Battling the Cold: Highlights from This Week's Works and Woodworking Adventures

This week brought a sharp drop in temperature, testing the resilience of outdoor work crews and woodworkers alike. Despite the biting cold, the team managed to complete several important tree/hedge maintenance tasks across Greenhill, Dronfield, and Sheffield, while progress continued steadily in the woodworking shop. The snow held off until the very end of the week, allowing for uninterrupted work and safe conditions. Here’s a detailed look at the week’s activities.

This Weeks Works

The week started with reductions on three mature trees in Greenhill’s S8 area: two sycamores and a beech.

Another job in the Greenhill S8 area involved the removal of a small front hedge. This hedge had become a barrier for the driveway and so its clearance opened up the front of the property.

In Dronfield’s S18 district, the team carried out the monthly maintenance of a commercial site. This routine work included leaf clearance, litter picking and general tidying of the site. Regular maintenance is crucial for commercial properties to maintain safety standards and present a tidy appearance.

The week’s final outdoor task was the maintenance of a cherry tree in Sheffield’s S12 area. Cherry trees require delicate care, especially in winter, to prepare them for healthy blooming in spring. The team performed selective pruning to remove , dead or damaged branches and improve air circulation within the canopy.

This careful work helps reduce the risk of fungal infections and encourages stronger growth.

Lees Woodworking Progress: Resin Olive and Pine Wine Cup

While the outdoor team battled the cold, Lees Woodworking made great strides indoors. The wine cup crafted from resin, olive and pine wood is nearly complete. This piece combines the natural beauty of pine wood with the unique patterns of resin & olive wood, creating a striking contrast.

The process involved careful shaping and sanding to achieve a smooth finish, followed by polishing to bring out the wood’s grain and resin’s clarity. This project showcases the skill and patience required in woodworking, especially when working with mixed materials. The final product will be both functional and decorative, perfect for wine enthusiasts who appreciate handcrafted items.

Looking Ahead

With the snow arriving at the end of the week, the team will need to adapt to changing conditions. Snow can delay outdoor work but also offers an opportunity to assess tree health under winter stress.

As a family we are hoping to have a fun snow day utilising a new sledge purchased back in the summer last year.