Berkhamsted Tree Surgeon Hertfordshire: A crucial feature of many gardens and properties in Berkhamsted, trees add substance, style and structure to what can oftentimes be a dull and 2 dimensional landscape. However, when trees are neglected or are impacted by extreme weather events, for example high winds or flooding, problems may occur. Prior to any work beginning, the best option is to get the advice of a seasoned tree surgeon in Berkhamsted, when your trees need attention.
Employing a non-qualified operative for tree work or attempting to do the work yourself, could harm your trees, cause damage to property, or even lead to injury or death. But even hiring an established tree surgeon who is acquainted with all the dangers doesn't mean that tree work is entirely safe. In actual fact tree surgery is among the most hazardous jobs in the United Kingdom, with an average of 3 deaths and 140 serious injuries each year within the profession, so it is certainly not safe work for amateurs.
With around five people per year being killed by falling branches and trees in the UK, even a poorly maintained or damaged tree can also be a threat to life. If you employ someone to conduct tree work and subsequently an injury, or damage to property occurs, you could be liable to third-party compensation claims due to the consequences of your actions. These are merely some of the reasons why retaining the services of a certified Berkhamsted tree surgeon to work on your trees is important. (The figures given were sourced from HSE).
A trained Berkhamsted tree surgeon ought to be a signed up member of at least one of the 2 professional bodies found in the UK. The websites of either the International Society of Arboriculture or the Arboricultural Association allow you to check up on the membership and professional standing of any tree surgeon in Berkhamsted. To discover whether any particular tree surgeon has Approved ARB Contractor status and has membership of either of these 2 organisations, you can do a search on this webpage.
If an issue springs up during the tree work, or after it has been concluded you will be able to speak to these trade associations for mediation assistance and for help and guidance.
If somebody offers you an estimate for any tree work and you are unable to find them on this directory, you should politely decline their offer of work and continue your search for an approved contractor. Once you've reassured yourself of their qualifications and professional memberships you should try to get a minimum of 3 different price quotes from various companies in Berkhamsted. While obtaining the quotations you must ask the questions below, making it clear that you need to know the answers because of the risks of the work involved:
- Do you have documents to indicate that you've got the correct qualifications, membership of the ISA or AA, and also a certificate for the use of a chainsaw from the NPTC/LANTRA? It's required by law that any tree surgeon/worker using a chainsaw must have gained a NPTC/LANTRA certificate. A professional Berkhamsted tree surgeon could hold City & Guilds Diplomas and Certificates in Arboriculture.
- Can you provide a written quotation? Always get a quote in writing, and NEVER accept a quote which is only given verbally.
- Would it be possible for me to contact someone you've recently worked for, so that I can assess your workmanship? Doing an independent check on any recent work is always advisable.
- What is your level of insurance cover? Do not entertain a tree surgeon in Berkhamsted with any less than £5 Million public liability insurance as stipulated by the ISA and AA.
Easy to follow details about all the tree work that's to be undertaken should be included on the written quote. It should state who is responsible for the removal of waste, tree branches and stumps, and should also include details of any trees which may be protected, and the steps required to get permission to work on them. You should also make sure that VAT has been included on the quote unless you are a commercial business. It's extremely important that only qualified tradespeople are employed to work on your trees and property, and this is wholly down to you.
PRIOR TO WORK - Making enquiries into the possibility of any of your trees having protected status, your preferred Berkhamsted tree surgeon should make sure that any work gets the go-ahead from the appropriate local authority. Finding a tree has protected status doesn't imply that work can't be carried out, as even protected trees need to be maintained in order to cut back old or dying wood and ensure public safety.
If your property in Berkhamsted happens to be inside a conservation area, the Local Planning Authority (LPA) will require a minimum of six weeks written notice of any planned tree work. This only applies to trees with a stem diameter of over 75mm in diameter, at a point 1.5 metres from the ground. It's also not necessary to give written notice if the branches of a protected tree need thinning or pruning simply to promote and sustain growth.
On site they'll complete a thorough assessment of your tree's health and determine the remedial treatment needed and how the required outcome can be achieved with safety in mind. This will involve a full risk assessment of areas that could be impacted by falling branches and debris, such as in public areas, on your property, and on the properties of your neighbours. The quantity of workers needed and the level of protection required, will also be established at this point. This is both PPE as well as other safety measures to keep the public and other property safe from damage or harm.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - Before any cutting of branches, climbing or tree felling begins, safety measures and barriers should be put in place to keep passers-by and unauthorised persons away from the area where work is going on. It might at some stage be necessary to stop the traffic momentarily, if there is a danger of branches and debris falling onto the highway.
The tree surgeon will need varying levels of protection based on the type of work being carried out. At the bare minimum when doing work with a chainsaw they will be wearing specialist protective clothing to prevent serious cutting injuries to the hands, torso and legs. Every worker involved in the operation, should at all times be wearing head and eye protection, and high visibility clothing.
Climbing equipment and ladders will be required if working at height is involved, and to help with the safe removal of high branches and large pieces of tree trunk, additional operatives will be essential. For the removal of waste materials, unhindered access to the work site will be necessary. Therefore, it's advisable to inform your neighbours, as a truck or skip will need to be parked as close as possible to the work area while the work proceeds.
UPON COMPLETION OF WORK - As soon as the tree work has been concluded all of the branches and waste will be transported away and the site cleared of any debris. Especially where the trees are under a protection order, a certificate of work done should then be created by your tree surgeon, which will be signed off and a copy presented to you. If any public spaces required safety measures, this can be removed and highways and paths will be re-opened to the public.
If you have any issues or problems with the completed work, you should first take them up with your tree surgeon so that they can be put right immediately. If any further arbitration is needed, and your tree surgeon is an approved member of a professional trade body, you can get help and guidance from the International Society of Arboriculture or the Arboricultural Association in order to come to an acceptable solution.
Locally based Berkhamsted tree surgery services will likely have the postcode HP4 and the telephone dialling code 01442. They will work in Berkhamsted itself, together with nearby areas like Bovingdon, Hawridge, Whelpley Hill, Tring, Pednor, Little Heath, Water End, Potten End, Bourne End, Northchurch, Cow Roast, Ashley Green, Little Gaddesdon, Frithsden, Asheridge, and these postcodes: HP4 1FD, HP4 1EF, HP4 1LH, HP4 1AG, HP4 1DA, HP4 2DL, HP4 1SX, HP4 2BJ, HP4 2AA, HP4 2DD.
If you need this kind of assistance it is definitely wise to employ a certified local tree surgeon. Berkhamsted homeowners can greatly benefit from the dexterity and skills that are the trademark of a fully trained professional.
Tree Root Problems Berkhamsted
Because certain trees have really aggressive roots, if they are growing too near to your house in Berkhamsted, they can trigger various issues, possibly serious. Damaged foundations, blocked drains and lifting patios, are among the most widespread issues that you might run into. Species like sycamores, willows, elms and maples, are trees that have extremely invasive root systems.
Keeping any new trees that you plant, as far away as possible from your sewerage system, your house, patios and pathways, is wise to avoid future problems. If you're already experiencing issues with established trees which are growing too close to your dwelling, you can get guidance and advice by speaking to a local Berkhamsted tree surgeon.
To avoid the possibility of severely harming the health of your tree or even killing it off altogether, you certainly should not just cut through the problematic tree roots in an effort to deal with this yourself. A knowledgeable arborist in Berkhamsted will know which roots should be left, and which roots can be safely cut, so that the damage is minimised, but the tree is still able to get sufficient food and water to thrive and survive.
Shrub and tree roots commonly cause structural issues in subterranean drains, because sewerage lines provide a constant source of nutrients and water. Minute tree roots can soon compromise a drainage system's joints, and when established grow into sizeable root balls which can result in joint failure and blockages. To remove the roots that are causing the problem, specialist root removal services will be provided by many Berkhamsted tree surgeons, who'll employ mechanical equipment, high pressure jetting or manual rodding. You should also be able to get root removal services in Bovingdon, Hawridge, Whelpley Hill, Tring, Pednor, Little Heath, Water End, Potten End, Bourne End, Northchurch, Cow Roast, Ashley Green, Little Gaddesdon, Frithsden, Asheridge, and and of course in Berkhamsted. (Tags: Drain Root Removal Berkhamsted, Tree Root Problems Berkhamsted, Invasive Tree Roots Berkhamsted, Problem Tree Roots Berkhamsted).
Tree Surveys Berkhamsted
There are a variety of reasons why you might need to have a tree survey carried out, and the most commonplace is for development or property extension. If you're clearing some land to make space for an extension to an existing property or a brand new house in Berkhamsted, for instance, you might need to carry out a tree survey to British Standards BS5837 if there are trees growing on that land. Tree surveys in Berkhamsted must be handled by a certified arborist or tree surgeon, and this applies whether the survey is being performed on either a private or public property.
A good deal of information about the trees within a defined area will be produced by a properly conducted tree survey. For instance:
- The expected lifespan of the trees.
- The species of each tree.
- The existence of any Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
- Recommendations for tree management.
- The age of the trees (i.e. young, semi-mature, mature, over-mature and veteran).
- The health of the trees.
- The spread of the branches to East, North, West and South.
- The height of each tree.
- The number of trees.
- A unique reference number for every tree.
- The diameter of each tree (taken 1.5m above ground level).
If you happen to be altering an existing home or property in Berkhamsted but you're not changing the footprint of the property and are not changing the access points or service lines, a tree survey will probably not be required.
Protecting Trees in the Wintertime
Although you might not think that the weather in Berkhamsted is harsh enough to justify protecting your shrubs and trees, it may be a good idea to take a second look at this. Even the shrubs, trees and plants that we generally think of as hardy, can find winter hard to get through, especially during the colder months, and they will always benefit from some extra protection and TLC.
Storms and strong winds can cause the biggest problems where trees are concerned, and despite the fact that most of your trees will have shed all their leaves come winter, they might still be susceptible in extreme conditions. If a tree on your property is swaying precariously in the wind, or has been damaged by gales, a local tree surgeon should be contacted to complete an examination. Heavy snow can also lead to snapped branches, so keep an eye out when these sorts of weather conditions arrive. A substantial layer of mulch round the base of shrubs and trees (particularly freshly planted ones), can help in keeping the roots frost-free and stopping them from becoming dehydrated.
Ash Dieback
Most likely to devastate around 80 percent of the current United Kingdom ash trees, in the next few years, ash dieback is a fungal disease of ash trees that was first recorded in Britain in 2012. Ash dieback is almost certain to have huge repercussions for our countryside, piled onto the damage caused by the earlier Dutch Elm Disease crisis.
Ash dieback has a particularly disastrous effect on the native Fraxinus excelsior (common ash), British Fraxinus excelsior (common ash), although it actually affects the whole Fraxinus genus of trees, which have varying levels of tolerance to it. Originally coming from Asia where the native Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis) and Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) are less seriously affected by it, the fungus which causes the disease is known as Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, and it kills the tree by obstructing its vascular (water transport) systems.
Rapidly spread by tiny spores which can travel for miles on the wind, ash dieback (or chalara ash dieback as it is sometimes known) is prevalent in most regions of Great Britain with up to 85 percent mortality rates.
Ash dieback can be recognised by the following symptoms:
- Dying shoots and leaves which are visible during the summertime.
- Foliage that wilts, turns black and falls early.
- Dark patches on leaves during the summertime.
- New epicormic growth appearing from buds that were dormant previously.
- The formation of lesions where branches connect to trunk.
Ash trees have the ability to fight the infection to some degree, but ultimately succumb to continual attacks. Because it is an airborne disease there is no clear technique for stopping its spread, and no recognised cure for chalara ash dieback.
While cases of ash dieback can be reported to the Forestry Commission's "Tree Alert Service", it's so common right through Great Britain that they're really only interested to know about cases that are found in areas not affected previously. If you believe that you have a tree suffering from ash dieback in your garden in Berkhamsted, you should still contact a local tree surgeon, who will offer advice and guidance on how best to proceed - ultimately the trees or tree will have to be removed.
(Tags: Chalara Ash Dieback Berkhamsted, Ash Dieback Signs, Identifying Ash Dieback).Essential Skills for a Tree Surgeon in Berkhamsted
- Good knowledge of public security and safety.
- Be professional and capable of completing tasks within a given timeframe.
- The cabability to work successfully other folks.
- Be mindful of the dangers and complexities involved in all areas of work.
- Be capable of using, repairing and maintaining tools and machinery.
- Excellent customer skills.
- Have necessary computer skills and know how to accomplish basic tasks with handheld devices.
- Have the ability to work with your hands.
- To be thorough and pay attention to detail.
- Physical skills like co-ordination and movement.
- Have patience and the ability to stay calm and focused in stressful circumstances.
Eco-Plugging Stump Removal Berkhamsted
Stump grinding is the customary procedure used by most Berkhamsted tree surgeons for removing large stumps. There is however a cheaper solution to this problem these days, which is referred to as "eco-plugging", and this is growing in popularity. Eco-plugging isn't only less costly, but it is also useful for use in hard-to-reach locations where there are stump grinding accessibility problems.
Without affecting any nearby trees and vegetation, eco-plugging is an extremely effective treatment for killing off tree stumps. Eco-plugs eliminate a tree stump by destroying the whole root system, and can be employed in all weather, and at any time of the year. Containing a kind of granular glyphosate herbicide, eco-plugs are 95% to 100% effective, and is suitable for treating a wide range of trees. (Tags: Eco-Plug Treatments Berkhamsted, Eco-Plugging Tree Stumps Berkhamsted, Eco-Plugs Berkhamsted, Eco-Plugging Berkhamsted).
Removal of Tree Stumps Berkhamsted
If you're in a predicament where you have to have a substantial tree chopped down and removed from your property in Berkhamsted, you are perhaps going to be stuck with a tree stump, which also needs to be dealt with. You might consider allowing it to decay and rot away naturally, and be happy to leave it as it is. However, tree stumps can attract unwanted pests, be an eyesore, and a trip hazard.
If you opt to remove the tree stump entirely, there are several ways you can do this, but basically they fall under two primary alternatives stump grinding or stump removal. Below we will be focusing on the stump removal option.
Digging out by hand, burning and chemical treatment, are the 3 main techniques for getting rid of a tree stump. If you are planning to remove a stump yourself, the use of any of these tactics may be possible. If you are planning to bring in a tree surgeon to do the work, they will generally favour the previously mentioned stump grinding approach, but a chemically based treatment like eco-plugging might also be on the agenda.
Chemical Stump Treatments: If you settle on the chemical removal solution, you will need to get hold of Roundup Tree Stump Remover, Resolva Xtra Tough Tree Stump Killer or Vitax SBK Stump Killer. When using these products you should always follow the instructions to the letter, as these chemicals can be extremely toxic. Depending on the dimensions of your tree stump, and whether it's alive or dead at the time of treatment, it can take several weeks or perhaps even months for a tree stump to break down totally, so look at this as a long term rather than a short term resolution. As soon as it is decayed, an axe can be used to chop it up and a spade for removal.
Burning Tree Stumps: Be careful if you use this technique for stump removal, as stump burning can be quite dangerous and could contravene legislation in your area. The burning technique comprises drilling a few holes into the tree stump, filling and topping them up with vegetable oil for a few days until saturated. Logs or charcoal piled around the stump and set alight. But, this must be constantly monitored and not left to its own devices. Once it has finished burning, check that the fire is completely out, leave it to cool and then proceed to dig out the stump remains and roots.
Other solutions include shoveling out and clearing away all the soil from underneath the stump, and lighting a fire in the excavated void which has been created. There are a number of circumstances where stump burning is not appropriate, such as when there are fences, other trees or a building close to the stump being removed.
Stump Digging: Digging by hand is relatively self-explanatory and will involve digging down, sawing through all the roots, and freeing the stump. The use of some form of winch might be necessary for the final freeing and removal of the stump. This type of work is not for the unfit or faint-hearted, as it's laborious and tiring.
Tree Surgery Tasks Berkhamsted
Berkhamsted tree surgeons can generally help with fruit tree pruning, tree lopping, tree felling, tree topping Berkhamsted, root grinding Berkhamsted, tree staking in Berkhamsted, tree surveys, landscape clearance in Berkhamsted, vegetation management, hazard assessments, tree removal, the protection of trees from grazing Berkhamsted, damage restoration, woodland clearance in Berkhamsted, tree reduction, coppicing, stump grinding, pollarding, stump removal, crown raising, root pruning, tree care services, tree cabling, crown removal, crown lifting, airspading in Berkhamsted, damaged tree removal in Berkhamsted, drop crotching, tree lightening protection, waste removal and other tree surgeon services in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Listed are just a selection of the tasks that are handled by a local tree surgeon. Berkhamsted companies will let you know their full range of services.
Tree Surgeons Nearby
Also find: Cow Roast tree surgeon, Ashley Green tree surgeon, Frithsden tree surgeon, Water End tree surgeon, Hawridge tree surgeon, Bourne End tree surgeon, Whelpley Hill tree surgeon, Little Heath tree surgeon, Potten End tree surgeon, Pednor tree surgeon, Asheridge tree surgeon, Little Gaddesdon tree surgeon, Northchurch tree surgeon and more. Most of these towns and areas are serviced by tree surgeons. Business and home owners in these places can get tree surgery quotes by clicking here.
Tree Care Services Berkhamsted
- Berkhamsted Arboriculture
- Berkhamsted Wood Chipping
- Berkhamsted Stump Treatment
- Berkhamsted Tree Inspections
- Berkhamsted Tree Bracing
- Berkhamsted Tree Dismantling
- Berkhamsted Tree Watering
- Berkhamsted Vegetation Management
- Berkhamsted Hedge Trimming
- Berkhamsted Tree Maintenance
- Berkhamsted Crown Reduction
- Berkhamsted Tree Reshaping
- Berkhamsted Tree Lopping
- Berkhamsted Tree Pollarding
More Berkhamsted Trades: Undoubtedly, when you are having tree surgery done in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, you are likely to be in need of other garden related services, and as well as a tree surgeon in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, you could additionally need grass cutting in Berkhamsted, artificial grass installers in Berkhamsted, landscaping services in Berkhamsted, gate installers in Berkhamsted, SKIP HIRE in Berkhamsted, hedge trimming in Berkhamsted, pond installers in Berkhamsted, garden waste removal in Berkhamsted, garden planning and design in Berkhamsted, garden shed installers in Berkhamsted, patio cleaning in Berkhamsted, soil irrigation in Berkhamsted, driveway specialists in Berkhamsted, garden clearances in Berkhamsted, weeding services in Berkhamsted, decking specialists in Berkhamsted, and other different Berkhamsted tradespeople.
To get local Berkhamsted info click here
Tree Surgery HP4 area, telephone code 01442.
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Stump Grinding Berkhamsted - Tree Felling Berkhamsted - Tree Surgeon Berkhamsted - Tree Surgery Berkhamsted - Crown Thinning Berkhamsted - Arboriculturalist Berkhamsted - Forest Management Berkhamsted - HP4 - Vegetation Management Berkhamsted