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Soft Landscape Method Statement

AWC Ltd Gaynes Park

Theydon Garnon Epping

CM16 7RJ

February 2016

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GENERAL INFORMATION Client White Bush & Co Ltd Gaynes Park Mansions Theydon Garnon Epping Essex CM16 7RJ T: 01992 561010 Landscape Architect F.S Landscape Garden Design Ravens Cottage Elsenham Road Stansted CM24 8SS T: 07818 033000 E: sallie.tillett@btopenworld.com Arboricultural Officer Robin Hellier Epping Forest District Council High Street Epping CM16 4BZ T: 01992 564456 E: rhellier@eppingforestdc.gov.uk Arboricultural Consultant Tracy Clarke Unit 8 Feltimores Park Chalk lane Moor hall road Harlow CM17 0PF T: 0845 094 3268 F: 0845 094 3269 E: tracy.clarke@tma-consultants.co.uk

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CONTENTS PAGE 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 4

AIMS OF THIS METHOD STATEMENT.......................................................................................................... 4

2 RELEVANT PLANS ..................................................................................................... 5 3 SOIL SPECIFICATION ................................................................................................ 5 4 PREPARATION OF THE PLANTING AREAS ............................................................ 6 5 NURSERY STOCK PROTECTION .............................................................................. 7 6 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LANDSCAPE PROPOSALS ........................................ 9 7 AFTERCARE ...............................................................................................................10

SPRING ........................................................................................................................................................10

SUMMER ......................................................................................................................................................10

AUTUMN ......................................................................................................................................................10

8 IRRIGATION ................................................................................................................11 9 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................ 12

TITLE ........................................................................................................................................................... 12

10 APPENDIX …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………13

Landscape Master Plan GPEL 011 Rev 8, 4th

February 2016

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1 INTRODUCTION Aims of this method statement

1.1 The document aims to ensure that the landscape proposals are detailed to meet the

expected requirements of the planning conditions and to provide details of the

implementation, preparation and maintenance for a period of five years.

1.2 For successful implementation and establishment of the proposed landscaping this

document aims to cover the following key areas:

• Soil specification • Preparation of the planting areas • Nursery stock protection • Planting technique • Arrangements for implementation of the scheme • Aftercare • Irrigation

Reference should be made to BS3882:2007 Specification for Topsoil.

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2 RELEVANT PLANS

2.1 As well as the approved plans, the following are to be read in conjunction with this

document and are attached to this report in the appendices:

PLAN / DOCUMENT NAME REFERENCE NUMBER

Landscape Master Plans GPEL 011 Rev 8 Appendix 1

Tree Staking Method 200808‐P‐05 Appendix 2

3 SOIL SPECIFICATION

3.1 All imported soils will be uncontaminated and from a recognised supplier.

3.2 Information regarding the components and volumes of soils will be available.

3.3 Plants will be suitable for the soil type – this will determine plant selection.

3.4 Imported top soils will be in accordance with BS 3882:2007 specification for Top Soil.

3.5 Topsoil should be stocked in piles no higher than 1m and from a source no further than

13km from the site.

3.6 Any stripped soil to be stockpiled will first be graded and prepared for storage.

3.7 Topsoil will be stored separately from subsoil and all other excavated materials in a separate

area of the site.

3.8 All stored soil will be loosely tipped in piles no higher than 1m.

3.9 If soil has to be stored for more than six months, the stockpile will be sown with a deep

rooting grass/ legume seed mixture (or other vegetation appropriate to the specific nature

of the top soil)

3.10 Stockpiles left for long periods in situ will be managed to prevent seeding from adjacent

land.

3.11 All tree and shrub composts to be used during planting will be peat free.

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4 PREPARATION OF THE PLANTING AREAS

4.1 All debris and weed will be cleared from the planting areas prior to the soil preparation.

4.2 All virgin areas of soil will be cultivated to a minimum depth of 400mm using appropriate

machinery. This will break up compaction, bury perennial weeds and expose dormant wild

flower seeds.

4.3 Where new planting is to occur a rotavator will then be used to create a fine till and to

incorporate multi‐ purpose top soil where necessary. This will be added to the existing soil

and this will be uncontaminated and from a recognised supplier.

4.4 A layer of mulch will be applied to the surface of the planting areas following planting, to

reduce the colonisation of weeds. This layer will consist of treated bark chippings, to a

depth of 50mm.

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5 NURSERY STOCK PROTECTION

5.1 All plants will be purchased from a reputable supplier and be clearly labelled with the

botanical name of the plant; the suppliers name and other information i.e. plant passport

number. Also provided will be country of origin and age of plant.

5.2 Plants will be free from pests and diseases and show no signs of damage. All plants will be

inspected on delivery to the site.

5.3 Exposure to adverse weather conditions will be avoided. Plants will not be allowed to dry

out and will be stored away from strong winds.

5.4 Bare rooted plants will have protective wrapping removed and will be firmly heeled into a

prepared trench and covered with topsoil.

5.5 All plants will be appropriately maintained until used and be kept away from possible

sources of contamination or damage. The drying out of all plants will be avoided by watering

of the roots if necessary.

5.6 All plants will be in accordance with BS3936‐1:1992 and HTA guidance.

5.0. PLANTING TECHNIQUES

5.01. Planting will be carried out in the next available planting season. This usually runs from early

November to later February but is dependent on weather conditions. Container grown

plants can be planted outside of this time providing adequate aftercare is available.

5.02. All hedges will be either notch planted or trench planted. Hedge trenches will be a minimum

of 400mm deep and up to 750mm wide for double rows.

5.03. The base of tree pits and trenches will be broken up to allow deep root penetration and to

ensure there is no sump effect in the hole.

5.04. Following pit excavation, the plants will be carefully placed into the hole with all roots

spread out and any damaged roots pruned back to sound growth. Container grown plants

will be carefully removed from the pots and the roots gently teased out by hand to ensure

no circling roots remain.

5.05 The plant will be placed into the pit ensuring roots of adjacent trees are retained during the

process.

5.06. The plant will be carefully held upright in the middle of the pit whilst the excavated soil is

put back over the roots in thin layers.

5.07. The plant will be shaken gently up and down, so that when backfilling the soil gets between

and around the roots. The soil will be firmed down.

5.08. The plant will be planted ensuring that the nursery mark on the stem is level with the final

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level of the backfilled soil.

5.09. The final backfill layer will sit slightly proud of the existing surrounding soil levels.

5.010. All standard trees planted will be staked using the method shown in Appendix 2 drawing

200808‐P‐05.

5.011. A maximum depth of 50mm of composted wood chip mulch will be applied for the entire

width of the pit around the base of each plant to form a continuous line of mulch along new

planting areas.

5.012. Preparation and planting of all trees and plants will be in accordance with BS 4428: 1989.

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6 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LANDSCAPE PROPOSALS

6.1 The landscape proposals will be overseen by the F.S Landscape & Garden Design and

implemented by the client, AWC Ltd and approved landscape contractor (to be appointed).

6.2 A contact for the contractor together with relevant contact details will be supplied to the

Local Authority.

6.3 On completion of the implementation of the landscape proposals, the contractor will invite

the Local Authority to inspect the completion of the scheme.

6.4 Any necessary amendments to the implemented landscape proposals will be undertaken

immediately after the Local Authority inspection and reported back to the Local Planning

Authority.

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7 AFTERCARE To be carried out by a client approved Landscaper /Arboriculturist to enable liaison with the local authority tree and landscape section. (To be appointed) Spring

7.1 In March/April plants will be checked for survival.

7.2 Any plants that have died will be replaced using the same methods for planting.

7.3 Any loose soil around the base of the new plants and any plants lifted by frost will be firmed

down by foot.

7.4 Mulching depth will be checked and reinstated to a depth of 50mm if inadequate.

7.5 Regular watering will occur. See section 8.0 Irrigation.

Summer

7.6 Plants will be inspected and checked for any diseases or problems and rectified as

appropriate.

7.7 The mulch will be checked and reinstated if found to be inadequate.

7.8 Weeds will be removed by hand if found to be growing in the mulched area.

7.9 The plants will be formatively pruned where identified as necessary to ensure good long

term form.

7.10 Regular watering will occur. See section 8.0 Irrigation.

Autumn

7.11 Ties and plants will be checked to establish whether or not they have a secure root‐hold and

can remain upright.

7.12 Stakes and supports will be removed where plants indicate they can support themselves.

7.13 Mulching depth will be checked and reinstated if inadequate.

7.14 Regular watering will continue if prolonged summer temperatures extend into the season or

if drying winds occur. See section 8.0 Irrigation.

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8 IRRIGATION

8.1. All areas of new planting will require irrigation throughout the growing season.

8.2. Water demand will be dependent on species, soil types and weather conditions, however

newly planted standard trees up to 18‐20cm in girth will require approximately 30litres per

day from April‐September. This can be reduced in prolonged wet spells.

8.3. Watering will be carried out using a hose pipe fitted with a fine rose.

8.4. Irrigation will be carried out for the first two growing seasons to ensure good root

establishment.

8.5. Irrigation will be carried out first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid

excessive evaporation or leaf scorch.

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9 REFERENCES

The following publications have been used in the production of this method statement;

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British Standard Trees in relation to construction – Recommendations BS 5837:2012

British Standard Specification for Top soil BS 3882: 2007

British Standard Recommendations for Transplanting root balled trees BS 4043: 1989

British Standard Nursery stock (various parts) BS 3936‐1: 1992

British Standard Code of practice for General Landscape Operations BS 4428: 1989.

British Standard Recommendations for Maintenance of Soft landscape (Other than amenity

turf).BS 7370: Part 4 1993.

British standard Recommendations for turf for general purposes BS 3969:1998+A1:2013

HTA National Plant Specification

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APPENDIX

1 Landscape Master Plans:

GPEL 011 Rev 8 dated 4th

February 2016

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2 Tree Staking Method