Tree Surgeons Melksham

Those in Melksham who attempt to do tree work themselves, or by using a non-qualified person may risk causing damage to the trees, to property or to life. However, tree work is not altogether safe for expert tree surgeons, who know about all of the dangers involved. Within the profession there are a thought provoking average of three deaths and 140 serious injuries per year, making it among the most dangerous jobs in Britain.

A damaged or neglected tree can also pose a threat to life, with around 5 people per year being killed by falling branches or trees in the UK. You could be liable for any compensation to any third-party as a consequence of your actions, if you hire somebody to do tree work and property is damaged, or an injury occurs. The above are merely some of the reasons why using the services of a professional Melksham tree surgeon to work on your trees is essential. (All figures are from HSE UK).

There are two professional industry bodies that a trained tree surgeon in Melksham should really be an approved member of. Both the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Arboricultural Association (AA) offers a website where you can check up on the membership and professional status of any tree surgeon. On this website you can check for membership of either of these two organisations, which gives the tree surgeon in question, ARB Approved Contractor status.

You can speak to these trade associations for assistance in arbitration and for help and guidance, if there's a problem at any point during the work, or after it has been carried out.

If someone offers you a quotation for any tree work and you're unable to find them on this directory list, you should graciously decline their offer of work and find an approved contractor. When you've reassured yourself of their professional associations and qualifications you should try to get at least 3 different price quotes from various companies in the Melksham area. There are several important questions that you must ask whilst you're gathering the quotes, and because of the risks of the work involved, you must make it abundantly clear that you need them to provide you with the answers. You should for example ask:

• Have you got a NPTC/LANTRA certificate for the use of a chainsaw, and documentary verification of your professional memberships and qualifications? Any tree surgeon/operative who uses a chainsaw, must by law have a NPTC/LANTRA certificate. Qualifications might include National Diplomas and Certificates in Arboriculture.
• Can I contact a recent person you've worked for so I can check the quality of your workmanship? Independently examining any recent work is always advisable.
• Do you offer written quotations? Verbal quotes alone aren't sufficient. Always try to get a quote in writing.
• What insurance cover is provided? As suggested by the AA and ISA, your tree surgeon ought to be able to show you a certificate covering a minimum of five million pounds public liability insurance.

On the written quotation that you receive, you will need there to be easily followed details of all the work that's to be undertaken. It should mention whose responsibility it is to remove tree branches, stumps and waste, and should also include details about any trees which may be protected, and the steps needed to obtain permission to carry out work on them. Unless you're a commercial entity, you should also ensure that VAT is included on the quote. Recognising that you've got a responsibility to hire only capable tradespeople to work on your trees and property, is vitally important.

PRIOR TO WORK BEGINNING - Making enquiries into the possibility of any trees being protected, your chosen Melksham tree surgeon should make certain that any work can get the green light from the relevant local authorities. Even protected trees need to be maintained so as to cut back old or dying wood and ensure public safety, so finding a tree has protected status does not imply that work cannot be carried out.

At least six weeks written notice must be given to the Local Planning Authority prior to any work being conducted, if your property in Melksham is located in a conservation area. However, tree trunks of under seventy five millimetres in diameter when measured at 1.5m from the ground are exempt from this requirement. Also, if the branches of a protected tree need to be pruned or thinned to promote and stimulate growth, written notice won't be necessary.

On site they'll conduct a complete assessment of your trees and decide on the remedial treatment needed and how the required outcome can be achieved with safety in mind. This will involve doing a risk assessment to include public spaces, your property and any section of neighbouring properties that could be affected by falling branches and debris. At this stage, the amount of workers required and the level of protection needed will also be established. This will include various safety measures as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) to guarantee the safety of passers-by and adjacent property.

ON THE DAY OF WORK - To keep passers-by and unauthorised persons away from the work area, safety measures and barriers should be put in place before any climbing, cutting of branches or tree felling is started. It might at some stage be necessary to stop the traffic momentarily, if there's any danger of debris and branches falling onto the highway.

Different types of work will require the tree surgeon to have different degrees of protection. When carrying out basic work with a chainsaw, to prevent cutting injuries to the hands, legs and torso, they will at a bare minimum be wearing protective clothing. All operatives involved in the work should be wearing eye and head protection, and high visibility clothing, at all times.

Extra staff will normally be required to assist in the removal of high branches and heavy sections of tree trunk, particularly if working at height is involved, and where climbing equipment and ladders are being used. A pickup truck or skip for removing the waste will be parked as close to the work area as possible, therefore it's recommended that you inform your next door neighbours of the need for access.

UPON COMPLETION OF WORK - The site can be cleared of all debris, and all the waste can be hauled away, when all work has been accomplished. A certificate of work will then be created by your tree surgeon, especially in the case of any protected trees, which will be signed off and a copy presented to you. Any safety measures that were put in public areas can then be removed, with roads and paths being re-opened to the public.

If you have any issues or problems with the finished work, you should first take them up with your tree surgeon in order that they can be put right immediately. If your tree surgeon is a member of a trade association, you can obtain advice and guidance from the Arboricultural Association or the International Society of Arboriculture in order to reach an acceptable solution, if there is any further dispute or arbitration needed.

Tree Stump Removal Melksham

After having a sizeable tree felled in Melksham, you'll likely be left with a further problem - the stump. You might be thinking about using the stump as a garden seat or some other useful feature, and may be quite happy to leave it in position until it rots away with time. However, tree stumps left in your garden can send out new suckers in an attempt to regrow, and substantial tree stumps can take many years to rot down, during which time they can become a trip hazard, and eyesore and the ideal home for unwanted fungi, pests and bacteria.

Stump removal or stump grinding are the two key alternatives, if you do decide to do away with the tree stump entirely. Below we will be focusing on the removal solution.

Chemical treatments, digging out by hand or burning, are the three main methods of getting rid of a tree stump. If you want to deal with a tree stump by yourself, you can employ any of these solutions. If you are planning to get a tree surgeon to undertake the job, they're usually going to favour the aforementioned stump grinding solution, however a chemical stump removal treatment such as eco-plugging may be suggested.

Tree Stump Removal by Burning: Since it can be quite dangerous and could conflict with local legislation, burning a stump is not really a recommended course of action, so if you use this technique, be very careful. You'll have to drill a few 25mm holes into the tree stump, and pour in some vegetable oil, you will need to keep these topped up for a number of days until the stump has become fully soaked. You can then cover the stump with logs or charcoal and set fire to it. However, this should be supervised constantly and never left unwatched. As soon as the burning has finished, you must make sure that the fire is fully extinguished, when it has completely cooled down you can dig out and clear away the remnants of roots and stump.

This isn't the only method of burning a stump, and you could also try shoveling out all the soil from beneath the stump and setting a fire in the void which has been made underneath. Of course, there are a number of situations where stump burning is not suitable, for example when there are other trees, a building or fences in close proximity to the stump being removed.

Digging Out a Stump by Hand: The technique for digging out a stump by hand is relatively self-explanatory, and calls for shoveling out out as much of the soil as you can from around the roots, sawing through any major roots with a chainsaw, and ultimately freeing up the stump so it can be lifted out and removed. For the final freeing process you might need to make use of a winch. This is really hard graft and not for the unfit or faint-hearted.

Chemical Stump Removal: For the chemical removal of a tree stump you'll need to invest in Vitax SBK Stump Killer, Roundup Tree Stump Remover or Resolva Xtra Tough Tree Stump Killer. You should always study and closely follow the directions for rates, applications and timings for these chemical solutions, and be aware that they're toxic and oftentimes flammable. According to the size of your tree stump, and whether it's alive or dead when it is treated, it can take a few weeks or even months for a stump to break down entirely, so look at this as a long term fix. Once well decayed, it can be chopped up with an axe and dug out with a spade.

The Skills to be Tree Surgeons in Melksham

• Be capable of repairing, using and maintaining machinery and tools.
• The capacity to work successfully others.
• Be professional and able to complete work within the given period.
• Have necessary computer skills and know how to carry out basic tasks on handheld devices.
• Physical skills such as co-ordination and movement.
• Good knowledge of public safety and security.
• Have the ability to work with your hands.
• Have a methodical and systematic working approach.
• Have good customer service skills.
• Be patient and have the ability to remain calm and focused in stressful circumstances.
• Be mindful of the complexities and dangers involved with the various aspects of tree work.

Tree Preservation Orders Melksham

You need to make certain there is not a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on your trees in Melksham, before you carry out any serious work on them. To find out whether any of your trees are covered by Tree Preservation Orders, get in touch with your local authority. Local authority approval is essential if cutting down, wilful destruction, uprooting, wilful damage, lopping, removal or topping is planned on any tree with a Tree Preservation Order on it. Your tree surgeon will be able to advise you on this and help you with any checks.

If you live in a conservation area in Melksham, and propose to carry out any work on a tree with a diameter of seventy five millimetres or more (1.5 metres from the ground), you must give at least 6 wks notice in writing to your local authority. (Tags: Tree Preservation Order Melksham, Tree Preservation Orders Melksham, TPOs (Tree Preservation Orders) Melksham).

Dutch Elm Disease

Destroying tree stocks and wiping out millions of elm trees all around Great Britain over the past 50 yrs or more, Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) is not so common now, as it was in the past. Inadvertently brought into Great Britain, in infected elm logs imported from North America (Canada) in the nineteen sixties, Dutch Elm Disease is caused by the Ophiostoma novo-ulmi fungus which is spread by the elm bark beetle (particularly the Scolytus genus).

After arriving, it was quickly spread through the nationwide movement of elm products such as mulching bark, saplings, crates, and logs with the bark on. It wasn't just the United Kingdom that was affected by this horrible disease, since the stocks of elms were also ravaged in continental Europe, North America and New Zealand.

Dutch Elm Disease generally first materializes in early summer, and the main signs are:

• Twigs with dark streaks beneath the bark.
• A "shepherd's crook" reaction on affected twigs.
• Clusters of leaves turning yellow and wilting.
• Shoots that die back from the tip.

Since there are now hardly any sizeable elms in the UK countryside, the favourite habitat of the elm bark beetle has been largely removed, which has resulted in a slowing down of this disease. The propagation of young elms that are resistant to DED is an ongoing project.

If you've got elms on your property in Melksham, and are suspicious they might be afflicted with Dutch Elm Disease, you should contact your neighbourhood tree surgeon for advice, or ask for a diagnosis from the THDAS (Tree Health Diagnostic & Advisory Service).

Tree families affected: Ulmacae and Zelkova.

Vectors - small beetles of the Scolytus and Hylorgopinus genera.

Cause - fungi Ophiostoma Ulmi & Ophiostoma Novo-Ulmi.

Emergency Tree Surgery Melksham

If you've got sizeable trees growing in your garden in Melksham, there might be some occasions when you have to contact an emergency tree surgeon. Tree surgeons in Melksham expect to receive a surge in emergency calls when there are high winds and gales, which is why some of them offer a 24/7 service for this eventuality. In blustery weather there's an increased likelihood of branches breaking off and falling onto property or passers-by, and even the prospect of a whole tree crashing to the ground. Prevention is certainly preferable to having to handle the aftermath, and commonplace issues that can result from falling tree limbs and branches include splintered sheds, busted garden furniture, damaged fences and smashed greenhouses.

There is also a need for emergency tree surgery services by the local council in Melksham, when public pavements, streets and railway lines get blocked by fallen trees and branches.

When a tree has lost some branches it can become lopsided or uneven, with more weight and branches on one side. This can be both unsightly and dangerous, therefore the tree might need to be "re-balanced". To handle all these various issues, you should call up a local Melksham tree surgeon who provides emergency tree care services. (Tags: Tree Care Emergencies Melksham, Emergency Tree Services Melksham, Emergency Call-Outs Melksham, Emergency Tree Surgery Melksham).

Dead-Wooding Melksham

An important part of tree care and management, the procedure of dead-wooding (or deadwooding) will be carried out by all competent tree surgeons in Melksham. Where there is a threat to pedestrians, vehicles or buildings, dead-wooding is conducted to remove the dead and dying branches that are likely to fall. Some of a tree's branches can die off due to a number of reasons, the most common being damage to the root system, excessive shading, pest attacks or disease.

While safety is of course the usual reason for dead-wooding a tree, it is sometimes necessary to make the tree more visually appealing, or because the tree itself will benefit. A tree which has an excess of damaged, dying and dead branches is prone to disease and insect infestation, therefore you can radically improve a tree's health by removing these compromised branches. Dead wood can also make a tree look ugly, and by removing all of this you can make it more attractive.

Generally only larger dead branches will be taken out, as small ones present very little risk. Having said that, any dead branches that are in excess of fifty millimetres in diameter might have to be removed in locations where a tree overhangs a park, a home, a public space, a road or a garden in Melksham.

The Daily Duties for a Tree Surgeon

• Produce telephone or on-site price quotes with the clients.
• Be competent using power tools and other powered equipment.
• Fell and remove trees and perform stump grinding.
• Tidy up area upon completion and remove waste products from client's site.
• Work with clients and complete administrative duties.
• Climb trees to prune or remove branches as required.
• Service equipment like chippers and chainsaws.
• Identify hazards posed by trees.
• Cut and chip branches and logs.
• Produce tree survey reports for both commercial and domestic customers.
• Evaluate tree health and treatments.
• Plant trees and vegetation.

Leylandii Hedge Removal

In Melksham, many property owners favour the Leylandii hedge due to its fast growth and ability to offer privacy. Nonetheless, they have the tendency to grow out of control and become hard to keep in check. Removing a Leylandii hedge requires careful consideration of several essential aspects. The first thing to do is to verify that the hedge is not protected by any legal regulations, such as a Tree Preservation Order. If it is, you'll need to obtain permission from the local council before removing it. Besides, Leylandii hedges can develop elaborate root systems, which underscores the necessity of hiring an experienced tree surgeon to remove the hedge and its roots safely. Lastly, it's imperative to dispose of the hedge waste in an environmentally responsible manner once it's removed. 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.

Stump Grinding

If you have a need for specialised services like stump grinding in Melksham, ensuring that you use a tree surgery company with the correct knowhow and tools is essential. Any decent tree surgeon in Melksham will appreciate the significance of removing every single piece of the tree stump to at least a 12 inch depth, so it will not re-grow. Grinding down roots and stumps fairly close to structures and walls while avoiding damage, can only be achieved if your chosen tree surgeon has access to the proper machinery. This purpose built stump grinding apparatus is so adaptable that it can even remove tree stumps which are growing in passageways, alleys and similarly hard to get at spots. Where large trees must be removed the stump that remains can be fairly substantial and the thicker roots are going to go down to a considerable depth, needing a herculean effort to remove them. (Tags: Stump Grinding Melksham, Stump Removal Melksham, Tree Stump Grinding Melksham)

Logs/Firewood Melksham

Of course, you might need a tree surgeon for an entirely different reason, as they can be an excellent source for logs and firewood in Melksham. This is no great surprise, as tree surgeons spend most of their life cutting down branches and trees.

Some tree surgeons in the Melksham area will be happy to let you have branches and logs free of charge, because they always have plenty of them to get rid of, whilst others will require paying for chopped and seasoned logs which are dry and ready for burning.

Logs which have been left to dry out for at least a year are ideal for burning on your log burning stove or open fire, and they should have a moisture level of below 20%. Most often tree surgeons in Melksham will have supplies of hardwood logs, and the good thing about these is that they give a long, sustained burn, providing several hours of comforting heat. Softwood logs are great for getting a fire burning, therefore if you can get hold of a few of these as well, that is going to be useful. (Tags: Seasones Firewood Melksham, Firewood Logs Melksham, Firewood and Logs Melksham, Firewood Melksham).

Coming Soon:

Stump grinding machines - article 678.

Tree Surgery Tasks Melksham

Melksham tree surgeons will likely help with crown cleaning, airspading, tree reshaping, vegetation management, landscape clearance, commercial tree surgery, tree bracing, dead wood removal, cable bracing, decompaction, removal of storm damaged trees, tree removal Melksham, crown raising, root flare exposure Melksham, stump treatment, tree pruning, woodland clearances, tree cutting, tree dismantling Melksham, hedge cutting, tree reduction in Melksham, tree planning in Melksham, tree lopping, crown lifting, tree fertilising, eco-plugging, shrub maintenance, tree felling, hedge reduction, stump grinding, conrolling pests, formative pruning in Melksham, tree topping, hedge planting in Melksham, tree health monitoring in Melksham and other tree surgeon services in Melksham, Wiltshire. Listed are just a few of the duties that are accomplished by local tree surgeons. Melksham professionals will inform you of their full range of services.

Tree Surgeons Near Melksham: Also find: Lacock tree surgeons, Shurnold tree surgeons, Norrington Common tree surgeons, Atworth tree surgeons, Inmarsh tree surgeons, Bowerhill tree surgeons, Great Chalfield tree surgeons, Seend Cleeve tree surgeons, Old Derry Hill tree surgeons, tree surgeons, Whitley tree surgeons, Melksham Forest tree surgeons, Redstocks tree surgeons, Beanacre tree surgeons, Seend tree surgery and more. Most of these areas are served by experienced tree surgeons. Melksham business and home owners can get quotes by clicking here.

(Created with tree surgeons Melksham text version four.)

Vegetation Management Melksham Wiltshire - Tree Reshaping Melksham - Woodland Management Melksham - Tree Management Melksham - Stump Grinding Melksham - Tree Surgeon Melksham - Tree Surgery Melksham - Arboriculture Melksham - Tree Surgeons Near Me