Trees Other than cultivated fruit trees on dwarf rooting stock (which limit growth to at most 12 ft in height), trees are forbidden on allotment plots. Some wild trees/bushes such as the Elderberry are very attractive to birds and produce flowers and fruit which can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Plant cuttings in hedgerows: they take easily. We have recently conducted a survey and have written to all holders of plots where we saw non-fruit trees, asking them to remove them. Trees usually occur as the result of self-seeding by wind, birds or squirrels and it's best to remove seedlings as soon as they are seen. Where they have been allowed to grow larger they may have to be dug out; or where this is impractical, sawn down. In the latter case, coniferous trees can be left as a stump which will not regenerate and will eventually rot away. Deciduous trees, however, will send up strong shoots from a stump and must therefore be killed by the injection of a suitable substance. Please contact your site rep for assistance with the bigger trees.

Shed Maintenance The plot holder is responsible for maintaining the shed. This includes minor repairs and re-felting where necessary. The stores have proper shed roof felt (NB it's different to roofing felt) in 5 m rolls- sufficient for the standard shed (cost around £15.00), plus clout nails for £1.00 per bag . If your shed needs painting, the stores also have large tins of wood preservative (cost £5.50) which will be sufficient for a few years and shed brushes at £2 each. Major damage occasioned by storms will be put right by our travelling shed member at Association expense. But if you have been careless and not left the door securely closed (opening doors are the biggest cause of damage by wind) then you may have to bear the repair costs. Please note that trees or bushes (if your shed is beside a hedgerow) can lacerate roofs in high winds. We suggest a clear area around the shed, and that you don't let ivy get near the shed. Remember that the sheds are owned by the Association, not by the plot holder, and in return for using them during your tenancy you have to maintain them so that they can be passed on in good repair to any future plot holder.

Shed maintenance is vital.