Buckhurst Hill Tree Surgeon Essex: Trees in your garden and around your property in Buckhurst Hill, add style, substance and structure to what can sometimes be a two dimensional landscape. But issues can arise when trees are poorly maintained or have been damaged by severe weather conditions, for instance flooding or high winds. Seeking the advice and guidance of a certified tree surgeon in Buckhurst Hill, is the best option when there's work that needs doing on your trees.
Those who hire a non-qualified person, or try to do tree work themselves, may risk damaging property, trees or even life. However, tree work isn't altogether safe for skilled tree surgeons, who are familiar with all the hazards involved. In fact tree surgery is one of the most hazardous jobs in Britain, with an average of three deaths and a hundred and forty major injuries per year within the profession, and so it's certainly not safe work for amateurs to do.
There is also a risk to life from damaged or neglected trees in Buckhurst Hill, since around five people annually are tragically killed in the United Kingdom by falling branches or trees. You might be liable to third-party compensation claims due to the consequences of your actions, if you employ somebody to carry out tree work and there is an injury, or damage to property. This is why it is essential to employ a professional tree surgeon to undertake the work on your trees in Buckhurst Hill. (The source of the above figures was HSE).
PICKING A TREE SURGEON IN BUCKHURST HILL - A competent tree surgeon in Buckhurst Hill will likely be a member of one or both of the two principal professional industry bodies. You can check out the professional status and membership of any tree surgeon in Buckhurst Hill on the websites of either the Arboricultural Association or the International Society of Arboriculture. Membership of either of these associations will give the tree surgeon Approved ARB Contractor status which can be checked out on this page.
If a problem crops up during or after any work has been accomplished you will be able to communicate with these professional organisations for mediation assistance and for guidance and help at any point.
You shouldn't be afraid to graciously decline the offer of a quote from somebody who you can't find on this directory, since at the end of the day, it is a fully qualified and approved contractor that you are actually looking for. When their accreditations and professional associations have been diligently checked, you should try to get a minimum of three price quotes from different companies in and around Buckhurst Hill. There are a number of crucial questions that you need to ask while you're getting the quotes, and because of the risks involved in tree surgery work, you must make it abundantly clear that you need the answers. You should for example ask:
- Do you provide quotations in writing? Verbal quotes alone are not satisfactory. Always get a quote in writing.
- Can you show documentary proof of your qualifications, professional membership and a NPTC/LANTRA certificate for chainsaw use and maintenance? It is required by law that any tree worker using a chainsaw must have a NPTC/LANTRA certificate. A certified Buckhurst Hill tree surgeon will possibly hold City and Guilds National Diplomas and Certificates in Arboriculture.
- Can I check the standard of your tree work by contacting a person you have worked for recently? It is recommended that you perform an independent check of any recent work.
- How much insurance cover is provided? Your tree surgeon ought to be able to show you an insurance certificate covering no less than £5 Million public liability, as recommended by the ISA and AA.
Clear and concise information on all the work that's being undertaken must be included on the written quote. Who is responsible for the removal and disposal of tree branches, stumps and debris should be stated, as should specifics of any trees which could be protected in law, and the steps needed to get permission to carry out work on them. You should also make certain that VAT has been included on the quotation. Understanding that you have a responsibility for hiring only competent tradespeople to work on your property and trees, is crucial.
PRIOR TO WORK - Finding out whether any of your trees are covered by a protection order, your selected Buckhurst Hill tree surgeon should make certain that any tree work gets the green light from the appropriate local authorities. Finding that a tree has got protected status doesn't mean that work cannot be carried out, as even protected trees need to be maintained so as to cut back dead or dying wood and ensure the safety of the public.
No less than six weeks written notice must be given to the Local Planning Authority before any tree work can be performed, if your property in Buckhurst Hill is located in a conservation area. This is only required for trees with a trunk diameter of over 75mm in diameter, at a point 1.5 metres above the ground. Also, it isn't necessary to give written notice if a protected tree's branches need pruning or thinning simply to promote and sustain growth.
On site they will carry out a complete assessment of your tree's health and decide on the required remedial treatment and how best to achieve the required outcome in a safe manner. Public areas, your property and any section of a neighbour's property that could be impacted by falling branches and debris will all be given a full risk assessment. This stage will also determine the number of operatives needed and the level of protection required. This is both personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety measures to keep property and the general public safe from damage or harm.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - Barriers and safety measures will be put in place before any climbing, cutting of branches or tree felling commences, to keep passers-by and unauthorised persons away from the work area. If there is any danger of falling debris onto a public road, traffic may have to be temporarily halted.
The tree surgeon will need varying degrees of protection according to the kind of work being carried out. At the very least they need to be wearing special protective clothing to prevent serious cutting injuries to the legs, torso and hands, when working with a chainsaw. Every operative involved in the work, should at all times be wearing eye and head protection, and high visibility clothing.
Climbing equipment and ladders will be necessary if working at height is involved, and to assist in the safe removal of high branches and sections of tree trunk, extra workers will be needed. For removing waste, easy access to the site will be necessary. Therefore, it is advisable to inform your neighbours, since a skip or pick up truck will need to be stationed as close to the work area as possible while the work progresses.
AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK - All of the branches and waste will be taken away and the whole site cleared of all debris, once all of the tree work has been concluded. Especially where the trees are under a protection order, a certificate of work will then be prepared by your tree surgeon, which can be signed off and a copy presented to you. If there were any public spaces that needed safety measures, this can be taken away and roads and footpaths will be re-opened.
Problems or issues should be rectified immediately by approaching the tree surgeon directly. If your tree surgeon is a registered member of a professional body, you can get help and advice from the AA or the ISA in order to come to an acceptable solution, if there's any further dispute or arbitration needed.
Local Buckhurst Hill tree surgeons will likely have the telephone dialling code 020 and the postcode IG9. They will operate in Buckhurst Hill itself, in addition to nearby areas such as Abridge, Waltham Abbey, Chingford Green, Loughton, Chigwell, Hale End, Woodford Green, High Beach, Highams Park, Theydon Bois, Woodford Bridge, Little Heath, Friday Hill, Chingford, Epping, and these postcodes: IG9 5LG, IG9 5FE, IG9 5JZ, IG9 5HE, IG9 5NS, IG9 5QX, IG9 5JT, IG9 5PA, IG9 5EE, IG9 5RH.
If you need this sort of assistance it is unquestionably advisable to bring in an accredited tree surgeon. Buckhurst Hill property owners can benefit from the skills and dexterity that are the trademark of a trained professional.
Firewood/Logs Buckhurst Hill
Tree surgeons can be an excellent source for logs and firewood in Buckhurst Hill, if you are in the market for this commodity. This is no great surprise, as tree surgeons spend the majority of their time cutting down branches and trees.
Some Buckhurst Hill tree surgeons will charge you for chopped and seasoned logs which have been dried out and are ready for burning, whilst others may be prepared to give you branches and logs cost-free, since they always have an excess of them to get shot of.
Logs that have been left to dry out for at least a year are ideal for burning on your log burning stove or open fire, and they should preferably have a moisture content of under 20 percent. Tree surgeons in Buckhurst Hill will mainly have stocks of assorted hardwood logs and these are really good for a sustained burn which will generate heat for several hours. The drawback of hardwood logs is that they can be quite difficult to get going, therefore if you are able to get your hands on some softwood logs, these are great for getting your fire started.
Invasive Tree Roots Buckhurst Hill
When they are growing too close to your home in Buckhurst Hill, some large trees have exceptionally invasive roots, and can cause problems. Damaged foundations, lifting patios and blocked drains, are some of the most common issues that you may run across. Very intrusive roots are found in species like elms, sycamores, maples and willows.
Keeping any new trees that you plant in your garden, as far away as possible from patios, your drainage pipes, pathways and your house, is recommended to avoid future problems. If pre-existing trees are growing too near to your dwelling and are already causing some of these issues, you should speak to a tree surgeon in Buckhurst Hill, to see what can be done to rectify the situation.
You definitely shouldn't attempt to solve this yourself by just cutting through the invasive tree roots, as this could severely affect the tree's health or even kill it. To successfully survive, a tree will still need to get adequate water and nutrients, and a qualified tree care specialist in Buckhurst Hill will know exactly which roots should be left, and which roots can be cut.
Tree and shrub roots frequently cause cracks in underground drains, as sewer lines provide a continuous source of moisture and nutrients. Blockages and joint failure can occur when a drainage system's joints are penetrated by small roots, which can eventually develop into substantial root balls when they've established themselves. Specialist root removal solutions will be offered by many local tree surgeons, who will employ electro-mechanical equipment, high pressure water jetting or manual rodding to remove the troublesome roots. You should also be able to get root removal services in Abridge, Waltham Abbey, Chingford Green, Loughton, Chigwell, Hale End, Woodford Green, High Beach, Highams Park, Theydon Bois, Woodford Bridge, Little Heath, Friday Hill, Chingford, Epping, and in Buckhurst Hill, Essex.
Cable Bracing Trees Buckhurst Hill
When a tree presents a hazard to nearby property or passers-by, or if it's showing signs of decay or damage, the tree may be provided with extra support using a procedure known as cable bracing. Cable bracing is generally used on older or specimen trees in Buckhurst Hill where the aim is to avoid felling the tree or cutting out large unsafe sections.
A cable bracing set-up can be effective in supporting any poor joints, V-shaped forks and weak tree limbs that are causing concerns. Executing different forms of bracing work, an experienced tree surgeon will be able to use cables and rods to help redistribute structural stress, and ideally extend the lifespan of specimen trees in Buckhurst Hill.
The goal of cable bracing is to provide a non-invasive means of support which doesn't cause damage to the tree by drilling and bolting the branches, and one that is is flexible and shock-absorbing. A risk assessment must be completed by a tree surgeon or arborist before any cable bracing work can commence. This is essential to guarantee the safety of the tree and encompassing areas as the project proceeds. (Tags: Cable Bracing Buckhurst Hill, Cable Bracing Trees Buckhurst Hill, Cable Bracing Methods Buckhurst Hill, Tree Cable Bracing Buckhurst Hill).
Tree Care Accidents
The work undertaken by tree care professionals in Buckhurst Hill can be rather hazardous. With there being a considerable risk of injury to both operatives, co-workers and passers-by, all possible precautions should be implemented when carrying out work on trees.
As reported by figures gathered by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), falls from trees, the use of chainsaws, and being hit by a falling branch or tree are responsible for the vast majority of major and fatal injuries. The reality is that those people involved in tree care have a greater likelihood of injuring themselves seriously than those in the construction industry.
The most common tree work accidents in terms of insurance claims, involve falling from ladders, lifting injuries and being struck by objects (trees, branches, grapple hooks, cranes, ropes etc).
That's why employing an experienced Buckhurst Hill tree surgeon is so crucial when you have tree work that needs doing. Most accidents that happen in the tree care sector can be attributed to inexperienced workers attempting tasks that they aren't fully trained in. Therefore, try to always use an experienced and reputable company that has been trading in the Buckhurst Hill area for a good few years, to sidestep this kind of problem.
Deadwooding Buckhurst Hill
All experienced tree surgeons in Buckhurst Hill will undertake the procedure known as dead-wooding (or deadwooding), which is an essential element of tree care. Calling for the careful removal or dying and dead branches which could pose a hazard to pedestrians, property or vehicles, dead-wooding can help make a tree both safer and healthier. Tree branches can die off for a variety of reasons, with disease, excessive shading, root damage or attack by pests, recognised as the most commonplace.
Although the usual motive for getting rid of dead branches is one of safety, it is also done to benefit the tree, and for aesthetic reasons. An excessive number of dead, dying and damaged branches can encourage insect infestations and disease, consequently the removal of these unwanted branches can radically improve a tree's health. Dead wood also makes a tree look unattractive, and by removing much of this, you can make it look more appealing.
Only larger dead branches will usually be cut out, because in most instances the small ones are not going to pose any great risk. Having said that, where trees are hanging over a home, a road, a garden, a park or a public area in Buckhurst Hill, it might be recommended to remove any dead branches that are more than 50 millimetres in diameter.
Storm Damaged Trees Buckhurst Hill
At first glance, trees seem strong, sturdy and capable of standing up to more or less anything Mother Nature can throw at them. The lifespan of most trees far outstrips that of us humans, and in actual fact some varieties such as sweet chestnuts, yews and oaks can live and continue to grow for hundreds (even thousands) of years.
Nonetheless, trees can be quite susceptible to the elements when faced with a certain set of conditions, and it is not only the risk of falling branches and limbs, but in times of extreme weather the whole tree can fall down. High winds pose serious problems for trees, and this sort of damage is becoming more common in Buckhurst Hill, as the number of violent storms and weather events increases with climate change. Soil that becomes waterlogged during flooding or prolonged periods of rainfall can be another problem, as can heavy snow.
To lessen the chance of problems with your trees in severe weather conditions, it is advisable to get a competent Buckhurst Hill tree surgeon to check them out every so often, and prune any dead or overhanging branches.
It's also a good idea to fit bigger trees with copper conductors, lightning rods, or other lightning protection systems, to prevent them getting struck by lightning, and to safeguard nearby buildings and property which might be vulnerable to "arcs" or side-flashes. A tree that is struck by lightning can be severely weakened or even killed, a weakened tree can be left vulnerable to pests, disease or decay. Whilst you might not believe that lightning is that common in Buckhurst Hill, every year something like 300,000 strikes occur throughout the United Kingdom.
If you're concerned about the chance of your trees in Buckhurst Hill being damaged by storms, you should ask your local tree surgery company what can be done to protect them, and lessen the risk of accidents happening.
Everyday Duties of a Tree Surgeon
- Be adept with power tools and powered equipment.
- Clean up work area upon completion and remove waste products from customer's site.
- Evaluate the health of trees and create plan of action.
- Climb trees to prune or remove branches.
- Deal with customers and complete administration duties.
- Plant trees and vegetation.
- Produce tree survey reports for domestic and commercial customers.
- Prepare on-site or telephone quotations with the customers.
- Fell and remove trees and perform stump grinding.
- Establish hazards presented by trees.
- Chip and cut branches and logs.
- Maintain and service equipment like chippers and chainsaws.
Health and Safety
The health and safety issue is one of the most important worries when you are having tree surgery done, because if conducted improperly it can definitely be a risky process. If the individuals carrying out the project are unqualified or inexperienced, there are numerous factors that can easily go wrong such as falling branches and timber, not wearing eyesight or hearing protection, not cordoning off the area to safeguard pedestrians and vehicles, no head protection, little protection from falling, in the shape of harnesses, ropes and platforms and failing to put on cut resistant clothing (in particular safety boots and trousers). At risk due to such incompetencies are the actual tree, the building structure within the property, stationary and passing vehicles, the tree surgeon himself (person climbing the tree), fencing and garden sheds, the street facilities, the property owners family, passing pedestrians, those working at ground level.
Dutch Elm Disease
Destroying tree stocks and killing off tens of millons of precious elm trees all over Britain during the past five decades or so, Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) is not so common now, as it was previously. Accidentally introduced into the United Kingdom from Canada in the nineteen sixties, DED (Dutch Elm Disease) is spread by the elm bark beetle and caused by the Ophiostoma novo-ulmi fungus.
After arriving in Britain, it swiftly spread through the movement of elm products such as bark mulch, saplings, elm crates, and logs with the bark on. This dreadful disease did not only affect elms in the UK, but also destroyed tree stocks in mainland Europe and North America. Although the origins of Dutch Elm Disease are unknown, the suspicion is that it first originated in Asia (possibly Japan).
DED generally first manifests in early summer, and the main symptoms are:
- Twigs turning into a "shepherd's crook".
- Affected shoots dying back from the tips.
- Dark rings or spots in the cross-section of twigs.
- Foliage that turns yellow, shrivels and dies.
The felling of infected, dying and dead trees, has effectively decimated the elm bark beetle's habitat, and in recent years the spread of Dutch Elm Disease has been slowed down. There is now a continuing project for the propagation of young elms which are so far resistant to DED.
You can speak to your local tree surgeon for help and advice, if you suspect you may have infected elm trees on your property in Buckhurst Hill, or you can ask for a diagnosis from the Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service, for which there is a charge.
Trees of the genera Ulmcae and Zelkova are affected.
Vectors - beetles of the Scolytus genera.
Cause - fungi Ophiostoma Novo-Ulmi & Ophiostoma Ulmi.
Removal of Tree Stumps Buckhurst Hill
After getting a big tree cut down in Buckhurst Hill, you'll be left with one further issue - the tree stump. You might consider allowing it to break down and rot away naturally, and be happy to leave it as it is. However, tree stumps in your garden can attract unwelcome pests, be a trip hazard, and can even produce new suckers in an effort to regrow themselves.
There are a number of ways by which a large stump can be removed, if you determine that this is the preferred course of action, but the 2 main choices are stump removal or stump grinding. For the purposes of this piece we'll be focusing on removal as opposed to stump grinding.
There are basically three techniques for getting rid of a tree stump - digging out by hand, chemical treatment and burning. If you wish to tackle a stump by yourself, the use of any of these strategies may be feasible. Professional tree surgeons will usually recommend the previously mentioned stump grinding method, but may suggest a chemical stump removal treatment such as eco-plugging.
Burning Tree Stumps: Since it can be dangerous and might conflict with local legislation, burning a tree stump is not really a recommended course of action, so if you choose this technique, be very careful. You'll need to drill several holes into the stump, and pour in some vegetable oil, you'll have to keep the holes topped up for several days until the stump is fully saturated. You should then pile charcoal up around the tree stump and set it alight. This shouldn't ever be left unattended, but be supervised constantly. As soon as the burning has finished, you should ensure that the fire is put out, when it has completely cooled down you can dig out and clear away the burnt remains of roots and stump.
Other options include digging out and clearing all the soil away from beneath the tree stump, and lighting a fire in the hollowed-out space that's been created. You should never try burning out a tree stump if it's close to fences, other trees or buildings.
Chemical Stump Removers: For chemically removing a tree stump you will need to obtain Roundup Tree Stump Remover, Vitax SBK Stump Killer or Resolva Xtra Tough Tree Stump Killer. Avoid contact with the skin when utilising these chemical substances, and also avoid inhaling. You should stick to the maker's directions, for timings, quantities and applications. This should be seen as a long term solution to stump removal, as it could take several weeks or even months to completely rot away, depending on the size of the stump. It will still have to be chopped up and removed with a spade and axe once it has rotted completely.
Digging Out by Hand: Digging up a stump by hand is a relatively self-explanatory process, and will involve shoveling out out all the soil all around the stump, exposing and sawing all the thicker roots, and finally freeing up the tree stump so that it can be dragged out. You might need to use a cable ratchet winch for lifting out the tree stump. This has a tendency to be exhausting and tedious work, and shouldn't be tackled unless you are fit and healthy.
Crown Thinning Buckhurst Hill
The removal of a number of the lesser branches towards the tree's outer crown to produce a foliage density which is even all the way through while not altering the size or shape of the tree, is usually called crown thinning. This specific work is mostly only performed on broad leafed trees (rather than conifers) and is to enable more light throughout, to cut down the stress upon specific branches because of ice, wind, gravity, or snow, to decrease the overall weight of the crown, to lower the tree's wind resistance or to prevent the tree from uprooting in strong winds. A uniform foliage density around evenly spread out branches should be the goal of crown thinning, it shouldn't transform the overall size and form of the tree.
Tree Surgery Tasks Buckhurst Hill
Buckhurst Hill tree surgeons can usually help you with tree waste removal Buckhurst Hill, site clearance in Buckhurst Hill, tree care Buckhurst Hill, safety inspections, root grinding, dead-wooding, waste removal, tree pruning Buckhurst Hill, hedge laying in Buckhurst Hill, crown raising, tree felling, tree lopping, tree surveys Buckhurst Hill, tree work, formative pruning, felling of storm damaged trees in Buckhurst Hill, crown thinning, pollarding Buckhurst Hill, tree management Buckhurst Hill, commercial tree surgery, woodchipping, tree lightening protection, tree removal Buckhurst Hill, dead wooding, tree planting, crown reduction, fruit tree pruning in Buckhurst Hill, retrenchment pruning, drop crotching, root pruning Buckhurst Hill and other tree surgeon services in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. These are just some of the duties that are carried out by a local tree surgeon. Buckhurst Hill professionals will inform you of their full range of services.
Tree Surgeons Nearby
Also find: Grange Hill tree surgeon, Debden tree surgeon, Friday Hill tree surgeon, Highams Park tree surgeon, Abridge tree surgeon, Little Heath tree surgeon, Fairlop tree surgeon, Lambourne End tree surgeon, High Beach tree surgeon, Gilwell Hill tree surgeon and more. All of these places are served by tree care companies. Householders in these areas can acquire tree surgery quotes by clicking here.
Tree Care Services Buckhurst Hill
- Buckhurst Hill Tree Watering
- Buckhurst Hill Hedge Reduction
- Buckhurst Hill Eco-Plugging
- Buckhurst Hill Tree Lopping
- Buckhurst Hill Tree Pruning
- Buckhurst Hill Tree Planning
- Buckhurst Hill Stump Grinding
- Buckhurst Hill Woodland Clearance
- Buckhurst Hill Tree Maintenance
- Buckhurst Hill Crown Thinning
- Buckhurst Hill Woodland Management
- Buckhurst Hill Cable Bracing
- Buckhurst Hill Crown Reduction
- Buckhurst Hill Tree Care
More Buckhurst Hill Trades: Not surprisingly, when you're having tree surgery done in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, you'll likely need other garden related services, and as well as a tree surgeon in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, you may also need weeding in Buckhurst Hill, artificial grass installation in Buckhurst Hill, hedge trimming in Buckhurst Hill, lawn mowing services in Buckhurst Hill, garden clearance in Buckhurst Hill, garden design and planning in Buckhurst Hill, driveway pavers in Buckhurst Hill, garden shed installation in Buckhurst Hill, waste removal in Buckhurst Hill, garden pond installation in Buckhurst Hill, gate installation in Buckhurst Hill, decking installers in Buckhurst Hill, garden wall construction in Buckhurst Hill, local SKIP HIRE in Buckhurst Hill, patio installation in Buckhurst Hill, landscapers in Buckhurst Hill, and other different Buckhurst Hill tradespeople.
For the best local information relating to Buckhurst Hill, Essex click here
Tree Surgery IG9 area, (dialling code 020).
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