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The conifers will have (and still will) dry the ground out, not only by water take up from the roots, but also the umbrella effect of the trees, so warn the client of the need to water regularly, maybe installing a plug in temporary irrigation system. The ground will also be starved of nutrients, so a good application of compost would be recommended. 75mm of bark/woodchip mulch will aid water retention. All this will take extra time to what Brian suggests.
Lastly, don’t guarantee the plants unless you have control of the maintenance.
He has horses, and has suggested adding manure to the ground. There shouldn't be any detrimental effect in doing so, should there?
I'm going to suggest he runs a porus hose in the ground down both sides. Either that or he buys a big watering can : )
He also wants ground cover at a later date. His plant supplier has suggested cotoneaster ?something?wood and vinca minor or major I can't remember which.
As long as the horse manure is well rotted it should help. Cotoneaster Dammeri is an excellent ground cover.
Colin Hunt said:
Basically he just wants to hide the shabby fence (which is not his). There's also an armoured power cable in there somewhere!
I would have thought that if there was damage to be done to the drains, the conifers would have already. There should be no problem with the armoured cable - as long as it's not damaged when excavating.
Have to say Darren it seems you are putting a lot of thought and time into a project that will (on the face of it) earn you little. As the customer wants to supply the plants and dig out the trench, I would have though he may as well go the whole hog and have his labour pop the plants in. Unless of course, he wants you to stand the loss of any that dont survive - or is that me being cynical again?
Colin Hunt said:
That's a very good point Colin. Unfortunately or fortunately I'm a details person and always aim to provide excellent customer service. There is the possibility that this will lead to other work and I already do work for other members of his family so almost feel obliged.
I'm glad you mentioned it though because it does help me step back again and see what I am actually doing for my time. On the face of it, all I'm getting is a days labour. I've already said that I'm gong to try not to say "I'll find out" because this invariably leads to doing something for the customer in my own time and not charging.