Planting is only the beginning of establishment. Weed competition, browsing, damaged guards, drought, failed plants and inappropriate cutting can quickly undermine a well-designed project.

LeftHand Land Management provides practical habitat maintenance and planting aftercare for farms, estates, conservation organisations and ecological projects across the South West. Work can support a newly installed scheme or help bring an existing project back into active management.

Maintenance and aftercare services

·     Vegetation management around new planting

·     Guard, stake and tie inspection

·     Replacement of failed or missing plants

·     Formative pruning and early tree care

·     Hedgerow establishment maintenance

·     Selective scrub and habitat clearance

·     Orchard and agroforestry aftercare

·     Scheduled inspections and completion records

Maintaining establishment, not simply appearance

The purpose of early maintenance is to help the intended habitat establish. That means controlling competition where it threatens young plants, retaining useful natural regeneration, checking protection before damage occurs and responding to failure while replacement remains practical.

The approach is adjusted to the purpose of the site. A BNG planting scheme, productive orchard, new hedgerow and agroforestry system may contain similar plants, but their management requirements and success measures are different.

Scheduled and multi-year aftercare

Aftercare can be included with a new planting contract or arranged for an existing scheme. Where continuity is important, visits can be scheduled around the establishment risks and seasonal work required. This may include spring checks, vegetation control, summer inspection, autumn replacement planning and winter planting or pruning.

For schemes led by ecologists, landscape architects or other advisers, LeftHand can work to the agreed maintenance schedule and provide clear records of work completed, site issues and recommended follow-up actions.

Bringing neglected schemes back on track

We can also inspect planting that has suffered poor survival, damaged protection or heavy vegetation competition. The first step is to identify what remains viable, what needs replacement and which maintenance actions will make the greatest practical difference.

Let’s Work Together

If you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.