Cordata

Can someone ban him already^

Thanks everyone, good to know species & that I can cut it back 👌

I have a tree/(large shrub?) I would like to reduce quite a lot but I don't know what it is, and if it takes hard pruning well. There are no growth points to take to past the outer crown - if I cut it in the inner woody sections without any foliage (as you could with a laurel for example and it would come back fine), is this suitable for this plant? Advice and an ID would be appreciated.

Yeah me neither, no character at all like the old stone houses nearby. The client was pretty chilled out, he even mentioned the builders probably put loads of crap in the soil so it could be a case of changing plans after we started digging and problems arise

I for whatever reason didn't know that characteristic of hornbeam, liking moisture. From a few google searches it could be the perfect thing to plant, maybe even digging a trench and mixing some compost in with the naturally occurring clay in case it is devoid of nutrients. Because all the websites I'm reading say it's moisture tolerant and does well in clay, maybe I don't need to create a raised area of soil as @Stere says?

Thanks, that is very true about just creating a place for the water to pool in, I'm just not sure what the best thing to do is. I like the idea for a raised section & what that website says, I will ask the question and see what they say. Hornbeam is similar to beech that would be good, I think it's quite a lot slower growing though. I've suggested 1.75-2m trees, and they want the hedge to grow up past the fence for privacy, so the time taken to grow might make them want something else

Hi all, I have been asked to look at a job where the customer wants a beech hedge planted along one side of their garden. The whole area consists of heavy clay soil and there's evident waterlogging, ground squishy everywhere. The neighbour directly over the fence where the hedge is to be planted, has put in a French drain, to collect the water and take it away. I've attached an image showing the site and direction of water flow. My question is: how best to prepare the ground for the beech hedge going in? I am considering a metre-wide trench, the existing clay soil completely removed, and refilled with 50:50 soil/compost. Maybe even digging lower than required for the trees (50cm?) and putting a small layer of rocks/gravel in the bottom to alleviate potential drainage issues. I don't know if I should consider additional drainage methods, as the water flows towards where we want to plant, is it possible to take TOO much water away? Forest research says - "Beech can grow on mineral soils of poor to medium nutrient status including calcareous ones, but does not tolerate compacted, waterlogged or very dry soils". So waterlogged (as it is currently) is bad, but I don't want to overdo drainage so there is no moisture available, if that's even possible. Anyone with experience of this situation able to offer advice? Thanks

I replaced the air filter, fuel filter, and spark plug and it seems to have fixed it, but thanks for the suggestion I'll look out for that in the future

I got a service kit with new air filter, fuel filter, and spark plug and when fitted this seemed to solve the problem. I did pick up a fuel solenoid as well since you mentioned it, and some googling & youtube videos tell me that it's good preventative maintenance to replace this every so often, so I'll get round to replacing it when I have more time Looking at this article on how to replace - How To Change A Solenoid Valve On Your Machine | STIHL Blog BLOG.STIHL.CO.UK Solenoid valves can wear due to dirt in the fuel tank on your petrol machine. Check out our quick guide to changing the solenoid valve here. - it says to 'coat the solenoid valve below the collar with press fluid' Did you do this, and if so what is and where can I find press fluid? Thanks

Thanks, I got a service kit with a new spark plug, air filter, and fuel filter, fitted them all and it started easily It's about 4 years old and I've never replaced any of these through semi-regular use so think this sorted it out

That makes sense and I agree that once the engine is going, it should prime ok as fuel is being sucked in, but there is a possible blockage or something between the tank and the engine I should troubleshoot, which would explain why the bulb remains low. Another commenter mentioned water in the filter.. is this something you think will be causing the issue? And it will just dump out when I disconnect the filter? A new filter with a small hose in a can of petrol makes sense for testing this out, I'll look into trying this and report back

I need to sit down and properly look at the manual, I could very well be missing something obvious That idea makes sense for testing for blockages.. Probably sound stupid, but I have never disconnected one of those fittings in the fuel line system holding the hoses on. Just as simple as loosening it off to disconnect, and then when I put it back on do I really need to crank down on the screw to tighten it? Or it just needs to be firmly torqued?

I've attached a photo showing the connector coming out the tank, and the inline filter That's interesting about the filter filling up with water, like the filter I have here is designed to let petrol through, but not let water through? I am probably being stupid, but I guess I'd have to disconnect the top fitting on the filter first, turn it upside down so water there doesn't slide back into the tank when I disconnect the bottom fitting, then I can dump it out? Do I then need to prime the fuel lines before turning the engine back on?

Thanks for the practical tips - I've never cleared out the air filter on this yet which could very well be stalling the engine, I'll blow it out tomorrow. Also will check oil. See how you say if the pipe gets empty it can struggle to get started.. it there a way to prime the line with fuel? Quick google said (albeit for a car engine) a way to prime the fuel line was to turn the engine over without the spark plug connected a few times and it would fill with fuel.. Possible solution? I don't know if I popped the cover holding all the belts and tried turning the shaft if it would be hard to turn?

I looked as best I can following the fuel line, and it doesn't seem like there is a pump feeding fuel in from the tank, I think the engine does all the pumping The only thing I can see between the fuel tank and the engine when following the fuel line, is the transparent bulb filter in the pictures