Ayr Tree Surgeon Scotland: Trees are a vital feature of many gardens and properties in Ayr, and they will often transform a largely two dimensional landscape by adding structure, style and substance. But problems can develop when trees have been neglected or are affected by extreme weather events, for example flooding or gales. Seeking the expert advice of a skilled tree surgeon in Ayr, is the best option when work needs to be completed on your trees.
People in Ayr who attempt to do tree work themselves, or by using non-qualified personnel might cause a risk of damage to property, the trees or to life. However, tree work isn't even safe for trained tree surgeons, who are familiar with all of the hazards involved with it. Within the profession there are a worrying average of 140 major injuries and 3 deaths each year, making tree surgery one of the most dangerous jobs in the United Kingdom.
A damaged or neglected tree can also cause a danger to life, with around 5 people per year being tragically killed by falling branches and trees in the UK. You could be liable to third-party compensation claims due to the consequences of your actions, if you bring in someone to carry out tree work and subsequently there is an injury, or damage to property. This is why retaining the services of a trained Ayr tree surgeon to carry out the work on your trees is very important. (The above figures were sourced from HSE UK).
An experienced tree surgeon in Ayr should be a member of one or both of the two professional bodies found in Britain. The websites of either the International Society of Arboriculture or the Arboricultural Association allow you to check up on the membership and professional status of any tree surgeon in Ayr. This page enables you to check out if any particular local tree surgeon has Approved ARB Contractor status, and is a member of either of these two associations.
You are able to get in touch with these trade organisations for mediation and for guidance and help, if an issue emerges at any stage during the course of the tree work, or after it has been carried out.
If anyone offers you a quotation for any tree work and you can't find them on this directory, you should tactfully decline their offer and find an approved contractor. Once their professional qualifications and memberships have been carefully checked, you should try and get at least three different quotations from various companies in the Ayr area. You should ask the below questions while getting the quotations, making it crystal clear that you need the answers due to the risks involved in the work:
- Can I check the standard of your tree work by contacting a person you have recently worked for? Independently checking any recent work is always sensible.
- Exactly what is your level of insurance cover? You shouldn't even consider a tree surgeon in Ayr with any less than five million pounds public liability insurance as recommended by the ISA and AA.
- Can you provide me with a quotation in writing? You should NEVER settle for just a verbal quote. Only ever accept a written quote.
- Do you have documentary verification of your qualifications, professional membership and a NPTC certificate for chainsaw use? It's required by law that any worker/tree surgeon using a chainsaw must have a NPTC/LANTRA certificate. A competent Ayr tree surgeon may hold City & Guilds Diplomas and Certificates in Arboriculture.
Clear and accurate information on all the work that is to be undertaken must be included on the written quotation. Who is responsible for removing waste, tree branches and stumps should be stated, as should information on any trees which could be protected in law, and the steps needed to get permission to carry out work on them. Unless you are a commercial entity, you should also ensure VAT is included on the quote. Recognising that you have a responsibility for hiring only competent people to work on your trees and property, is crucial. This is outlined by the "Common law duty of care responsibilities under the Occupier's Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984."
PRIOR TO WORK BEGINNING - Finding out whether any of your trees are covered by a TPO, your chosen Ayr tree surgeon should make sure that any work gets the green light from the appropriate local authority department. Finding a tree has got protected status doesn't mean that work can't be carried out, as even protected trees require maintenance so as to cut back old or dead wood and ensure the safety of the public.
If your property in Ayr is inside a conservation area then no less than six weeks written notice must be given to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) prior to any work being conducted. However, tree trunks of less than 75mm in diameter when measured at 1.5 metres above ground level are exempt from this requirement. Also, if the branches of a protected tree need to be thinned or pruned to promote and stimulate growth, written notice will not be necessary.
On site they'll perform a full assessment of your tree's health and determine the remedial treatment required and how best to achieve the required outcome in a safe manner. Your property, public areas and any parts of a neighbour's property that could be affected by falling branches will all be given a risk assessment. This stage will also establish the amount of workers needed and the level of protection required. To keep the public and other property safe from damage or harm, this will include both PPE and other safety measures.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - Before any cutting of branches, climbing or tree felling commences, safety measures and barriers will be put in place to keep unauthorised persons and passers-by away from the work area. Where there's a possibility of branches and debris crashing onto a road, it may be necessary to briefly stop the traffic.
According to the kind of work that's called for a tree surgeon will need different levels of protection. When carrying out basic work with a chainsaw, to avoid injuring the legs, torso and hands, they will at a bare minimum be wearing specialist protective clothing. Every operative involved in the work, must at all times be wearing hi-vis clothing, and head and eye protection.
If working at height is involved, safety climbing equipment and ladders will have to be used, and additional personnel will be on hand to help with the removal of high branches and pieces of tree trunk. For removing waste materials, unhindered access to the site will be needed. So, it is advisable to inform your next door neighbours, as a pick up truck or skip will need to be parked as close to the work area as possible whilst work proceeds.
UPON COMPLETION OF WORK - All of the waste materials will be transported away and the whole site cleared of any debris, after all the tree work has been concluded. Your tree surgeon should then put together and sign off a certificate of work, a copy of which will be given to you. This is especially important where trees with TPOs are involved. Any safety measures that were put in public spaces can then be taken down, with footpaths and highways being re-opened.
If you've got any problems or issues with the completed work, you should first address them with the tree surgeon in order that they can be put right straight away. If any further arbitration is needed, and your tree surgeon is a registered member of a professional association, you can get guidance and help from the Arboricultural Association or the International Society of Arboriculture so as to come to a satisfactory solution.
Local Ayr tree surgery services are likely to have the dialling code 01292 and the postcode KA7. They will operate in Ayr itself, in addition to nearby areas like Dalrymple, Drongen, Kilmarnock, Auchincruive, Prestwick, Ochiltree, Troon, Annbank, Alloway, Auchinleck, Monkton, Mossblown, Tarbolton, Mauchline, Dundonald, Coylton, Dreghorn, Irvine, and these postcodes: KA7 1NP, KA7 2AA, KA6 5HF, KA7 1PX, KA7 1DT, KA7 2EL, KA7 2DG, KA7 1LR, KA7 1JX, KA7 1NS.
If you require this kind of assistance it's unquestionably better to employ a qualified local tree surgeon. Ayr property owners can benefit greatly from the expertise and knowledge that a trained professional can offer.
Chainsaws
Perhaps the most common tool used by Ayr tree surgeons, the chainsaw, in unskilled hands, is also the most dangerous. Petrol chainsaws are the most preferred by professionals, because of their ease of use and portability, although mains electric versions are available, and battery operated chainsaws are becoming more popular for some processes. Petrol chainsaws are the only serious option for the heaviest tree work, being extremely powerful and able to slice effortlessly through limbs and trunks of any size.
Essentially, a chainsaw consists of a rotating motor-driven chain which has a series of razor-sharp teeth for slicing through wood and branches. There are also a variety of types of chainsaw, pole saws for hard to reach branches and long distance pruning, top-handled for working at height (and which can be operated with one hand) and rear-handled for work at ground level (must be used with two hands).
Although it's not the safest thing to be carrying up a tree, it is very rare that you will find a tree surgeon in Ayr who does not use a chainsaw pretty much every day. One of the key prerequisites for becoming a registered member of the AA (Arboricultural Association), is that professional tree surgeons have to be fully trained in the maintenance and safe use of chainsaws.
There are several different brands of chainsaw, but the most commonly used by professionals in the UK are Hyundai, Makita, Husqvarna and Stihl.
Stump Grinding
If you have a need for specialist services like stump grinding in Ayr, ensuring you hire a firm with the correct knowhow and machinery is critical. The very best Ayr tree surgeons will understand that every single piece of the tree stump must be taken out down to a depth of at least a foot. Having the use of the right machinery means that the tree surgeon will be able to extract stumps and roots very close to walls and structures while avoiding damage. The appropriate machinery can also tackle stumps tucked away down passageways and alleys. It can take a herculean effort to eradicate the stumps of huge trees, where the stump and major roots grow down to a significant depth, making the task even more challenging if you do not have the right gear.
Woodland Clearance Ayr
The clearance of woodlands in the Ayr area is a sensitive process that can be impacted by several regulations and restrictions. Hiring the services of an established Ayr tree surgeon for woodland clearance, will see them apply for any permits, following applicable covenants and protection orders, and use eco-friendly techniques in clearing the area.
A thorough site survey will be carried out by a tree surgeon who will also liaise with woodland organisations and authorities to make sure that your clearance is undertaken safely and legally. If it's discovered that protected plant or animal life is on the site to be cleared, it may be necessary to relocate such species, if approval is given by the appropriate authorities.
The specialist chipping, mulching and felling equipment that's employed in woodland clearance means that it is usually much more cost effective to call on a qualified tree surgeon to accomplish your project. (Tags: Woodland Management Ayr, Woodland Clearances Ayr, Woodland Preservation Ayr, Woodland Clearance Ayr).
Tree Stump Removal Ayr
When you've had a tree cut down and removed from your garden in Ayr, unless agreed with the tree surgery company, you'll be left with a tree stump to contend with. In certain circumstances it might be acceptable for you to simply leave the stump in place until it decays on it's own. However, stumps can attract unwanted pests, be an eyesore, and a trip hazard.
There are several ways by which a large stump can be removed, if you determine that this is the best course of action, though the two main alternatives are stump grinding and stump removal. In the next few lines, we'll be looking at the option of removal.
In relation to getting rid of a tree stump, the three primary methods are burning, chemical treatment and digging out by hand. If you want to take a shot at removing the stump for yourself, you could go with any one of these solutions when appropriate. Professional tree surgeons will most often recommend the aforementioned stump grinding solution, but may suggest a chemical treatment like eco-plugging.
Chemical Treatments: A strong chemical substance such as Roundup Tree Stump Remover, Resolva Xtra Tough Tree Stump Killer or Vitax SBK Stump Killer, will be required if you opt to go down the chemical treatment route. It is crucial that you follow the manufacturer's directions to the letter when using any of these chemicals, because they can be dangerous and toxic. The tree stump will take a few weeks to rot and can then be removed with a spade and axe.
Digging Out a Stump by Hand: Digging by hand is rather straightforward and involves digging down, cutting all the roots, and releasing the stump. Some sort of cable ratchet winch might be needed for the final freeing process. This type of work isn't suited to the unfit or faint-hearted, because it is tiring and tedious.
Tree Stump Removal by Burning: Stump burning is not generally recommended, and may contravene legislation in your area, so take care if choosing this option. You'll have to drill a few one inch holes into the stump, and pour in some vegetable oil, you'll have to keep these topped up for a few days until the stump is totally soaked. The tree stump is then stacked up with charcoal and set alight. You or somebody else will need to constantly monitor this until it is safely burnt out. Make sure that the fire is extinguished when it's totally burned out. You will be able to dig out the roots and burnt stump remains once it has completely cooled off.
A different option is digging out all the soil from below the tree stump and setting a fire in the cavity created underneath. Never set light to a stump if it's in close proximity to a building, fences or other trees.
(Tags: Chemical Stump Killers Ayr, Removing Tree Stumps Ayr, Removal of Tree Stumps Ayr, Tree Stump Removal Ayr).Crown Thinning Ayr
Eliminating lesser live branches on the outer part of the tree's crown, but not transforming the shape or size of the tree, is generally called crown thinning. This is intended to result in a consistent density of leaves, which in itself accomplishes a number of aims such as: to decrease the weight of the crown, to lessen the wind resistance of the tree, to alleviate the stress put on particular limbs resulting from gravity, wind, snow, or ice, to reduce the chance of the tree uprooting when it is windy or to permit more light throughout. The all round size and shape of the tree shouldn't be transformed by crown thinning, and should just bring about a uniform foliage density surrounding uniformly spaced branches. You should be able to find crown thinning services in Dalrymple, Drongen, Kilmarnock, Auchincruive, Prestwick, Ochiltree, Troon, Annbank, Alloway, Auchinleck, Monkton, Mossblown, Tarbolton, Mauchline, Dundonald, Coylton, Dreghorn, Irvine, and Ayr.
Accidents Through Tree Surgery
As has been previously mentioned in this article, the work carried out by tree surgeons in Ayr can be fairly dangerous. All reasonable precautions should be implemented when carrying out work on trees, because tree work involves a high risk of injury to both operatives, co-workers and passers-by.
As stated by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), the majority of serious and fatal injuries are associated with falls from trees, the use of chainsaws, and being hit by a falling tree or branch. In fact, operatives that are involved in tree care work are more at risk of sustaining a serious injury than those involved in construction.
In relation to insurance claims the most common tree care accidents involve lifting injuries, being struck by objects (trees, branches, ropes, cranes, grapple hooks etc) and falling from ladders.
All of this emphasises the need for employing a certified Ayr tree surgeon to do the work on your trees. Quite frequently, accidents that occur in the tree care industry are a consequence of unqualified operatives trying to do work that they are not equipped for, nor skilled in. Therefore, to avoid this kind of problem, try to always use a trustworthy and established Ayr company who have been working in the area for a number of years.
Everyday Tasks for a Tree Surgeon
- Deal with customers and complete administrative duties.
- Establish dangers posed by trees.
- Service equipment like chainsaws and wood chippers.
- Plant trees and vegetation.
- Climb trees to prune or remove branches as required.
- Prepare on-site or telephone quotes with the clients.
- Chip and cut branches and logs.
- Be proficient with power tools and machinery.
- Produce tree survey reports for domestic and commercial clients.
- Fell and remove trees and grind stumps.
- Assess the health of trees and prepare treatment plan.
- Tidy up site upon completion and remove waste products from client's site.
Tree Removal Ayr
Trees are usually beneficial, hence the removal of a tree should really be a final resort. Having said that, there are needless to say valid triggers for tree removal on your garden or premises in Ayr. Among the more commonplace reasons for needing to remove a tree are if: the roots are endangering retaining walls/foundations, your tree is too large for its setting, the tree is infected, the tree has been uprooted, your tree presents a hazard to safety, your tree is in the way of new development or you've got a dying/dead tree.
Protecting Trees & Shrubs in Winter
Despite the fact that prolonged periods of extreme cold are quite rare in the UK it is still worthwhile to think about a few measures for protecting your trees and shrubs when the weather turns sour. Even the shrubs, trees and plants that we usually think of as hardy, can find the winter season hard to endure, particularly during the colder months, and they will always benefit from a bit of extra protection and TLC.
Storms and high winds can cause the biggest problems when trees are involved, and although most of your trees will have shed all their leaves come winter, they may still be susceptible in severe conditions. If a tree on your property has been affected by wind, or is swaying and at risk of falling, a tree surgeon will have to be contacted to conduct an assessment. You can also have problems with breaking branches due to heavy snowfall, therefore when weather such as this is predicted, keep your eyes open for possible damage. Protection from ice and frost might be required for some shrubs and trees (especially recently planted ones), and a deep layer of mulch around their bases can help to stop their roots from freezing, and allow them to continue absorbing moisture.
Tree Surgery Tasks Ayr
Ayr tree surgeons will likely help with formative pruning in Ayr, tree pruning, stump grinding, shrub maintenance, woodland management, root removal Ayr, crown raising, stump removal, tree maintenance, tree felling, tree management, damage restoration, tree staking, woodchipping Ayr, tree lightening protection, woodland clearances, tree cabling, hazard assessment, crown lifting, the removal of dead wood, tree reshaping Ayr, tree work, drop crotching, pest control, tree replanting in Ayr, tree care, tree removal, tree fertilising, retrenchment pruning, cut sealing Ayr and other tree surgeon services in Ayr, Scotland. These are just a handful of the tasks that are conducted by a local tree surgeon. Ayr companies will be happy to inform you of their entire range of services.
Tree Surgeons Nearby
Also find: Alloway tree surgeon, Coylton tree surgeon, Auchinleck tree surgeon, Dreghorn tree surgeon, Drongen tree surgeon, Auchincruive tree surgeon, Tarbolton tree surgeon, Mossblown tree surgeon, Mauchline tree surgeon, Annbank tree surgeon, Ochiltree tree surgeon, Dundonald tree surgeon, Monkton tree surgeon and more. Almost all of these places are catered for by tree surgeons. Home and property owners in these localities can obtain tree surgery quotations by clicking here.
Tree Care Services Ayr
- Ayr Tree Watering
- Ayr Tree Shaping
- Ayr Crown Removal
- Ayr Stump Grinding
- Ayr Woodland Management
- Ayr Tree Care
- Ayr Tree Maintenance
- Ayr Arboriculture
- Ayr Forestry Management
- Ayr Crown Thinning
- Ayr Stump Treatment
- Ayr Tree Transplanting
- Ayr Crown Raising
- Ayr Crown Cleaning
To get local info about Ayr, Scotland click here
Tree Surgery KA7 area, phone code 01292.
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