Pests and unwanted animals in your home, or on a site can pose a Health and Safety risk to people, pets and livestock and can cause damage to landscapes and properties. We are able to offer services to our customers and able to advise and carry out treatments on common pest issues. We employ a variety of techniques such as falconry, trapping and proofing to deter any further infestations. We also offer a removal of dead animals from sites as required. Please feel free to contact us to discuss.
Trees can be an important part of any garden or site. The little leaf Company can provide a range of tree services from planting, trimming, coppicing, clearing, felling to new woodland planning and woodland diversification.
Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to undertake work on hedges or trees and damage or destroy any nest of a wild bird whilst it is in use or being built. The bird nesting season is usually between March and August. We carefully check the hedgerows and trees for any signs of nests and will not undertake any work if nests are found.
Litter and other debris on a site can look unsightly and be a risk to the health of people animals and plants, we are able to offer full cleansing packages from one off pay as you go picking to regular site visits.
As the garden wakes from its winter slumber and starts to come to life, weeds start to sprout from beds and inhibit the growth of the plants that are wanted there. We are able to offer practical and physical solutions, either for a one off call or a regular arrangement. We can also offer planting, grass cutting, hedge cutting and pruning services.
As summer fades and autumn descends, the initial joy of the seasonal colours are often replaced by the frustration of leaf fall. Each autumn, deciduous trees and shrubs shed their leaves. Without sufficient management, fallen leaves can cause several problems for home owners, landowners and businesses. Leaves left on pathways can decay and cause a slip hazard. In addition, dry leaves can congregate in the corners of car parks or alongside fencing, rendering them unsightly and concealing potentially dangerous potholes or broken glass. The little leaf company is very experienced in leaf collection and clearance and can collect up leaves either by hand or with machinery.
We usually use powered leaf clearing and leaf blowing equipment when there has been a large leaf fall. We gather the leaves up and do not leave any heaps of leaves on site. If we have agreed to bag up the leaves for the customer, we will ensure the bags are left in the correct position. Along with collecting leaves we will also collect any debris that has fallen from trees after a storm.
After you have invested in paying for plants you need to ensure the beds are well prepared. The team will remove any rubbish, stones or weeds from the ground. We dig a hole about twice the size of the pot and put in fertiliser, put in the plant and add extra compost.
Weeds can spoil the look of your site and take water and nutrients from plants you want to grow. We work with customers to draw up a plan for weed control.
Weed control on paths, pavements and streets
Generally, we spray two or three times a year using an application of an organic herbicide. Usually the weeds will dieback within 14 days of the treatment being applied. The organic herbicide will act on weeds above the surface level, and is absorbed through the leaves, the dead plant matter can then be cleared away.
Weed control in plant beds
We do not spray planting beds we tend to favour mechanical means or hand weeding to ensure the complete plant is removed, we will then take the waste and dispose of it either on site or off site to keep your beds looking there best all year round.
Annual weeds e.g. Fat Hen, Chickweed, Groundsel and Bittercress
These are spread by seed and usually have shallow root system so can be easily removed.
Biennial weeds e.g. Bull thistle and Garlic Mustard
In the first year the weeds will germinate and form rosettes, in the second-year they produce flowers and seeds.
Perennial weeds e.g. Dandelions and Plantain
These weeds come back every year and produce long roots in addition to seeds. These types of weeds are the most difficult to control
Grass Cutting
Keeping grass areas well maintained helps to create a good impression of your garden or site .Our highly skilled operatives are trained to use the very best commercial mowers on the market, along with the latest grass maintenance equipment and technology, including battery-operated machinery. The finer detail, after a grass cut, is taken care of by trimmers and hand tools. We pride ourselves on providing a reliable, professional service. We work with customers to agree a schedule of regular grass cutting if needed. Certain machines collect the grass cuttings so no cuttings are left on the grass. We then dispose of grass cuttings in a composting facility, either on or offsite. Sometimes we leave the grass cuttings on the ground so they can decompose to provide nutrients (mulching). We use a range of brush-cutter machines that have two blades and also strimmers for those more overgrown areas.
Safeguarding the public and premises whilst mowing before commencing cutting we remove and dispose of all stones, debris and hazardous objects which could present a danger to you, the public or your premises. When objects are moveable like litterbins, benches and dustbins we will lift them, set them aside and replace them in their original position after grass cutting. When there are objects like trees, sign posts and street signage that we cannot move, we will trim around the object so it looks the same standard of the main grass cut. We have experienced staff who understand what is needed to keep your grass looking in great condition. We can apply organic fertilisers to help your lawn grow and advise on drainage too.
After mowing the cuttings can sometimes end up on nearby paths and roads, so we will sweep away any lose cuttings and leave the site in pristine condition.
Hedges must be maintained and kept under control, especially where access for pedestrians and vehicles is required. Our teams know the best time to prune and where to cut the hedges to ensure they promote future growth. Most hedges require pruning at least once a year. The type of your hedge will determine when it should be pruned.
Deciduous hedges Hornbeam, Hawthorn and Beech: For the first two years after planting the hedges should be pruned in winter. Established hedges should be pruned in the summer.
Evergreen hedges Privet, Holly, Box: For the first two years after planting the hedges should be pruned in the spring. Established hedge should be pruned in the summer.
Nesting birds
Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to undertake work on hedges or trees and damage or destroy any nest of a wild bird whilst it is in use or being built. The bird nesting season is usually between March and August. We carefully check the hedgerows and trees for any signs of nests and will not undertake any work if nests are found.