Helsby Tree Surgeons (WA6): We all like to look at trees, and having trees growing in our garden is an additional bonus for offering pleasant shade on hot summers days, for adding colour and beauty and for providing a home for birds and wildlife. However, trees are living organisms and can become diseased and unstable, suffer damage in windy conditions or get much too large for our gardens in Helsby. When issues crop up with your trees in Helsby, a tree surgeon is the best person to call.
Playing a key role in the general care and maintenance of trees, tree surgeons provide their expert services for both domestic and commercial customers in the Helsby area. A professional tree surgeon in Helsby can provide tree felling, hazard assessments and inspections, the safe planting of trees, the pruning of weak, intrusive or dead branches, as well as general tree care, to name just a few examples.
However, the work of a tree surgeon doesn't end with trees. Additional responsibilities of a tree surgeon in Helsby can include stump removal, hedge maintenance, care and trimming. If you've got a tree on your property in Helsby, and have got reservations about its structural integrity, a tree surgeon is the best tradesperson to call, as they'll be in a position to examine your tree, give you a report on possible hazards, and give suggestions about what you should do next.
Since it is such an exceedingly risky occupation, tree surgery is unquestionably something that must only be attempted by a professionally trained operative. Even though you may be tempted to avoid the costs and opt for a DIY approach, it would definitely not be the smartest decision to make. Tree surgeons need to be qualified, physically fit and experienced to undertake the work that they are required to do.
Whilst swinging from a harness in a tree and elevated in the air, tree surgery and maintenance will normally involve the use of dangerous power tools. Novices beware - this is most certainly not a project for you! Tree surgery is also commonly carried out by a team of experienced tree surgeons, including a ground team and climbers, who are all specialists in the field. Rivalling this level of experience, competence and risk assessment to complete the work, would be virtually impossible for any untrained individual.
When you have made up your mind that you require the assistance of a qualified tree surgeon in Helsby, you should take measures to find a reputable one. But, how can you accomplish this? Well, exploring such things as cost, experience and qualifications should put you on the right road. Now, we'll outline some handy tips for locating the best tree surgeon to care for, maintain and carry out your tree needs.
Ensuring they have the necessary certifications is the initial step in dispelling any doubts that they are competent and properly accredited. The governing body for tree surgeons and the organisation that issues certifications is the the National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC). Any reputable tree surgeon in Helsby should hold the following qualifications as a minimum requirement:
- NPTC 206/306 (CS38) - Tree climbing and tree rescue.
- NPTC 308 (CS39) - Use of a chainsaw from a rope and harness.
- NPTC 203 (CS31) - Fell & process small trees up to 380mm in diameter.
- NPTC 201/202 (CS30) - Basic crosscutting & chainsaw maintenance.
Having these certifications both shows you that they've a decent level of training, and provides you with reassurance that the work will be accomplished in a safe and successful way, even though there is no legal requirement for tree surgeons to hold these qualifications. It's also vital that some basic First Aid qualifications are held by arborists, tree surgeons and forestry workers, and they must always carry an appropriate First Aid kit according to HSE workplace recommendations.
Next off, you can ask two or three tree surgeons in Helsby to provide different quotes for the tree surgery work, and check their breakdown of the costs. Occasionally, the cost quoted won't include the removal of the large amounts of waste frequently produced by tree surgery work. The waste removal process can be very inconvenient and costly for the client, therefore if it's possible to have the tree surgeons remove and dispose of this themselves, it would definitely be much better.
Also, when chatting to prospective tree surgeons in Helsby, make sure that you are prepared to ask plenty of key questions regarding your tree care needs. For example, you need to establish who will be accessing your property and who is going to be doing the actual work. Is it going to be just one person working on their own, or will it be a whole gang of workers? Is meeting them before work begins a possibility? What impact will it have on my neighbours/my home? What will be the method for removing your tree? What's the timeframe for the work?
To avert any unexpected surprises down the road, ask lots of questions.
Finally, listen closely to how your tree surgeon speaks. Pay special attention to how they describe the tree surgery work they are going to undertake, since this can provide you with useful clues as to their level of professionalism. If the expression 'topping and lopping' comes up in the conversation, you could be better off looking for a different tree surgeon, since this is a somewhat old-fashioned phrase, which displays a lack of knowledge in modern tree surgery techniques. Terminology like 'thinning', 'dead wooding', 'pruning', 'crown lifting' and 'crown reduction', should be what you hear from a fully trained, experienced and professional tree surgeon in Helsby. Although this can be a useful clue concerning the level of experience held by your tree surgeon, it's not automatically a sign of ability.
In conclusion, when you're looking at tree surgery or tree care in Helsby, it is always worth consulting a number of different tree surgeons for the best results. If you find the best one, you can rely on having a professionally undertaken job, taking all possible hazards into account and ensuring that all of your requirements are fully catered to in a timely manner.
Hedge Trimming Helsby
While the majority of projects undertaken by Helsby tree surgeons involves the care and maintenance of trees, the cutting back of hedges is another job that they are able to perform. Using a local tree surgeon could be a big advantage when working on conifer hedges (Leylandii for instance), which frequently reach heights that are too tall for a homeowner or regular gardener to deal with, needing specialist tools to successfully manage.
When hedges are poorly maintained or uncared for, they can become overgrown and out of control fairly quickly. Frequent clipping is advisable if you do not want a hedge to take over large areas of your garden in Helsby, and as well as making the hedge healthier and stronger it also looks better aesthetically.
If your intentions are to sell your property, neat hedges will help to make your whole garden more tidy, and may even add to the value of your home in Helsby. (Tags: Hedge Shaping Helsby, Hedge Trimming Helsby, Hedge Clipping Helsby, Hedge Cutting Helsby).
Leylandii Hedge Removal Helsby
Many residents in Helsby prefer Leylandii hedges for their rapid growth and privacy benefits. Yet, they have the tendency to grow excessively and become challenging to manage. There are a few vital things to bear in mind when contemplating the removal of a Leylandii hedge. Initially, it's essential to make sure that the hedge is not covered by any legal protections, including a Tree Preservation Order. If the hedge is protected, you will have to acquire authorization from the local council before removing it. Also, Leylandii hedges can have intricate root structures, stressing the need to engage a professional tree surgeon to safely remove the hedge and its roots. Finally, it's crucial to dispose of the hedge waste in a responsible and eco-friendly way after its removal. To put it simply, removing a Leylandii hedge can be a dangerous and prolonged task, underscoring the need to take the necessary safety measures and potentially seeking assistance from a professional.
Firewood/Logs Helsby
When you are looking for firewood and logs in Helsby, contacting your local tree surgeon is always a good idea, because they are usually a terrific source for this. Since most of their life is spent cutting down branches and trees, it is not at all surprising that many would adopt this as a sideline.
Some tree surgeons in the Helsby area may be prepared to give you logs and branches cost-free, because they always have an excess of them to dispose of, while others will require paying for seasoned and chopped logs which are dry and ready for burning.
Logs with a moisture level of below 20% are best for burning on your log burner or open fire, and these should have been dried out for twelve months or more. The advantage of getting logs from tree surgeons, is that these are most likely to be hardwood logs, that will throw out heat for a number of hours, giving a long, sustained burn. If you can also get a few softwood logs, these are superb for starting a fire, and upon which you can bung your hardwood logs once your fire is blazing.
Tree Transplanting Helsby
Transplanting fully-grown trees is an intricate, but rather straightforward process these days, due mainly to cutting-edge tractor mounted tree spades, tree lifting equipment and other specialist tools. Removing a tree from your property no longer means you have to resort to cutting it down and excavating the roots; an experienced tree moving contractor in Helsby can remove and re-plant even mature trees and restore the ground afterwards.
Moving a tree in Helsby is less stressful on the root system and health of the tree in the winter and autumn, but it can be achieved in warmer summer season by comprehensively soaking the ground before lifting. To lift a tree from the soil a tractor mounted mechanical spade is forced down into the ground to encircle the root ball, before lifting the entire thing free. The uplifted tree is then ready to be transported to its new home for re-planting, or left in temporary storage until it is ready to be replanted.
An experienced tree transplanting company in Helsby will communicate with the local authorities to make sure that local regulations and preservation orders are complied with at all stages of the tree lifting and transplantation procedure. You should be able to obtain tree transplanting services in Manley, Bridge Trafford, Netherton, Alvanley, Elton Green, Newton, Long Green, Thornton-le-Moors, Mouldsworth, Little Barrow, Mickle Trafford, Stanlow, Dunham-on-the-Hill, Hapsford, Ince, and the Helsby area.
Protecting Trees in Winter
Whilst you might not think that the weather in Helsby is severe enough to warrant protecting your shrubs and trees, it may be a good idea to take a second look at this. The winter season can in fact be quite a tough time for trees, shrubs and plants and even those that we generally think of as hardy will benefit from a bit of additional protection during times of intense cold.
Naturally where trees are involved it's strong winds that can be the biggest problem and although the majority of trees will have already shed their leaves come winter, they may still suffer damage in windy weather. If the weather conditions in Helsby have been windy, and a tree on your property looks damaged or at risk of toppling over, it is recommended that you bring in a tree surgeon to assess whether any action is required. Heavy snowfall can also lead to snapped branches, so keep an eye out when these sorts of weather conditions arrive. Some shrubs and trees, especially freshly planted ones, might need a bit of protection from frost and ice, and a substantial layer of mulch can help keep the soil around their bases frost-free.
Chainsaws
The most commonplace tool that professional tree surgeons in Helsby use is the chainsaw. It's an effective and versatile tool, but can be rather dangerous in untrained hands. The most popular style of chainsaw with professional users is the petrol powered version, being easy to handle and more mobile, although you can purchase mains operated chainsaws and rechargeable battery ones. For substantial tree work, the only realistic choice is to use petrol chainsaws, as they're able to effortlessly slice through trunks and branches of any size, and are extremely powerful and robust.
Comprising a revolving chain lined with a set of sharp teeth that slice through the bark and branches, a chainsaw is actually a fairly simple tool. For the different procedures they perform, there are various designs of chainsaw, pole saws for hard to reach branches and long distance pruning, top-handled for working at height (and which can be used single handedly if necessary) and rear-handled for working on the ground (must be used with two hands).
You'll seldom find a tree surgeon in Helsby who doesn't use a chainsaw, despite the fact that climbing a tree with a rapidly spinning blade in your hand is not is not the safest way to spend your day. Being fully trained in the maintenance and safe use of chainsaws is a key requirement for any professional tree surgeon, and is crucial before they can be approved by the ISA or the Arboricultural Association (AA).
The most popular manufacturers of chainsaw used in the UK by tree surgery specialists are Hyundai, Stihl, Husqvarna and Makita, although of course there are quite a few different brands and models.
Safety Considerations
The safety issue is one of the main considerations when you are having tree surgery done, because if conducted incorrectly it can definitely be an extremely dangerous undertaking. Inexperienced or unqualified "tree surgeons" are likely to take shortcuts and disregard recognised safety guidance, with the result that there may be a lack of head protection, neglecting to cordon-off the work area to protect passing pedestrians and vehicles, not putting on hearing or eye protection, little if any protection from falling, in the form of ropes, platforms and harnesses, falling branches and timber and failure to wear cut resistant apparel (especially safety boots and leggings). In danger because of these inadequacies are the tree surgeon (person in the tree), those working on the ground, the property owners, garden features and fences, the actual tree itself, the building connected to the property, stationary and passing vehicles, the street facilities, passers by.
Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus Fraxineus)
An infectious fungal disease affecting ash trees, that was first reported in Great Britain in 2012, ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) is likely to wipe out around 80% of the current ash tree population. Following the Dutch Elm Disease catastrophe, which killed off the UK's elm trees, ash dieback is set to have huge repercussions for our countryside.
Ash dieback has an especially disastrous effect on the native Fraxinus excelsior (common ash), British Fraxinus excelsior (common ash), although it actually affects all trees of the Fraxinus genus, which have different levels of tolerance to it. Originating in Asia, the fungus which causes ash dieback is named Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.
Readily spread by microscopic spores which can be blown for miles on the wind, ash dieback (or chalara ash dieback as it's sometimes known) is prevalent in most parts of Britain with mortality rates of up to 85 percent.
Ash dieback affects trees of all ages and has the following symptoms:
- Dying shoots and leaves are visible in summer.
- Leaves developing dark patches during mid to late summer.
- New epicormic growth appearing from buds that were previously dormant.
- The formation of lesions (often diamond shaped) where limbs join the trunk.
- Leaves that wilt, turn black and fall early.
Some ash trees are able to resist early infections, but as the disease returns every year, they eventually die. Since it's an airborne disease there is no clear-cut method for stopping its spread, and no recognised cure for chalara ash dieback.
Whilst the Forestry Commission's "Tree Alert Service" is currently only interested in hearing about cases reported in new areas where the disease has not previously been documented, if you're concerned about an ash tree in your garden in Helsby, you should bring in a local arborist or tree surgeon to verify the diagnosis and suggest an effective plan of action.
(Tags: Symptoms of Ash Dieback, Identifying Ash Dieback, Chalara Ash Dieback Helsby).Crown Thinning Helsby
Doing away with small living branches on the outer part of the crown, though not transforming the overall size or shape of the tree, is known as crown thinning. This course of action is intended to build a consistent leaf density, which in itself accomplishes specific goals such as: to let more sunlight to pass through, to prevent the tree from uprooting when it's windy, to help reduce the tree's wind resistance, to lower the stress put on specific limbs caused by ice, gravity, snow, or wind or to decrease the overall weight of the crown of the tree. The all round structure and size of the tree should not be altered by crown thinning, and should simply produce a uniform foliage density encircling equally spaced branches.
Coming Soon:
Stump grinding machines - article 246.
Tree Surgery Tasks Helsby
Helsby tree surgeons can normally help with damage restoration Helsby, root grinding, crown reduction, damaged tree cutting and removal, forestry management, staking Helsby, tree work in Helsby, dead wooding in Helsby, tree cutting, tree lopping, stump grinding, tree reduction, cut sealing, root flare exposure in Helsby, woodland clearance, drop crotching, coppicing, woodland management Helsby, airspading, arboriculture, emergency tree removal, hazard assessment Helsby, retrenchment pruning, shrub maintenance, crown cleaning, hedge lowering, hedge reduction, tree management, tree care services in Helsby, removal of storm damaged trees, tree surveys, cabling, tree removal Helsby, waste removal, tree waste removal and other tree surgeon services in Helsby, Cheshire. Listed are just an example of the tasks that are undertaken by local tree surgeons. Helsby specialists will inform you of their full range of services.
Tree Surgeons Near Helsby: Also find: Dunham-on-the-Hill tree surgeons, Newton tree surgeons, Long Green tree surgeons, Hapsford tree surgeons, Bridge Trafford tree surgeons, Netherton tree surgeons, Stanlow tree surgeons, Alvanley tree surgeons, Elton Green tree surgeons, Little Barrow tree surgeons, Ince tree surgeons, Mickle Trafford tree surgeons, Manley tree surgeons, Mouldsworth tree surgeons, Thornton-le-Moors tree surgery and more. All these areas are serviced by experienced tree surgeons. Helsby property owners and others can get estimates by going here.
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