Tree Surgeons Potton

Using an unqualified individual for tree work or attempting to do the work on your own, could cause damage to property, harm your trees, or even be life threatening. However, tree work is not a safe occupation, even for experienced tree surgeons, who are acquainted with all the hazards. In actual fact tree surgery is one of the most dangerous jobs in Britain, with an average of three deaths and a hundred and forty major injuries each year within the industry, therefore it's certainly not safe work for amateurs to do.

There's also a threat to life from damaged or poorly maintained trees in Potton, seeing as around 5 people annually are fatally wounded in Britain by falling trees and branches. If there is an injury, or damage to property due to you employing someone to conduct tree work, you could be liable for any compensation to any third-party. These are just a few of the reasons why it is essential to employ a professional tree surgeon to carry out the work on your trees. (The figures given were sourced from HSE UK).

There are two industry bodies that a trained Potton tree surgeon should really be a registered member of. You can check out the professional standing and membership of any Potton tree surgeon on the websites of either the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Arboricultural Association (AA). On this page you can check membership of either of these associations, which gives the tree surgeon in question, recognised Approved ARB Contractor status.

You will be able to communicate with these trade bodies for mediation assistance and for help and advice, if a problem crops up at any stage during the course of the tree work, or after it has been finished.

You shouldn't be frightened to respectfully decline the offer of an estimate from somebody who isn't on this directory, since after all, it is an approved contractor that you are actually looking for. Once you're reassured of their professional accreditations and memberships you should try and get a minimum of 3 quotes from different companies in Potton. Because of the risks involved in the work, you should ask the below questions, making it crystal clear that you need them to provide you with the answers:

• Have you got a NPTC certificate for chainsaw use, and documentary evidence of your professional memberships and qualifications? The NPTC/LANTRA certificate is required by law for any tree surgeon/operative using a chainsaw. Qualifications may include National Diplomas and Certificates in Arboriculture.
• What level of insurance coverage do you have? As stipulated by the ISA and AA, your tree surgeon ought to be able to produce an insurance certificate covering at the least £5 Million public liability.
• Can you give me a quotation in writing? You must NEVER accept just a verbal quote. Only ever accept a quote in writing.
• Can I contact some past clients to check the quality of your tree work? It's generally a good idea to perform an independent check on recently completed work.

Clear and concise details about all the tree work that is to be undertaken must be included on the written quotation. It should include information on any trees which could be protected, and the required steps to obtain permission to carry out work on them, and also state who is responsible for the removal of waste, tree branches and stumps. Unless you are a commercial business, you should also make certain that VAT has been included on the quote. It's crucial to recognise that you have a responsibility to employ only competent tradespeople to work on your property and trees. This is stated by the "Common law duty of care responsibilities under the Occupier's Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984."

PRIOR TO WORK BEGINNING - The tree surgeon that you've selected in Potton, will investigate whether any of your trees are covered by a protection order, and will check with the local authority if the go-ahead for any tree surgery is forthcoming. Even protected trees need to be maintained so as to cut back old or damaged wood and ensure public safety, so discovering that a tree has protected status does not signify that work can't be carried out.

A minimum of 6 weeks written notice must be given to the Local Planning Authority prior to any work being carried out, if your property in Potton is within a designated conservation area. This is only required for trees with a stem diameter of over seventy five millimetres in diameter, at a point 1.5m above the ground. If the pruning or thinning of a protected tree's branches is required in order to sustain and promote growth, written notice is also not necessary.

After completing a thorough assessment of your trees health, your Potton tree surgeon will decide on the required remedial treatment and how best to achieve the required outcome in a safe manner. This will involve a risk assessment of areas that might be impacted by falling debris, such as on your property, in public spaces, and on neighbour's properties. This stage will also ascertain the level of protection required and the amount of workforce needed. To keep the public and other property safe from harm or damage, this will include both PPE (personal protective equipment) and other safety measures.

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

Varying levels of protection will be necessary for the tree surgeon depending on what work needs to be undertaken. When carrying out basic work with a chainsaw, to avoid injuring the legs, hands and torso, they will as a bare minimum be wearing protective clothing. High visibility clothing, and eye and head protection, must be worn by all operatives involved in the work.

Extra workers will normally be needed to assist in the removal of high branches and heavy pieces of tree trunk, particularly if working at height is involved, and where ladders and associated climbing equipment is being deployed. For hauling waste away from the work area, a truck or skip will be parked as close to the work area as possible. This requirement for access is as good a reason as any for informing your neighbours of the planned work.

AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK - Upon completion of all the tree work, the area can be cleared of any debris, and all the waste can be hauled away. A certificate of work done should then be put together by your tree surgeon, particularly when the trees are protected, which will be signed off and a copy presented to you. Footpaths and roads can then be re-opened, with any safety measures in public spaces being taken away.

If you've got any problems or issues 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 an approved member of a trade body, and there is any further dispute, you can obtain guidance and help from the Arboricultural Association or the International Society of Arboriculture in order to come to a satisfactory conclusion.

Pollarding Trees Potton

Where a tree has significantly outgrown its present surroundings, it must be greatly reduced in size by the use of a technique known as pollarding. It can at times be used for aesthetic or practical reasons to mould a tree into a particular shape. It can regularly be seen on trees that serve as boundaries or hedgerows, as well as trees that grow beside highways in Potton. For people who like trees this isn't a very popular practice, seeing as the outcome is inclined to be rather bare and stark, with the overall appearance of being almost lifeless. However, despite the somewhat unattractive appearance of pollarded trees such as beeches, limes, horse chestnuts, maples, sycamores, oaks and planes, there is a positive element to this procedure, in that such trees can be retained when they'd otherwise have to be chopped down.

Air-Spading Potton

There are various issues that could make the health of your trees a concern, however problems with a tree's root system are quite frequently the cause. A certified tree care specialist in Potton might need to access a tree's roots to check for root rot, soil compaction, or other problems.

Because of the chance of root damage in the digging down process, this was problematic in the past. To effectively break up and strip away compressed soil without causing damage to tree roots or underground utilities, a contemporary method that is often used is "air spading".

On occasion, construction work, passing vehicles or heavy foot traffic can cause the soil around a tree's roots to get compacted, and this can have a negative effect on its health. When it does not get sufficient water and nutrients, a tree can become "stressed", making it more susceptible to attack by pests, disease and insects. Air spading is also useful to resolve root flare problems, where the flare at the base of the tree becomes covered with soil, causing the tissue to break down, and increasing the likelihood of root rot.

The air spading process involves the use of an air-spade and an air compressor which directs air into the soil at speeds of up to 1200mph, the air enters the spaces in the soil and quickly breaks it down, while leaving tree roots and utilities untouched. All of the soil is forced away from the roots by the highly powerful air flow, meaning that inspection and investigation can take place immediately. Problems can then be resolved and the previously compact soil exchanged for a looser layer of wood mulch and fertiliser to encourage the tree to rejuvenate. (Tags: Air-Spading Potton, Air-Spade Investigations Potton, Air-Spade Potton).

Storm Damage Potton

Although we're all conscious of the power of Mother Nature, big trees seem strong, sturdy and able to withstand more or less any eventuality. Certain tree varieties can continue to grow with no problems for hundreds of years, in particular sweet chestnuts, yews and oaks.

Having said that, when confronted with certain conditions they can be very susceptible to the elements, and it is not simply falling branches and tree limbs that can be the result, but the whole tree can fall down in extreme weather. The primary enemy of, and danger to trees, is high winds, and with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and violent storms this sort of damage is becoming more and more commonplace in Potton. Heavy snowfall during winter can also be a problem, as can saturated soil resulting from flooding or extended periods of rain.

To lessen the likelihood of issues with your trees in severe weather conditions, it's advisable to get a certified Potton tree surgeon to check them out once in a while, and trim any dead or overhanging branches.

To stop larger trees being struck by lightning, and to safeguard nearby property and buildings which might be vulnerable to "jumps" or side-flashes, it's also important to install lightning rods, copper conductors, or other protection systems. A tree can be killed or drastically weakened when it is struck by lightning, and even where the effect is not instantly noticeable, the tree will likely be more susceptible to attack by pests and diseases. While you might not believe that lightning is that common in Potton, each year around 300 thousand strikes occur throughout the UK.

If you are concerned about the chance of storm damage to your trees in Potton, you should ask your local tree surgery firm what they can do to protect them, and lessen the risk of accidents taking place. (Tags: Storm Damage Potton, Storm Damaged Trees Potton, Storm Damage Prevention Potton).

Firewood/Logs Potton

Of course, you may be looking for a tree surgeon for a totally different reason, since they can be a good source for logs and firewood in Potton. As most of their time is spent chopping down trees and branches, it is not at all surprising that many would adopt this as a lucrative sideline.

If you are fortunate, you may find a tree surgeon in Potton who gives logs and branches away free to collectors, these will frequently be "green" and in need of drying out. Others will sell their logs by the tonne or in bags, and these will generally be fully dried and seasoned logs, that are ready to burn right away.

Logs with a moisture level of below 20 percent are perfect for burning on your log burner or open fire, and these will have been dried out for a year or more. Most often tree surgeons in Potton will have stocks of assorted hardwood logs, and the advantage of these is that they give a sustained burn, and provide many hours of comforting heat. If you can get hold of a few softwood logs, these are fantastic for getting a fire burning, and onto which you can chuck your dry hardwood logs once the fire is blazing.

The Daily Duties of a Tree Surgeon

• Fell and remove trees and grind stumps.
• Plant trees and vegetation.
• Climb trees to prune or remove branches.
• Service equipment like wood chippers and chainsaws.
• Cut and chip logs and branches.
• Produce tree survey reports for both commercial and domestic clients.
• Evaluate tree health and treatments.
• Be proficient with power tools and powered machinery.
• Work with clients and complete administrative duties.
• Identify hazards posed by trees.
• Clean up site upon completion and fulfil removal of waste product from customer's site.
• Produce telephone or on-site quotes with the clients.

Eco-Plugging Potton

The common method that is used for removing tree stumps by most tree surgeons in Potton is stump grinding. There is however a less expensive alternative to this process these days, which is termed "eco-plugging", and this is growing ever more popular. This method isn't only helpful because it's cheaper, but also because it can be employed in awkward locations which are largely inaccessible to stump grinding machines.

Without affecting any nearby vegetation and trees, eco-plugging is a highly effective treatment for killing tree stumps. Eco-plugs can be put to use during any season of the year and in all weather conditions, and they kill off the entire root system of a tree stump. Containing a type of granular glyphosate herbicide which is effective on a wide array of tree species, eco-plugs get the job done in 95% to 100% of cases. (Tags: Eco-Plug Treatment Potton, Eco-Plugging Potton, Eco-Plugs Potton, Eco-Plugging Tree Stumps Potton).

The International Society of Arboriculture

Often just referred to as the ISA, the International Society of Arboriculture is headquartered in the USA, and is a non-profit organisation. Providing qualifications for tree care specialists across the world, the ISA is a membership association that cultivates the professional practice of arboriculture.

Promoting best practices in tree care, and focused on education, research and technology, the ISA provides educational services, publications and events develop the skills, arboricultural expertise and knowledge of people working in the tree care sector.

An agreement signed in 2016 between the Arboricultural Association and the International Society of Arboriculture, meant that the AA became an associate organisation of the ISA. This strengthened the relationship between the ISA and AA and offered additional opportunities for ISA members in the UK and Ireland. AA members in the UK now benefit from being part of a worldwide network of tree care professionals. Boasting over 22,000 members worldwide the ISA now has professional affiliates and associate organisations in Asia, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the UK.

Protecting Trees in the Wintertime

Whilst you might not think that the weather conditions in the UK are severe enough to warrant protecting your shrubs and trees, it might be advisable to take a second look at this. Even the plants, shrubs and trees that we generally consider to be hardy, can find the winter season hard to get through, especially in the colder months, and they will always benefit from some TLC and extra protection.

When you have trees on your property in Potton, it is strong winds and storms that are the biggest concern, and they could still be at risk even though the majority of them will have already dropped their leaves come winter, thus being less wind resistant. If the weather conditions in Potton have been windy, and a tree in your garden looks damaged or at risk of toppling over, it's a good idea to bring in a tree surgeon to assess whether any remedial action is required. You can also have problems with breaking branches due to heavy snow, therefore when such weather is expected, keep an eye open for possible damage. Some trees and shrubs, particularly recently planted ones, may require a bit of protection from frost and ice, and a substantial layer of mulch will help to keep the soil around their bases frost-free.

Dutch Elm Disease

A fungal disease that has killed off millions of precious elm trees right through the United Kingdom during the last fifty years or more, Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) isn't quite the problem that it was previously. Accidentally introduced into the British Isles from Canada in the 1960's, Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is spread by the elm bark beetle (particularly the Scolytus genus) and caused by the Ophiostoma novo-ulmi fungus.

Through the nationwide transportation of elm products such as saplings, crates, bark mulch, and logs with the bark still attached, it quickly spread through the British Isles after first arriving. Believed to have originated in Asia, DED didn't only affect trees in the United Kingdom, but also devastated the stocks of elm trees in mainland Europe and North America.

Usually first manifesting in early summer, the recognisable signs of DED disease are:

• Twigs with dark streaks under the bark.
• Affected shoots dying back from the tips.
• Clusters of leaves turning yellow, wilting and falling.
• A "shepherd's crook" reaction on affected twigs.

Since there are now hardly any large elms in the UK countryside, the elm bark beetle's favourite habitat has been pretty much decimated, the result of which has been a slowing of DED. The propagation of young saplings that have so far proved resistant to Dutch Elm Disease is now being undertaken.

You can request a diagnosis from the Tree Health Diagnostic & Advisory Service, or you can contact your local tree surgeon for guidance, if you've got elm trees on your property in Potton, and are suspicious that they may be infected with Dutch Elm Disease.

Tree families affected: Ulmacae and Zelkova.

Agent of spread - small beetles of the Scolytus and Hylorgopinus genera.

Cause - fungi Ophiostoma Ulmi & Ophiostoma Novo-Ulmi.

Coming Soon:

Stump grinding machines - article 678.

Tree Surgery Tasks Potton

Potton tree surgeons can usually help with site clearance Potton, tree felling Potton, crown thinning, root flare exposure, drop crotching, waste removal, repair of storm damaged trees, tree reshaping, tree lightening protection, woodland management, tree management, coppicing Potton, tree fertilising Potton, dead wood removal, formative pruning, tree removal Potton, hedge cutting, root grinding, hedge lowering, tree pest management, hedge reduction Potton, tree transplanting, commercial tree surgery, dead wooding, root removal, vegetation management, crown reduction Potton, forestry management, tree maintenance, tree planning, tree surveys, retrenchment pruning Potton, damaged tree cutting and removal, tree pruning, cut sealing and other tree surgeon services in Potton, Bedfordshire. These are just a few of the duties that are undertaken by tree surgeons. Potton specialists will be happy to tell you about their whole range of services.

Tree Surgeons Near Potton: Also find: East Hatley tree surgeons, Everton tree surgeons, Eyeworth tree surgeons, Cockayne Hatley tree surgeons, Tadlow tree surgeons, Shingay tree surgeons, Water End tree surgeons, Mill Hill tree surgeons, Wrestlingworth tree surgeons, North Brook End tree surgeons, Tetworth tree surgeons, Waresley tree surgeons, Great Gransdon tree surgeons, Hatley St George tree surgery and more. Most of these locations are catered for by professional tree surgeons. Potton homeowners can get tree surgery quotations by going here.

(Sourced from tree surgeons Potton text version four.)

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