Tree Surgeons Belfast

There is a major risk of damaging property, trees or even life, for people in Belfast who try to do tree work themselves, or by using unqualified individuals. However, even for qualified tree surgeons who are familiar with all the dangers, tree work is not entirely safe. On average there are 3 deaths and 140 major injuries annually within the profession, making it among the most hazardous jobs in the United Kingdom and certainly not for amateurs to try.

There's also a threat to life from damaged or poorly maintained trees in Belfast, seeing as around 5 people per year are killed in the United Kingdom by falling trees and branches. You might be liable for any compensation to a third-party due to the consequences of your actions, if you bring in somebody to conduct tree work and subsequently there is an injury, or damage to property. These are the reasons why it is imperative to retain the services of an established tree surgeon to undertake the work on your trees in Belfast. (All figures are from HSE).

There are two major professional arboricultural bodies, at least one of which a qualified tree surgeon in Belfast should be a signed up member of. The membership and professional standing of any tree surgeon in Belfast can be checked on the websites of both the International Society of Arboriculture and the Arboricultural Association. This page permits you to check whether any specific tree surgeon has recognised ARB Approved Contractor status, and has membership of either of these bodies.

For assistance in arbitration and for guidance and help at any stage during or after the work has been accomplished, you're able to communicate with either one of these industry bodies.

If anyone who is not on this directory list offers you a quote, you should graciously decline their offer of work and carry on with your search for an approved contractor. When their professional accreditations and associations have been carefully checked, you should try to get at least 3 price quotes from different companies in the Belfast area. Because of the risks involved in tree work, you should ask the questions below, making it abundantly clear that you need a response:

• Would it be possible for me to contact somebody you have recently worked for, so that I can assess your tree work? It's a good idea to do an independent examination of any recent work.
• Exactly what level of insurance coverage have you got? Your tree surgeon should be able to show you an insurance certificate covering no less than £5 Million public liability, as stated by the ISA and AA.
• Can you provide me with a quotation in writing? You should NEVER accept just a verbal quote. Only ever accept a written quote.
• Do you have documentary evidence of your qualifications, professional membership and a NPTC/LANTRA certificate for the use of a chainsaw? The NPTC/LANTRA certificate is required by law for any tree worker who uses a chainsaw. A professional Belfast tree surgeon could hold Certificates and National Diplomas in Arboriculture.

The written quote should include clear and precise details of the work being undertaken. It should mention who's responsible for the removal of debris, tree branches and stumps, and should also include details of any trees which could be protected in law, and the steps necessary to get permission to work on them. Verify that they have also included VAT on the quotation. You have a responsibility for employing only trained people to work on your property and trees, and it is important to understand that fact. This is outlined by the "Common law duty of care responsibilities and sometimes liabilities under the Occupier's Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984."

PRIOR TO WORK BEGINNING - The tree surgeon you have selected in Belfast, will look into whether any of your trees are subject to a TPO, and will consult with the local authority to find out if the go-ahead for any tree work is forthcoming. To ensure public safety, even protected trees require maintenance in order to cut back old or dying wood, therefore finding that a tree is protected does not mean that you're unable to carry out essential work.

A minimum of six weeks written notice is required to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) prior to any work being undertaken, if your property in Belfast is within a conservation area. However, tree stems of under seventy five millimetres in diameter when measured at 1.5m above ground level are free from this requirement. It is also not necessary to give written notice if the branches of a protected tree need thinning or pruning simply to sustain and encourage growth.

After fully assessing the health of the trees on your property, your Belfast tree surgeon will determine the necessary treatments and how the required outcome can safely be accomplished. This involves performing a risk assessment to include public areas, your property and any section of neighbouring properties that could be affected by falling debris and branches. This stage will also determine the amount of operatives required and the level of protection needed. This will include various safety precautions together with PPE (personal protective equipment) to ensure the safety of the general public and adjacent property.

ON THE DAY OF WORK - To keep unauthorised persons away from the work area, barriers and safety measures will be put in place before any climbing, cutting of branches or tree felling is started. If there's a danger of debris falling into a public highway, traffic may need to be stopped temporarily.

Varying levels of protection will be necessary for the tree surgeon according to what tree work needs to be carried out. When carrying out basic tree work with a chainsaw, to avoid cutting injuries to the torso, hands and legs, they will as a bare minimum be wearing specialist protective clothing. Head and eye protection, and high visibility clothing, should be worn by all workers involved in the operation.

If working at height is involved, climbing equipment and ladders will have to be deployed, and extra personnel will be on hand to help in the removal of high branches and large pieces of tree trunk. For taking waste away from the area, a truck or skip will be stationed as close as possible to the area. This requirement for unhindered access is as good a reason as any for informing your nearby neighbours of the work you're intending to do.

AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK - All of the branches and waste will be taken away and the area cleared of any debris, when all work has been accomplished. Particularly where the trees are covered by TPOs, a certificate of work should then be created by your tree surgeon, which can be signed off and a copy given to you. If there were any public areas that needed safety measures, this protection will be taken away and pathways and roads will be re-opened to the public.

If you have any issues or problems with the finished work, you should first address them with your tree surgeon so that they can be put right immediately. If any further arbitration is required, and your tree surgeon is an approved member of a trade association, you can obtain help and advice from the AA or the ISA in order to come to an acceptable solution.

Dutch Elm Disease

No longer the problem that it was previously, Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) has wiped out millions of precious elm trees throughout the UK during the last 50 years or more. Caused by the Ophiostoma novo-ulmi fungus which is spread by the elm bark beetle (Scolytus), Dutch Elm Disease (DED) was imported into the British Isles inadvertently in the nineteen sixties from Canada.

Its rapid spread was primarily down to to elm products such as saplings, crates, mulching bark, and logs with the bark on, being moved around Britain. Thought to have originated in Asia, Dutch Elm Disease didn't just affect trees in Britain, but also decimated the stocks of elm trees in mainland Europe, North America and New Zealand.

Dutch Elm Disease usually first appears in early summer, and the main symptoms are:

• Twigs that turn into a "shepherd's crook" shape.
• Foliage that turns yellow, wilts and dies.
• Dark streaks beneath the bark of twigs.
• New shoots that die back from the tips.

The spread of DED has been significantly slowed by the felling of dying, infected and dead trees, which has effectively eradicated the favourite habitat of the elm bark beetle. New plants have also been propagated from elms that have proved to be resistant so far.

You could request a diagnosis from the THDAS (Tree Health Diagnostic & Advisory Service), or you can contact your local tree surgeon for guidance and advice, if you happen to have elm trees on your property in Belfast, and are suspicious that they may be afflicted with DED.

Trees of the genus Ulmcae and Zelkova are affected.

Vectors - beetles of the Scolytus and Hylorgopinus genera.

Cause - fungi Ophiostoma Ulmi and Ophiostoma Novo-Ulmi.

Crown Thinning Belfast

Taking out small living branches located on the outer area of the tree's crown, though not transforming the shape or size of the tree, is termed crown thinning. This is meant to build a consistent density of foliage, which accomplishes certain goals such as: to reduce the weight of the crown of the tree, to minimize the tree's wind resistance, to reduce the chance of the tree uprooting in windy weather conditions, to let more sunlight inside or to reduce the stress upon specific branches due to wind, ice, gravity, or snow. The general size and structure of the tree shouldn't be transformed by crown thinning, and should simply produce a uniform thickness of foliage surrounding uniformly spread out branches. (Tags: Crown Thinning Belfast, Crown Thin Belfast, Tree Crown Thinning Belfast)

Everyday Tasks of a Tree Surgeon

• Establish hazards posed by trees.
• Work with customers and complete administration tasks.
• Be adept with power tools and machinery.
• Clean up site on completion and fulfil removal of waste product from customer's site.
• Maintain and service equipment like chippers and chainsaws.
• Cut and chip branches and logs.
• Prepare telephone or on-site quotes with the customers.
• Produce tree survey reports for both commercial and domestic clients.
• Assess tree health and treatments.
• Plant trees and vegetation.
• Fell and remove trees and grind stumps.
• Climb trees to remove or prune branches.

Removal of Tree Stumps Belfast

After having a substantial tree chopped down and removed in Belfast, you'll likely be left with yet another problem - the tree stump. You may be thinking about using the tree stump as a garden seat or some other useful feature, and might be happy enough to leave it in situ until it eventually rots away. However, tree stumps can attract undesirable pests, be a trip hazard, and be an eyesore.

If you decide to remove the stump totally, there are a number of ways to accomplish this, however they basically fall under two main options stump removal and stump grinding. In the following few lines, we'll be looking at the various methods of removal.

In relation to removing a tree stump, the 3 primary techniques are burning, digging out by hand and chemical treatments. You could employ any of these strategies if you are planning to remove a tree stump by yourself. If you are intending to bring in a tree surgeon to perform the job, they are generally going to favour the previously mentioned stump grinding solution, but a chemically based removal treatment such as eco-plugging may be suggested.

Chemical Stump Removal: A powerful chemical mixture like Resolva Xtra Tough Tree Stump Killer, Roundup Tree Stump Remover or Vitax SBK Stump Killer, will be needed if you opt to go with the chemical treatment option. It is important that you follow the manufacturer's directions to the letter when using any of these chemicals, since they can be very toxic and dangerous. This is not a short term resolution, and it could take quite a few weeks for the tree stump to rot entirely, after which an axe and a spade can be used to remove it.

Digging Out by Hand: The strategy for digging out a tree stump by hand is pretty straightforward, and calls for digging out as much of the soil as you can from around the roots and base, cutting any thick roots with a chainsaw, and ultimately freeing up the stump so it can be lifted out. A winch might be required in order to complete this procedure. This is exceptionally hard work and isn't for the faint-hearted or unfit.

Burning a Tree Stump: Be careful if you use this method of stump removal, because stump burning can be dangerous and may contravene local legislation. The burning technique involves drilling out a few 25mm holes into the stump, filling keeping them topped up with vegetable oil for a few days until saturated. You should then heap charcoal around the stump and set it alight. A fire like this should not be left unattended, and should be supervised until safely burnt out. Once fully burned, ensure that the fire is fully extinguished, allow it to cool and then proceed to dig out the roots and remnants of stump.

An alternative option is digging out all the soil from below the stump and lighting a fire in the void underneath. None of these stump burning solutions should even be contemplated if the stump is in close proximity to fences, other trees or a building.

Cable Bracing Belfast

Tree cable bracing is a procedure that's used to give support to a tree when it is showing signs of damage, decay, or presents a risk to nearby property (or persons). When older or valued trees in Belfast are involved, cable bracing is used where it's unsatisfactory to fell a tree or cut out large sections that are unsafe or unstable.

To give additional support to defective joints, weak limbs and V-shaped forks in a tree, a purpose designed cable bracing system can be employed. Executing various forms of bracing work, an experienced tree care specialist will be able to use cables and rods to help mitigate structural stress, and hopefully prolong the lifespan of valuable trees in Belfast.

Cable bracing has the goal of offering a shock-absorbing and flexible method of support which is non-invasive and does not cause additional damage to the tree by having to drill and bolt the branches. A risk assessment must be completed by a tree surgeon or arborist before any cable bracing work can begin. This is necessary to guarantee the safety of the tree and encompassing areas as the project progresses. (Tags: Cable Bracing Trees Belfast, Tree Cable Bracing Belfast, Cable Bracing Belfast, Cable Bracing Methods Belfast).

Leylandii Hedge Removal

Belfast residents often choose Leylandii hedges as they grow quickly and provide excellent privacy. Nevertheless, they have the potential to outgrow their bounds and become laborious to upkeep. There are a few important things to consider, when it comes to removing a Leylandii hedge. First, it's important to ensure that the hedge isn't protected by a Tree Preservation Order or other legal designation. In such cases, you must seek approval from the local council before removing the hedge. In addition, Leylandii hedges can possess deep-rooted systems, underscoring the importance of engaging a certified tree surgeon to remove both the hedge and its roots safely. Finally, it's crucial to dispose of the hedge waste in a responsible and eco-friendly way after its removal. To wrap up, removing a Leylandii hedge can be a challenging and potentially hazardous task, highlighting the importance of taking the appropriate safety measures and potentially seeking the guidance of an expert.

Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus Fraxineus)

A destructive fungal disease affecting ash trees, that was first recorded in the United Kingdom in 2012, ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) is expected to decimate close to 80% of the current ash trees. Having a similarly disastrous effect on the British countryside as Dutch Elm Disease (DED), ash dieback is just another huge blow to the United Kingdom's tree stocks.

A disease that affects the Fraxinus genus of trees, it has an especially disastrous effect on Fraxinus excelsior, the native British common ash. Thought to have originally come from Asia where the native species of ash (Fraxinus chinensis and Fraxinus mandshurica) were more resistant, the fungus which causes ash dieback is known as Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, and it obstructs a tree's vascular systems, causing it to die.

Dispersed by spores that blow on the wind, which are able to travel for many miles, ash dieback has now spread to most regions of the UK.

Killing tree of all ages, ash dieback can be recognised by the following symptoms:

• Leaves developing dark patches during the summertime.
• Dying leaves and shoots are visible in summer.
• The formation of diamond shaped lesions where limbs connect to trunk.
• Wilting leaves that turn black and fall early.
• New epicormic growth appearing from buds that were previously seen to be dormant.

Even ash trees which are able to fight off the infection, are attacked year-on-year and eventually succumb and perish. There's currently no cure for ash dieback, and no apparent procedure for stopping its spread.

Whilst the Forestry Commission's "Tree Alert Service" is currently only interested in cases reported in new areas where the disease has not previously been recorded, if you are anxious about an ash tree in your garden in Belfast, you should bring in a local tree surgeon or arborist to verify that you're correct in your diagnosis and suggest a suitable plan of action.

Air-Spading Belfast

There are a number of issues that can impact on the health of trees in your garden, and the tree's root system is one of the places to consider whenever you have concerns. A qualified Belfast tree surgeon might need to get at the root system of your tree, to be able to check for issues such as root rot or soil compaction.

This was a difficult thing to achieve previously, because during the digging down process, the roots could easily be damaged. To effectively break up and remove compacted soil without causing damage to tree roots or underground utilities, a contemporary technique that's often used is "air spading".

The general health of a tree can be affected in a negative way when the soil surrounding the roots becomes compacted by building work, passing vehicles or foot traffic. Because of a lack of water and nutrients, a tree can become "stressed", making it more susceptible to attack by diseases, pests and insects. Also great for dealing with root flare issues, air-spading can be used to remove the excess soil from the base of a tree which has been covered, heightening the possibility of root decay.

By forcing air into voids in the soil at a speed of twelve hundred miles per hour through the use of an air-spade tool and an air compressor, the ingenious air-spading process swiftly breaks up the soil without impacting the tree roots. All the soil is blown away from the roots by the highly powerful air flow, permitting immediate inspection and investigation. Any problems can then be rectified and the previously compacted soil exchanged for a looser layer of wood mulch and fertiliser to encourage the tree to revive.

Dead-Wooding Belfast

A fundamental element of tree care and upkeep, the procedure of dead-wooding (or deadwooding) will be undertaken by all competent tree surgeons in Belfast. Involving the removal or dead and dying branches which could present a danger to vehicles, property or pedestrians, dead-wooding can make a tree both healthier and safer. A tree's branches can die due to a variety of reasons, the most commonplace being attack by pests, root damage, a lack of light or diseases.

Whilst the purpose of safety is the most frequent reason for removing dead branches, the process can also be accomplished for aesthetic reasons and for the benefit of the tree. Infestation by insects and disease can be encouraged by an excess of damaged, dead and dying branches, therefore the tree's health can be greatly improved by removing those dead branches. A tree with a lot of dead wood also looks unsightly and spoils its appearance, therefore this should be removed to get your tree looking its best once more.

As smaller dead branches pose very little risk, only more substantial ones will be taken off in most cases. Then again, it might be advisable to remove any dead limbs that are more than 50 millimetres in diameter, where trees in Belfast overhang a garden, a public area, a park, a house or a road.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) Belfast

You must make sure that there is not a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on your trees in Belfast, before you do any major work on them. If you make contact with your local authority, they'll inform you whether any trees on your property are protected by a TPO. You cannot undertake uprooting, wilful destruction, topping, wilful damage, removal, cutting down or lopping, without written permission from the relevant local authority, if a tree on your property is covered by a Tree Preservation Order. Any reputable tree surgeon in Belfast will be happy to help you with this process.

If your property is in a conservation area in Belfast, and propose to conduct any work on a tree with a diameter of 75 millimetres or more, you need to give a minimum of 6 wks notice in writing to your local council. (Tags: TPOs (Tree Preservation Orders) Belfast, Tree Preservation Order Belfast, Tree Preservation Orders Belfast).

Coming Soon:

Stump grinding machines - article 678.

Tree Surgery Tasks Belfast

Belfast tree surgeons can normally help with stump removal, tree waste removal, emergency tree removal, tree watering, coppicing, tree dismantling Belfast, tree bracing, terraventing, airspading, tree reduction, tree lightening protection, brush cutting services, crown raising in Belfast, tree fertilising Belfast, damaged tree removal, crown reduction in Belfast, hedge cutting, commercial tree care, tree care services Belfast, root flare exposure in Belfast, tree felling, tree topping, tree maintenance, retrenchment pruning, tree planning in Belfast, stump grinding, shielding trees from grazing animals, staking Belfast, damage restoration, safety inspections, crown lifting Belfast, cable bracing, vegetation management in Belfast, dead wooding in Belfast, felling of storm damaged trees and other tree surgeon services in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Listed are just an example of the duties that are performed by local tree surgeons. Belfast companies will be happy to tell you about their entire range of services.

More Belfast Trades: Undoubtedly, whenever you are having tree surgery done in Belfast, Northern Ireland, you'll probably need other garden related services, and apart from a tree surgeon in Belfast, Northern Ireland, you may also need hedge cutting in Belfast, garden designers in Belfast, pond installers in Belfast, fence installers in Belfast, decking fitters in Belfast, garden wall construction in Belfast, garden shed installation in Belfast, waste removal in Belfast, grass cutting services in Belfast, weeding in Belfast, patio layers in Belfast, SKIP HIRE in Belfast, block paving in Belfast, garden clearances in Belfast, artificial grass installers in Belfast, landscaping services in Belfast, and other different Belfast tradespeople.

Tree Surgeons Near Belfast: Also find: Upper Galwally tree surgeons, Ballyskeagh tree surgeons, Gilnahirk tree surgeons, Finaghy tree surgeons, Dundonald tree surgeons, Drumbeg tree surgeons, Strandtown tree surgeons, Dunmurry tree surgeons, Lambeg tree surgeons, Andersontown tree surgeons, Moneyreagh tree surgeons, Hannahstown tree surgeons, Greenisland tree surgeons, Milltown tree surgeons, Whiteabbey tree surgeons, Ballygowan tree surgeons, Dundrod tree surgery and more. Most of these areas are serviced by qualified tree surgeons. Belfast householders can obtain price quotes by clicking here.

(Sourced from tree surgeons Belfast text version four.)

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