Tag Archives: Weston Sawmill

Read the latest blogs from Weston Sawmill featuring all of our latest news and tips for your garden

garden-firepits

Garden Firepit? We’ve Got You Stocked

Over the winter months, many people visit us to stock up on their logs and coal to heat up their homes. But what about when you sit outside with your firepit? Here at Weston Sawmill, we’ve got you stocked, even in the height of summer. 

The Garden Firepit

Every summer more and more people spend time in their gardens, surrounded by friends and family. But as the sun starts to set, the weather begins to cool and we look for ways to warm up not only ourselves but also our friends and family. The best way to do this is to use the ever-popular fire pit. 

There are different varieties of firepit available, both on the market and that you can build yourself. With this in mind, you need to be aware of which you are using before you start lighting those fires. Using the correct materials can not only help your fire to keep burning as long as possible but also help to extend the lifespan of your fire pit. 

Two Types Of Fire

The reason you need to know the style and quality of your firepit is to ensure that you are lighting the most appropriate fire. 

Fires with a coal base are great if you want them to burn for longer. While you might have to top up the logs on top, the coals will help to retain the heat for longer, meaning that the risk of the new logs needing to be lit is very low. However, the use of coal also means that the fire will burn at a higher temperature. Depending on the style of firepit that you are using, the use of coal might be too much. 

Usually, with lower quality firepits or enclosed firepits, we recommend not using coal and this can drastically reduce the lifespan of the firepit and may even cause immediate damage. 

The other type of fire is a standard log fire. This means keeping all your materials as dried logs, wood and kindling. While this style of fire will burn at a cooler temperature, it will still give off significant heat to keep everyone happy. 

Keep Your Wood Dry

When it comes to your outdoor firepit, we offer the same advice as we do with your internal stove. Keep your logs as dry as possible. 

Burning wet or damp can produce an increased amount of smoke. Many areas in the UK are now smokeless zones, and while this is seldom monitored, your neighbours would have the ability to report you should the smoke become a nuisance. 

To help keep your logs contact us to discuss having your log store built to order, alternatively, come and visit us to see the ones we currently have on display.

For more information on our logs and coal or our log stores, please come and visit us, or get in touch today and our friendly team will be happy to assist you. 

its-not-all-square

It’s Not All Square At Weston Sawmill

We know that when many people think of a sawmill, they usually consider straight cuts of wood, fencing and decking. But here at Weston Sawmill not all of our stock is purely straight lines, we also offer a range of round and half-round lengths too. So how can you add a bit of shape into your garden?

Garden Borders

When it comes to our garden borders, we take pride in the flowers, plants and shrubs that we can grow and display. The only issue is when you have children or pets that regularly use your lawn and end up in your borders! Using half-round timber you can create the perfect little border fence to mark the edge of your lawn. Not only does this work as a practical barrier to stop paws and little legs, but also acts as the perfect frame for your lawn. You can either stack the lengths on their side to offer a long straight, or cut the lengths into shorter lengths to create a short fence.

Horse Jumps

When it comes to building your own horse jumps, or indeed getting someone in to build them for you, you want to ensure that the materials you use are safe for your horses and are hardy if they take a kick or two.
Our round timber will have no straight or potentially harmful edges that can harm your horse should they kick the pole. The structure also means that it can withstand not only those almighty kicks but will not split or splinter if they bounce to the ground a fair few times. Why not start designing your new jumps ready to calculate how many lengths you will need.

Log Cabins

Here’s something for those avid DIYers to get their hands on. Whether you have a big enough garden, an allotment, or even do it on a smaller scale for the kids, why not use our round or half-round timber to create your very own log cabin.
The mixture of styles, thicknesses and lengths that we have available, not to mention those with a point ready to be forced into the ground make this a great choice of material for your cabin. Get the tools out, take some measurements, draw up designs and get to it!
Building a log cabin for the kids will not only give them a great garden escape that you have built just for them, but when they outgrow it, you’ve got some great garden storage!

This stunning shaped timber can be used in a wide variety of ways around your home and garden. So why not think about all the possibilities then come and visit us to choose the perfect timber for your new project.

For more information on any of the products that we have available, please get in touch with us today and we will be happy to assist you. You can also head over to our blogs for more information and ideas.

Suffolk Garden Gates

Why Choose Our Garden Gates

The addition of Suffolk gates from Weston Sawmill to your outdoor space will give you an attractive, versatile and cost-effective product.

During the colder winter months, it is a great time to take a look at your garden and decide what you would like to add throughout the next few months. For our latest blog, Weston Sawmill will give you some reasons to consider new garden gates.

8 Reasons to Consider New Garden Gates

Add Interest To Your Garden – Gates are one of the best ways to add some interest to your garden; plus the right ones are an indication of the mystery of what may lie beyond. This could be a hidden cottage garden, a walled garden or even a wildflower area for picnics during the summer.

Add Some Beauty – You do not need a large garden for new gates, as they can be a way to create something beautiful out of a small and ordinary space.

Make Your Garden Look Bigger – Even if your garden gate does not lead anywhere, it can give the illusion that your outdoor living space is much larger. Some homeowners add a garden gate to their home to increase its value when selling.

Screen Off Unsightly Areas – Having larger garden gates can block off views of a car park or a neighbouring builder’s yard.

Allow Access – Your new gate will provide an entry to a pedestrian walkway or side access if you have one adjoining your property.

Enhance Privacy – Gates can create a boundary at part of your home that is attractive as well as offering increased privacy.

Provide Security – Garden gates act as a psychological barrier and help make your property more secure.

Keep Children and Pets In – Gates can also prevent young children or dogs having access to a nearby road plus they also prevent other people’s pets coming onto your land.

Get in Touch With Any Questions

If you have any questions about our range of Suffolk garden gates, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Weston Sawmill is also the leading provider of fencing and decking for customers right across Shropshire.

Raised garden beds in Wolverhampton

The Best Reasons to Use Raised Garden Beds

While raised garden beds are not a new idea, they continue to be a big discussion point amongst avid gardeners.

By definition, they are a garden bed that is built up instead of down, into a position that solves all manner of gardening challenges. They offer a host of benefits to gardeners, which we will discuss throughout this blog.

9 Ways to Utilise Raised Garden Beds

  1. No Tilling is Better for Soil – A raised bed is a great way of setting up your soil for the easiest gardening session. Instead of tilling up the soil every year to add fertiliser and amendments, you can maintain them by adding materials on top. Compost, mulches, manures and other soil conditioners can all go directly on the top few inches of soil without any extensive work. Your soil is capable of doing its own tilling as worms and roots push their way through. Regular tilling by human hands depletes the soil structure and does nothing to build up the organic component of your soil over a period of time.
  2. Prevent Back Pains – It is surprising how much back and knee strain happens when weeding your garden – especially in larger spaces. A raised bed can resolve back and joint pain plus it is a way to get younger children involved in gardening through hand weeding. Investing in raised beds is an investment in your health.
  3. More Aesthetically Pleasing – If you live in a busy city, having raised beds looking great as well as being practical. They also make pathways easier to maintain as there is a definitive line between the bed and the path.
  4. Keep Away the Critters – Although slugs can climb, the tall sides of raised garden beds slow them down and give you the opportunity to stop them in their tracks. You can also install hardware cloth on the bottom of the box to prevent crawling critters such as groundhogs from stealing root crops. Because of their elevated height dogs are also less likely to urinate on plants. There is also the option of adding plastic hoops for bird barriers, cold frames or row covers.
  5. Raised Soil Means Better Drainage – If you live in an area prone to flooding or in marshy yards, raised beds are the best way to have a full growing season. They also tend to drain better generally, even in heavy rains.
  6. Fewer Weeds and Crab Grass – Tilling will create more weeds as it buries weed seeds and gives them the perfect chance to propagate. One of the best ways to battle crab grass is with raised beds, as its raised barrier stops the grass from infiltrating.
  7. Plant Earlier in the Season – Because of the better drainage in the soil, early planting is possible as the soil will dry out faster in the spring and warms quicker for planting than soil at ground level.
  8. Avoid Contaminated Soil – Many different vegetables, especially roots, tomatoes and greens, absorb heavy metals from contaminated soils which can cause a serious threat. Bringing in raised beds allows you to bring in new soil that has not been subjected to toxicity from elsewhere. You can also greatly reduce toxicity by adding compost which dilutes any concentrations of contamination over time.
  9. Great for Gardening Beginners – Raised beds are great for anyone looking to get into gardening without any prior experience. By adding a box, some soil, compost, seeds and water, you will start growing in no time.

Get in Touch With Any Questions

If you have any questions about raised garden beds, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Weston Sawmill are also the leading providers of fencing and decking for customers across Shropshire and Staffordshire.

big garden birdwatch

Support the Big Garden Birdwatch

The world’s largest bird watching survey returns on 29th January with the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

While we are spending more time than ever indoors, you can still support this important campaign from the safety of your very own garden porch.

Here at Weston Sawmill, we understand the importance of keeping your garden looking spectacular, thanks to our range of decking, fencing and raised flower beds. For this post, we will share more information on the Big Garden Birdwatch.

Everything You Need to Know About the Big Garden Birdwatch

Pick a Time – Choose an hour between 29th and 31st January 2021. This means if you are an early bird or a night owl you will still be able to participate.

Log Your Results – Count the birds you see in your garden or from a balcony (if you live in an apartment or upstairs flat. Make sure you ignore any birds that are already in flight and avoid double-counting. Simply record the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time; don’t keep a running total.

As we have mentioned, this year of the Big Garden Birdwatch will be a little different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning you can also birdwatch from your window if you overlook a green space or courtyard.

Once you have compiled your results, they can be submitted online from 29th January until 19th February. Alternatively, send your results by post using a downloadable submission form, but ensure your results are posted before 15th February.

Finding out which birds do not visit your area is as important as understanding those which do.

Thinking of Upgrading Your Garden? Get in Touch

If you are considering giving your garden an upgrade for 2021, please do not hesitate to contact Weston Sawmill today. View some of our latest work on our Facebook page.

Decking in Shropshire

Your Guide to Winter Decking Maintenance

As the leading supplier of decking across Shropshire and Staffordshire, Weston Sawmill knows a lot about keeping it looking spectacular, even in winter.

This is why we have put together this handy guide with plenty of information on decking maintenance during the coldest months of the year.

7 Essential Decking Maintenance Tasks

  1. Clear Debris – Autumn and winter can bring plenty of debris such as fallen leaves, twigs, moss and rubbish onto your decking. If left unattended, these organic materials will start to rot down, eventually creating a mulch which can penetrate the wood and lead to rot. We would advise grabbing a broom once or twice a month and sweeping up any debris from the decking area and put it in the composter or garden bin.
  2. Remove Any Planters or Seating – If you have heavyweight planters or seating, we would advise removing them from the decking and putting them in storage. If left out, they will create damp spots on the decking, underneath where they are placed. This leads to a build-up of moisture in this particular area which also leads to rot.
  3. Keep An Eye on Mould Build-Ups – Decking is one of the ideal environments for mould and mildew growth and build-ups. As it is situated close to the ground, water and moisture can quickly seep into the timber plus rainfall can, in some cases, settle. Other troublesome areas include the cracks and spaces between two boards. We would recommend giving this area a thorough clean to prevent any build-ups.
  4. Thorough Cleaning Process – A thorough cleaning of decking is needed in winter. For removing fallen debris that is too stubborn to move with a broom, try some hot and soapy water and elbow grease to get rid of it. Now you will need to pressure wash the surface to further clean the area and then scrub areas where dirt or moss have built up. The best way to prevent deterioration is by keeping your decking surface dirt-free.
  5. Remove Any Pet Fouling – If you have a dog or cat, make sure you clear up any mess they make on your decks as this can damage and stain the wood plus it can spread into other areas after rainfall. Another preventative method could be a temporary barrier or decorative fencing to stop them getting into this area.
  6. Paint with Timber Treatment – Wood preservatives are of the best ways to make sure your decking is long-lasting. Before applying treatment, check if the surface is clean and dry and remove any existing wood stain or paint. If any parts of your decks have started to deteriorate then you can always sand back to a better-quality surface. When the area is prepared sufficiently, apply the timber treatment with a brush and make sure it covers all the gaps and cracks.
  7. Apply Water Repellent – Roughly 3 days to a week after applying timber treatment, Weston Sawmill recommends applying a water repellent to help improve your decking’s life expectancy. Once applied, the wood is protected from moisture which also prevents the wood from decay. If left untreated, water will collect in cracks or gaps and will eventually penetrate the wood. Once trapped inside this will begin to cause rot.

Get in Touch for More Information

If you have any questions about decking from Weston Sawmill, please do not hesitate to contact us today and one of our team will be happy to help.

christmas-tree

What To Do With Your Tree after Christmas

After Christmas we find ourselves left with a bare tree that’s been sitting in our house throughout December. So what do we do with the tree now that the rest of our decorations are down?

We will offer some advice on this blog post.

No Longer a Tree

If you have decided that you no longer want to keep your tree, or even plant it outside, there are a number of other ways to use your tree in the garden.

Turn it into mulch
Unwanted Christmas trees can be used to make a great natural mulch to be used in your garden. Using mulch can prepare your soil for the heavy rain to come, a layer of mulch will help reduce the amount of erosion.
To turn your tree into mulch you will usually require a shredder. If you, or noone you know, has one you can lend, you can look into renting one. We recommend gathering any other by products from your garden that can also be shredded at the same time. The trunk itself may be too thick to shred, however, when it is sawn up and dried out, it makes great logs for the fire.

Use it as compost
 Unwanted trees can make great compost for your garden (minus the trunk) just shred it down as much as possible and add it to the compost heap. Be aware that the needles can take a while to compost as they can be quite rubbery.

Use the needles to increase grip
 Sprinkle your tree’s needles across slippery or prone-to-frost pathways.While it won’t completely remove the risk of ice, it will add some extra grip. Or sprinkle them on muddy areas to increase the grip there.

Use as an animal habitat
 Many animals struggle with the harsh winter months. Turning your tree into an animal habitat can help them to survive this difficult time. Cutting branches off and creating little dens in the corners of your garden, can give smaller animals some refuge in the bad weather. And smaller scattered branches mean that birds can use these for their nests.

Create a bird feeder
 Keeping your tree in the pot to ensure that it stays upright, you can decorate it with treats for the birds in your garden to enjoy. Some ideas include:
– Halve an orange and scoop out the flesh. Attach three or four strings through little holes in the side of the orange to create a hanging basket shape. Fill it with bird seed.
– Attach string to a pine cone, making a loop. Dip the cone in peanut butter then cover it in bird seed.
– Thread popcorn onto string using a needle and use it as ‘tinsel’.
– Mix suet with plenty of bird seed, squish it into cookie cutters and push the shapes out onto greaseproof paper. Partly unwind a paperclip and embed it in each shape to create a hook for hanging. Pop your shapes in the freezer to set.
– You can halve and hang up old fruit by attaching string – even if it is bruised or partly rotten. Apples, pears and other fruit will be appreciated by the birds.

Planting Christmas Trees

Environmental Charity Greenpeace encourages people to plant their Christmas trees after use. There are a number of real trees that are perfect for an added feature in your garden. So why not give it a go this year?
Firstly you will need to ensure that your tree has its root ball intact. The best root balls will be on those trees that have been raised in a pot as they will not have had the same damage as those that have been dug up and potted.
When removing your tree from the home, try to allow it adjustment time, so moving it into a garage or a green house before the great outdoors will allow it to adjust to the colder temperatures. During this time, ensure that it has plenty of water to keep it healthy. When it comes to planting day, ensure that you choose a warmer and dry day. Dig your hole to slightly wider than your pot. But no deeper. Your roots should sit no deeper than they did in the pot. Saturate your roots before you remove them from the pot, this will hydrate them and make the move easier on them. Fill the remainder of the hole with as much organic mulch as possible. Ensure that the solid around your tree is kept as moist as possible until the roots have taken hold. And you have one planted tree!

Recycle it

If you want the tree out of your home and garden, you can always recycle it. Many garden centres are happy to take old trees and will turn them into wood chippings. There are also conservation schemes throughout the UK that welcome old trees, speak to your local council to find out what schemes are running in your area. You may find some nature reserves or wildlife centres that will be happy to take them off your hands.

For more information on Christmas trees, please contact a member of our expert team. Weston Sawmill offers the finest range of Christmas trees for customers across Staffordshire and Shropshire.

fencing winter maintenance

Winter Fencing Maintenance with Weston Sawmill

Winter can be a tricky time for exterior home features, from siding to fencing and beyond. The weight and changing consistency of melting ice and snow can lead to damage of even the strongest materials.

Thankfully, Weston Sawmill has put together an essential list of maintenance tasks to keep your fencing looking great all year round.

6 Essential Fencing Maintenance Tasks

Cut Back Overhanging Limbs – If you have tree limbs which hang over your fence, you will need to trim them back before the snow and ice arrive. The limbs will add a higher volume of water to the fence line which can lead to a thick buildup of ice. The limbs themselves will also get heavier with snow on them, which could mean them breaking off and damaging your fence. If you get ahead of the game and trim them this will not be an issue.

Don’t Let Leaves Pile Up Around your Fence – If you have some leftover leaves from autumn, you could be tempted to brush them up the fence edge. Leaves will sometimes pile up there on their own because of the wind too. If left unattended before winter, they could damage your fence in the colder months. The leaves lock moisture in and around your fence which leads to warping of posts plus they can become a home for unwanted bugs.

Once autumn is over, we would recommend taking care of your leaf piles.

Rake and Shovel Snow Drifts – If a pile of snow begins to form around your fence, use a rake or shovel to move it away from the edge of your property. You will not need to get rid of the snow entirely as it will melt on its own, just keep it away from your fence.

Avoid Attaching Items to Your Fence – Some people will use their fence as part of their wall with ladders, sledges and much more. However, leaving these items during winter means snow and ice will pile on top of them. If it is possible, move those items into your shed or garage until the Spring.

Complete Repairs Quickly – Winter can turn small fence damage into a larger problem. If your fence posts become weakened they will not be able to handle the expansion/contraction that comes with melting snow. Weston Sawmill would recommend taking care of any repairs quickly so your fence is strong and ready for winter.

Clean Fencing When Winter Is Over – Once the snow has gone, your fence could look slightly dull and dirty. Most fences can be cleaned using water and soap but if you would like to get it stained, we recommend talking to a professional first.

Contact Us With Any Questions

If you have any questions about fencing maintenance for winter or any other time of year, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Weston Sawmill now.

christmas trees

Which Theme Should I Choose for my Christmas Tree?

If you have recently invested in one of the Christmas trees from Weston Sawmill, you may be wondering what sort of theme will work best for your tree.

Luckily, our team have over 25 years of experience in providing the finest range of trees for customers across Shropshire and Staffordshire.

For this blog, we are going to share a handful of ideas to get your Christmas creative juices flowing.

Essential Themes for Christmas Trees

A Musical Christmas – If your family enjoys a musical, then you could use music notes, instruments and bells as Christmas decorations. Anyone who sees your tree once it is decorated will know exactly what it is all about.

Winding some musical note ribbon through the branches will add to the musical portion of the tree. You can fill in the gaps with gold and silver ornaments and tree picks to complete this elegant look.

The Coastal Christmas Tree – If you and your family enjoy the sand and watercolours of coastal decor, you could opt for a coastal festive theme.

Using shells, faux coral and manzanita branches will give the idea of the beach without going over the top. These types of colours are ideal for bringing a beachy feel.

Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree – A winter wonderland theme brings the outside indoors, using silver, white and brown colour scheme which will feel very wintery.

The earthy elements plus the furry owl decorations will prevent it from feeling too cold.

Snowy Christmas Tree – A snowy tree theme incorporates polar bears and penguins as the animal decorations on the tree. With plenty of white ornaments, snowflakes and white tree picks will give it a wintry feel.

Get in Touch for More Information

If you have any questions about Weston Sawmill’s range of Christmas trees, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

We currently have plenty of trees in stock, including Nordmann Fir, Potted Spruce, Spruce and Potted Norway Spruce to choose from plus plenty of Christmas decorations.

christmas trees

How to Dog-Proof Christmas Trees

Nothing is cuter than your dog posing in front of beautifully decorated Christmas trees for a seasonal snap – but remember they are not always a good mix.

Weston Sawmill is the leading provider of Christmas trees across Shropshire and Staffordshire with our years of experience vital when protecting your tree against pets.

Decorated trees using breakable ornaments and electric lights can be dangerous for dogs as they can be quite curious about the new tree in your home.

8 Steps to Protect Your Dog Around Your Tree

Don’t worry dog owners can still have Christmas trees, you just need to take some precautions. Read our 8 handy tips below on how to keep your dog safe around your Christmas tree –

  1. Go Artificial – If a Christmas tree falls over on TV it is very funny but it is no laughing matter when it’s in your living room. One alternative is choosing a traditional artificial tree, with a quality stand to secure its base. Prevent injuries to curious pets by placing your tree in a corner and anchor it securely to the wall or ceiling. You can also create an ‘alarm’ to alert you if your tree is in danger. Simply place aluminium foil or a can filled with beans on the tree’s bottom limbs and if your dog starts nosing around the tree you will hear it in time to stop any accidents.
  2. Begin With a Bare Tree – Before you decorate your Christmas tree, leave it up for a few days. This may help your dog get used to having a tree in the house, so they could be more likely to leave it alone when it is covered in lights and baubles.
  3. Beware Electrical Cords – Bright and shiny lights are hard to resist, but they can be dangerous to your dog. They could get tangled in the wires or could be at risk of electrical shock if they are a chewer. If you put your Christmas lights on the tree, leave the bottom branches bare. You need to secure cords leading to and from the tree plus you can hide cords with the tree skirt or decorative package. Use adhesive-backed cord clips to keep them off the floor and out of reach.
  4. Put Fragile Ornaments Higher Up the Tree – Your dogs tail (especially if they are a bigger dog) can be lethal to Christmas decorations. Broken decorations could be a choking hazard or lead to paw or mouth injuries. Also, keep your family heirlooms safe, and put fragile ornaments higher up your tree. Depending on how rambunctious your dog is, you may consider leaving the bottom third of the tree bare.
  5. No Food on the Tree – Chocolate ornaments and candy canes make beautiful decorations but they are a no-go for dogs. Chocolate is one of the most dangerous foods for dogs, so make sure it is kept out of their reach at all times.
  6. Keep Toxic Plants Out of Reach – Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are potentially toxic for dogs. If you decorate your Christmas tree with any of them; keep them out of the reach of your pets. Alternatively, look for artificial versions which are much safe for your dog. Pine needles are not particularly toxic but they are small and sharp, leading to injuries to your dog’s mouth and intestines. If you decide to have a real Christmas tree, make sure you hoover up fallen needles every day.
  7. Keep Candles off the Tree – Candlelight is great around Christmas time but open flames and dogs do not mix. Flickering candlelight, if you are decorating with candles place them on secure shelves away from your dog. The flickering effect can be achieved on Christmas trees using clip-on LED candles.
  8. Save Presents for Christmas Morning – Sometimes dogs are more curious about what’s under the tree than the tree itself. Keep your Christmas gifts safe and protect your dog from ingesting something that may not agree with them, by saving presents for Christmas morning completely safe from dog slobber.

Christmas Trees Available from Weston Sawmill

Weston Sawmill offers Nordmann Fir, Potted Nordmann, Potted Norway Spruce, Spruce and traditional Christmas trees from our nursery.

Contact us today to reserve your tree ready for the most wonderful time of the year.