Belfast Tree Surgeon Northern Ireland: Trees around your property and in your garden in Belfast, add style, structure and substance to what can often be a largely two dimensional area. But when neglected or affected by extreme weather conditions like flooding or storms, trees can be a bit of a problem. The best option if you have work that needs undertaking on your trees, is to speak to an experienced tree surgeon in Belfast.
There's an enormous risk of damage to the trees, to property and to life, for folks in Belfast who attempt to do tree work by themselves, or by hiring a non-qualified operative. However, tree work is not altogether safe for specialist tree surgeons, who are familiar with all of the dangers involved. Tree surgery is certainly not a task for novices, and on average there are three deaths and a hundred and forty major injuries per year within the profession, making it among the most hazardous jobs in the United Kingdom.
With around five people annually being killed by falling branches or trees in the UK, even a poorly maintained or damaged tree can also pose a danger to life. If there is an injury, or damage to property due to you hiring someone to do tree work, you could be liable for any compensation to any third-party as a consequence of your actions. The above are just a few of the reasons why using a certified Belfast tree surgeon to do the work on your trees is very important. (All figures are from HSE).
CHOOSING A TREE SURGEON IN BELFAST - There are two main trade bodies, one or both of which a competent tree surgeon in Belfast should be a signed up member of. The professional status and membership of any tree surgeon in Belfast can be checked on the websites of both the Arboricultural Association (AA) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). To find out if any particular tree surgeon has recognised Approved ARB Contractor status and has membership of either of these 2 organisations, you can do a search on this website.
You will be able to speak to these trade organisations for assistance in arbitration and for help and guidance, if a problem arises at any stage during the course of the tree work, or after it has been concluded.
If anybody who you are unable to find on this directory offers to provide you with a quote, you should graciously decline their offer of work and carry on your search for an accredited contractor. When their professional accreditations and memberships have been carefully checked, you should try to get a minimum of 3 different quotations from various companies in Belfast. While obtaining these quotes you should ask the below questions, making it abundantly clear that you need to know the answers because of the risks involved with the work:
- Could I contact some past customers so that I can assess the standard of your work? It's a good idea to perform an independent examination of any recent work.
- Can you show a NPTC/LANTRA certificate for chainsaw use and maintenance, and documentary evidence of your qualifications and professional memberships? It is required by law that any tree surgeon using a chainsaw must hold NPTC/LANTRA certification. Certificates and National Diplomas in Arboriculture are qualifications that might be held by a professional tree surgeon in Belfast.
- How much insurance cover is provided? As suggested by the ISA and AA, your tree surgeon ought to be able to show you a certificate covering a minimum of five million pounds public liability insurance.
- Do you supply written quotations? Always get a quote in writing, and NEVER accept a quote which is only given verbally.
The written quotation should include easy to understand details of the tree work to be undertaken. It should include specifics of any trees which may be protected, and the required steps to get permission to carry out work on them, and also state whose responsibility it is to remove tree branches, stumps and waste. You should also make sure VAT has been included on the quotation. You have a responsibility to hire only capable people to work on your property and trees, and it is extremely important to understand that fact. 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 - Checking whether any of your trees are protected, your preferred Belfast tree surgeon should make sure that any work gets the green light from the relevant local authorities. Finding a tree has got protected status doesn't imply that work can't be carried out, because even protected trees require maintenance in order to cut back dead or damaged wood and ensure public safety.
If your property in Belfast is located in a designated conservation area, the Local Planning Authority will require a minimum of 6 weeks written notice of any tree work you are planning to do. This is only required for trees with a trunk diameter of over 75mm in diameter, at a point 1.5 metres from ground level. It's also not necessary to give notice if the branches of a protected tree need pruning or thinning simply to encourage and sustain growth.
After fully assessing the health of the trees on your property, your Belfast tree surgeon will decide on the appropriate treatments and how the required outcome can safely be accomplished. Where there is any potential for falling debris and branches, a full risk assessment will have to be performed on your property, public areas, and parts of neighbouring properties that may be affected. The level of protection needed and the quantity of workers required, will also be ascertained at this stage. This will include a number of safety precautions along with personal protection equipment to ensure the safety of the general public and adjacent property.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - Safety measures and barriers will be put in place before any climbing, tree felling or cutting of branches is started, to keep unauthorised persons and passers-by away from the area where work is going on. If there is a risk of falling debris onto a public road, passing traffic may have to be halted temporarily.
The tree surgeon will need varying levels of protection depending on the kind of tree work being performed. When working with a chainsaw, they will at a bare minimum be wearing special protective clothing to avoid injuring the torso, hands and legs. All operatives involved in the work should be wearing hi-vis clothing, and head and eye protection, at all times.
If working at height is involved, ladders and associated climbing equipment will have to be deployed, and extra workers will be there to help in the removal of high branches and sections of tree trunk. It is advisable to inform your neighbours of the need for unhindered access, because a skip or other method of transporting the waste materials away will be stationed as close to the work area as possible.
AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK - Upon completion of all the tree work, the area can be cleared of all debris, and all of the waste can be hauled away. Your tree surgeon will then sign off and provide you with a certificate of work, particularly where the trees are covered by TPOs. Roads and pathways can then be re-opened, with any safety measures in public areas being taken away.
If you have any problems or issues with the completed work, you should first take them up with the tree surgeon in order that they can be put right immediately. If any further arbitration is needed, and your tree surgeon is a registered member of a trade association, you can obtain advice and help from the ISA or AA so as to arrive at an acceptable solution.
Local Belfast tree surgery services will most likely have the telephone code 028 and the postcode BT1. They'll work in Belfast itself, along with nearby areas such as Whiteabbey, Moneyreagh, Lisburn, Milltown, Andersontown, Dundrod, Holywood, Ballyskeagh, Drumbeg, Newtownabbey, Upper Galwally, Dundonald, Hannahstown, Dunmurry, Strandtown, Gilnahirk, Finaghy, Ballygowan, Lambeg, Greenisland, Comber, and these postcodes: BT1 1ZP, BT1 1ER, BT1 2FN, BT1 2JZ, BT1 2LG, BT1 1HT, BT1 1HS, BT1 2JG, BT1 2FF, BT1 1HE.
For this kind of assistance it's definitely best to bring in a trusted local tree surgeon. Belfast property owners can substantially benefit from the knowledge and skills that a seasoned professional can offer.
Accidents Through Tree Surgery
The work that is tackled by tree care professionals in Belfast can be highly hazardous. When work is being done on trees, there is a considerable risk of injuries to both operatives, co-workers and passers-by, so all reasonable precautions must be implemented.
The majority of fatal and major injuries are related to falls from trees, the use of chainsaws, and being hit by a falling tree or branch, according to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). The startling fact is that the risk of serious injury is higher in tree care work than it is for those involved in building and construction.
In relation to insurance claims the most frequent tree work accidents involve being struck by objects (grapple hooks, cranes, trees, branches, ropes etc), lifting injuries and falling from ladders.
This all emphasises the importance of choosing a seasoned Belfast tree surgeon to work on your trees. Most often, accidents that happen in the tree care industry are due to untrained novices attempting tree work that they are not equipped for, or competent at. Therefore, to avoid this type of problem, always use an established and reputable company which has been working in the Belfast area for several years.
Woodland Clearance Belfast
The clearance of woodlands in the Belfast area should only be started after the appropriate restrictions and regulatory measures have been put in place and observed. A certified tree surgeon contractor in Belfast will be able to provide an all-encompassing service that will abide by all laws and covenants on the land, and also complete the project an environmentally friendly way.
A thorough site survey will be conducted by a tree surgeon who'll also liaise with woodland authorities and organisations to ensure that your woodland clearance is undertaken safely and legally. Mitigation procedures may need to be employed if there's protected animal species or plants on site; this could require the relocation of wildlife such as bats or lizards, and the replanting of rare trees to an alternative protected site.
It is going to be far more cost effective to bring in a certified Belfast tree surgeon to undertake your clearance project, since the chipping, felling and mulching equipment that is needed is extremely expensive.
Tree Surgery - Health and Safety
One of the main concerns with carrying out tree surgery in Belfast is the safety aspect, because it can definitely be a dangerous and risky enterprise if done incorrectly. There are numerous factors that may lead to damage or injury if the so called tradespeople engaged in the project are unqualified or inexperienced. Amongst the most prevalent concerns are little if any protection from falling, in the shape of platforms, ropes and harnesses, not using hearing or eye protection, no head protection, failure to put on cut resistant apparel (especially trousers and safety boots), falling branches and timber and not cordoning off the area to protect the public and vehicles. Owing to this form of incompetence, potentially at risk are fences and garden outbuildings, passing and stationary vehicles, those working at ground level, pedestrians, the property owners, the tree surgeon himself (person in the tree), the actual tree itself, facilities on the street, nearby buildings.
Crown Thinning Belfast
If you need to prevent the tree being uprooted in strong winds, to minimize the stress on specific limbs caused by snow, ice, wind, or gravity, to lessen the overall weight of the crown of the tree, to help reduce the wind resistance of the tree or to enable more sunlight to pass through, some of the smaller supplementary branches that grow at the outer crown of a broad leafed (Rather than conifer) tree are clipped in a technique which is often known as crown thinning. The overall size and shape of the tree are not altered by this, and the likelihood is that it'll have to be carried out on a regular basis, as shoots continue to develop. Crown thinning should not transform the all round shape and size of the tree, but should produce a uniform density of foliage around evenly spaced limbs. (Tags: Tree Crown Thinning Belfast, Crown Thinning Belfast, Crown Thin Belfast)
A Tree Surgeons's Regular Tasks
- Evaluate the health of trees and prepare treatment plan.
- Tidy work area on completion and remove waste from customer's site.
- Produce tree survey reports for domestic and commercial clients.
- Be proficient with power tools and equipment.
- Establish dangers presented by trees.
- Tree planting and transplanting.
- Deal with clients and complete administration tasks.
- Cut and chip branches and logs.
- Service equipment like wood chippers and chainsaws.
- Fell and remove trees and grind stumps.
- Create on-site or telephone quotations with the clients.
- Climb trees to remove or prune branches as required.
Tree Root Problems Belfast
When they are growing too near to your dwelling in Belfast, some larger trees have particularly intrusive root systems, and can be troublesome. Issues that can occur include cracked patios, blocked drains and damaged foundations. Sycamores, elms, willows and maples, are notorious for having very intrusive root systems.
If you've got plans to plant any new trees in your garden, it is a good idea to make certain they're located a reasonable distance from patios, your home, pathways and your drainage system. If existing trees are growing too near to your house and are already causing some of these issues, you should speak to a tree surgeon in Belfast, to see what can be done to resolve the situation.
If you want to avoid the possibility of killing the tree or severely affecting it's health you really should not try and do this yourself and just cut through any offending tree roots. Understanding which roots can be cut back, and which roots should be left in place is the domain of the specialist, and a knowledgeable Belfast arborist will ensure that the tree can still get ample water and food to successfully survive for many years to come.
Because sewer lines provide a consistent source of water and nutrients, tree and shrub roots commonly cause cracks in subterranean drainage systems. Joint failure and even blockages can occur, when teeny roots invade a drainage system's joints, establish themselves and grow into massive root balls. Specialised root removal services will be offered by some local tree surgeons, who will employ manual rodding, high pressure water jetting or mechanical equipment to eliminate the offending roots. Invasive root removal services are also available in Whiteabbey, Moneyreagh, Lisburn, Milltown, Andersontown, Dundrod, Holywood, Ballyskeagh, Drumbeg, Newtownabbey, Upper Galwally, Dundonald, Hannahstown, Dunmurry, Strandtown, Gilnahirk, Finaghy, Ballygowan, Lambeg, Greenisland, Comber, and and of course in Belfast. (Tags: Drain Root Removal Belfast, Problematic Tree Roots Belfast, Invasive Tree Roots Belfast, Tree Root Problems Belfast).
Pollarding Belfast
The method whereby a tree's size is radically reduced because it's outgrown its present environment, is know as "pollarding". This procedure is also sometimes employed for aesthetic reasons to transform a tree into an especially desirable shape. It is sometimes noticed on trees that function as boundaries or hedgerows, in addition to trees which grow alongside roadways in Belfast. As pollarded trees have got such a stark and naked visual appearance, and will probably never get back to their earlier shape, the method isn't generally popular with those who appreciate trees. Tree species like sycamores, limes, horse chestnuts, planes, oaks, maples and beeches are regular contenders for pollarding, and the beneficial element of this process is that trees which might otherwise need to be cut down can be conserved for the enjoyment of everyone.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) Belfast
You must make sure there is not a TPO (Tree Preservation Order) on your trees in Belfast, before you undertake any serious work on them. You local authority is the place to head to check whether there are any TPOs on your property's trees. If there are TPOs on one or more of your trees, you will need local authority consent to carry out any of these: topping, wilful destruction, felling, wilful damage, uprooting, removal or lopping. Any dependable tree surgeon in Belfast will be happy to help you out with this process.
If your house is inside a conservation area in Belfast, and propose to carry out any work on a tree with a diameter of 75mm or more, you must give a minimum of 6 weeks notice in writing to your local council.
The ISA (International Society of Arboriculture)
Having its headquarters in the United States, the International Society of Arboriculture, normally referred to as the ISA is an international, non-profit organisation that fosters the benefits and awareness of trees. Promoting the professional practice of arboriculture, the ISA is a membership association that serves the tree care industry all over the world.
Promoting best tree care practices, and focused on technology, education and research, the ISA provides educational services, publications and events develop the skills, arboricultural expertise and knowledge of individuals working in the tree care industry.
In 2016 the UK's AA (Arboricultural Association) proudly became an associate organisation of the ISA after signing an agreement with them. This enabled the two associations to strengthen their relationship, while offering more opportunities for any tree surgeon in the United Kingdom and Ireland who was a member of the ISA. Being an integral part of a wide and varied worldwide network of tree care professionals is something that AA and ISA members in the United Kingdom and Ireland can now benefit from. The International Society of Arboriculture now has professional affiliates and associate organisations in EXTRAhazard assessments, vegetation management Belfast, waste removal in Belfast, root decompaction, tree surveys, crown lifting in Belfast, stump grinding, tree fertilising, crown raising, stump removal, tree replanting, root grinding, crown reduction, tree pest control in Belfast, shrub maintenance Belfast, tree topping, crown removal Belfast, staking in Belfast, fruit tree pruning, tree pruning, removal of storm damaged trees, expert tree care in Belfast, formative pruning, tree felling Belfast, tree work, hedge laying, drop crotching, the protection of trees from grazing animals Belfast, retrenchment pruning, tree waste removalTEN, and the United Kingdom, and has a global membership of over twenty two thousand.
Management of Vegetation
Tree care professionals don't only help with the removal and care of trees alone, they can also tackle all sorts of vegetation which might be choking your backyard and overtaking the whole area. Professional tree surgeons will generally be happy to cut down and remove bushes, shrubs, overgrown vegetation and weeds which might be growing around drives, walls, buildings, sheds or walkways, and causing a problem. If you are to manage your garden correctly then all this excess growth needs to be cut down on a regular basis, and if you have the inclination and time then this is a job you may tackle yourself if you're fit and able enough, or you can ask a tree surgeon to come every few months to make sure it is in check. Vegetation management is crucial if you are to maintain easy and safe entry to all sections of the garden and if this isn't done the plants and vegetation will soon take over and take away the enjoyment of your garden. Besides anything else your garden will look better when properly maintained. (Tags: Vegetation Control Belfast, De-Vegetation Services Belfast, Vegetation Management Northern Ireland)
Wood Chipping Belfast
So as to process the large amount of tree limbs, branches and vegetation that are the result of their work, most Belfast tree surgeons will utilise wood chipping machinery. Depending on what equipment is being used, these powerful wood chipping systems can gobble up as much as forty tonnes of material every hour, although around 5 tons every hour can be processed by the smaller, more commonly used machines.
Chipping down the branches in this way makes them much easier to transport and also provides a handy by-product that is good for a whole host of things for instance, mulch in gardening, landscaping, wood pulp, ecosystem restoration, weed prevention, biomass fuel, garden pathways and mushroom cultivation.
In most cases, Belfast tree surgeons will take away all the wood chippings that result from your tree surgery project, except if you need them for one of the previously mentioned uses, in which case they'll usually be pleased to let you keep some. As I'm sure you'll have realised by reading this article, tree surgeons are the best source for wood chippings that you can use throughout your garden in Belfast, whether you actually need tree surgery or not. Some tree surgeons will want paying for wood chips, particularly if you need them to be delivered, others will let you have them for free.
Hyundai, Timberwolf, Crytec and Forest Master, are among the best known makes of wood chipping machinery. (Tags: Wood Chips Belfast, Wood Chipping Services Belfast, Wood Chipping Belfast, Wood Chippers Belfast).
Tree Surgery Tasks Belfast
Belfast tree surgeons can normally help with hazard assessments, vegetation management Belfast, waste removal in Belfast, root decompaction, tree surveys, crown lifting in Belfast, stump grinding, tree fertilising, crown raising, stump removal, tree replanting, root grinding, crown reduction, tree pest control in Belfast, shrub maintenance Belfast, tree topping, crown removal Belfast, staking in Belfast, fruit tree pruning, tree pruning, removal of storm damaged trees, expert tree care in Belfast, formative pruning, tree felling Belfast, tree work, hedge laying, drop crotching, the protection of trees from grazing animals Belfast, retrenchment pruning, tree waste removal and other tree surgeon services in Belfast, Northern Ireland. These are just an example of the duties that are performed by a local tree surgeon. Belfast companies will let you know their entire range of services.
Tree Surgeons Nearby
Also find: Drumbeg tree surgeon, Dunmurry tree surgeon, Upper Galwally tree surgeon, Whiteabbey tree surgeon, Strandtown tree surgeon, Dundonald tree surgeon, Andersontown tree surgeon, Ballygowan tree surgeon, Milltown tree surgeon, Finaghy tree surgeon, Greenisland tree surgeon, Moneyreagh tree surgeon, Hannahstown tree surgeon, Lambeg tree surgeon, Gilnahirk tree surgeon, Ballyskeagh tree surgeon, Dundrod tree surgeon and more. All of these villages and towns are served by tree care companies. Homeowners in these localities can get tree surgery price quotes by going here.
Tree Care Services Belfast
- Belfast Tree Removal
- Belfast Cable Bracing
- Belfast Root Decompaction
- Belfast Tree Transplanting
- Belfast Hedge Reduction
- Belfast Stump Treatment
- Belfast Crown Removal
- Belfast Eco-Plugging
- Belfast Vegetation Management
- Belfast Tree Watering
- Belfast Crown Lifting
- Belfast Tree Maintenance
- Belfast Crown Cleaning
- Belfast Crown Raising
For local Belfast information check here
Tree Surgeon Jobs Belfast: Find Belfast tree surgeon jobs here: Belfast Tree Surgeon Jobs
Tree Surgery BT1 area, 028.
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