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Article Archive


Timber decks – common problems and repairs
Exposed to the elements, timber decks frequently need repairs to stay looking good and remain safe to use. While most landscapers are...
May 1, 20226 min read


To prune or not to prune?
Mark Roberts runs through the why and how’s of pruning – and relays some common mistakes I have a friend and colleague at Christchurch...
Mar 1, 20224 min read


The complex completion of Lancaster Park
Turf construction and grow-in can be challenging at the best of times, especially if the turf in question is on the historic Lancaster...
Mar 1, 20223 min read


A guide to rhododendrons
Rhododendrons are a hardy plant that thrives in moist soil. Here’s some expert guidance you can pass onto your clients on how to properly...
Jan 1, 20222 min read


Paving Units – part 3
Paving units of concrete, clay, brick, timber, stone or tile are popular and attractive options, though it’s essential they are installed...
Jan 1, 20225 min read


Ground cover Part 2
In any great garden design, the icing on the cake is the covering of the ground – that last finishing touch once you have the trees,...
Jan 1, 20221 min read


Don’t be afraid to seek specialist help
Falling victim to the Dunning-Kruger effect could cost you time and money, so don’t be afraid to seek specialist help The expression ‘a...
Jan 1, 20224 min read


Summer lawn installation and care
In the current climate, jobs need to be done when they need to be done, which sometimes means sowing, turfing or hydroseeding lawns in...
Jan 1, 20223 min read


The substance of being hollow
Thanks to uniform stress, a hollow tree doesn’t always mean a weak tree. This is worth considering if a client has asked you whether a...
Nov 1, 20214 min read


Paving Units - Part 1
Paving units of concrete, clay, brick, timber, stone or tile are popular and attractive options, though it’s essential they are installed...
Sep 1, 20215 min read


How to plant trees which will last
Arborist Mark Roberts tells us how planting a tree requires a lot more than simply sticking it in the ground. Considering the tree’s...
Jul 1, 20214 min read


Composting is a circular solution
Economic and ethical incentives increasingly steer compost and green waste away from landfill. However, composting is more complicated...
Jul 1, 20214 min read


Earthworks Unearthed
Most landscape construction projects begin with some form of earthworks, ranging from simple small-scale levelling to major excavation or...
May 1, 20212 min read


What’s so hard about soil?
When is soil just dirt, why should you care, and what can you do about it? Arborist Mark Roberts digs into this important topic When I...
May 1, 20215 min read


Pros and Cons of artificial lawns
The use of artificial grass has increased exponentially in the past few years and it is now an accepted part of the New Zealand...
May 1, 20214 min read


It’s raining again...
Placing concrete correctly isn’t rocket science, but there are a few pitfalls to avoid to get a structurally strong and aesthetically...
May 1, 20213 min read


The birds and the bees
A growing number of clients are asking landscape professionals to assist them in attracting birds and insects (mainly bees) to their...
Mar 1, 20214 min read


Sun shade structures
BRANZ sheds light on some key considerations when adding shade structures to your clients’ property Tensile fabric roof structures and...
Mar 1, 20213 min read


Outdoor Exposure
An exposed aggregate finish is the name given to concrete where the top layer of cement paste has been removed to reveal the aggregate....
Dec 1, 20203 min read


Landscape influences on building performance
Because landscape design and construction is often carried out adjacent to or as an extension to buildings, the interaction between the...
Jun 1, 20203 min read
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