LANDSCAPING SERVICES
Photo credit : idverde
Photo credit : idverde
DON ’ T HALT YOUR WINTER MAINTENANCE REGIME
2020 has been an exceptional year for us all . Subjected to a new threat we previously knew nothing about , the United Kingdom has been tasked with adapting to a new way of life .
The challenges associated with this new way of living have been no different at work . Whilst those who were able to fulfil desk-based tasks from home did so , landscape contractors such as those in BALI ’ s National Contractors Forum continued to work as normal during the summer , ensuring the soft estate was maintained according to client specification and public demand .
Whilst the public commonly associate ‘ landscaping ’ with conspicuous activities such as grass cutting or litter picking within parks and open spaces , most landscape works go unnoticed . Away from the public eye , management of the softestate associated with infrastructure – sewage treatment sites , electricity pylons , road verges and defence sites - continued throughout the summer regardless of the pandemic , to ensure their function and safety .
Unfortunately , during the summer many commercial clients were faced with difficult decisions regarding budget allocation . Softestate maintenance budgets were cut , resulting in reduced or even cancelled maintenance operations .
As in the summer , reduction of budgets for landscape maintenance services during winter would be a false economy and likely to result in landscapes less resilient , accessible , or safe .
Whilst the colder weather and shorter days will reduce the pressure on services such as grass cutting , during winter landscape contractors commonly undertake tree works , vegetation clearance , gritting and snow clearance to ensure dog walkers and joggers can exercise in the local park , key workers can travel on roads and those working from home are guaranteed water , electricity and broadband .
The outlook for 2021 is looking bright , and with a little luck life as we knew it will begin to return to normal . Until then , continued investment in the landscape is essential to ensure it remains safe and functional during winter , and when normality returns next year it is ready for the busy , exciting life we once knew .
To find out more about the BALI- NCF visit bali . org . uk / about / bali-ncf
bali . org . uk
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