We have had many people contact us about reedbeds that others have built. Some simply want to know what they have, and is it working, or does it need repair.
I have often found someone else’s reedbeds to be working perfectly well. I have left my contact number should they need any further help.
Often I have been contacted, when reedbeds built by others, have failed. I have brought them all back into working order, using my design to make them robust. The principles of Reedbed Filtration is so robust that even when they fail, they can be repaired.
It is rare for Reedbeds to need to be replaced. All the structures and materials can be re-used to bring a Reedbed back into working order. This is always far more cost effective, than replacing with treatment tank systems.
We have repaired each of these systems. They now work. Customers are now able to get in touch should they have further questions, needs, or possible problems. Job done!
30 years experience helps us know what to do, how to do it, and why we are doing it.
Reedbeds are a natural living system, which will last many years with a little care.
WEEDS – Keep them weeded. Remove any nettles, thistles, docks, chickweed, making sure you do not remove the Reed Plants themselves. This is basic gardening for any newly planted area. DO NOT use weed killer or strimmer!!
WATER – Water is essential!!! Water them in the first few weeks if they look dry. We are not responsible for plant death due to systems not being connected or watered sufficiently.
FOREIGN ITEMS – Do not allow your tank system to discharge nappies, sanitary items, wipes, condoms, grease or sludge onto the reedbed. They will not decompose, are unsightly, and will smell.
PLANTS – It is important that the green top growth is allowed to grow fully, do not cut back the brown ‘dead’ top growth in winter. New seasons shoots appear from May onwards.
POROSITY – Occasionally, gently fork over the top 3 inches of soil to maintain porosity, particularly after hard frosts or prolonged rain, in the first two years. If a small area of water appears slow to disperse, insert a garden fork into the top 4 inches of soil to assist drainage. Loosen areas “walked on” whilst working on the bed.
INFLOW – Inflow MUST be a little and often, and not all at once, or a constant flow.
If you suspect there is a problem, please contact us for remedial advice, we are always happy to help.
Failure to follow these instructions is not our responsibility.
Melvyn Rutter Reedbeds reduce pollutants by 50% on installation, rising to 95% within 3 months, depending on the time of year. We avoid building Reedbeds in frosts and droughts.
Following our “How to Look After Your Reedbeds” information ,also makes sure the beds are watered when dry and weeded when weedy. This is simple gardening. Allowing weeds to dominate the beds, especially in dry conditions, will see the weeds out compete the reeds, and cause all sort of problems.
We have been back to old reedbeds, maybe 9 or 10 years old. They are still working as well as they did when they were first installed. It is entirely possible for Melvyn Rutter Reedbeds to continue to work, for as long as they are used for the purpose they were built.
Tending the Reedbeds while they establish, will make for a good working waste water treatment system.
