Category: Outdoors
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Blocked gutters risk £5k fines through abatement notices
Most people think of gutter cleaning as a forgettable household chore, but the stakes are far higher than a messy roofline. In the UK, neglected gutters that overflow onto neighbouring properties can trigger abatement notices, with fines reaching £5,000 for those who fail to comply. With autumn leaves and winter rain increasing the risk of…
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When to aerate a lawn to get the best results
When it comes to deciding when to aerate a lawn, it’s true to say that timing is everything if you want to get the best results. As we’ll go on to explain in more detail, early autumn is a prime time to complete this task for a number of reasons. Doing it at this time…
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When to aerate a lawn to get the best results
When it comes to deciding when to aerate a lawn, it’s true to say that timing is everything if you want to get the best results. As we’ll go on to explain in more detail, early autumn is a prime time to complete this task for a number of reasons. Doing it at this time…
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How to stormproof your garden and protect it from bad weather
Stormproofing your garden in autumn is a smart choice as there’s a lot of potential for the weather to cause havoc at this time of year. The combination of high winds and torrential rain is never a good thing, especially if you haven’t got round to doing a thorough maintenance check in your garden at…
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Do I own a retaining wall? Here’s how to find out
If you’ve ever puzzled over a boundary between your home and next door, you might have wondered: do I own a retaining wall, or does my neighbour? Retaining wall ownership isn’t always straightforward, and in some cases, the answer can be surprisingly complex. In general, if a retaining wall sits on your land and encloses…
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Did you know breaking this tree law could cost you £5,000?
When it comes to pruning or cutting down trees in your garden, most homeowners are aware of the need to respect Tree Preservation Orders. But do you know the other law that could lead to fines or even prosecution if you break it? It’s particularly relevant during the Autumn months when the creatures it’s designed…
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Planting bulbs in a lawn – how to get a bold spring display
You might be surprised to learn that planting bulbs in a lawn is a really eye-catching way to show off some spring-flowering favourites. It’s easier than you might think and is particularly effective if you have a dull patch of lawn that dominates your outdoor space. The trick is to plan your bulb planting so…
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Will Kirk uncovers Anderson shelter below his garden shed
When The Repair Shop’s Will Kirk recently moved into his new home, he expected little more than a busy spell of renovations and a chance to redesign his garden. But what began with clearing raised beds, chopping back branches, and replacing an old shed quickly turned into an extraordinary piece of living history. Beneath the…
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Best bulbs to plant in September for kerb appeal in spring
Deciding on the best bulbs to plant in September is one of the most enjoyable autumn jobs. An afternoon spent pushing bulbs into the soil now means you’ll be rewarded early next year when your flowers spring to life in little groups all over the garden. Planting bulbs is easy to do and an affordable…
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How to keep foxes out of the garden – the top 7 deterrents
Whether you live in a rural or urban area chances are you’ve been plagued by foxes on more than one occasion. If that’s the case, you’re probably keen to find out how to keep foxes out of the garden. The problem with foxes coming into the garden is now often a year-round issue, and if…