Living with trees

Since Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire is now home to the National Forest we are living closer to more trees than ever before! it is important that we give them the respect they deserve so here are a few tips and ideas to help you get along with trees. Please let us know if you would like any further help or advice, just drop us a line or send us an e-mail - we'd like to hear from you!

Leaves

Many people get very frustrated with trees during the Autumn months. It seems like a never ending job, raking up leaves and where can you put them once the wheelie bin is full?

Well why not rethink your attitude to leaves? they make some of the best garden mulch money can buy. Simply rake your leaves together and put them in a garden composter (or an old dustbin). Keep them damp and fork through them a couple of times during the winter and by March/April you'll have a batch of useful leaf mould to feed your spring bulbs. By waiting a little longer the leaf mould will turn to fine potting compost and all for free!

What to plant?

Trees can thrive in most conditions, but if you are looking to plant a tree in your garden - here are a few pointers... for dry conditions try: Acacia, Eucalyptus, Fig or Quercus (Oak). For tough conditions,requiring a hardy tree have a go at planting Maple, Birch, Hawthorn, Beech, Ash or Holly. As for hedges, rather than the more traditional Beech hedge, why not try Hornbeam? it is incredibly hardy and responds well to most weather conditions - it also grows pretty fast!

Planting tips

How a tree is planted has a massive effect on it's progress. As a general rule the smaller the tree is when planted, the faster it will grow. It will also form a much better root system. A 3ft tall sapling can catch up and overtake one three times the size within a few years!

Never let the root ball dry out, soaking for around 10mins before planting. When digging the hole aim for it to be roughly twice the spread of the roots. Adding manure to the hole will also help the tree off to a good start.

Bad Weather

We receive most of our phone calls during or just after a storm has hit. People generally don't pay too much attention to their trees until there is a limb hanging precariously over their greenhouse! A good tip is to regulaly check your trees for damage. Look out for visible roots at the base of the tree, rotting cavities, fungus, leaf dieback and split limbs. Your tree may require attention from a qualified tree surgeon.

Parking under trees

Leaving your caravan or trailer parked under a tree for any length of time will result in sap and algee forming on the surface. To avoid frustration and hours of cleaning, why not buy a cover. Your vehicle will be protected from the elements, which will also help to prolong its life.