Monthly Archives: January 2022

Winter Fence in Shropshire

Winter Proofing Your Fencing in Shropshire

Fencing in the winter months can produce many challenges. Up and down the country, fencing Shropshire and Staffordshire is covered in frost or sometimes even snow. 

Whilst we have been blessed with uncharacteristically good weather for this time of year, the cold months still present many different challenges, especially when it comes to how best to reserve and protect your fencing. 

At Weston Sawmill, we care about all of your fencing needs. So let’s take a look at some of the most helpful tips and tricks to winter proof your fencing in Staffordshire and Shropshire this winter. 

Waterproofing 

On average, the UK in January sees almost 18 days a month worth of rainfall whilst February and March are almost, if not just as, damp. In Staffordshire, the average temperature for January through to March is only 5 degrees celsius. There is also upwards of a 20% increased chance of snowfall during the aforementioned months. 

From this you might understand that it is of paramount importance to ensure your fence is protected against wet weather. 

One of the most effective ways to do this is to apply a silicone or acrylic sealant to your fence. Not only does this protective sealant act as a barrier protecting your fence from water and cold weather, it also protects against UV Rays and other extreme weather conditions too. 

Snow

As previously touched upon, the colder winter months in the UK can see snow. As any UK citizen would tell you when the snow starts to fall, it can be quite problematic. 

Whilst you might be worried about getting sufficient shopping in, you might want to consider when potential damage the snow might cause to your fence. 

Snow will eventually melt and when it does this, it will leave your fence incredibly cold and damp. If left untreated, this can lead to your fence leaning, this where the previously mentioned treatment comes in. 

Perform Necessary Checks

It is essential to perform checks when the weather is still good to ensure your fence is in the best condition possible to tackle harsh weather that might come it’s way. These checks can include: 

  • Checking the posts to ensure they are sturdy 
  • Removing any debris or any loose hanging branches
  • A general physical wellbeing check

These are just some of the necessary checks you can perform to ensure your fence will be in the best shape possible this winter. 

Contact Us

If you have any other questions regarding protecting your fencing this coming winter, be sure to contact us. 

Additionally, be sure to check out our website for more information regarding fencing and decking in Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire. 

Recycling Your Christmas Tree

Best Ways to Dispose of your Christmas Tree this January

The scenes in most British gardens this January will be one of frost covered grass, footpaths, decking and unfortunately; lonely Christmas tree’s inconveniently occupying the large section of irrelevant space. 

If you have finally managed to hoover up the remaining leaves your seasonal tree had recently flaked all over the living carpet, you now might be asking yourself, what is the best way to dispose of this once so festive tree? Luckily, we at Weston Sawmill have got you covered. From the many different ways you can recycle your Christmas tree, to the different advice local council’s offer on Christmas tree disposals. 

General UK Recycling Tips 

In the UK, we have a wide range of options available to us when it comes to recycling. Let’s quickly go over the 3 main approaches you can take to recycle your old Christmas tree: 

  • Replant it. A good way to give your tree a new lease of life is to repot. You can do this either in your garden. Or by simply giving it to your local garden centre for them to repot instead. 
  • Take your Christmas tree to a recycling centre. Here they can repurpose many elements of your tree. These can include making needles from the mulch and re-using the wood for decking, cupboards or any other wood-related products. 
  • Speak to your local council for any special recycling tips. This one is as simple as that.  

Disposing of your Christmas Tree in Staffordshire & Shropshire 

Whilst other areas may vary, disposing of a Christmas tree in Shropshire and Staffordshire is relatively straight forward. 

Steve Mitchell, Veolia Director for the West Midlands, has previously advised that Shropshire residents can simply dispose of their Christmas tree by putting it in their garden recycling bin during the early weeks of January. Steve went on to add that if the tree is over 5ft, you just need to cut the tree into smaller sections to enable it to fit into your recycling bin. 

Recycling your Christmas tree in Staffordshire is a little different but just as easy. Real Christmas trees can be taken to a variety of locations to be recycled. These can include Fletcher’s Garden Centre in Eccleshall, The Green Recycling Centre in Barlaston and Household Waste Recycling Centres at sites in Stafford and Stone. Be sure to check the advice for your local area. Recyling your Christmas tree in Wolverhampton might be slightly different to disposing of it in Stoke-on-Trent. 

Donate Your Christmas Tree to a Good Cause

Alternatively, you can donate your tree to the Katharine House Hospice. They have already collected over 61,000 trees and raised well over £900,000. I  think most people can agree this is rather impressive. So if you are still feeling in the Christmas spirit and would like to donate your old tree, be sure to look at their website for more details.

What Now? 

Now the clutter of Christmas, including the aforementioned Christmas tree, is out of the way, you might be looking to renovate your garden this coming year. If you are looking for landscaping, concrete products and decking in the Midlands be sure to contact us.