Grounds Maintenance

How do you maintain trees on Fairhive owned communal land?

All of our trees on communal land have been surveyed. Each tree is tagged with a small silver disk with a four digit identification number that links to survey data advising any essential works required. 

When a tree on our land is reported to us, we will instruct a survey to identify any work required.  Any work will be instructed in order of risk and priority. If the tree has a Tree Protection Order (TPO) or is in a conservation area, we will liaise with the local authority. 

Do you maintain trees in my garden?

We only carry out works to trees on our communal land. Tenants are responsible for any trees in their garden, including their removal if required. If tenants do not maintain a tree properly, we may decide to remove it and charge the tenant for the cost. For more information, please refer to your tenancy agreement.

Do you prune trees when they are an inconvenience?

We do not prune trees where there is a general inconvenience reported through to us. Inconveniences people find annoying:

• Shade

• Sticky ‘honey-dew’ on cars / furniture.

• Loss of views / screening / shelter.

• Leaf / fruit / seed fall and small debris

• Pollen allergies.

• Bird droppings.

• Harmless insects or those with low risk or only seasonal impacts.

• Overhanging branches.

• TV/radio signal interference.

• Apprehensions you feel due to tree height or swaying in the wind.

• Children playing noisily in trees.

When do you cut communal hedging?

We cut our hedges twice each year. We do not cut hedges between beginning of March and the end of July, due to nesting birds. In special circumstances we will carry out works during this time but only after thoroughly checking for nests.

How often do you cut communal grass areas?

Grass in our communal areas is cut every 2-3 weeks, although this may be slightly longer if there has been significant rainfall. We aim to cut the grass 16 times a year, with the majority being during the main growing season (March to October) but grass cutting may also take place outside of this time if it is safe and practical to do so.

Check when our grounds maintenance contractors - idverde - are next in your area.

Why do you not take away all the clippings?

Grass is cut on all communal Fairhive areas and is a 'cut and drop' service, where grass clippings are left on the surface.

At Independent Living sites we provide a 'cut and collect' service where grass clippings are collected by the mower and taken away.

Do you collect fallen leaves?

We only collect leaves at Independent Living sites two times a year. 

Can you help me with my garden?

We offer a ‘paid for’ gardening service for residents who are unable to maintain their gardens themselves. To join, you must be clear of rent arrears.

Get more information about the 'paid for' Gardening Service here.

Do you provide a one off garden clearance?

Only in exceptional circumstances will we ask our contractor to provide a quotation to clear an overgrown garden. The costs of completing these works may be recharged as well. 

Do you maintain all alley ways?

If an alleyway is Fairhive's responsibility we will arrange to have it cleared of overgrowth/weeds. If the alleyway is not ours, we will refer it to Buckinghamshire Council. 

What is your process for dealing with Japanese Knotweed?

Do not touch, move or attempt to treat it!

We will instruct an inspection of all reports of Japanese Knotweed immediately whether on our communal land or in a tenants gardens. If confirmed as Japanese Knotweed we’ll start treatment immediately.

Do you provide a gritting/salting service? 

This service is only provided to Independent Living sites and is limited to the area from the main front door to the car park. This is triggered when temperature forecast to minus 2 degrees and below.

Can't find what you are looking for?

If you can't find the answer that you are looking for, please contact our Estates Services team directly on 01296 732600 or via email.