Fagus sylvatica - Beech hedge
winter months provide the ideal opportunity to get back on top of it, particularly as nesting birds are not at risk. Also, trimming back a very overgrown hedge can actually make your grounds larger - just think of all that space! Good equipment will give a good quality finish, be that pedestrian hedge trimmers or tractor mounted. Remember that in our industry the safety of our operators is paramount, so working from a safe secure platform is all-important when trimming.
Planting
You might think that hedges are an expensive option. This is not always the case; hedging plants can be bought very cheaply at this time of
Carpinus betulus - Hornbeam
year in bundles from suppliers. These are bare rooted plants that are very easy to put in and they soon establish as the winter and spring periods allow the plants time to develop their root systems steadily, in readiness for the demands of summer. To plant a bare root hedge, first clear the ground of weeds, next dig out a trench of about a spade depth and add well-rotted muck or compost to the soil at the bottom, as this will give the hedge an excellent start and keep it going for many years to come.
The plants can be placed in the trench up to their original soil line, adding soil and incorporating bone meal (for root development) and a slow acting fertiliser. Plant at
Days OFF!
MIRANDA CHAMBERS, Marketing and Communications Manager, DLF Trifolium (Johnsons Sport & Amenity): Sport is a relevant part of my job as well as my life outside of work. At work I am involved in turf for premier football pitches and tournament golf courses but, when I am finished with my suit and briefcase, it is tarmac that I turn to. I first took up sport in my thirties, when I was self-employed and working 24/7. Running was a way of relaxing and coping with the demands of my own business. Now I have added in swimming and road cycling in order to compete in triathlons, which has made the training a lot more demanding.
My challenge for 2007 is to try and qualify for the World Age Group Triathlon Championships as part of the GB team. The distance is an Olympic standard of 1500m open water swim, 40km bike followed by a 10km run. The qualifying courses vary considerably from very hilly bike courses with flattish runs to a fast and flat bike but a tough run
Crataegus monogyna - Hawthorn, also known as Quickthorn or May
a distance of between 38-45 cm (15-18”), depending on the variety, and make sure they are well firmed in to avoid movement during winter wind and rain. In an area where security or vandalism is a problem a temporary fence can be erected alongside the hedge to help nurse it towards maturity, after which it may be taken down allowing the hedge to stand of its own accord.
Good bare rooted hedging plants include Beech, Privet, Hornbeam and Hawthorn.
High Hedge Legislation
New legislation came into force on 1st June 2005 that enables the Local Authority to consider applications to reduce the height of
Ligustrum vulgare - Privet
evergreen hedges that are causing a nuisance. A complaint can be made where:
1.The hedge consists of two or more evergreen or semi- evergreen trees or shrubs in a line.
2.The hedge is more than 2 metres in height.
3.The hedge stands on land owned by someone else.
Hedging can be a real asset if it is well maintained and, provided it is looked after regularly, it shouldn’t get out of hand. Hedges take commitment but, in most situations, the aesthetic and environmental benefits outweigh any negatives.
... or what Pitchcare readers get up to out of office hours
with plenty of climbs! I’m not sure which I dread most!! Training during the winter is critical to build a satisfactory base before the race season starts. Most of the training is on the bike. On Saturdays it is the club bash which involves a 2 hour ride at top speed, followed by a longer, slower 3 hour ride on a Sunday. On top of that I try and fit in a turbo session one evening. I run 2-3 times a week, if my legs have recovered from the bike, and swim up to 2 hours either with the swimming club or with my coach. Nearer to the races, I will do some open water swimming. Race preparation begins in March/April with cycle time trialling both 10 and 25 mile races and some sprint triathlons (half an Olympic) in May before the qualifying races in June and July.
My biggest difficulties include eating enough and race nerves; therefore I am hoping that my new coach will give me some good advice on how to overcome these. He provides regular feedback on progress, helps to identify any signs of
overtraining or low grade viruses - usually
detected with changes in heart rate and carries out sub max and maximum tests which demonstrate
power to weight ratios, running and cycling efficiencies and VO2 max results. Just like ‘pitch care’ there are a lot of technicalities to understand in order to maximise the end results. If I do qualify, I can either go to Hamburg in September 2007 or Vancouver in 2008. I will be delighted to be part of the GB team whatever.
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