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I live in an attic flat conversion of a Victorian building. Unfortunately the insulation is poor but I do not have access to the roof. In the lounge there are two steep sloping areas either side...

Michael Holmes says: There are several ways to construct a basement that will meet Building Regulations. A new version of the ‘...

Matt James says: The most likely cause is exposure to strong sunlight or high winds – Japanese maples (or acers) have fine, delicate leaves that dry out very quickly, so position...

Matt James says: Now is the perfect time to lift apple and pear trees – like all deciduous plants, they’re dormant over the winter and not actively growing. You can lift plants...

Matt James says: Leaf drop is a common sign of stress. It sounds like your plants have been shocked by the change in temperature when you moved them indoors. If you position them...

Matt James says: Older leaves – those at the base of the main stem – eventually turn yellow, wither away and die. However, you are right to be concerned about the discolouration...

Matt James says: Although it is a parasite, mistletoe won’t kill a tree unless there’s an awful lot of it. Birds, particularly thrushes, wipe the sticky seeds into crevices in the...

Matt James says: Plant it out and buy a smaller one, as Christmas trees don’t respond well to pruning. Pick a spot away from buildings as they grow big. If there’s no room, offer...

Matt James says: All pot-grown trees need to be acclimatised gradually over a couple of days. Don’t bring them in from the cold into a hot sitting room – instead place your tree...