Frequently Asked Questions
how much do you charge for your work?
I charge for hedge laying by the linear metre. Some hedges are harder to lay than others (especially older, overgrown and hedges heavy with blackthorn) so this is reflected in the linear charge. I try to visit a site before preparing a written quotation. The quotation takes into account the discussion I've had with the client regarding the type of materials to be used. The hedge laying season begins in October and ends in March. However, I can prepare quotations at any time of year.
Who will do my work?
I am a sole contractor, but when necessary, I can call upon other tradespersons to help me. The people I use to help either have agricultural experience or horticultural backgrounds. We will work to agreed guidelines and your instructions.
Are you a member of a trade organisation?
I am a contractor member of the National Hedge Laying Society. The Society's website is: www.hedgelaying.org.uk
are you available for commercial work?
Although most of my work is for residential customers, an increasing number of farmers and managing agents are having hedges laid on their properties. I currently have a number of hedge laying contracts with local managing agents.
do you follow environmental land management scheme standards?
The government's new Environmental Land Management Scheme provides financial grants to land owners for the maintenance of hedgerows. Within the scheme, there are four particular standards for hedgerows - BN5, BN6, BN7 and BN10. BN5 calls for hedge laying to be completed in stipulated ways; BN6 relates to hedge coppicing; BN7 relates to hedge gapping up; and BN10 relates to traditional style hedge laying using hazel stakes and top binders. I follow these standards for both commercial and residential customers. Please see DEFRA's website - www.gov.uk - for details. I also follow The Woodland Trust guidelines for hedgerows which call, for example, for mature trees within hedges to be left unlaid every six metres or so. The Woodland Trust also provides funds for land owners to plant new hedges. Please see the Woodland Trust's web site - www.thewoodlandtrust.org.uk - for details
where can I get advice on planting a new hedge or maintaining a mature hedge?
A very valuable source of information and advice on UK hedges is an organisation called called hedgelink. Each year, hedgelink organises a National Hedgerow Week to promote the value and importance of hedgerows. hedgelink has an excellent web site - www.hedgelink.org.uk - which has a wealth of useful information for farmers, land owners and home owners. If you are interested in how you can play a part in maintaining the national treasure of our hedgerows, then hedgelink is a good place to start.
where do you source your materials?
When laying a hedge in the traditional way with hazel stakes and hazel or willow binders, I normally source the materials from sustainable woodlands managed to provide a range of timber products. However, sometimes a land owner's property can provide the necessary materials for laying hedges. - hazel, willow and sweet chestnut trees can be a source of laying materials and future income, When hedge laying in a more 'functional' way with machined pine stakes, I source these from small local suppliers.
When the hedge laying is finished, what happens to the waste cuttings?
The hedge laying process produces a large amount of waste cuttings - far more than most people think possible. This waste can either be burnt (in the summer once the cuttings have dried) or chipped using a mechanical chipper - such as the towable heavy-duty Forst chipper pictured. Usually, the older the hedge, the more waste will be produced.
Are you insured?
I carry £1 million public liability insurance for my projects. All my work is guaranteed for 12 months.