Landscapers get hose ban exemption

Nottinghamshire-based national Garden Design and Landscaping specialists, Lime Orchard is delighted with the announcement  from the water companies that landscaping and turf businesses are exempt from the hosepipe ban as of 21 May 2012.

The relaxation to  the hosepipe ban by seven water companies in the south and east of England allows gardening businesses and their customers to use hosepipes to preserve newly laid turf and plants, for up to 28 days from planting.

Hose pipe allowed for preservation of new plants & turf

This decision comes after the record rainfall experienced in April and continuing rain in May has reduced the severity of the ongoing water shortage in the South and East of England although groundwater levels still remain low and the hosepipe bans remain in place. Lime Orchard is required to provide its customers will a letter confirming the date of planting as part of the exemption conditions.

Judy Behl, Managing Director of Lime Orchard  said: “We are pleased  that the restrictions on the landscaping industry have been reviewed following he recent rainfall. Lime Orchard was facing serious challenges as a result of the restrictions with a number of high-value turfing and planting projects having to be deferred. These can now be re-scheduled following this announcement. Lime Orchard is sympathetic to the need for water efficiency and will follow industry best practise as well as promoting 'leaky pipe' watering systems to our clients.”

Various trade bodies, including the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), Royal Horticultural Society and the Society of Garden Designers have agreed codes of practise with the water companies to ensure that the minimum amount of water is used sparingly. This includes a code for landscapers and codes on turf and planting care that Lime Orchard will make available to it’s customers.

The Hose Pipe Ban remains in effect despite the wet weather following concerns of a dry Autumn and Winter ahead.

The 10-point  Code of Conduct Published by the Society of Garden Designers states:

1.   Check to ensure that there are no leaks in your hosepipes or fittings

2.   Use trigger lances or guns to ensure water efficiency

3.  Plant trees and shrubs in well-rotted, water-retaining compost and cover with a heavy layer of mulch (up to 4 inches) to retain moisture

4.  Deliver water directly to the base of plants through tree-root watering pipes or trickle irrigation equipment where possible to install

5.    Encourage clients to install water-efficient drip irrigation systems where appropriate

6.   Wherever possible, encourage clients to use timer devices to water early in the 
morning or late in the evening when evaporation is minimal

7.   Only use hosepipes with double check valves

8.  Advise customers not to worry about lawns turning brown. This shows the grass has stopped growing, but most lawns will recover completely when the rain returns

9.   Encourage clients to install water butts to collect rainwater off greenhouse, shed, garage and house roofs

10. Encourage clients to adopt grey water recycling systems and to use water retaining products where appropriate 

To find out more about Lime Orchard's specialist planting services visit http://www.limeorchard.co.uk/planting-design.html