Stroud Tree Surgeons (GL5): We all love to see trees, and having trees growing in our garden is an extra bonus for offering pleasant shade on a hot summers day, for adding colour and beauty and for providing a home for wildlife. But there are several downsides; trees can become way too large for our gardens in Stroud, trees can get damaged by wind and gales or trees can get diseased and unhealthy. The person to call when you have issues with your trees in Stroud, is a tree surgeon.
Tree surgeons play a key role in the general care and maintenance of trees for a wide array of clients in Stroud - both domestic and commercial. Tree related services such as: tree felling and removal, the safe planting of trees, the pruning of dead, invasive or weak branches, inspections and hazard assessments, as well as general tree maintenance, are but a few examples of what a specialist Stroud tree surgeon can offer.
However, it isn't simply trees that float a tree surgeon's boat! Hedge care, trimming and maintenance and stump removal, are additional duties that a tree surgeon in Stroud can take on. If you've got any reservations about the structural integrity of a tree, the best tradesperson to call is a tree surgeon, as they can effectively appraise and prepare a full report on possible threats, and give advice on what to do next.
This is definitely something that must only be completed by a specialist, because tree surgery is a hugely dangerous undertaking. While it might appear tempting to bypass the costs and take the DIY approach, it would definitely not be the smartest decision to make. To carry out the work that they do, tree surgeons must be experienced, physically fit and qualified.
More often then not, tree surgery will involve using dangerous power tools whilst harnessed to the tree and elevated in the air. So, you can understand why it's not a task for novices! To carry out a tree surgery project, a gang of tree surgeons who are all experts in their field, will typically be involved, and this is likely to include both climbers and a ground team. Rivalling this level of experience, risk assessment and competence to undertake the work, would be nigh on impossible for any untrained individual.
The first step following deciding that you need the help of a tree surgeon is identifying a good one in Stroud. But, how? Well, several things will need to be checked, for example how much it will cost and what qualifications they have. Next we'll cover a few of the things to look for when employing a tree surgeon in Stroud.
To dispel any doubts that they're properly accredited and competent, you firstly need to make sure that they've got the appropriate certifications. The governing body issuing accreditations to tree surgeons is the National Proficiency Tests Council. Any professional Stroud tree surgeon should hold the following certificates as a bare minimum requirement:
- NPTC 203 (CS31) - Fell and process trees up to 380mm (15").
- NPTC 206/306 (CS38) - Tree climbing and tree rescue.
- NPTC 308 (CS39) - Aerial cutting of trees using free-fall techniques.
- NPTC 201/202 (CS30) - Chainsaw crosscutting & maintenance.
As holding such certifications signifies that they have received the correct training, it is worthwhile tracking down a tree surgeon who has them, although surprisingly this isn't currently a legal obligation. Gaining these qualifications should provide you with the peace of mind that the task will be completed successfully and safely. As there is constantly a risk of falling from height, and a chance of life threatening injuries, it is essential that forestry workers, arborists and tree surgeons carry a comprehensive First Aid kit, and go through some basic training in First Aid techniques.
The next step will be to get 3 or 4 quotes from different tree surgeons in Stroud, and meticulously examine their cost breakdown, and the work that is included in the price. One important thing to look out for is whether the estimate covers the the removal of the considerable amounts of waste typically created by tree surgery work, quite often it will not! It's certainly easier to have the tree surgeons remove and dispose of this themselves if you can, as getting rid of such waste can be exceptionally inconvenient and costly.
Also, when speaking to potential tree surgeons in Stroud, make certain that you are ready to ask loads of important questions in relation to your project. By way of example, you will need to know who's going to do the actual work, and who will be coming onto your property. Would you be able to meet up with them before work begins? Will it be just one person working on their own, or will it be a crew of workers? What method will be used for removing or treating the tree? What impact will the work have on my neighbours/my home? Exactly how long will the task take?
The more questions that you ask, the less likely it is that you'll get any unexpected surprises later on.
You must also listen carefully to what your tree surgeon says. This can be a great tool for determining their levels of expertise and professionalism before any actual work begins. If the phrase 'topping and lopping' is mentioned, you might be better off looking for another tree surgeon, because this is a fairly outdated phrase, which displays a distinct absence of modern tree surgery knowledge. The appropriate terminology will be used by a professional, experienced and skilled tree surgeon in Stroud, who will reel off phrases like 'thinning', 'pollarding', 'crown reduction', 'pruning' and 'crown lifting'. Whilst merely using the right words is not always an indication of a person's ability, it can give helpful clues about your tree surgeon's measure of knowledge and experience.
In conclusion, when you have tree care or tree surgery needs in Stroud, it is always worthwhile to consult a variety of different tree surgeons. If you find the best one, you can count on having a professionally undertaken job, taking all possible hazards into account and making certain that all your needs are fully met in a timely manner.
The Use of Chainsaws
The most dangerous and probably the most widely used piece of equipment employed by Stroud tree surgeons, is the chainsaw. The preferred type of chainsaw with tree care professionals is the petrol driven version, being easily handled and more mobile, although nowadays it is possible to purchase rechargeable battery chainsaws and mains operated models. Where large tree stems and thick branches need cutting, such heavy tree work requires the use of the most powerful petrol driven chainsaws.
Comprising a rotating chain containing a set of sharp teeth that slice through the branches and wood, a chainsaw is in fact a relatively simple piece of equipment. Besides what drives them, there are also different styles of chainsaw for various operations, pole saws for long distance pruning and hard to reach branches, rear-handled for working on the ground (must be used with two hands) and top-handled for working at height (and which can be operated with one hand).
You'll seldom find a professional Stroud tree surgeon who does not use a chainsaw, despite the fact that working at height a tree with a twirling blade in your hand is not an especially safe thing to do. So as to gain membership of the AA (Arboricultural Association), being trained in the safe use and maintenance of chainsaws is one of the primary requirements.
The most popular brands of chainsaw used in the United Kingdom by tree surgery specialists are Hyundai, Husqvarna, Makita and Stihl, although there are numerous different makes.
Skills and Knowledge Necessary for a Tree Surgeon in Stroud
- Being able to work happily with other people.
- Be capable of maintaining, using and repairing equipment and tools.
- Have patience and the ability to remain calm in times of stress.
- Have a good understanding of public security and safety.
- To be thorough and pay attention to detail.
- Have the ability to work with your hands.
- Physical skills like movement and co-ordination.
- Customer service skills.
- Be professional and capable of completing work within the given period.
- Be aware of the complexities and dangers involved in all areas of work.
- Have necessary computer skills and know how to carry out tasks on handheld devices.
Vegetation Control
Whilst most homeowners in Stroud will believe that tree surgeons only deal with the maintenance and removal of trees, that is really not the situation, since the vast majority of tree surgeons are also happy to deal with overgrown land and gardens that are clogged up with proliferating plant growth. Quality tree surgeons will generally be more than happy to cut down and remove bushes, shrubs, weeds and overgrown vegetation that may be taking hold near to garages, buildings, sheds, walkways or driveways, and generally being a pain. If you're going to manage your garden effectively then all of this unwanted growth must be taken away regularly, and if you find you've got the inclination and time then this is a job that you can accomplish by yourself if you are fit enough, or you could get a local tree surgeon to call in once a year to make sure it is under control. The control of vegetation is important if you are going to have safe and easy access to all areas of the garden and if this is ignored the plants and vegetation will pretty quickly become a menace and take a lot of the enjoyment out of your garden. Aside from anything else the garden will also look a lot better when properly maintained.
Protecting Shrubs and Trees in the Wintertime
Whilst the winter weather conditions are seldom harsh enough to warrant protecting your trees and shrubs, it is definitely worth thinking about as a precautionary measure. Even the shrubs, trees and plants that we generally think of as hardy, can find winter a tough time to endure, particularly in the colder months, and they'll invariably benefit from a bit of TLC and extra protection.
Although most of your trees may have already dropped their leaves by winter in Stroud, it's strong winds that cause the biggest worry, and despite the fact that they offer less wind resistance, they may still be susceptible to damage. If you're worried about a tree's condition, or it looks like it may fall to the ground, you should call in a tree surgeon to examine it and conduct a risk assessment. Heavy snow can also cause branches to snap, so keep an eye out when this sort of weather is anticipated. Some shrubs and trees, in particular newly planted ones, might require some protection from frost and ice, and a thick layer of mulch will help to keep the soil around their bases frost-free.
Hedge Trimming Stroud
Whilst focusing primarily on specialist tree care work, tree surgeons in Stroud are often also involved in the routine trimming and upkeep of hedges. Using a tree surgeon can be a huge benefit when working on conifer hedges (Leylandii in particular), which can often reach heights that are too tall for a homeowner or regular gardener to cope with, requiring specialist tools to manage successfully.
A hedge which is neglected and poorly maintained can become overgrown and quickly get out of control. Frequent clipping makes sense if you don't want a hedge to take over large areas of your garden in Stroud, and along with making the hedge healthier and stronger it will also make it more visually appealing.
Tidy hedges help make your entire garden look neater, and might even add value to your home in Stroud, if you've got plans to sell it.
Problems With Tree Roots Stroud
When they are growing too near to your dwelling in Stroud, some trees have exceptionally intrusive root systems, and can cause problems. Problems that can occur include blocked drains, lifting patios and damaged foundations. Some of the tree species that have extremely intrusive roots include willows, elms, maples and sycamores.
If you're planning to plant any new trees on your property, it is a good idea to make certain that they're positioned a suitable distance from your house, patio areas, your sewerage pipes and paths. You should bring in a tree surgeon in Stroud, to see what can be done, if existing trees are growing too close to your house and are leading to one or more of these issues.
This isn't really the type of job you should try and do by yourself, and simply cutting out the offending roots could kill the tree or seriously affect it's overall health. So that the damage is minimised, and the tree is still able to get adequate nutrients and water to survive and thrive, a knowledgeable tree surgeon in Stroud will know which roots should be left, and which roots can be safely cut back.
Tree and shrub roots regularly cause cracks in subterranean drains, especially when you consider that sewer pipes provide a continuous source of nutrients and water. Blockages and joint failure can occur, when minute roots compromise the joints of a drainage system, establish themselves and develop into substantial root balls. To remove the tree roots that are causing the problem, high quality root removal solutions will be provided by many Stroud tree surgeons, who'll employ mechanical equipment, manual rodding or high pressure water jetting.
Cable Bracing Trees Stroud
A technique that's employed to support a tree when it is showing signs of damage or decay or is a risk to nearby persons or property, cable bracing can be extremely useful in the right situation. Where it is undesirable to fell a tree or remove large, unstable sections, because the tree is valuable or old, cable bracing can be the perfect solution.
The installation of a cable bracing system may be possible to add support to the poor joints, weak limbs and V-shaped forks of a vulnerable tree. To help redistribute structural tension and extend the lifespan of old and valuable trees most Stroud tree surgeons should be able to conduct various forms of bracing work by the installation of cables and rods.
A non-invasive approach, that doesn't damage the tree by drilling and bolting the troublesome branches, cable bracing provides flexible and shock-absorbing support. A comprehensive risk risk assessment must be undertaken by an arborist of tree surgeon before any actual work can commence. This is necessary to guarantee the safety of the tree and encircling areas as the work proceeds.
Stump Grinding
If you have a need for specialist services like stump grinding in Stroud, ensuring you employ a firm with the correct knowhow and gear is important. Any self-respecting tree surgeon in Stroud will fully understand the significance of removing every single bit of the tree stump down to at least a 30cm depth, to make sure it doesn't come back. Having the use of the recommended machines means that the tree surgeon will have the ability to remove stubborn roots and stumps within a few millimetres of structures and walls while avoiding damage. Even stumps which are located in alleys and passageways, can be removed using the correct machinery. It can take a herculean effort to get rid of the stumps of massive trees, where the stump and thicker roots go down to a significant depth, making the job even more challenging if you do not have the proper gear.
Logs & Firewood Stroud
Of course, you might need a tree surgeon for a completely different reason, since they can be a good source for firewood and logs in Stroud. As chopping off branches and felling trees is part of their daily schedule, this is an obvious offshoot for the enterprising tree surgeon.
Some Stroud tree surgeons will charge you for seasoned and chopped logs which have been dried out and are ready for burning, while others might be willing to give you logs and branches free of charge, because they generally have loads of them to get shot of.
Logs having a moisture level of below twenty percent are best for burning on your open fire or log burner, and these will have been dried out for 12 months or more. Most often tree surgeons in Stroud will have stocks of assorted hardwood logs, and the benefit of these is that they give a sustained burn, providing 3 or 4 hours of heat. The disadvantage of hardwood logs is that they can be quite tricky to get going, therefore if you can pick up a few softwood logs, these are terrific for getting your fire burning.
Tree Surgery Tasks Stroud
Stroud tree surgeons will likely help you with tree dismantling, forestry management, airspading, tree planning in Stroud, site clearance, vegetation management, tree lopping, tree reduction, emergency tree surgery, tree staking, commercial tree care, crown raising, root removal, woodland clearance, tree transplanting, felling of storm damaged trees in Stroud, fruit tree pruning, hazard assessment, domestic tree surgery, coppicing, tree management, safety inspections, tree inspections, the protection of trees from grazing, crown thinning, shrub maintenance Stroud, tree bracing, woodchipping, tree cutting, landscape clearing, landscaping, cabling, dead wooding in Stroud, tree pollarding, hedge cutting and other tree surgeon services in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Listed are just a handful of the duties that are accomplished by tree surgeons. Stroud specialists will tell you about their whole range of services.
Tree Surgeons Near Stroud: Also find: Ryeford tree surgeons, Ebley tree surgeons, Woodchester tree surgeons, Dudbridge tree surgeons, Lightpill tree surgeons, Uplands tree surgeons, Thrupp tree surgeons, Cashes Green tree surgeons, Rodborough Common tree surgeons, Kingscourt tree surgeons, Bowbridge tree surgeons, Whiteshill tree surgeons, Paganhill tree surgery and more. All these villages and towns are serviced by tree surgeons. Stroud householders can get quotations by going here.
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