Biggin Hill Tree Surgeon Kent: Trees in your garden and around your property in Biggin Hill, add style, substance and structure to what can quite often be a largely 2 dimensional landscape. But issues may develop when trees are neglected or are impacted by extreme weather conditions like flooding or high winds. Seeking the expert advice of a certified tree surgeon in Biggin Hill, is the best option when there's work that needs doing on your trees.
There's an enormous risk of damage to the trees, to property and to life, for those in Biggin Hill who attempt to do tree work by themselves, or by using unqualified individuals. But even using a seasoned tree surgeon who is aware of all the risks does not necessarily mean that tree work is entirely safe. Within the profession there are a thought provoking average of 140 severe injuries and 3 deaths annually, making tree surgery among the most dangerous jobs in Britain.
With falling trees and branches causing around 5 fatalities a year in Britain, a threat to life can even be caused by a neglected or damaged tree. If you hire someone to do tree work and subsequently there is an injury, or damage to property, you could be liable for any compensation to any third-party. These are merely some of the reasons why it is essential to hire an accredited tree surgeon to undertake the work on your trees in Biggin Hill. (Figures sourced from HSE).
A competent tree surgeon in Biggin Hill will likely be an approved member of one or both of the 2 principal industry bodies. The websites of both the International Society of Arboriculture and the Arboricultural Association allow you to check out the professional standing and membership of any tree surgeon in Biggin Hill. To discover whether any particular local tree surgeon has recognised Approved ARB Contractor status and has membership of either of these bodies, you can check this page.
If an issue develops during or after any work has been finished you can contact these trade bodies for mediation assistance and for help and guidance at any point.
If someone offers to provide you with a quotation for any tree work and you are unable to find them on this directory list, you should tactfully decline their offer of work and find an approved tree surgeon. It's wise to get at least 3 price quotes from different companies in Biggin Hill, as soon as you've diligently checked their accreditations and professional associations. Due to the risks involved in tree surgery work, you should ask the questions below, making it abundantly clear that you need them to provide the answers:
- Can you provide me with a quotation in writing? Only ever accept a written quote. NEVER accept a verbal quote only.
- Can I inspect the quality of your workmanship by contacting a person you've recently worked for? It's generally a good idea to perform an independent check on recently accomplished work.
- What insurance cover do you provide? You shouldn't consider a tree surgeon in Biggin Hill with any less than £5 Million public liability insurance as set out by the AA and ISA.
- Can you provide a NPTC/LANTRA certificate for the use of a chainsaw, and documentary proof of your qualifications and professional memberships? The NPTC/LANTRA certificate is required by law for any operative/tree surgeon who uses a chainsaw. Qualifications might include National Diplomas and Certificates in Arboriculture.
The written quotation that you're provided with must include easily followed information on the proposed work. Who's responsible for the removal of debris, tree branches and stumps should be stated, as should information on any trees which might be protected in law, and the necessary steps to get permission to carry out work on them. You should also ensure VAT has been included on the quote. You've got a responsibility for hiring only qualified people to work on your property and trees, and it is very important to understand that fact. This is laid out by the "Common law duty of care responsibilities and sometimes liabilities under the Occupier's Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984."
PRIOR TO WORK COMMENCING - Your selected Biggin Hill tree surgeon should enquire whether any of your trees are protected and make the appropriate steps to make certain that any tree work can get the go-ahead from the local authority. Even protected trees require maintenance so as to cut back old or damaged wood and ensure the safety of the public, so discovering that a tree has protected status does not mean that work cannot still be carried out.
If your property in Biggin Hill is located in a conservation area, the Local Planning Authority will need a minimum of six weeks written notice of any proposed tree work. This written notice is not required if the trunk of the tree is under seventy five millimetres in diameter when measured at 1.5m above the ground. Written notice is also not a requirement if pruning or thinning of a protected tree's branches is necessary to sustain and encourage growth.
Your Biggin Hill tree surgeon will determine the remedial treatment needed and how the required outcome can be achieved with safety in mind after conducting a complete assessment of your trees health. This involves conducting a full risk assessment to include public spaces, your property and any sections of a neighbour's property that could be affected by falling debris. At this stage, the level of protection needed and the number of operatives required will also be established. This could include a number of safety measures together with PPE (personal protective equipment) to ensure the safety of the general public and nearby property.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - Barriers, cones and safety measures will be put in place before any tree felling, climbing or cutting of branches is started, to keep unauthorised persons away from the work area. Traffic might need to be temporarily halted if there's any danger of debris falling onto a public highway.
The tree surgeon will need varying degrees of protection according to the type of work being done. At the bare minimum when doing chainsaw work they're going to be wearing protective clothing to avoid cutting injuries to the legs, torso and hands. All operatives involved in the work must wear hi-vis clothing, and head and eye protection, at all times.
Extra workers will usually be required to assist in the safe removal of high branches and heavy pieces of tree trunk, especially if any working at height is involved, and where climbing equipment and ladders are being deployed. A skip or pick up truck for removing the waste will be parked as close to the work area as possible, therefore it's recommended that you inform your neighbours of the need for access.
AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK - On completion of all the work, the whole site can be cleared of all debris, and all of the waste materials can be hauled away. Your tree surgeon should then sign off and present you with a certificate of work, especially where the trees are under a protection order. If there were any public areas that needed safety measures, this will be taken away and highways and paths will be re-opened to the public.
Issues or problems should be rectified straight away by approaching your tree surgeon directly. If any further arbitration is required, and your tree surgeon is a member of a professional body, you can receive guidance and advice from the Arboricultural Association or the International Society of Arboriculture so as to arrive at an acceptable solution.
Local Biggin Hill tree surgeons will most likely have the postcode TN16 and the dialling code 01959. They'll operate in Biggin Hill itself, along with nearby areas like Dunton Green, Tatsfield, Shoreham, Otford, Brasted, New Addington, Knockholt, Woldingham, Sundridge, Downe, Green Street Green, Keston, Caterham, Westerham, Warlingham, Halstead, and these postcodes: TN16 3SB, TN16 3RB, TN16 3BX, TN16 3DQ, TN16 3AX, TN16 3LA, TN16 2ZT, TN16 3LQ, TN16 2HP, TN16 3HX.
For this type of service it is certainly better to bring in a competent local tree surgeon. Biggin Hill home and property owners can benefit greatly from the knowhow and expertise that are the trademark of a trained professional.
Stump Grinding
If you have a need for specialist services like stump grinding in Biggin Hill, ensuring that you employ a company with the appropriate knowhow and tools is crucial. The very best Biggin Hill tree surgeons will understand that all remnants of the tree stump should be removed down to a depth of at least 12 inches. Using the correct machinery ensures that they are able to grind down stumps and roots fairly close to buildings and walls while avoiding damage. The proper stump grinding machinery is also able to deal with any stumps tucked away in alleys and passageways. Where massive trees must be taken out the tree stump that remains can be rather substantial and the thicker roots will go down to a significant depth, requiring a herculean effort to deal with them them. (Tags: Tree Stump Grinding Biggin Hill, Stump Grinding Biggin Hill, Stump Removal Biggin Hill)
Eco-Plugging Stump Removal Biggin Hill
The standard technique that is used for removing stumps by most tree surgeons in Biggin Hill is stump grinding. However, in these modern times there is a more affordable alternative to this procedure in the form of "eco-plugging". This method isn't only helpful because it is cheaper, but also because it can be used in hard-to-reach locations where there could be stump grinding accessibility issues.
A highly effective treatment for eliminating tree stumps, eco-plugging has no effect on any nearby trees and vegetation. Eco-plugs can be utilised in all weather conditions and during any season of the year, and they eliminate the stump by destroying the entire root system. Eco-plugs contain a form of granular glyphosate herbicide which is suitable for a wide selection of tree species, and is 95-100% effective.
Tree Surgery Injuries
As I have already pointed out, the work that tree surgeons in Biggin Hill undertake, involves a significant level of danger. All reasonable precautions must be taken when working on trees, because most tree work involves a considerable risk of injuries to both operatives, co-workers and passers-by.
The vast majority of fatal and serious injuries are linked to the use of chainsaws, falls from trees, and being hit by a falling tree or branch, according to the HSE (Health & Safety Executive). Surprisingly, those involved in tree care have a higher chance of being seriously injured than those in the construction sector.
The most commonplace tree surgery accidents in terms of insurance claims, involve lifting injuries, being struck by objects (cranes, grapple hooks, branches, ropes, trees etc) and falling from ladders.
This all underlines the importance of hiring a seasoned Biggin Hill tree surgeon to do any work on your trees. Many accidents that occur in the tree care sector can be attributed to inexperienced workers attempting tasks that they're not fully trained in. Therefore, try to always use a reputable and established company that has been operating in the Biggin Hill area for a number of years, to avoid this issue.
Woodland Clearance Biggin Hill
Engaging in woodland clearance in the Biggin Hill area can have local and national restrictions and regulations in effect, subject to where the ground is, and what flora and fauna is present in the place which is going to be cleared. To make sure that all relevant permits are gathered, restrictions and land covenants are enforced, and that all methods of completing the clearance are ecologically responsible, an experienced Biggin Hill tree surgeon should be chosen to supervise and undertake the project.
An in depth habitat survey will be carried out by a tree surgeon who will also communicate with woodland organisations and authorities to ensure that your clearance is done safely and legally. It might be that the land has protected species of tree or reptiles upon it, which will require relocation to another protected site, or other mitigation strategies may need to be used.
The specialist mulching, felling and chipping equipment that is used in woodland clearances means that it is usually much more cost effective to call on a specialist tree surgeon to undertake your project. (Tags: Woodland Preservation Biggin Hill, Woodland Clearance Biggin Hill, Woodland Clearances Biggin Hill, Woodland Management Biggin Hill).
Tree Surveys Biggin Hill
There are a number of situations when tree surveys might be needed, property extension and land development being the most frequent. If, for instance, you're clearing a piece of land in Biggin Hill to make space for a new home or an extension to an existing property, and trees are growing on that land, you may need to arrange a tree survey to British Standards BS5837 (2012). Biggin Hill tree surveys on both public and private property, should be completed by a certified tree surveyor or tree surgeon.
A properly done tree survey will glean a good deal of information about all of the trees within a defined area. For example:
- The ages of the trees (i.e. young, semi-mature, mature, over-mature and veteran).
- Preliminary tree management advice.
- The species of trees on the site (either scientific or common).
- The health of the trees.
- The existence of any TPOs.
- The diameter of each tree (taken 1.5m above ground level).
- The life expectancy of the trees.
- The number of trees.
- The height of each tree in metres.
- The allocation of a tree reference number for each of the trees.
- The spread of branches towards the South, East, West and North.
If you are doing work on an existing home or property in Biggin Hill, and are not shifting the access points or service lines, or increasing the building's footprint, you will probably not need to carry out a tree survey.
Regular Tasks for a Tree Surgeon
- Prepare tree survey reports for both domestic and commercial customers.
- Prepare telephone or on-site quotes with the customers.
- Be adept with power tools and powered machinery.
- Deal with customers and complete administrative tasks.
- Identify dangers presented by trees.
- Tidy up work area upon completion and remove waste from customer's site.
- Service equipment like wood chippers and chainsaws.
- Cut and chip logs and branches.
- Fell and remove trees and grind stumps.
- Evaluate tree health and treatments.
- Climb trees to remove or prune branches.
- Tree planting and transplanting.
Dead-Wooding Biggin Hill
Dead-wooding is an important element of tree management and care, and all professional Biggin Hill tree surgeons will undertake this practice where necessary. Where there may be a danger to pedestrians, homes or vehicles, dead-wooding is done to remove the dying and dead branches that are at risk of falling. The most widespread reasons for the branches of a tree dying are heavy shading, pest attacks, root damage or disease, and this is of course a natural process.
The rationale for removing dead branches is normally that of safety, nonetheless, it is also sometimes done to benefit the tree of just to make the tree look more attractive. It is possible to radically improve the health of a tree by eliminating dying, dead and damaged branches, an excessive number of which will attract infestation by insects and disease. Dead wood can also make a tree look ugly, and by removing all of this you can make it more attractive.
Normally only substantial dead branches will be taken off, as small ones present little risk. On the other hand, where trees are hanging over a property, a park, a road, a garden or a public space in Biggin Hill, it may be necessary to remove any dead wood that's in excess of 50 millimetres in diameter. (Tags: Dead-Wooding Services Biggin Hill, Deadwooding Biggin Hill, Deadwooding Trees Biggin Hill, Dead-Wooding Biggin Hill).
The Skills to be Tree Surgeons in Biggin Hill
- Be capable of using, maintaining and repairing tools and equipment.
- Be professional and capable of completing tasks within a specified period.
- Physical skills such as movement and coordination.
- The cabability to work well with others.
- Good knowledge of public safety.
- Be conscious of the dangers and complexities involved in all areas of work.
- Be able to work with your hands.
- To be able to accomplish common tasks on a hand-held device or computer.
- Have an organised approach to work.
- Have patience and the ability to stay calm in stressful situations.
- Customer service skills.
Tree Surgery Tasks Biggin Hill
Biggin Hill tree surgeons will likely help with hedge lowering, shrub maintenance, tree watering, root decompaction in Biggin Hill, drop crotching, crown reduction Biggin Hill, the protection of trees from grazing, woodchipping Biggin Hill, stump removal, damage restoration in Biggin Hill, tree topping Biggin Hill, woodland management, tree pollarding Biggin Hill, tree lopping, tree pest control, landscape clearing, root flare exposure Biggin Hill, hedge laying, brush cutting Biggin Hill, stump grinding Biggin Hill, root grinding, crown lifting in Biggin Hill, tree maintenance, tree cabling, tree inspections in Biggin Hill, tree planning, dead wooding, staking Biggin Hill, tree reduction, root removal and other tree surgeon services in Biggin Hill, Kent. Listed are just a few of the activities that are handled by a tree surgeon. Biggin Hill professionals will keep you informed about their entire range of services.
Tree Surgeons Nearby
Also find: Brasted tree surgeon, Woldingham tree surgeon, Dunton Green tree surgeon, Tatsfield tree surgeon, Knockholt tree surgeon, Shoreham tree surgeon, Keston tree surgeon, Sundridge tree surgeon, Downe tree surgeon, Green Street Green tree surgeon and more. Practically all of these villages and towns are served by tree surgeons. Householders in the region can obtain quotations for tree surgery by clicking here.
Tree Care Services Biggin Hill
- Biggin Hill Root Grinding
- Biggin Hill Tree Removal
- Biggin Hill Root Decompaction
- Biggin Hill Tree Watering
- Biggin Hill Hedge Planting
- Biggin Hill Stump Removal
- Biggin Hill Stump Grinding
- Biggin Hill Woodland Clearances
- Biggin Hill Crown Lifting
- Biggin Hill Site Clearance
- Biggin Hill Tree Pollarding
- Biggin Hill Tree Replanting
- Biggin Hill Dead Wooding
- Biggin Hill Tree Bracing
To find out local Biggin Hill information click here
Tree Surgery TN16 area, phone code 01959.
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Stump Removal Biggin Hill - Tree Felling Biggin Hill - Tree Surgeon Biggin Hill - Arboriculturalist Biggin Hill - Vegetation Management Biggin Hill - Tree Management Biggin Hill - Crown Thinning Biggin Hill - 01959 - Root Removal Biggin Hill