Sheds and Trees
© Hotwells & District Allotments Ltd 2007-2021
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.
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. 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.