Tree Surgeons Minchinhampton

There is a huge risk of damaging property, trees or even life, for people in Minchinhampton who attempt to do tree work by themselves, or by using a non-qualified individual. However, tree work is not even safe for qualified tree surgeons, who are aware of all of the hazards involved with it. The reality is that tree surgery is one of the most hazardous jobs in Britain, with an average of a hundred and forty serious injuries and three deaths each year within the profession, therefore it is definitely not safe work for amateurs to do.

With around five people each year being killed by falling branches or trees in Britain, even a poorly maintained or damaged tree can also pose a threat to life. You may be liable to third-party compensation claims due to the consequences of your actions, if you hire somebody to carry out tree work and an injury occurs, or property is damaged. These are the reasons why it is important to retain the services of a qualified tree surgeon to work on your trees. (Figures sourced from HSE UK).

CHOOSING A TREE SURGEON IN MINCHINHAMPTON - There are 2 professional industry bodies that a trained tree surgeon in Minchinhampton should really be a registered member of. Both the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Arboricultural Association (AA) offers a website where you can check up on the professional status and membership of any tree surgeon. Membership of either of these associations will give the tree surgeon ARB Approved Contractor status which can be checked out on this page.

You are able to speak to these trade associations for assistance in arbitration and for guidance and help, if there's an issue at any stage during the work, or after it has been concluded.

If anyone who you're unable to find on this directory list offers you a quote, you should respectfully decline their offer of work and continue your search for an accredited contractor. Once you have reassured yourself of their professional memberships and qualifications you should try to get at least 3 quotes from different companies in the Minchinhampton area. You should ask the below questions while getting the quotations, making it abundantly clear that you need the answers due to the risks of the work involved:

• Can you provide a written quotation? You must NEVER settle for just a verbal quote. Only ever accept a quote in writing.
• Exactly what is your level of insurance cover? Your tree surgeon ought to be able to produce an insurance certificate covering a minimum of five million pounds public liability, as stipulated by the AA and ISA.
• Would I be able to to contact a person you've recently worked for, so that I can inspect your work? It is always advisable to carry out an independent check on recently completed work.
• Do you have a NPTC/LANTRA certificate for chainsaw use and maintenance, and documentary verification of your qualifications and professional memberships? The NPTC/LANTRA is a required certificate in law for any tree surgeon/operative who uses a chainsaw. A skilled Minchinhampton tree surgeon could hold City and Guilds Certificates and National Diplomas in Arboriculture.

Easy to understand specifics of all the work that's being undertaken should be included on the written quote. It should include details about any trees which could be protected, and the required steps to obtain permission to work on them, and also state whose responsibility it is to remove debris, tree branches and stumps. You should also make certain that VAT has been included on the quote. You have a responsibility for hiring only competent people to work on your property and trees, and it is extremely important to understand that fact.

PRIOR TO WORK COMMENCING - Your preferred Minchinhampton tree surgeon should enquire whether any of your trees are protected and make the necessary steps to ensure that any tree work can be given the green light from the local authorities. Even protected trees need maintenance in order to cut back old or damaged wood and ensure the safety of the public, so finding a tree has protected status doesn't imply that work cannot still be carried out.

If your property in Minchinhampton is situated in a designated conservation area then no less than six weeks written notice is required to the Local Planning Authority before any tree work can be performed. This notice is not required if the stem of the tree is less than 7.5cm in diameter when measured at 1.5m from the ground. Notice is also not required if pruning or thinning of a protected tree's branches is needed to sustain and promote growth.

On site they'll complete a full assessment of your tree's health and decide on the remedial treatment needed and how best and safely to achieve the required outcome. Where there's any chance of falling debris and branches, a full risk assessment will have to be performed on your property, public areas, and sections of neighbouring properties that may be impacted. At this stage, the level of protection needed and the amount of workers required will also be determined. This is both personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety measures to keep property and the general public safe from damage or harm.

ON THE DAY OF WORK - Before any tree felling, cutting of branches or climbing is started, safety measures and barriers should be put in place to keep unauthorised persons and passers-by away from the area of work. It might at some point be necessary to halt the traffic temporarily, if there's a risk of debris falling onto the road.

The tree surgeon will need different degrees of protection according to the type of tree work being completed. When doing chainsaw work, they will at the very least be wearing protective clothing to avoid serious cutting injuries to the legs, hands and torso. Eye and head protection, and high visibility clothing, should be worn by all workers involved in the operation.

Additional personnel will normally be needed to assist in the safe removal of high branches and large pieces of tree trunk, particularly if any working at height is involved, and where safety climbing equipment and ladders are being used. A skip or truck for removing the waste will be parked as close as possible to the work area, so it is a good idea to inform your nearby neighbours of the need for unhindered access.

AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK - When the work has been completed all of the waste materials will be transported away and the site cleared of any debris. Especially where the trees are under a protection order, a certificate of work should then be prepared by your tree surgeon, which can be signed off and a copy presented to you. If there were any public spaces that needed safety measures, this protection can be removed and roads and pathways will be re-opened to the public.

If you've got any complaints about the work, you should get them rectified immediately by first of all taking them up with the tree surgeon. If your tree surgeon is a signed up member of a professional body, and there is any further dispute, you can receive guidance and help from the ISA or AA in order to arrive at a satisfactory solution.

Air-Spading Minchinhampton

There are a number of problems that could make the health of your trees a concern, however issues with a tree's root system are quite often the cause. Easy accessibility to the roots of your tree will be necessary for a certified Minchinhampton tree surgeon to check for root rot, soil compaction and other potential issues.

Because of the possibility of root damage in the digging down process, this was difficult to do during the past. The system that most contemporary tree surgeons use is known as "air spading", where compressed air is used to break down and remove compacted soil without damaging tree roots or buried utility lines.

The soil around tree roots can become compacted by foot traffic, passing vehicles or building work, and this can have a negative impact on the general health of a tree. When a tree lacks water and nutrients it can quickly become "stressed", and this means that it's more prone to attack by pests, insects and disease. Also ideal for fixing root flare problems, air-spading can be employed to clear away the soil from the base of a tree which has become covered in too much soil, increasing the chances of root rot.

The air spading process involves the use of an air-spading tool and an air compressor which blows air directly into the soil at a speed of 1,200 mph, the air penetrates the spaces in the soil and quickly breaks it up, whilst leaving tree roots and utilities unaffected. All of the soil is blown away from the roots by the powerful air flow, permitting instant inspection and investigation. A loose layer of chip mulch and fertiliser can then be put in to rejuvenate the tree, and a resolution implemented for any obvious problems.

Tree Emergencies Minchinhampton

There may be certain situations where you have to call an emergency tree surgeon, if you've got trees in your Minchinhampton garden. When there are strong winds and gales, Minchinhampton tree surgeons receive a surge in emergency call-outs, and most of them provide a 24 hour service. In windy weather there's more potential for branches snapping off and falling onto property or passers-by, and even possibly the risk of a whole tree toppling over. When branches and tree limbs start to fall busted garden furniture, damaged fences, cracked greenhouses and squashed sheds are a common result, so prevention is better than having to deal with the consequences.

Obviously, the local authorities in the Minchinhampton area will also occasionally need to call on emergency tree care services, when substantial tree branches fall onto railway lines, streets and public paths.

When a tree has lost some limbs it can become lopsided or uneven, with more branches and weight on one side than the other. This can often be both unsafe and aesthetically displeasing, therefore the tree may have to undergo a "re-balancing" procedure. If you've got any of these tree related problems, you shouldn't attempt to tackle any of them on your own, and you should promptly contact a local Minchinhampton tree surgeon who provides emergency tree care services, so that they can suggest the preferred strategy.

Invasive Tree Root Problems Minchinhampton

You may face problems when some trees which have particularly invasive root systems are growing too near to your Minchinhampton house. Issues that may occur include cracked patios, blocked drains and damaged foundations. Extremely invasive root systems are found in species like sycamores, willows, elms and maples.

If you're planning to plant any new trees in your garden, it is best to make certain that they're located a reasonable distance from pathways, your drainage pipes, your house and patio areas. If established trees are growing too near to your dwelling and are already causing some of these issues, you must bring in a tree surgeon in Minchinhampton, to see what can be done to resolve the situation.

You shouldn't try and deal with this yourself by just chopping off the problematic roots, as this could severely affect the health of the tree or even kill it in some cases. So that any damage to property is reduced, and the tree can still get ample water and food to thrive and survive, a skilled tree surgeon in Minchinhampton will know exactly which roots should be left, and which roots can be cut back.

Underground drainage systems are highly attractive to tree and shrub roots, as they provide a continuous source of nutrients and moisture, and they can regularly suffer cracks and structural damage. Teeny tree roots can soon compromise a drainage system's joints, and once established develop into massive root balls which can cause joint failure and blockages. Through the use of manual rodding, electro-mechanical equipment or high pressure water jetting, some Minchinhampton tree surgeons will offer high quality root removal services.

Tree Surveys Minchinhampton

There are a number of times when a tree survey might be required, land development and property extension being the most frequent. If you happen to be clearing a piece of land to make room for an extension to an existing property or a brand new home in Minchinhampton, for example, you will need to carry out a tree survey to British Standards BS5837 if trees exist upon that land. Minchinhampton tree surveys on both public and private property, should be undertaken by an accredited arboricultural surveyor or tree surgeon.

A properly done tree survey will produce a broad range of information about all of the trees within a defined area. For instance:

• The number of trees.
• The physiological and structural health of the trees.
• The age of the trees (i.e. young, semi-mature, mature, over-mature and veteran).
• The predicted life expectancy of the trees.
• The species of trees on the site (either common or scientific).
• The diameter of each tree (measured 1.5m above the ground).
• A tree reference number for each tree.
• The spread of branches to South, East, West and North.
• Preliminary tree management advice.
• The existence of any TPOs.
• The height of each tree in metres.

If you are altering an existing property or home in Minchinhampton but you aren't increasing the footprint of the building and aren't modifying the service lines or access points, a tree survey will most likely not be required. (Tags: Tree Surveyors Minchinhampton, Tree Surveys Minchinhampton, Tree Survey Minchinhampton, Minchinhampton Tree Surveys).

Dutch Elm Disease

A fungal disease that has killed many millions of elm trees right through Britain over the last 50 yrs or more, Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) isn't quite as big an issue as it was previously. Caused by the fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi which is spread by the elm bark beetle, Dutch Elm Disease (DED) was introduced into the British Isles inadvertently in the late 1960's from North America (Canada).

Through the nationwide movement of elm products like saplings, bark mulch, elm crates, and logs with the bark still attached, it quickly spread through Britain after its initial arrival. This terrible disease did not only affect elms in the British Isles, but also ravaged elm stocks in mainland Europe, North America and New Zealand. While the origins of Dutch Elm Disease are unknown, the suspicions are that it first came from Asia (most likely Japan).

The symptoms of DED generally first appear in early summer, and can be recognised by:

• Clusters of leaves that turn yellow, wilt and fall.
• Twigs that turn into a "shepherd's crook" shape.
• New shoots that die back from the tips.
• Twigs with dark streaks underneath the bark.

The chopping down of dead, dying and infected trees, has essentially decimated the favourite habitat of the beetle, and in recent years the spread of DED has been significantly slowed down. The propagation of young trees which are so far resistant to DED is an ongoing project.

If you have suspicions you might have elm trees on your property in Minchinhampton, that could be infected with Dutch Elm Disease, you can ask for a diagnosis from the Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service (THDAS), or speak to your local tree surgeon for guidance.

Chainsaws

The most dangerous and arguably the most commonplace tool that's used by experienced tree surgeons in Minchinhampton, is the chainsaw. Petrol driven chainsaws are the most popular with tree care professionals, thanks to their ease of use and greater portability, although mains electric models are available, and rechargeable battery chainsaws are getting more popular in certain situations. For cutting effortlessly through large limbs and tree trunks, petrol driven chainsaws are really the only effective option, being extremely powerful and able to contend with even the most demanding tree work.

A chainsaw comprises a motor and a rotating chain with a set of razor-sharp teeth which cut through the bark and wood of a tree. Apart from what powers them, there are also different types of chainsaw for various procedures, pole saws for hard to reach branches and long distance pruning, top-handled for working at height (and which can be used with one hand if necessary) and rear-handled for work at ground level (two handed).

While it is not the safest thing to be climbing up a tree with, it's very rare that you will find a tree surgeon in Minchinhampton that doesn't use a chainsaw more or less every day. In order to gain membership of the Arboricultural Association, being trained in the safe use of chainsaws is one of the main requirements for tree surgeons.

For any individual interested in purchasing a chainsaw in the UK, there are a lot of makes and models available, but the most popular with specialist tree surgeons are Husqvarna, Stihl, Hyundai and Makita.

Pollarding Minchinhampton

Pollarding is mostly done for safety reasons and is a method for appreciably reducing the size of trees that have gotten too big for their present surroundings. The development of cultivated elements and the altering of trees into certain shapes or forms can also be accomplished by pollarding. Trees which grow beside roadways in Minchinhampton are sometimes pollarded, as are those which are used for borders and in hedgerows. The somewhat naked and harsh appearance that is the outcome of pollarding is not very popular with tree lovers, as it's so different from its attractive natural state. The positive aspect of pollarding, is that trees which would otherwise have to be felled can be retained. Pollarding is typically used on broad-leafed species like oaks, horse chestnuts, maples, planes, beeches, limes and sycamores.

Leylandii Hedge Removal

Homeowners in Minchinhampton frequently opt for Leylandii hedges because of their speedy growth and privacy advantages. However, they can rapidly become overgrown and burdensome to maintain. Before removing a Leylandii hedge, it is crucial to think about a few critical factors. First, it's important to ensure that the hedge isn't protected by a Tree Preservation Order or other legal designation. When the hedge is under legal protection, you must seek the local council's authorization before you can remove it. Additionally, Leylandii hedges can possess extensive root systems, which underscores the need to employ a qualified tree surgeon to safely remove both the hedge and its roots. Once the hedge is removed, it's essential to dispose of the waste in a manner that is environmentally safe and responsible. In conclusion, removing a Leylandii hedge can be a risky and time-intensive process, making it crucial to take the necessary safety precautions and potentially hiring a professional if needed.

Coming Soon:

Stump grinding machines - article 678.

Tree Surgery Tasks Minchinhampton

Minchinhampton tree surgeons can generally help with tree maintenance, crown reduction in Minchinhampton, tree cabling, site clearance, tree surveys, hazard assessment, retrenchment pruning, tree planning Minchinhampton, woodland management, tree bracing Minchinhampton, landscaping Minchinhampton, tree dismantling, brush cutting services, decompaction Minchinhampton, shrub maintenance in Minchinhampton, soil terravention, tree pruning in Minchinhampton, tree cutting in Minchinhampton, crown removal, root removal, tree management, damage restoration Minchinhampton, tree felling, woodland clearances, the removal of dead wood, staking in Minchinhampton, safety inspections Minchinhampton, air spading, tree transplanting, professional tree care, tree fertilising, formative pruning, forestry management, tree removal, tree lightening protection and other tree surgeon services in Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire. Listed are just some of the tasks that are carried out by tree surgeons. Minchinhampton specialists will be happy to tell you about their full range of services.

Tree Surgeons Near Minchinhampton: Also find: Balls Green tree surgeons, Bussage tree surgeons, Amberley tree surgeons, Box tree surgeons, Brownshill tree surgeons, Cherington tree surgeons, Avening tree surgeons, Theescombe tree surgeons, Burleigh tree surgeons, Longfords Mill tree surgeons, Brimscombe tree surgeons, Hampton Fields tree surgery and more. All of these places are serviced by certified tree surgeons. Minchinhampton householders can obtain estimates by clicking here.

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