Through the use of semi-mature trees and shrubs almost instant effects are within early reach of planting schemes thus negating the need to wait years for a tree to reach useful height. But with the use of such semi-mature stock comes a raft of technical and practical considerations – especially where trees are being put into the built environment. Of course correct choice of tree is vital but root barriers, artificial aeration of compacted site soils, trunk guards and watering devices are just some of the devices which we specify to ensure good tree establishment and long life.
We can also advise on correct woodland management based on an initial ecological survey and client expectations.
School Grounds
With the increasing pressure on schools to administer their own devolved budgets and with the outsourcing of grounds maintenance to private contractors the people who use the grounds – namely the children and teachers – have had to cope more and more with looking after their own sport facilities and managing their own grounds contract. Head teachers and P.E./sports teachers have enough on their plates without having to further worry about the state of a football pitch or play equipment and whether it is safe to use. With three years experience looking after the grounds of 40 schools in Kent we have been advising heads and sports teachers directly on the condition of their facilities, the health and safety implications, the performance of their grounds contractors, and the long term care and management of their grounds. Not only do we advise the school, we also talk directly with the grounds contactors, monitoring the quality of their work, reporting back to the school and further instigating and overseeing new plantings, landscaping works or pitch renovations.
Pitch Renovation
As part of our work with schools we have specified and contract-managed the renovation of several sports pitches. Artificial sports pitches have limited life-span which is greatly reduced if they are not properly cared for – we ensure that adequate care is properly implemented and advise on suitable contractors to do the job as well.
Similarly, with real grass pitches we assess existing conditions and provide general maintenance specifications for contract or give advice on renovation projects where the pitches are getting old and compacted. We have also dealt with mole infestations (which can ruin pitches and make them unsafe for use) and advised on drainage of waterlogged pitches.
