The Best Firewood?

What is the Best Firewood?

When it comes to picking out firewood there are a few important qualities to look for, these include the smell, burn time and amount of smoke produced when the logs burn. To make things easier for you we have categorized some of the very best woods for use in log burning stoves and open fires into five small sections based on the qualities you need from them.

Smell

Apple, Pear, Cherry and generally any other wood from a fruit tree, burns well but also gives off a pleasant and slightly sweet smell when burned.

Cedar wood is also known for having a very nice, rich scent and produces a lot of long-lasting heat, but does tend to spit and crackle a lot when burning.

Heat

Yew wood produces a lot of heat and still burns slowly. It has a very subtle aroma, so is a nice wood to burn when sitting in front of the fire.

Beech wood has many similar qualities to Ash, however it burns much hotter and requires to be seasoned for longer as it does not burn well when green.

Burn Time

Oak can take some effort to light but, once it is lit, it will last for longer than any other hardwood and gives off a good heat.

Smoke

Certain woods such as Acacia wood produce a lot of smoke, however Acacia also burns for a long time and produces lots of heat so it's great as a source of fuel for a wood burning stove.

Blackthorn wood has a steady flame, good heat output and produces very little smoke.

Best All-rounder 

Ash wood is commonly regarded as the best wood for burning due to its many desirable qualities such as; a long burn time, high heat output and low smoke output. As it has very few knots it sparks less than other hardwood's, making it safer to burn. Ash wood also burns completely so leaves very little ash behind.

Order a Bulk Bag of Seasoned Hardwood Logs From Our Website!

Want to know which coal you should be using? Click the link below to read our blog post on the best Coal.

http://lanleesupplies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/the-best-coal.html

For more tips, or to buy any of the products mentioned in this post please visit our website http://www.lanleesupplies.co.uk/Products/Logs_Firewood_Kindling and like our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/LanleeSupplies/ 

How to Make Your Christmas Tree Last Longer!

Lanlee Guide

How To Preserve Your Christmas Tree

There's nothing more disappointing than rushing downstairs on Christmas morning to see the tree you spent £40+ on has wilted into a brown, spineless disaster! To save you the sadness and general angst that this so often causes for those of us that prefer the 'real thing' as oppose to artificial trees we have compromised yet another one of our guides on how to preserve your Christmas Tree and keep it fresh during the weeks leading up to, and some of the weeks after Christmas!

Inspect The Tree

When you buy a tree don't be afraid to take a closer look at the spines and branches. Chances are if you buy a tree that is already browning slightly and seems a bit 'parched' its not going to last anywhere near as long as a tree which has a rich colour and lots of needles. 

Re-Fresh The Tree

After a tree has been cut the sap within the tree begins to (over the course of about three hours) dry and harden which, in turn, seals up the cut. This makes it difficult for the tree to take up any water. To solve this problem you should make sure to make a fresh cut in the tree about an inch from the bottom of the trunk before you place it in the water.  No matter how much water you place it in If you miss this step your tree will dry out allot earlier!

Water it!

It is important to place your tree in a stand that can hold at least 4.5 Litres of water. The most effective solution to keep you Tree Fresh is too water it regularly with hot (not boiling) water with some sugar or corn syrup mixed in. Using this mixture will keep the sap 'gooey' and stop it from sealing the incision that has been made in the tree.

Maintain

Cutting off dead branches and any other browning parts of the tree will help to keep it alive longer. You should also check regularly that the level of water your tree is sat in never goes below the cut you have made, otherwise it will dry up. 

Placing

Where you put your tree can have a big affect on how long it will last. Constantly changing temperatures and excessive heat will dry out your tree. Some people suggest putting your tree next to a de-humidifier to keep it fresher for longer.

Want To Buy A Christmas Tree?

Buy A Christmas Tree Online Here!

For more tips, or to buy any of the products mentioned in this post please visit our website http://www.lanleesupplies.co.uk/Products/Logs_Firewood_Kindling and like our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/LanleeSupplies/

Lanlee Guide: How to Make Your Decking Non-Slip!

Lanlee Guide

How To Make Decking Non-Slip!

Algae build-up,  rotting vegetation (for example fallen leaves in the Autumn) and cold,  damp environments are all factors which contribute to the slipperiness of your decking.  Due to the cold, damp weather associated with our country these factors become accentuated and you thus become more at risk of slipping or having a serious injury. For this reason we have compiled a short guide on the steps you should take to weatherproof your decking so that you are less likely to suffer injury.

Clean

Before you do any of the other steps you should make sure that your decking is clean and free from any mould, fungus or algae so that you get the best results possible. To ensure that your decking is fully clean you should use a good quality decking cleaner, and not the traditional soap and water.

Decking Cleaner

It is important to clean your decking at least 2-3 times a year with a good quality decking cleaner such as Cuprinols Decking Cleaner to prevent the build-up of mould and algae on your decking. Using a decking cleaner before staining/varnishing your deck will help you to achieve the best results.

Treat

There are a few different types of treatment you can use on your decking to prevent slipperiness.  These are: Decking Oil and Anti-Slip Decking Stains.

Decking Stain 

Decking Stains help to protect the film surface from Algae and Mould growth whilst also providing a tough and durable finish. Cuprinols Anti-Slip Decking Stain contains invisible anti-slip micro-beads which make your decking much safer than it would be if it was untreated. Good quality decking stains (such as the one previously mentioned) usually have a rich, translucent colour which transfers onto the decking.

Decking Oil

Decking Oils repel water and help to resist mould and algae growth. Decking oil enhances the natural colour of the wood as it replaces the natural oils within the wood that it has lost through weathering. Decking oils however, require to be re-applied more Regularly than a stain.

Add

There are many fixtures which can be bought that provide non-slip qualities without having to add any additional coatings to your decking. The following products can be used in conjunction with a decking oil or stain to provide extra security for you on areas of your decking which may be particularly slippy, such as stairs.

Anti-Slip Plates

Anti-Slip safety plates are ideally suited to grooved decking and steps. Anti-Slip plates give a non-slip surface to decking steps, which is particularly effective during periods of wet and frosty weather. The anti-slip plates found on our website can also be used on metal or concrete surfaces as well as decking due to the fact that they can be mechanically fixed on using screws or nails.

Anti-Slip Tape

Anti-Slip tape can be applied as a quick way to deal with your decking problems. It sticks down easily to most surfaces (Including Decking) and provides good grip in particular problem areas. Anti-Slip tape is cheap to buy, but should not be used as a substitute to treating your decking as it does not provide complete coverage and may have to be re-applied at some point.

(Click Here for a Step-by-Step Guide on how to effectively remove Algae and Fungus from your Decking) 

For more tips, or information on prices please visit our website http://www.lanleesupplies.co.uk/Products/Logs_Firewood_Kindling and like our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/LanleeSupplies/

Perfect Christmas Gifts for the Avid Gardener

Perfect Christmas Gifts for the Avid Gardener

There is no denying that the bests gifts to give and receive are those which are heartfelt. They show that you know that person well, and really do listen when they discuss the things that they love with you. The problem with that is that it can take up lots of time trying to search for the 'perfect' gift. However, If that close friend or family member is a gardener you're in luck! We have scoured the internet to find some of the best fun but also practical gifts for four different types of gardener, all for under £20. The young gardener, the show-off, the lazy gardener and the beginner can all be catered for, and for all your hard work, you can even treat yourself to something too...

(1) For The Young Gardener(1)

~£7.19~

This is the perfect gift for any child who is interested in gardening. They are all proper tools, manufactured from carbon steel with a hardened and tempered, gun metal finish, but are much lighter than the full size versions.
This Kit Contains:

• 1x Hand Cultivator

• 1x Hand Trowel

• 1x Hand Fork

• 1x Pair of Gardening Gloves

(2)For The 'Show-Off'(2)

~£13.99~

These trowels make the perfect gift for the gardener fried, or family member, you know and love. Fun and functional these trowels show them you know just how special they are. Featuring an etched stainless steel blade for resistance to rust and a mirror polished finish that helps the blade slip easily into the ground (and makes it easier to clean) these trowels also come with a ten-year guarantee. These trowels also have an additional hardwood handle with a tang to help to prevent scraped knuckles and provide additional leverage. Weather proofed for longer life these trowels are an essential park of any gardeners tool kit.

(3)For The Lazy Gardener(3)

~19.20~

This item makes the perfect gift for any gardener in need of some TLC. It is great value for money (considering the amount of items you receive) and comes with the option to have it wrapped in Christmas paper. 

This Kit Contains:

• 1x Lady Gardening Cloves, Pink (colours and pattern may vary)
• 1x Lady Size Lightweight Secateurs, Plain Green (pattern and colour may vary)
• 1x Gardening Hand Fork with Pink Handle 
• 1x Gardening Hand Trowel with a Pink Handle
• 1x Gardening Twine with Metal Cutter (30mtr)
• 1x Travel Mug with handle, ideal for in the garden and can be used for hot or cold drinks. It wont spill and keeps insects from helping themselves to a drink
• 1x Dove Soap Lather Rich, nice to use after gardening
• 1x Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Body Wash, Shea Butter and Warm Vanilla (250ml)
• 1x Nail Brush in Pink
• 1x Pink Foam Rose, great little keepsake
• 1x Box Tray, can be used in the shed or house for storage (33cm x 26cm)

(4)For The Beginner(4)

~£14.95~

This Vegetable Growing Starter Kit Includes:

• High Quality Seeds ; Carrot 'Nantes' , Dwarf French Beans ' Speedy', Peas 'Rondo' , Spinach 'Bordeaux' , Swiss Chard 'Bright Lights'
• Beautiful 5-Step Illustrated instruction booklet
• Growing on, outdoor sowing, harvesting and uses instructions
• Mini Greenhouse
• Plant Markers
• Pencil

Want to Buy? Just click on the links below! 

(1)http://www.lanleesupplies.co.uk/Products/005800050008/GPYG

(2)

-Garden Queen Trowel  http://www.lanleesupplies.co.uk/Products/005800050008/TOGSJEGHTGQ

- Worlds Best Gardener  http://www.lanleesupplies.co.uk/Products/005800050008/TOGSJEGHTWBG

(3) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ladies-Gardening-Tools-Gloves-Gift-Set-Trowel-Fork-Secateurs-Gift-Set-FREE-WRAP-/131654833484

(4)http://www.plant-n-grow.co.uk/product/vegetable-growing-starter-kit-grows-from-april/

Lanlee Guide: Protecting Plants in Winter

Lanlee Guide

How to Protect Your Plants From Frost Damage

Plants have many of their own safeguards to protect them from the winter months when both heat and sunlight are sparse, however as the species of plants in our gardens diversify an the winters seem to get harsher there are many steps that need to be taken to insure your garden 'blossoms' into something truly spectacular when spring rolls back around. We have compiled a list of the three main steps that you should carry out to protect your garden from frost damage and the ,often harsh, winter weather.

1. Plan

When Planting it is important to consider where you place your plants so that they are protected from the cold. Planting more vulnerable vegetation against a south facing wall can both protect it from strong winds and allows it to get the maximum amount of sunlight. 

You should also pay attention to the type of plants you grow as there are many species of flowers, fruit an vegetable which are hardier than others and may even continue to grow in the winter time.

2. Prepare

One of the biggest tasks for gardeners is making sure that you are prepared for winter. 

As the leaves start falling it would be useful to get a compost bin and gather up any fallen or rotting plant matter in that. You can also shred the dry leafs to make leaf mulch. Leaf Mulch is the most effective mulch for deterring weeds so by doing this you could save yourself having to spend hours de-weeding your garden in the summer time. 



Pay Attention to the Weather. If rain is sparse make sure the roots of your trees and shrubs are well watered before the ground freezes or else you put them at risk of dehydration.

3. Protect

Mulch helps soil to retain moisture and protects plants from extreme temperatures. Before adding mulch to your garden (and around your plants) you should wait till the ground is slightly frozen. By doing this you will stop any unwanted critters (such as mice) from nesting inside the mounds

Sheltering your plants. Since there are many different sub-species of plant, they all are protected best from the winter in different ways, for example To Protect the bark of young trees you should place a cylindrical cage (made from chicken wire) around it but, some more tender plants, must be removed from the garden and re-potted indoors (till the near end of winter) so they survive and will bloom again in the spring/summer. If you decide to cover your plants with Burlap or any other types of cloth coverings make sure that you take them off during the day time, otherwise the plant will not get enough sunlight ,during the day to survive,

For more tips, or to buy any of the products mentioned in this post please visit our website http://www.lanleesupplies.co.uk/Products/Logs_Firewood_Kindling and like our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/LanleeSupplies/

The Best Heating?

Keeping Warm This Winter

(The Best Heaters)

Halogen Heaters

Advantages:

-Cheap To Buy

-Provides Instant Heat

-Directs Heat Towards You

-Provides Light

Disadvantages:

-Unsafe to Run Unattended

-Only Warms a Singular Room

-Not Good for Large, Open Spaces

Halogen Heaters provide instant heat which can be focused towards whoever is using the fire. Halogen Heaters, unlike log fires, do not give off any smoke or fumes meaning that not only are they better for the environment, but they are also safer to use within the home, however, the light can cause the metal front of the heater to warm up quite significantly, this means that if it falls over it could burn or set fire to your flooring. 

Prices of Halogen Heaters can range from anything between £10-£50. Overall they are great for small rooms and apartments but wont provide the amount of heat necessary for bigger rooms.

Fan Heaters

Advantages:

-Portable

-Heat up Quickly

-Fills the Whole Room with Warmth

-Can Be Stored Away Easily

Disadvantages:

-Noisy 

-When the Heater is Turned on Any Dust Which Has Gathered Inside Will Be Dispersed Back Out Into The Room.

Fan Heaters successfully heat enclosed rooms such as an office or bedroom, more quickly than any other heating method and can be slotted easily under desks and in other small spaces, to save room and avoid obstruction. They Can provide a lot of heat in a very short amount of time so not not have to be left on for long lengths of time for you to still feel the heat afterwards. 

Prices of Fan Heaters can range from anything between £10-£400 for the most efficient models (such as Dyson).

Wrapping Up Warm

Advantages:

-Warm in Any/Every Room

-Reduces Energy Bills

-Helps to Conserve Energy and Fuel and Saves the Environment

Disadvantages:

-Inconvenient

-Can be Uncomfortable or Restricting
-Relies on Body Heat Alone

Wrapping up warm is the most cost effective way to keep yourself from getting cold this winter. By putting on a cosy jumper over your clothes when you get into the house and some warm slippers instead of turning on the central heating not only do you save money but you also help to protect the environment by reducing the increasing demand for fossil fuels and energy during the winter time. 

Unlike the other heating methods mentioned in this post, when 'wrapping up warm' the heat comes with you wherever you go throughout the house instead of just staying within the confines of one small room. This means that hopefully you wont have to be trapped in one room with everyone you know and the neighbours cat until you go upstairs and cocoon yourself into your bed covers.

Log Fires

Advantages:

-Can Give Off Lots of Heat

-Feels Homely

-Heat Fills the Room

-Relatively Cheap to Run

Disadvantages:

-Unsafe when Unattended

-Produces Smoke

-Requires Maintenance

Log Fires are the perfect method of heating to use when entertaining guests or relaxing with the family. Not only do they provide a cosy and relaxing atmosphere, but the heat also tends to radiate throughout the room and is not focused on a particular person or spot (unless someone is sitting directly in front of the fire of course). In addition to their cosiness they are also fun to light and burn things on and you can buy many different products that can turn the flames different shades of cool and warm tones.

The only real inconvenience of a log fire is that you constantly have to keep adding coal and logs to the fire to maintain the right level of heat and stop the fire going out. However, with the right wood and coal your fire could possible burn possibly for hours without interference. 

Portable Gas Fires

Advantages:

-Heat Can Be Adjusted

-Can be Run Without Constant Supervision

-Portable

-Safe to Use

Disadvantages:

-Heavy 

-Gas Can Be Expensive to Buy

Portable Gas Fires, though expensive to buy at first, are very much worth the investment. Not can they be the most stylish of the other options, but they can also allow the user a lot more control over how much heat is given out and can be left unattended without putting the owner, or owners property, in any significant danger.


Gas Heater Prices Range from around £80-£500.

Be Selfish-Get Yourself A 1200W Halogen Heater for only £19.99

http://www.lanleesupplies.co.uk/Products/00460008

Browse Gas Fires and Bottles Below

http://www.lanleesupplies.co.uk/Products/LPG_Gas_Fires_Bottles_Fittings

Make the Family Happy -Buy Coal/Logs For Your Fire

http://www.lanleesupplies.co.uk/Products/Logs_Firewood_Kindling

For more tips, or to buy any of the products mentioned in this post please visit our website  http://www.lanleesupplies.co.uk/Products/Logs_Firewood_Kindling and like our Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/LanleeSupplies/