On schedule. On budget. Satisfied Client.
The J Paxman Landscapes three-strong softworks team have completed the soft landscaping at the new Sainsbury’s store in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. On site for 4 weeks and completing in early March 2026, the scheme encompasses ornamental planting, tree works, hedge planting, amenity turf, and ecological enhancements across the site.
Planting Plan
Collaborating with main contractor Simpsons of York, the planting plan included over 2000 plants and 15 specimen trees. From the double-staggered rows of privet around the perimeter to the diverse mix of 3 litre shrubs providing year-round interest, the softworks involved ground preparation, positioning and planting of the nursery stock.
Shrub beds were filled with topsoil and improved with composted green waste and slow-release fertiliser. These were finished after planting with bark mulch and bark strips around car parking bays.
Trees and Sustainability
The programme required the expert handling of semi-mature and standard trees, all rootballed, needing securing, irrigation (for the larger trees) and double-staking after planting. Although mainly focused on new planting, the programme also included crown lifting and reductions of existing trees, ivy removal, bramble clearance and minor pruning.
During the crown works, the team also fitted two nesting boxes, two bat boxes and a hedgehog house.
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- JPL Sainsburys Sutton Coldfield Birdbox Crown Reduction Ivy Removal
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- Alex takes on hedge trimming
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- Pit and tree planting, with irrigation
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- Turfing and standard tree planting and staking
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- Double-staggered hedgerow planting, trees and ground cover
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- Shrubs, finished and mulched
Client Feedback
The team’s achievements on site were especially praised by the contractor, Simpson York.
“Excellent work delivered by the landscaping team”
“Finishing touches showcased the project to its full potential”
“Seamless from enquiry to delivery”
“Positive, can-do attitude at every stage”
“Approach, quality of work and willingness to go above and beyond – a pleasure to work with”
Contracts Manager Charley Knight, Simpson York, continued, saying he would not hesitate in recommending the team:
“They have also demonstrated great flexibility in accommodating last-minute changes and additional requests, always working proactively with the team to find practical solutions. Importantly, they successfully delivered the works in line with the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) report, ensuring that the installation met the required specification and that we remained fully contractually compliant.”
The Collaboration
- Contractor: Simpson York
- Landscape Contractor: J Paxman Landscapes Limited
- Completed: March 2026
J Paxman Landscapes provide residential, commercial and Public Open Space soft landscaping services for major construction, business and regeneration projects across the North and nationwide.
