Useful John

With Spring officially only 3 weeks away, it's time to get your garden ready for outside entertaining! Gardens can get a little 'wild' over the winter months, so let me help get it back into shape so you can get out there and enjoy it.
I can help with one big overhaul or regular maintenance - the choice is yours.
- Lawns will need cutting regularly now and beds can be prepared or created - ready for planting out your summer bedding plants towards the end of May.
... - Drives and patios may need weeding and cleaning, especially if slippery due to algae but will look amazing too and can totally transform your outdoor space when cleaned.
- Fences, decking and sheds can be cleaned if necessary and/or then painted/sprayed once the dryer weather sets in.
To book me, please call 07848 439063, send a message on Facebook or email help@usefuljohn.co.uk
For more information and examples of work please visit my website at: https://usefuljohn.co.uk
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Nice to have some sunnier, warmer weather again. Even caught a bit of sun today on my arms!! 😳

A quieter time of year, so my website has been revamped. If you get a chance, please click the link below and let me know if you can think of any improvements:
https://www.usefuljohn.co.uk
I'll be doing a monthly 'Useful Blog' too, starting this weekend for February, so do check back for helpful tips.
... I still have a few free slots for the next couple of weeks, so get in touch and book me in for a bit of garden TLC!
And if anyone is considering a website or needs some design or print work, my wife is a freelance graphic and web designer and has offered a 20% discount to any of my customers or Page followers!
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Thinking of having a garden tidy - weeding paving etc? I also clear leaves, which if you have too many may cause problems with your lawn.
Don't wait for everything to triple in size once the warmer weather hits!
Give me a call on 07848 439063 or message me here on Facebook to book.

LEAVES... LEAVES... LEAVES!
1. 2. 3. Too many are not good for your lawn and I'm great at clearing them if you aren't in the mood!
1. At this time of year, too many leaves can smother your lawn and by Spring may inhibit healthy, even growth.
... 2. Excessive leaves increase the risk of snow mould (Fusarium Patch) too, as the leaves mimic snow cover. Fusarium is one of the more destructive lawn diseases and controlling it is hard.
3. And finally of course, damage from visitors such as mice and voles will be more extensive in the Spring, so why give them more places to hide!?
Leaves on paths and drives can be a slip hazard too, so blow, sweep or vacuum them away - especially help any elderly relatives, friends or neighbours.
I clear single storey guttering too (bungalows and garages), so don't wait for the leaves to become a problem and damage the actual guttering.
Preventative measures are far quicker and cheaper! If you would like me to deal with your leaves, please message me or call 07848 439063.
And remember... I'm not called Useful John for nothing (called a lot worse by the wife at times! 🤣), so if there's anything else you need help with - from clearing out the garage to getting stuff down from the loft, then I'm your man.
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GARDEN TIDY / WINTER PREP Final lawn mow of the year Last chance bulb planting Hedge trimming Weeding / Clearing leaves... Refuse/Tip/Recycle Runs Gutter clear*
* Single storey (bungalows and garages). Those leaves and debris can cause all manner of problems, which may prove MUCH more costly if left.
Call me now to book in on 07848 439063 or message me here on Facebook.
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Just trimmed this huge hedge. Now's the time to cut back and let more winter light in! Give me a call now to book in.07848 439063☺️

Let me do the hard work!
Time to think about planting Spring bulbs, bedding plants and biennials (wall-flowers) for a colourful splash next year. If you have a space in your garden that needs brightening up, I can create a new bed or border for you and prepare it for Spring.
Now is the time of year I can also help to:
... - Rake leaves - Cut grass for probably the last time this year (slightly higher to protect from frost) - Trim hedges - Clear up! (greenhouses, sheds, ponds, storing or covering garden furniture, bringing pots in etc.) - Take stuff to the Tip (always busy this time of year!) - Clear gutters (single storey only)
Give me a call on 07848 439063 or message me here on FB if you would like some help with any of the above and I'll book you in.
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Can't believe we're only a week and a half from Autumn! Jobs I'm expecting to do lots of from next month include:
- Raking leaves - Cutting grass for probably the last time this year (slightly higher to protect from frost) - Trimming hedges... - Clearing up! (greenhouses, sheds, ponds, storing or covering garden furniture, bringing pots in etc.) - Planting Spring bulbs, bedding and biennials (wall-flowers) for a colourful splash next year. - Tip runs (always busy at this time of year!) - Clearing gutters (single storey only)
Give me a call on 07848 439063 or message me here on FB if you would like some help with any of the above and I'll book you in.
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Another satisfying clearance and very happy customer! 'Before', 'during' and 'after' photos - a little over 3 hour's work to transform the area.
Call me on 07848 439063 to book or message me here on Facebook.

Looks like we might finally get some decent rain here in Telford soon!
For those wishing to keep the bugs off the kids (and themselves), I have a friend who swears by these natural bracelets and they’re only around £1 – £2 each (depending if you catch them on offer!). Come in a pack of 10.
Not sure the boys would go for them but.... 🤣

Seeing loads of ants at the moment and this seems to be the product that's working for many of my customers. It's safe around pets and kids, which is probably why!
Tip: If you have a 'trail' of ants leading from outside into your home, it's because they leave a scent for others to follow. You can get rid of the trails quite easily by spraying a mix of one part vinegar and 3 parts water along the trail. NOTE: If the ants are already NESTING inside, this won't stop them - you'll need to use something like this killer powder.

Before and After. Call or message me if you have ivy that needs removing from your fence!!🍃☺️

Spot of fence painting today. Much smarter, don't you think? Thank you rain; you stopped and stayed away!

Had a terribly traumatic experience today. I was very distressed to find an upper torso and leg behind the undergrowth of a customer's garden.
It was horrific - I fear I am emotionally scarred. Apparently, her name was Cindy. Warning: Facebook may have removed the photo.

Always nice to have someone to talk to while I work! 🐸
Message me or call me on 07848 439063 for general gardening or overgrown gardens, tip runs, patio/path cleaning, hedge/tree trimming, fence painting and more...