This past month has seen the launch of a potentially game-changing new app for asbestos contractors: the Asbestos Labour Feedback App (ALFA). Developed over the course of 20 months with feedback from various parties, ALFA is designed to provide ARCA licensed contractors with a measure of operative performance, helping them
Henley-in-Arden based commercial decoration company Harvey UK has won a contract to carry out the decorating and finishing of Birmingham’s tallest residential tower block. Harvey UK will carry out all of the painting, decorating and finishing work on 481 apartments in The Mercian 42-storey tower in Broad Street. The development
In the modern-day, interior designers and architects are using metal for safety and decorations. They use the finishing for protecting the walls from cracks and chipping. Modern homes are utilizing the metal corner guards in kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. The simple option to décor is durable and robust for
If you’re searching for simple landscaping ideas which will help you add curl appeal to your front yard, simply continue reading to discover a few inexpensive landscaping ideas which will help you transform your front yard on a budget. Small front yard landscaping ideas on a budget: Invest in purchasing
Window treatments will give a new and refreshed look to your living room. Different types of window treatments are available in the current condition. You can even consider the best ones within a restricted budget. You can go with blinds Essex and windows shutters depending on your preference. It is
Are you willing to hire a mastic man? Do you want to get a clear sense of how much a professional sealing service might cost? If so, this post is especially for you! The biggest concern of the property owners is to get the damaged surfaces repaired. If you’re too
Whether you’re buying your first home or creating your forever home, looking at custom home builder pictures online is a major part of the process. Whether you scour Pinterest, home-improvement magazines or Google, looking for inspiration is one of the best parts of the design and building process. If you’re wanting to
Work boots are defined as a pair of durable boots designed to protect the wearer’s feet from falling objects or compression while in the workplace. They are an essential part of an employee who works on a construction site’s PPE (Personal Protection Equipment). At the outset of this article, it
Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you cook for your family, where you entertain friends and bake with your kids. When you’ve got a kitchen that you love, you are more likely to eat a healthy diet, experiment with different foods and cook from scratch. It’s
The pernicious and invasive native weed commonly called Horsetail has been around since the Palaeozoic era, which lasted from 541 to 252 million years ago. That means it was thriving before dinosaurs, and it used to grow to 98 feet tall. So, I think it is fair to say that
This past month has seen the launch of a potentially game-changing new app for asbestos contractors: the Asbestos Labour Feedback App (ALFA). Developed over the course of 20 months with feedback from various parties, ALFA is designed to provide ARCA licensed contractors with a measure of operative performance, helping them to improve industry standards. The introduction of the app could have a huge impact on the almost 50% of asbestos removal contractors licensed by ARCA – and more importantly, the operatives who work for them. Amid concerns from labour unions about the ramifications of the app, here’s everything you need to know about ALFA, and what it could mean for the asbestos removal industry. What is the Asbestos Labour Feedback App (ALFA)? The Asbestos Labour Feedback App (ALFA) is a mobile app which allows ARCA licensed asbestos removal contractors to rate the performance of short-term operatives from labour suppliers. They can do this using nine key metrics covering employee performance and behaviour on a particular assignment. The ratings for each assignment undertaken by that operative are then averaged to produce an overall star rating. This rating is visible to ARCA member contractors when using the app, alongside an average rating for each of the nine categories. Contractors can then use this information to ensure competence and identify training needs. Why is the Asbestos Labour Feedback App necessary? With asbestos still present in huge quantities across the UK, demand for asbestos removal professionals is as high as ever. Yet many asbestos removal contractors have listed the quality of labour available to them as a primary concern, with contractors apparently lacking the competence, skills and behaviour needed to manage and remove asbestos safely. As a result, licensing body ARCA opened discussions with its members in the asbestos removal industry, with the aim of finding a way to improve performance and raise standards among operatives. The result of this process was the creation of the app, with the hope that widespread uptake would highlight areas for improvement, and motivate people to undertake training. What are the benefits of the Asbestos Labour Feedback App? The ALFA is designed to reassure asbestos removal contractors that the operatives they are receiving are competent, and have a good attitude towards their work. This will help to improve the quality of the work being done by contractors and ensure it is done safely, reducing their liabilities and protecting the operatives in the process. By rating operative performance, both operatives and contractors have the opportunity to encourage improvements, and identify where further training may be required. The app also allows operatives to manage their certificate information (helping to keep track of expiring certificates), as well as automating part of the supply agency process. What are the concerns around the Asbestos Labour Feedback App? Labour union Unite has been quick to raise concerns around the use of the app, claiming that the use of a ratings system for operatives could be abused. This system could lead to operatives receiving unfair ratings with little recourse, and being effectively blacklisted as a result of poor ratings, preventing them from gaining further work. Unite has called on ARCA to evidence any safeguards within the app against blacklisting and discrimination, and to suspend the rollout of the app if these do not currently exist. This is likely to be unwelcome news for ARCA, having gone through a 20-month development process and pilot scheme for the service. I’m an asbestos removal operative – what should I do? It’s likely that your agency will inform you if they are planning to adopt the app, and you may find that you are required to use it. In this instance, you may want to contact your union if you have one. However, it is important to note that the end goal of the app – improving safety standards and general quality of work – is an admirable one, and not something that should be opposed by default. ARCA is only one of the licensing authorities in the UK, with BOHS and ACAD being the other popular standards. If your agency is not ARCA registered and you do not work with ARCA registered removal firms, you will not need to worry about using the app. However, it may be helpful to familiarise yourself with it in case you ever consider changing roles. Ultimately, the best way to safeguard yourself against the potential for upheaval is to improve your level of training. This will not only provide you with qualifications that will undercut any accusations against you, but will also give you the skill set to more readily demonstrate your abilities, and build up credit with your agency and employers. This is likely to take the form of advanced training specific to asbestos removal, such as ARCA’s Industry Refresher for Operatives course or Use, Inspection and Routine Maintenance of RPE course. Other certifying bodies include UKATA (Asbestos Removal Operative Refresher Training) and the CITB (Asbestos Removal Operative). Asbestos removal continues to be a valued service across the UK and beyond, owing to the huge amount of asbestos that still exists in public and private buildings. As this asbestos degrades, the need for qualified operatives is likely to continue. This may either mean that the app falls by the wayside in the push for adequate numbers, or that the app continues to gain ground as a way to find the most qualified operatives. The best way to ensure a position in the industry is to continue learning and training yourself to the highest possible level. Anyone who is interested in becoming an asbestos operative – or entering the asbestos assessment and removal industries – may want to start with an online asbestos awareness course, helping you to learn about the substance, how to identify it and how to deal with it safely.
Henley-in-Arden based commercial decoration company Harvey UK has won a contract to carry out the decorating and finishing of Birmingham’s tallest residential tower block. Harvey UK will carry out all of the painting, decorating and finishing work on 481 apartments in The Mercian 42-storey tower in Broad Street. The development is being carried out by Sisk on behalf of Yorkshire-based Moda Living. The tower, on the site of the former Tramps nightclub, will include shared lounges, health and sports facilities, a dining club with demonstration kitchen, and a 200-metre running track on the roof. Harvey UK managing director Tony Harvey said the new block would service the growing demand for city centre accommodation in Birmingham. “The Mercian is set to become an iconic building in the heart of Birmingham and we are delighted to have secured this prestigious contract. It will have excellent facilities and will be finished to a very high standard,” he said. Established in 1966, Harvey UK is a family-owned finishing and maintenance specialist, working on major projects in the industrial, education, health, local authority and residential sectors. With offices in Henley-in-Arden and London, the group has a wide portfolio of blue-chip client projects including JLR, Muller, the NHS, Kier, Balfour Beatty, Skanska, Lendlease and the Royal Air Force.
In the modern-day, interior designers and architects are using metal for safety and decorations. They use the finishing for protecting the walls from cracks and chipping. Modern homes are utilizing the metal corner guards in kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. The simple option to décor is durable and robust for all kinds of building designs. There are numerous reason to install corner guards in-home or workplaces; Acts as reinforcement to the wall corners The corners at the wall are the first places prone to damage in a new home. It is vital to reinforce the parts to minimize the risk of damage. Guards will offer protection against dents, scratches, and cracks. Places with massive traffic of users and lots of movement to assets need this kind of property proofing. The corner guards make the wall corners resistant to the constant collision with movable items. Offer Protection to walls in Industrial Places Companies that engage in industrial work are in the constant movement of raw materials and machines. The walls are prone to damage when the heavy items hit against the walls. Corners guards protect the most vulnerable part of the wall. Industrial buildings are investing in the metal corner guards that offer strong protection to the building. It is an excellent investment to increase the value of a property and avoid frequent repair costs. Prevents Injuries to Occupants Corner guards offer protection to the wall from distractive children. On the other hand, the guards will protect the child from injury upon falling. Rubber corner guards are the ideal in proofing the house. It is a preventive measure if you have kids and pets at home. They are also suitable for places with high human traffic as people get in contact with the wall edges. Protects the Wallpaper from peeling Over time, wallpapers start peeling from the wall corners. Corner guards protect the corners at the wall from wear and tear that leads to the wallpaper peeling. It keeps the interior design last longer, thus reducing the cost of maintaining the wallpaper. Prevent staining Many people tend to touch the wall corners. The practice stains the wall and it is tasking to clean dirt off the paint. Corner guards are easy to clean and it is why restaurants use them in their interior design. Kitchens are ideal places for metal and wooden corner guards that are easy to clean and maintain. Are Decorative The wooden corner guards can have a beautiful texture to it. On the other hand, metallic ones offer a nice shiny finish to the wall. Using corner guards in home interior design gives a unique touch to the outlook in the room. Homeowners have the option of painting the corner guards to blend them with the interior décor and furniture. A Variety of Materials to choose from Every home and business environment can find the right fit for the corner guard to use. The component in interior design comes in a different type of material according to the need. They come in varying gauge and size. The most common materials in the industry are metal, rubber, synthetic, vinyl, and wood. Saves money Unprotected walls are prone to damage at home or the workplace. Corner guards aids in protecting the interior from the environment’s daily demands and activities. It costs less to install the guards than a complete renovation to the damaged space. Most Spaces need protection A lot of spaces in residential and commercial buildings are exposed to constant impact and force. Without protection, the impact will cause damage to the property. Places such as offices, restaurants, schools, and hospitals make use of equipment that causes an impact on the walls. Corner guards are a necessity in the interior design of such high traffic places. Conclusion Apart from safeguarding the life of your property and loved ones, corner guards will save you money in the long run.
If you’re searching for simple landscaping ideas which will help you add curl appeal to your front yard, simply continue reading to discover a few inexpensive landscaping ideas which will help you transform your front yard on a budget. Small front yard landscaping ideas on a budget: Invest in purchasing nutrients to help your plants grow: To ensure that your front yard boasts healthy vibrant plants it’s well worth browsing the wide selection of nutrients at Eden Horticultural. As you’ll find it a lot easier to grow healthy, strong plants if you place nutrients in your plant beds’ soil. Especially if plants fail to thrive in your garden’s soil. Create an attractive stone pathway to your front door: Lay a simple stone pathway through your lawn to your front door. You may want to use large, mismatched sized stepping stones to create your path or you may want to use your stones to create a mosaic inspired path to your front door. Add a stone edge to your flower beds: In order to ensure that your flower beds stand out opt to create an eye catching stone edge to your flower beds. Adding a stone edge to your flower beds will also help your garden look polished and put together. Place solar lights at the base of any trees or shrubs in your front yard. Not only are solar lights inexpensively priced but if you place solar lights at the base of prominent trees or shrubs in your front yard, they’ll illuminate your trees or shrubs at night. You can also use solar motion activated lights to illuminate any pathways in your front yard at night. Repurpose an old wheelbarrow as a planter box: If you’re able to find an old wheelbarrow, give it a fresh coat of paint and repurpose it as a planter box which you’ll be able to use to grow your favorite flowers. As an example you may want to grow poppies or pansies in your repurposed planter box. You can even grow a variety of flowers in your planter box to create the illusion that wildflowers are growing in your planter box. Use mulch to create an island inspired flower bed: Why not create a flower bed island out of mulch? This is a particularly great idea if your front yard features a lot of grass which you’d like to visually break up. Hang decorative planter boxes outside your front windows: Use recycled wood to build decorative planter boxes which you’ll be able to hang in-front of your front windows in order to increase your home and garden’s curb appeal. You can even swap out the plants which you display from season to season. So if you’d love to give your front yard a makeover on a budget, it’s well worth using all of the handy landscaping tips listed above in order to give your front yard a brand new lease on life.
Window treatments will give a new and refreshed look to your living room. Different types of window treatments are available in the current condition. You can even consider the best ones within a restricted budget. You can go with blinds Essex and windows shutters depending on your preference. It is worth mentioning that you will get unlimited options in both these types. With a flexible budget, you can go with customized window treatments. Before choosing any window treatment, know your interests. For example, if you want both protection as well as an impressive look, you can go with customized window shutters. For a contemporary look, net curtains are worth considering. Let’s cover some popular window treatments to enable you to find the one that suits your unique personality. Roller Blinds If you want a treatment that you can change with seasons, you can think of roller blinds. The fabric of these blinds can be replaced. You can change the original fabric and replace them with new ones to complement with other decors. It is cost-effective and versatile. The blind system will be in its place. You just need to change the fabric to transform the look of your living room. Also, the pelmets of blinds are replaceable. Roman Blinds Roman blinds can be the perfect treatment for small living rooms. It will help with a generous effect. These blinds will not take much space. Also, you can expect the best fit and an inspiring look even if in a restricted space. Panel Curtains Panel curtains are considered the right window treatment for all those who prefer a contemporary look. This treatment will focus on the motif to the most. You will not find any fabric folds. You can consider this patterned treatment for both small and big living room. Heavy Fabric Many of us prefer heavy fabrics. You can use this for your window. Like your sofa, it can boost the curb appeal of your living room. It will feel and look soft. Also, it drapes beautifully. If you like contemporary effects, you can choose dark shades with brighter jewel tones. Window Shutters You will have countless options in window shutters. Different designs and materials are available in the current market. You can choose any that fits your budget. If you want something different to get an inspiring look, you can go with customized solutions. These treatments are admirable and can add a wow factor to any living room. Curtain & Blinds Combinations You can consider a great combination of curtain and blinds to provide an informal and relaxed look to your living room. You will have to be extra careful while choosing designs. You can go with the same collection if you want a great combination of both. Net Curtains Net curtains can be the right choice to get a contemporary look. It will look great and will enable you to enjoy the outside environment. Wrapping Up These are a few window treatment ideas you can consider for your living room. You can choose any idea that you find the most appreciate to create a distinct look and a favorable living environment.
Are you willing to hire a mastic man? Do you want to get a clear sense of how much a professional sealing service might cost? If so, this post is especially for you! The biggest concern of the property owners is to get the damaged surfaces repaired. If you’re too dealing with such issues, there are chances of you working closely with a mastic man. For those who don’t know, mastic men are the professionals who repair the damaged surfaces by using silicone and certain types of specialised tools. You can get these people in any location, so finding them is not a problem at all. Depending upon certain factors like location, type of sealants, damaged areas, prices of mastic services can vary. Moreover, the majority of mastic man Colchester recommends using silicone sealant because of its water-resistant ability. So, Mastic Men Services Mastic men offers a broad range of services, but you can also find the ones who are specialised in specific areas only. So, depending upon the requirements, look for the one who is experienced and certified. Also, different mastic men use different types of techniques for repairing different types of damages. For example, the repair services for wet surfaces will obviously differ from joints. Below are the common services offered by the mastic men : Kitchens Flooring Joints Window/Door Frames Expansion Joints Wet And Dry Surfaces The Cost Of Hiring A Mastic Man The cost of mastic service will depend mainly on the job along with certain factors such as the location you live, damaged surfaces that you need to repair, type of sealant used by the professional etc. Below are the approximate prices for different kind of jobs : There is a wide range of sealant that can be used by the mastic professionals. The charge of the sealant tube is included in the cost. It depends on the type and color of the sealant. Usually, one good quality sealant tube ranges from £2.00 to £10.00. Depending upon the job, you may require any number of sealant tubes. Services Cost The service cost also depends on the type of job that needs to be done. Obviously a small job will cost much less than a bigger one. Many professionals ask for a site inspection for providing an estimated cost value. You can easily get 3 to 5 online quotes and select the right one for yourself. Here are the rough numbers : £45.00 – This is the minimum cost of a mastic man. It includes all kinds of basic jobs such as kitchen platform, shower, single bath etc. that are well prepared for the sealing. £75.00 – This includes minor areas like shower tray, kitchen platform, single bathroom that needs to be cleaned before resealing. Basically, the service includes removal of moldy sealants and cleaning with anti-mould fungicides. £95-125.00 – This price range includes full bathroom services provided that the area is cleaned and ready to be sealed. £125-155.00 – This cost is for the full bathroom but the services include removal of old sealant. That’s all. Hopefully this helps you!
Whether you’re buying your first home or creating your forever home, looking at custom home builder pictures online is a major part of the process. Whether you scour Pinterest, home-improvement magazines or Google, looking for inspiration is one of the best parts of the design and building process. If you’re wanting to stay on trend and create a kitchen that’s modern, unique and beautiful to be in, here are three of 2020’s biggest kitchen-design ideas. 1. Natural Lighting Our eyes are around so much light every day. From increased computer usage to overhead lighting we have to use, why not build on lighting the sun provides every day? If your kitchen is in a location that the sun hits often, you can add more windows or skylights to bring in the natural light. This idea will brighten up the space and make mornings less harsh as the sun works its way in. You will still need some overhead lighting for when it’s dark out, or you just want to have a different mood in the kitchen, but the additional lighting can be minimal or complementary to your natural-lighting ideas. 2. Butler’s Pantries Having enough space in a kitchen is key to making detailed dinners or hosting fun events. A butler’s pantry addition is a perfect way to give your kitchen extra space while hiding the mess that goes into cooking. It’s an enlarged pantry, more like a separate room, where you can put your dishwasher and have a ton of extra space for cutting, storage and hiding the clean-up that goes into hosting large dinner parties and events. If you’ve ever wanted a secret room like spies have and love to cook, a butler’s pantry can let you live out your hidden dream while crafting up the best recipes possible. 3. Bright Appliances If you love bright colors and vibrant hues but thought they only belonged in your Barbie dream house, think again. Bold colors in your kitchen appliances are one of the trendiest ideas to try. You can have subtle tones in your cabinetry, counter space and lighting but then choose bolder, more colorful pieces for your oven, stove or fridge. These choices can serve as statement pieces without being too overwhelming. You can create a kitchen that’s truly unique and that none of your friends have while also showcasing your personality and favorite colors. Kitchens already promote a sense of togetherness and happiness because who doesn’t love food, but cheerful colors enhance and build upon the positive mood of your kitchen. They say home is where the heart is, and creating an environment that radiates your personality, wishes and views makes your heart even fonder about your home. As current trends shift and update, you can work with custom builders to craft a kitchen that suits your family’s needs and desires. While it’s ultimately your choice in how you style, decorate and lay out your kitchen, looking at what’s trending keeps your ideas fresh and full of life.
Work boots are defined as a pair of durable boots designed to protect the wearer’s feet from falling objects or compression while in the workplace. They are an essential part of an employee who works on a construction site’s PPE (Personal Protection Equipment). At the outset of this article, it is essential to note that different types of work boots are designed for different environments. Therefore, when choosing a new pair of boots, it is necessary to consider your work environment and each pair of boots’ features. Work boots: A brief history Before we consider the different types of boots that are suitable for a construction site, let’s consider a brief history of the work boot. The Popular Mechanics online site notes that “finding the perfect work boots wasn’t always a challenge. The Romans had two choices of sandals: with or without hobnails for traction.” In the early 1800s, workers were provided with a more stable shoe and were offered a choice between buckles and laces. Just after this, shoemakers began to make a left and right shoe for each pair. Finally, steel-toe boots were produced towards the end of WWII. Work boot types: The raison d’etre behind the need for safety boots As the terms “safety boots” and “work boots” infer, the reason for manufacturing and wearing this type of footwear in factories and on construction sites is to protect the wearer’s feet and to prevent injury while on site. There are several different types of work boots, such as steel-capped or steel toe work boots, men’s waterproof work boots, and heavy-duty or lightweight safety boots. One of the most essential choices is between waterproof and non-waterproof footwear. A second fundamental choice that must be made is between lightweight and heavy-duty boots. Both of these choices must be made by considering the work environment as well as their application. The best way to describe how to choose a pair of work boots is to consider the following scenario: Let’s assume that you are a construction worker, and you are working on a building site building a 10-story office block. It is a long-term project, and you work outside in all weather conditions. The question that you are probably considering is: Should I get waterproof work boots? This question is answered as follows: This description of your working conditions dictates that you need a pair of heavy-duty steel toe waterproof work boots like the safety boots stocked by engelbert strauss. In fact, it is essential to have these boots. Any other pair, such as the lightweight waterproof work boots, will not provide enough protection for your feet while walking around the construction site. — To give you an example, imagine you’re in the middle of a local flood, or even at home, and you’re facing such a hectic time. That’ll be the perfect moment to have some top muck boots. Then you’ll be well equipped to overcome that situation safely. But these don’t adapt to every situation as stated before. Caring for your boots Now that you have decided on the right pair of boots to fit your unique requirements, the next point to consider is how to care for your boots. Therefore, the following questions bear relevance: How to waterproof leather work boots? Do you need to spray waterproof boots? Let’s answer these questions by considering each one individually. 1. Waterproofing leather work boots Walking around in wet boots is not ideal. You could end up with a nasty foot infection like Trench Foot. Trench Foot causes blisters, redness and irritation, pain, and numbness, and it can destroy your foot’s skin and tissue to the point where it falls off. Clearly, getting Trench Foot is an untenable situation. The other essential point to note is that even though your boots might be waterproof when you first purchase them, the boots must be maintained and the waterproofing layer renewed; otherwise, it will wear off, and water will seep through the outer layer. Therefore, it is essential to treat your boots regularly with a specially designed wax, paste, or cream such as Dubbin or beeswax. Before you rub this waterproofing treatment on your shoes, it is essential to ensure that your boots are clean. You can buy a cleaning cream that is designed to remove all the dirt and residue from the boots. Once your boots are clean and dry, it is time to apply the waterproofing to each boot. The final step is to take a clean, soft cloth and wipe off the excess wax, cream, or paste. 2. Spraying waterproof boots Boots and shoes can also be waterproofed by spraying a layer of silicone on the outer layer. It is essential to ensure that you don’t spray the boots’ soles with the silicone; otherwise, you might slip and fall when wearing your shoes. Finally, it is essential to note that you don’t need to apply a silicone layer to your boots if you use leather wax, paste, or cream treatment. It is a case of choosing one of these two methods to keep your shoes in good condition, ensuring that they remain waterproof and last a long time.
Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you cook for your family, where you entertain friends and bake with your kids. When you’ve got a kitchen that you love, you are more likely to eat a healthy diet, experiment with different foods and cook from scratch. It’s certainly worth taking the time to design the kitchen of your dreams, and a high-quality remodel can improve your home, and even increase its value. But a kitchen renovation can be exceptionally stressful. It’s perhaps the room that causes the most disruption to your home life. Trying to live without a functional kitchen is tough. It can cause stress and upset and make life significantly more difficult. If you are thinking about a renovation, or in the middle of one, here are some tips to help you reduce the stress. Create a New Kitchen Instead of trying to live without your kitchen, create a new kitchen in a different part of your home. But, keep things simple. Don’t try to move everything out, and don’t think that you’ll be able to create culinary delights from a corner in your lounge. Move out the essentials, and create a small yet functional kitchen in a different area of your home. Stick to the basics, don’t put any pressure on yourself, and do your best to keep it clean. Remember, you won’t die if you live off sandwiches for a week. Find Contractors You Trust Renovations become more stressful when we’re worried, or when we’re working with someone who we don’t think shares our vision or understands what we are trying to achieve. Take your time to find designers and contractors that you trust, and things will be easier. Eat Out When stress reaches its pinnacle, get out. Don’t try to cook, don’t worry about food, escape it all by booking a table at your favourite restaurant. Don’t Take Too Much On Being comfortable and relaxed at home helps us to manage other areas of our lives. When we can chill out at home with a grav glass, a hot bath, our favourite meal and a good book, we feel as though we can take on the world. When your house is in chaos, it stops being your haven. So, while you’ve got a lot going on at home, try to cut your workload. Schedule your renovation for a quiet time at work, or a time when you’ve got no birthdays or holidays to worry about. Have an Emergency Budget One of the biggest stresses when it comes to any kind of home project is money. Renovations often run over budget. We worry that we’re spending too much, or that we can’t afford to finish the job. So, reduce stress by budgeting more effectively. Make sure you’ve got an emergency budget so that you don’t have to worry if things go wrong, take longer than expected, or if you need to make changes along the way. Perhaps the best way to manage your stress is by remembering what you are working towards. Keep your dream kitchen in mind, and remind yourself when it all gets too much.
The pernicious and invasive native weed commonly called Horsetail has been around since the Palaeozoic era, which lasted from 541 to 252 million years ago. That means it was thriving before dinosaurs, and it used to grow to 98 feet tall. So, I think it is fair to say that there is no quick fix if you want to control it. But it can be done. Deep-rooted, spore-spreading Equisetum arvense is the bane of many a gardener’s life, spreading quickly to form a dense carpet of foliage up to 20 inches high and crowding out many less vigorous plants in beds and borders. However, if it is discovered on a construction site, it can cause a major headache for developers, who then have to prove to the satisfaction of planning, building control and certification bodies that it has been properly dealt with. Sometimes called a living fossil, Horsetail is related to ferns. It is easily recognised by its upright, fir tree-like shoots. The problem is that its creeping rhizomes can reach down to seven feet under the surface and, even if it is laboriously dug out, small remnants can quickly re-establish the invasion. It is not notifiable, but it is classed as problematic and can grow up through tarmac. It is not anything like as scary as Japanese Knotweed but its presence on a building site creates real problems which can be time-consuming and costly to resolve. The most common response is to dig the intruder out and remove it – this is the tack most usually taken by council inspectors – but this course of action can create its own issues. The spoil containing the weed can only go to landfill and, as every builder knows, landfill taxes are increasingly onerous. There are also the costs of transporting it in a safe and compliant manner. These costs can sometimes be enough to make a site commercially unviable. But the reality is that dig-and-remove should be the last, rather than the first, option. There are much more economical and environmentally sensitive ways to reduce the infestation and keep it under control. The key is to have a sustainable Horsetail management plan and to engage closely with the relevant local authority personnel in order to persuade them of its efficiency and to demonstrate that the plan will stand both the test of time and the plant’s determined nature. The next element of the plan may seem counterintuitive, but it involves retaining the Horsetail-contaminated material on site. This has the immediate benefit of stripping out the major costs in dig-and-remove. The obvious question is: what do you do with it on-site? The answer is two-fold. Firstly, the material can be stock-piled and used for landscaping, protected by a suitable geo-textile membrane barrier to prevent spread or obtrusion. Secondly, knowing that the weed will spread where it can, the strategy is to direct it towards grassed areas where it can be mown regularly. Frequent cutting exhausts the spore-bearing first shoots and allows it to be kept in check and even wholly eradicated over a number of years. Infestations can also be weakened with proprietary herbicides, though the waxy cuticles which prevent penetration must be compromised first. This can be done by bruising the plant before application or by use of appropriate adjuvents to enhance the efficacy of the herbicides. In the end it is all about management on site and developing a dialogue with local authority officials to convince them that the plan is viable and sustainable. To achieve this expert advice is indispensable – Horsetail is a cunning and resourceful enemy and it needs to be taken on by professionals who not only know how to beat it but also how to save their clients from the most expensive and unnecessarily complex options. Keith Gallacher is Director of Complete Weed Control Scotland.
