Trees contribute significantly to the aesthetics and value of the surrounding landscape. They can also contribute positively to the lifestyles of those who live nearby. Unfortunately, there is a wide range of diseases and pests that can negatively impact the quality of trees. This can result in trees dying or being taken down either due to ill health or to prevent the spread of disease. Find out more about diseases in trees:
Four common diseases in trees that can be found in UK include:
Ash Dieback
Ash Dieback is expected to kill approximately 80% of all Ash trees within the UK. Quickly killing young trees or trees that have been coppiced, it is caused by a fungus named Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (H. fraxineus). Older trees are more resistant to the fungus and can resist it for prolonged periods of time. However, they can then succumb if attacked by an additional pest.
Dutch Elm Disease
Dutch Elm Disease is spread between Elm trees by Elm Bark Beetles. Resulting from two related fungi – Ophiostoma novo-ulmi and Ophiostoma ulmi – the disease has already caused a significant amount of damage to the elm population. Fortunately, when an Elm tree dies some of the roots may survive. From these roots, several new elms can sprout resulting in the health growth of multiple new trees.
Oak Processionary Moth
The Oak Processionary moth is a species of moth whose caterpillars’ nest on Oak trees. These caterpillars make their way down the tree, stripping it of leaves. This leaves it vulnerable to further disease and drought. The Oak Processionary moth caterpillars also have small hairs covering their body, which can cause rashes, eye irritation and breathing difficulties. It is therefore recommended that, if you find an Oak Processionary moth nest, you leave the nest alone.
Phytophthora Lateralis
Phytophthora lateralis is an aggressive water mould. Mostly affecting Lawson cypress trees, it has also been known to attack several other types of tree. It can be found throughout the UK, predominantly in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Spreading through the trees roots when they come in to contact with spores in the water or soil, it is rare for a Lawson cypress tree to recover from Phytophthora lateralis. ProHort offer testing for Phytophthora, for more information click here.
ProHort’s arboricultural team can provide you with detailed tree surveys, identifying any potential diseases that may be impacting the tree. Our tree surveys will identify the life expectancy of each tree and recommend any required treatment or removal. You can find out more about our Tree Surveying services here.
Since the sixth century, Buddhist monks have been creating zen gardens. These gardens are designed to aid meditation as they are designed to create feelings of calm and inner peace. In our busy world, aspects of zen gardens are being incorporated into many garden designs.
What is a Zen Garden?
A zen garden can be created using gravel or sand, which is often raked to create shapes or designs. The act of raking is meant to instil a sense of inner calm and peace, as well as creating an aesthetically pleasing area. Traditionally, the sand is raked in a design that is meant to symbolise waves in the sea.
Stones are then placed on top of the sand or gravel. These stones are meant to symbolise trees (if placed upright or vertically), water (if laid flat) or fire (if they are arching). These stones are designed to represent the four elements throughout your space; earth is represented by the stones themselves.
A Zen garden may also contain a focal point – this could be a simple wooden bridge or path, or a decorative feature made from stone. This is designed to aid meditation – the meditator can focus their line of site on this object.
Zen gardens are designed to be quiet – and should not contain any plants that may attract birds or insects, and no running water.
While you may not wish to convert your whole garden into a zen garden, some of these ideas could be incorporated. You may wish to install several rocks in formations or create a focal point in an emptier area to really allow this to stand out and draw attention. You may also create a separate area, which is a ‘mini’ Zen garden. This space should allow you to feel a sense of calm and enjoyment, adding a self-care based, holistic aspect to your garden.
Contact Us Today To Find Out More About Zen Gardens!
Many construction works will involve the moving of soil in some way. This could include digging down to lay foundations, bringing new soil onto site to level off, or laying some high quality topsoil to create a garden or a planting area. Know what is in that soil, is equally as important, soil analysis can provide construction sites with valued information. Find out more about soil samples here…
Waste Acceptance Criteria Testing
WAC testing can help authorise that your soil is safe. This can be useful during and after the construction stage. During the construction stage, should the soil need to go to landfill. The WAC test will prove to any landfill operators that your soil is safe for landfill. This can be particularly important if there is a history of chemical work on the site, or if there has been an invasive weed (for example, Japanese knotweed) which can be present in the soil.
If you are bringing soil onto site, you should ensure that it is tested to the British Standard 5930 (commonly referred to as BS:5930). If you have any doubts about the soil, you may wish to consider an additional WAC test for the soil you are bringing on to site. If this is soil for growth, you could complete a chemical suite to ensure that the soil is suitable for this.
Soil Analysis & Planning Requirements
Finally, please do ensure that all planning requirements are met. Certain planning conditions may require tests to ensure the soil is ‘safe.’ The number of samples and the exact testing can vary massively between councils and between sites. We would recommend liaising with your local council throughout the planning stage, and as you book materials to arrive on site. This will ensure that all of their requirements are met throughout the construction work.
Soil analysis can cover a range of different tests, all designed to isolate different materials in the soil. It is important to understand what you are looking to get from your soil sample before going ahead.
There have been numerous studies carried out over the past few years looking at the Environmental Impact of Construction.
These have attributed 50% of climate change, 40% of energy usage and drinking water pollution and up to 50% landfill waste as resulting from construction. The UK Green Building Council has stated that more than 400 million tons of material is used by the construction industry per year.
In fact, building materials, such as steel and concrete, have been directly linked to large emissions of carbon dioxide due to their contents. It has also been stated that construction accounts for 25% of wood consumption globally.
With statistics like these, it is easy to see why construction has a large impact on the environment. As such, developers need to consider how to mitigate this impact whilst in the design phase of each project.
The Environmental Protection Agency requires that any construction project should consider the protection of the environment as a priority. This is supported by the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011. These regulations require that an Environmental Impact Assessment is completed as part of the planning application for development projects.
An Environmental Impact Assessment is a report that considers the impact of any proposed development on the surrounding environment. This includes consideration of the cultural and human impacts as well as socio-economic. Developers can then use the Environmental Impact Assessment to tailor the project and mitigate any identified environmental impact.
Three possible ways that developers or construction sites could reduce their impact on the environment include:
Build Green
By using environmentally friendly materials throughout the construction phase, developers can reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by up to 250 metric tons. Sustainable materials can be made up of recycled materials, be non-toxic or non-allergenic or be locally sourced, reducing the required transport time. Developers should also consider the energy and water efficiency of the building. This could be achieved by using specific energy saving facilities, the installation of solar panels and even the orientation of the building with the sun.
Compensate For The Environmental Impact.
The requirements for biodiversity are about to change which will mean developers will be required to increase biodiversity by a minimum of 10% on any development projects. This can be achieved through the creation of new local habitats, including the planting of new hedgerows or the creation of a roof garden. This will help to mitigate the impact any construction has on the surrounding environment.
Consider Fuel Usage.
One of the easiest ways to reduce the impact of construction on the surrounding environment is to consider the use of fuel. Construction sites commonly involve a range of vehicles, whether that is for the construction work itself or for hauling materials to the site. By minimising travel distances, using alternative fuel sources or hybrid vehicles and reducing vehicle idling times, the production of emissions can be reduced significantly.
It is key, both for the protection of the environment and to abide by regulation, that developers start considering their construction methods and their impact on the environment.
ProHort Ltd provide a wide range of services that could help you to identify and mitigate any impact your project might have on the surrounding landscape. Check out our Services to see how we can help you.
Trees contribute significantly to the aesthetics and value of the surrounding landscape. They can also contribute positively to the lifestyles of those who live nearby. Unfortunately, there is a wide range of diseases and pests that can negatively impact the quality of trees. This can result in trees dying or being taken down either due to ill health or to prevent the spread of disease. Find out more about diseases in trees:
A zen garden can be created using gravel or sand, which is often raked to create shapes or designs. The act of raking is meant to instil a sense of inner calm and peace, as well as creating an aesthetically pleasing area. Traditionally, the sand is raked in a design that is meant to symbolise waves in the sea.
s with valued information. Find out more about soil samples here…
Requirements
Council has stated that more than 400 million tons of material is used by the construction industry per year.
be made up of recycled materials, be non-toxic or non-allergenic or be locally sourced, reducing the required transport time. Developers should also consider the energy and water efficiency of the building. This could be achieved by using specific energy saving facilities, the installation of solar panels and even the orientation of the building with the sun.