January – Grounds Maintenance
Since January is a month of renewal, I thought it would be a good idea to write about grounds maintenance. At BTAC, we do a lot of work with preparing ground for new sheds, warehouses, barns and other agricultural buildings, but we also undertake maintenance work in this area, too, especially when the land has not been looked after properly for a while. We also provide numerous refurbishment works, such as boundary maintenance and conducting renewal work to existing gates and fences. Read on to find out some of the best advice I can offer with grounds maintenance and refurbishment works.
Drainage
At BTAC, we know that drainage is important in all sorts of locations. It is not just agricultural areas where ditches need to be maintained properly but sports playing fields, tracks and private driveways. Over the course of the autumn and early winter, ditches, drains and soakaways can all get clogged up with leaves and other material that falls into them. Because we have seen so much rain in recent months, drainage systems have come under significant pressure, so it is a good idea to clear them now before the Spring weather kicks in with even more rainfall.
Ménages/Horse Arenas
Harrowing work is essential for any equestrian arena with a natural surface. The key here is to focus on the areas which see the greatest footfall – or should I say hoof-fall? However, harrowing the ground can only do so much, especially when the ground has been wet for a prolonged period. That’s why we’d recommend moving jumps so that the ground around them can recover. Installing kickboards at the side of your ménage can also help the surrounding grass verges to more fully recover by early Spring.
Fencing
This is something that you should not really put off. In domestic situations, a panel fence which has been propped up, but not properly repaired, invites criminals to take an unwarranted level of interest in your residence. When it comes to commercial premises and farmland, repairing your fences will help to protect your property from trespassers. If you want to look after your crops and livestock, then ensuring all of your fencing is up to the job is essential.
Sports Ground & Recreation
Given that many sports grounds and play areas are not in constant use in the winter months normally this is the ideal time to carry out refurbishments and upgrades. For private owners, we can also undertake landscaping – installing terraces or extending patios, for example – in the early part of the year so it is ready to go when it is needed. Bear in mind that we can help with weed control and grass maintenance as well as undertaking your hard landscaping chores.
Until next time, stay safe.
Brian