compliant is often required.
Subsidence caused by trees, hedgerows, or other significant vegetation.
Damage caused by trees, including fires, decay, and damage as a result of extreme weather.
How can we help?
ProHort has an in-house expert witness, capable of working on a wide range of cases within the fields of horticulture, arboriculture and invasive weeds. We have over twenty years’ experience in the industry, can produce a Part 35 compliant report and are happy to appear in court when required.
In addition to this, we are listed on the UK Register of Expert Witnesses, so you can be certain that you are in safe hands.
If you are in the middle of a dispute and need some advice from an expert, why not get in touch and we will be happy to assist. Alternatively check out our Expert Witness page to find out more.
What Is a Soil Analysis, And Why Would I Need One?
You may be surprised to hear this, but soil is very important. The composition on site can drastically impact upon the progress of a development, and the cost of completing it. Find out more about soil analysis down below…
In many cases, a soil test and analysis may be required, which can be an essential part of the development process. If the land has already been identified as being contaminated, then the importance of obtaining a Soil Analysis Report increases as you will require additional considerations from your local planning authority.
But, what is a soil analysis?
A soil analysis is a test which is carried out on the soil to discover many details, including acidity, composition, content and pH levels. The complexity of the test altered to suit your individual requirements, we can test for a single nutrient, or we can test the full spectrum including any organic matter, nitrogen levels, and any heavy metals within the soil.
To conduct an analysis, our surveyor will attend the site and take a number of samples from different locations across the site. This is then tested, giving us an average of the soil composition across the site.
Why would I need a soil analysis?
If you are undertaking any sort of project, then a soil analysis can be useful for you. If you are developing on a site, then the analysis will help you to identify the type of soil you are building upon, highlighting any potential problems before they arise.
If you need to remove soil from a site and taking it to a waste disposal facility, it is likely that they will request a soil analysis before taking the waste, as they may be required to charge you a hefty landfill tax. By having a soil analysis completed well in advance, you will be aware of the issues and be able to budget for it in advance.
Another situation where a soil analysis can be a vital tool is on a site where a large amount of planting is going to take place. The analysis will determine the different nutrients and chemicals in the soil, and this information can help you to make an informed decision on which plants to select, ensuring that they can thrive in the environment.
If you are undertaking a project that doesn’t require planning permission, then you may not have had any drawings completed. If this is the case, then you may be struggling to visualise what the completed project will look like, this is where a 3D Landscape Design can help.
A 3D Landscape Design is a computer-aided design which is created by one of our landscape design consultants. The first step in the process is to arrange a site visit, in which our consultant will attend your property, taking measurements and discussing ideas.
Following this, our consultant will get to work on creating your design. We will arrange a second meeting in which you will be invited to our office to view the design. You will take a virtual walk through the completed project, and make any required amendments right there in the consultation.
Once you are happy with the design, we will create both a digital and a hard copy pack for you, containing multiple images of the design from a range of different angles.
The Advantages of a 3D Landscape Design
3D Landscape Design are great for a number of reasons:
They put the project down on paper, ensuring everyone involved is agreed on the finished product;
The 3D Landscape Design can be handed over to tradespeople to follow, ensuring their construction matches your expectations;
They can be offered to clients as an extension of your own 2D drawings.
First impressions count, and gardens or grounds are often the first thing a customer or visitor sees. More than this, carefully cultivated green spaces create inspiring environments. The right layout, coupled with the right plants, can create a positive atmosphere. It’s worthwhile investing your time into these areas to hit the right notes for your business.
What are planting plans?
At their basic level, Planting plans are a top-down plan of your project. They show all areas that will be planted in and the types of plants that will be used. This is useful for projects both large and small as they can help to visualise how a space will be used including how many plants should be used and their height and size. Planting Plans also allow you to build a theme or mood. Gardens are multisensory experiences and using different plants, textures, and colours can enhance our experiences and perceptions.
Furthermore, local authorities are increasingly requesting that Planting Plans be included in a planning application. To read more about Planting Plans, click here.
Why choose ProHort?
We know how important it is that your outdoor spaces reflect your business and at ProHort we have the expert knowledge to make your vision become reality. All of our designs are bespoke to each individual client and we work closely with them to fully understand their needs and preferences.
For more information about Planting Plans, or any other of our services, please contact us.
An expert witness is a person with an in-depth knowledge of their field, and the primary function of an expert witness is to give an independent option, based on their own impartial findings. The information can be delivered in several different ways, including a report, or verbally in court.
You may be surprised to hear this, but soil is very important. The composition on site can drastically impact upon the progress of a development, and the cost of completing it. Find out more about soil analysis down below…
