The bright autumn colours and arrival of the first frosts emphasise the need to get gardens ready for winter. Temperatures can drop fast, while wind and rain can quickly cause problems. Checking the condition of fences has to be a priority. High winds often blow down fences and this not only affects your garden, but your security as well. Trying to replace those fences in a hurry can be difficult. Taking action in advance reduces the risk of problems. Look closely at all sections of the fence and ensure that it is firmly fixed, that there are no rotten posts and that the overall condition is good. Trellis sections attached to fences should be attached firmly as the weight of climbing plants can make them top heavy. Any damaged sections should be replaced before winter weather can take its toll. Equally important is the need to check the condition of garden buildings to make sure that there are no problems. Damaged glass in greenhouses should be replaced. Make sure that there are no damaged or worn areas on decking and patios. These can become slippery with algae in wintertime. Thoroughly clean all surfaces and undertake replacements as necessary. Sweep up leaves that fall onto paths quickly. Although pretty, they can become a hazard as they rot down. Check the condition of tall trees and shrubs to make sure there are no loose or dying branches. High winds can quickly bring these branches down. If they fall across telephone or electric wires you can find yourself without those essential services for a while. Removing the potential hazards in advance does make life a lot easier. Lawns need extra care as winter approaches. Grass will continue growing until quite late in the year so mowing will continue to be necessary. Remove any grass that is growing into borders and flowerbeds, or overlying paths and driveways. Bare patches of lawn should be replaced with new turf. Aerate the lawn carefully to make sure that winter rain and snow does not result in surface water forming on top of the lawn. In some circumstances, this can lead to flooding and the development of boggy patches. If your lawn is in an overall bad condition, it is worth considering replacing it now as it will give the new turf time to establish itself before the really bad weather arrives. If you would like to discuss any of the above tasks to get your garden ready please get in touch via our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com or send us an email to office@eastlondonlandscapes.com.
Garden Decking As An Outdoor Room
Decking creates the perfect outside room no matter where you live. The warm, natural tones of wooden decking blends into all house styles and can be made as large or as small as you want. Placed adjacent to patio doors leading from the lounge, or beside the kitchen door; an area of decking gives the impression that the house is much larger than expected. In fact, it is an ideal way of extending your house at a relatively low cost as it provides a lovely place for children to play in safety, or where you can relax and enjoy a barbeque. Planning permission is not normally needed for decking so you can install an area of decking quite quickly. To create an image of another room attached to the house, choose decking colours that blend into your décor. Look for natural shades that will link into your colour scheme or reflect the colour of furniture. A slightly lighter shade of wood can make the area seem even larger. Consider adding a few extras that will make your decking unique. Some balustrading round the decking can add an elegant touch. If you have young children, add a little gate with a safety catch so that they can play in safety while you are busy indoors. Avoid steps if there is anyone in the family with mobility issues – a gentle ramp will be far more user friendly. Leaving the patio doors open so that you can go straight out onto the decking encourages people to relax when having parties. They have the space to move, and are not confined to a small room. The decking can even become a place for intimate conversations while watching the sun set over the horizon. Add a pretty table and chairs, perhaps a barbeque, some planters filled with fragrant herbs and perhaps a candle or two – and your outside room is ready for use. So sit back and enjoy a relaxing evening on your new decking, made even better by the knowledge that this is an experience you can enjoy time and time again in the months ahead.
New Driveway East London
New driveway East London that we installed. A new driveway can really make a good first impression and add the wow factor to a house. Plus with parking being more difficult it is a good addition to a home. Our client lived on a busy road and parking was proving to be a problem and trying to find a car parking space near their house was a hassle they could do without each day. So to get the year off to a good, stress free, start they decided to take action and get a driveway installed to eradicate the problem. Leaving them one less thing to worry about. They also took into consideration how fantastic their home would look to friends and family when they visited them and that it would add value to their home whilst they were there and when they decided to sell. We provide landscaping, driveway and fencing services in East London and Essex. We cover Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Stratford, Forest Gate, Clapton, Hackney, Bethnal Green, Docklands, Wanstead, Chingford, Loughton, Woodford, Epping, Theydon Bois, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell and other surrounding towns in East London and Essex.
Garden Decking – Contractor vs DIY
Here we look at the pros and cons of contractor vs DIY for your garden decking project. Well laid decking looks fabulous in the garden and definitely adds value to your home. Not surprisingly, increasing numbers of home owners are installing it. Yet simply choosing materials and a design is not enough – fitting needs to be done just as carefully if you are to have the decking of your dreams. Installation is always a tricky question. Who is going to do it? Should a contractor be employed or should you attempt to do it yourself? Using a contractor definitely has distinct advantages. Contractors can design as well as install decking, making sure that it meets your needs exactly. They will know all the building regulations and ensure these are not broken. Contractors have the equipment, the materials and the skilled craftsmen who can deal with any problems that arise. Above all, a contractor will make sure that the decking is laid safely and securely. There will be no risk of loose planks or uneven surfaces that could pose a hazard to anyone in your family. An experienced installer will have a lot of experience on which to draw. They know what works and what doesn’t, and can bring this experience to bear when designing your new decking. It is not just a matter of putting down a few planks of wood. The site has to be assessed, prepared, foundations laid, wood chosen before the actual process of building the decking can begin. Adding features like steps or raised decking immediately makes the task even more complex. They can also add in seating areas, storage areas, flower beds and build sand pits within the decking and much more. Admittedly DIY can be cheaper. There are no installation costs. But you do need good DIY skills, and more than one person is needed on site. Help is needed to make sure the installation is safe and secure, moving large planks of wood around. It is not a simple task! Opting for a contractor will make the task easier and less traumatic. A skilled team can do the task in half the time leaving you free to enjoy the end result. If you would like to discuss a decking project with us please get in touch via our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com. We provide landscaping services in East London and Essex.
Landscaping Trends for 2015
As we begin a new year now is great time to look at landscaping trends for 2015. Wooden decking is set to remain one of the most popular trends in garden landscaping during 2015. It is easy to see why. Maintenance is simple and decking always looks good. The natural timber or stone look remains highly desirable. This reflects increasing environmental concerns and the desire for natural products. Householders are seeking ways to make the most of their decking and patios by adding inbuilt planters and outside kitchen areas. Linking the patio/decking and the interior of the house is becoming more important among garden designers. It enables home owners to bring the outside inside and expand available entertainment and living space. To achieve this look, the same materials and wood stain colour are being used for both flooring and decking. This look works best when the house and garden are at exactly the same level. Greater need for privacy is also set to become a feature of 2015 gardens. Fences will increasingly incorporate trellis to add height and interest, while providing increased privacy from neighbours. Vintage and retro looks dating to the thirties, forties and fifties are very much in fashion. This is being reflected in the garden with an increasing demand for traditional materials and styles. Crazy paving, antique look paving slabs, bark and stepping stones along with reusing and upcycling materials are regarded as chic and up to the minute. Forget ideas of sleek metal that have been so beloved of garden designers for so long – 2015 is clearly the year for natural products, timber and stone paving to become regain prominence within the garden. Easy maintenance is essential as pressures on time are becoming ever more acute. Adopting patina of age and period charm amid environmentally friendly hard landscaping while extending living space is definitely the upcoming trend for 2015. As we begin a new year now is great time to look at landscaping trends for 2015. Wooden decking is set to remain one of the most popular trends in garden landscaping during 2015. It is easy to see why. Maintenance is simple and decking always looks good. The natural timber or stone look remains highly desirable. This reflects increasing environmental concerns and the desire for natural products. Householders are seeking ways to make the most of their decking and patios by adding inbuilt planters and outside kitchen areas. Linking the patio/decking and the interior of the house is becoming more important among garden designers. It enables home owners to bring the outside inside and expand available entertainment and living space. To achieve this look, the same materials and wood stain colour are being used for both flooring and decking. This look works best when the house and garden are at exactly the same level. Greater need for privacy is also set to become a feature of 2015 gardens. Fences will increasingly incorporate trellis to add height and interest, while providing increased privacy from neighbours. Vintage and retro looks dating to the thirties, forties and fifties are very much in fashion. This is being reflected in the garden with an increasing demand for traditional materials and styles. Crazy paving, antique look paving slabs, bark and stepping stones along with reusing and upcycling materials are regarded as chic and up to the minute. Forget ideas of sleek metal that have been so beloved of garden designers for so long – 2015 is clearly the year for natural products, timber and stone paving to become regain prominence within the garden. Easy maintenance is essential as pressures on time are becoming ever more acute. Adopting patina of age and period charm amid environmentally friendly hard landscaping while extending living space is definitely the upcoming trend for 2015. If you would like to discuss a landscaping project please get in touch to discuss and get some advice www.eastlondonlandscapes.com.
Garden Fencing in Winter
As winter fast approaches, plants die back in the garden leaving garden fencing exposed and in full view. This makes the perfect time to carry out maintenance and consider changes to your design. Often forgotten until it is too late, garden fencing can make a tremendous difference to the appearance of your garden. Wooden fences are the most common. Easily erected, they blend with any environment. But it is worth considering what else you can do with them. Trend setting landscape designers have been experimenting with new trends. Instead of putting fence panels vertically – why not consider placing them horizontally? The result is quite stunning. Horizontal lines can make the garden look much longer because they trick your eyes into elongating the available space. Make it even more stunning by painting the fence in broad horizontal stripes. It does not have to be in bright shades, you can achieve an unusual effect by varying the shades. Try a darker shade at the bottom of the fence, and gradually lighten it towards the top. This helps give a feeling of space, which can be very important in a small garden. Adding a trellis on top of the fence will increase your sense of privacy. Instead of opting for the standard flat trellis, it is worth considering the effect of a wavy trellis as this can look very classy and eye catching. One of the most unusual trends in fencing has been the introduction of shou-sugi-ban style boards. A Japanese concept which is beginning to spread into the west, shou-sugi-ban involves the art of making charred wood. This creates a slightly mysterious impression due to the use of much darker wood. Depending on the degree of burning involved, the wood can be slightly scorched or almost black. This is definitely not something for the DIY’er – you do need a skilled installer! Apparently, shou-sugi-ban fences are very long lasting with a life span of up to 30 years. Whatever your style of fencing, make sure that it is secure and firmly fixed in place. Strong winds and floods can wreck havoc on any fence. Add a coat of wood preservative to keep the timber in good condition. Choose your colour with care – simply changing the shade of the preservative can quickly transform the appearance of your fence. Remember that lighter shades will make the garden seem longer, while darker shades will shorten it. If you feel creative, try varying the shades so as to lighten it towards the end of the garden.
New Lawn – Aftercare
When you have a new lawn laid you need to give it alot of aftercare to help it bed in well and stay healthy. Below is some advice: Walk on the new lawn as little as possible for the first six weeks or so to allow the roots to bed down. Try to water twice a day (first thing in the morning and early evening). Do not water in the hot sun to avoid burning the grass. Water areas near buildings and paths more often where reflected heat dries out the turf faster. Keep turf roots damp until the turf has taken root and cannot be lifted (usually 3 to 4 weeks).Be aware that windy days will dry out the turf even more quickly! Don’t mow it until it’s rooted in well – test by gently tugging a corner to see if it’s stuck down. Set your mower to about 1 1/2″ high and make sure the blades are sharp. It is harmful to remove more than 1/3 the height of the grass at one cutting. This can produce a “scalped” appearance and stress the lawn. Fertilise about 6 weeks after being laid. Keep it well watered and fertilised throughout the first year. In the Autumn spike the grass to help aerate it. Then the following April treat it with lawn sand (apply it with a lawn spreader) to keep moss and weeds at bay. Turf is a living plant and requires as much T.L.C. as any other garden plant and more so in establishment!
Garden Fence Repairs
Garden Fence Repairs Specialists With the really windy weather last week did you have any damage to your garden fence? We offer free honest advice, and our aim is to supply you with the best solutions to any problem you may have. We offer a free visit to your home at a time that is convenient for you and a quote for the work. We are prompt, reliable and friendly with a high standard of customer care. At C&J Landscapes we carry out full garden makeovers, and landscaping in East London, Essex and Hertfordshire. We can construct garden decking, lay driveways, erect garden fencing, build walls, lay beautiful patios and paving, and lawns and laying decking. If you are looking to have a completely new garden we offer the whole package allowing you to create the garden of your dreams. We offer all our customers a one to one service, from the first site visit to the finished garden, we never forget who the client is Here at C&J Landscapes we offer free on obligation quotes for Garden Fence Repairs covering the following areas: Based in Walthamstow with an office in Harlow our Garden Fence Repairs cover Loughton, Woodford, Leytonstone, Wanstead, Chingford, Epping, Harlow, Walthamstow, Abridge, Theydon Bois, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Sawbridgeworth, Ongar, Bishops Stortford, Great Dunmow and other surrounding towns in Essex, Hertfordshire and East London. [easy_image_gallery][one_half last=”no”] [title size=”2″]Our Service to you[/title] We offer all our customers a one to one service, from the first site visit to the finished garden, we never forget who the client is. We want to leave you happy and proud of your garden. For more information about our services and to arrange a visit and quote please email us at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 01279 413215 or 07751 164932. [/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”] [title size=”2″]Why Choose Us[/title] Friendly and Professional Service from start to finish. Highly Skilled and Competent Staff Clear and Fair Pricing Over 90% of our work is through recommendation Free No Pressure, No Obligation Quoting Service [/one_half] [one_half last=”no”] [title size=”2″]Twitter[/title] Tweets by @CJLandscapes [/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”] [title size=”2″]Facebook[/title] [custom-facebook-feed id=290955547629206 num=3 height=300px] [/one_half] [title size=”2″]Share and Share Alike![/title] [social_links colorscheme=”light” rss=”https://www.eastlondonlandscapes.com/feed/” facebook=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/CJ-Landscapes/290955547629206″ twitter=”https://twitter.com/CJLandscapes” google=”https://plus.google.com/104411553820745551765/about” linkedin=”#” skype=”#”] Garden Fence Repairs
