Craigavon Tree Surgeon Northern Ireland: Adding substance, structure and style to what can quite often be a 2 dimensional landscape, trees are a vital feature of properties and gardens in Craigavon. But when poorly maintained or impacted by severe weather conditions, for example flooding or gales, trees can be a bit of an issue. Seeking the expert advice of a certified tree surgeon in Craigavon, is the best option when there's work that needs doing on your trees.
Those who hire unqualified personnel, or attempt to do tree work by themselves, may risk damaging trees, property or even life. However, tree work is not altogether safe for specialist tree surgeons, who know about all the dangers involved. There are an average of 3 deaths and 140 major injuries each year within the industry, making it one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK and definitely not for amateurs to attempt.
There is also a risk to life from neglected or damaged trees in Craigavon, as around five people a year are killed in the UK by falling branches or trees. You might be liable for any compensation to a third-party as a consequence of your actions, if you hire someone to conduct tree work and subsequently property is damaged, or an injury occurs. The above are just some of the reasons why hiring a skilled Craigavon tree surgeon to do the work on your trees is very important. (All figures from HSE).
A qualified Craigavon tree surgeon will likely be a member of one or both of the 2 main professional bodies. The membership and professional status of any tree surgeon in Craigavon can be checked out on the websites of both the International Society of Arboriculture and the Arboricultural Association. This page enables you to check if any specific tree surgeon has ARB Approved Contractor status, and has membership of either of these 2 associations.
You will be able to communicate with these trade bodies for mediation and for help and advice at any point, if an issue springs up during or after any work has been accomplished.
If anyone offers to provide you with a quotation for any tree work and they aren't on this directory, you should courteously decline their offer of work and continue your search for an approved tree surgeon. It is wise to get a minimum of 3 estimates from different companies in the Craigavon area, as soon as you have meticulously checked their qualifications and professional memberships. There are various crucial questions that you need to ask whilst you are getting these quotations, and due to the risks of the work involved, you must make it abundantly clear that you really need the answers. You should for instance ask:
- Can I inspect the standard of your work by contacting a person you've recently worked for? Doing an independent examination of any recent work is always advisable.
- Exactly what level of insurance coverage have you got? Your tree surgeon ought to be able to produce an insurance certificate covering a minimum of £5 Million public liability, as stipulated by the AA and ISA.
- Can you provide a quotation in writing? You must NEVER settle for just a verbal quote. Only ever accept a quote in writing.
- Have you got documentary proof of your professional membership, qualifications and a NPTC/LANTRA certificate for chainsaw use and maintenance? The NPTC/LANTRA is a required certificate in law for any operative/tree surgeon using a chainsaw. Certificates and National Diplomas in Arboriculture are qualifications that could be held by a certified tree surgeon in Craigavon.
The written quote must include easily followed information on the work to be undertaken. Who is responsible for the removal and disposal of debris, tree branches and stumps should be stated, as should information on any trees which might be protected, and the steps necessary to obtain permission to carry out work on them. Unless you are a commercial business, you should also ensure that VAT has been included on the quotation. It's vitally important to understand that you've got a responsibility to hire only skilled people to work on your trees and property.
PRIOR TO WORK COMMENCING - Checking whether any of your trees are protected, your preferred Craigavon tree surgeon should make certain that any tree work can get the go-ahead from the appropriate local authority. Finding a tree has got protected status doesn't mean that work can't be carried out, as even protected trees require maintenance so as to cut back old or dying wood and ensure public safety.
At least six weeks written notice must be given to the Local Planning Authority prior to any work being performed, if your property in Craigavon is inside a designated conservation area. This only applies to trees with a trunk diameter of more than 75mm in diameter, at a point 1.5 metres from the ground. It's also not necessary to give written notice if a protected tree's branches need thinning or pruning simply to sustain and promote growth.
After fully assessing the health of your trees, your Craigavon tree surgeon will decide on the necessary treatments and how the required outcome can best be achieved. This will include a risk assessment of any areas that might be affected by falling debris, such as on your property, in public areas, and on the properties of neighbours. The level of protection required and the number of operatives needed, will also be ascertained at this stage. This is both personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety precautions to keep property and the general public safe from damage or harm.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - Before any climbing, cutting of branches or tree felling is started, barriers and safety measures will be put in place to keep unauthorised persons and passers-by away from the area where work is going on. Where there is the possibility of debris and branches crashing onto a public highway, it may be necessary to halt the traffic briefly.
The tree surgeon will need different levels of protection according to the type of work being done. When carrying out basic tree work with a chainsaw, to avoid injuring the hands, torso and legs, they will at a bare minimum be wearing protective clothing. All operatives involved in the work must wear hi-vis clothing, and eye and head protection, at all times.
Climbing equipment and ladders will be required if any working at height is involved, and to help with the removal of high branches and heavy sections of tree trunk, extra operatives will be necessary. It's recommended that you inform your next door neighbours of the need for easy access, since a skip or other means of transporting the waste away will be stationed as close to the work area as possible.
UPON COMPLETION OF WORK - All of the waste materials will be taken away and the whole site cleared of any debris, as soon as all the tree work has been accomplished. Particularly where the trees are covered by TPOs, a certificate of work done will then be created by your tree surgeon, which will be signed off and a copy presented to you. Any safety measures that were put in public spaces can then be removed, with paths and roads being re-opened to the public.
If you have any problems or issues with the completed work, you should first address them with your tree surgeon in order that they can be rectified straight away. If your tree surgeon is a registered member of a trade body, you can get guidance and advice from the Arboricultural Association or the International Society of Arboriculture in order to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion, if any further arbitration is needed.
Local Craigavon tree surgeons will most likely have the postcode BT63 and the dialling code 028 38. They will work in Craigavon itself, together with nearby areas like Portadown, Dollingstown, Coalisland, Derrymacash, Aghalee, Waringstown, Moira, Dungannon, Dromore, Banbridge, Tandragee, Dromara, Magheralin, Gilford, Upper Ballinderry, Lurgan, and these postcodes: BT63 5BU, BT63 5BX, BT63 5RA, BT63 5JL, BT63 5AF, BT63 5RB, BT63 5JR, BT63 5JA, BT63 5BS, BT63 5HP.
For this type of assistance it's certainly best to employ an accredited local tree surgeon. Craigavon business and home owners can greatly benefit from the expertise that are the trademark of a seasoned professional.
Tree Root Problems Craigavon
When they're growing too near to your home in Craigavon, some larger trees have exceptionally invasive roots, and can cause issues. These issues could include cracked patios, damaged foundations and blocked drains, to name but a few. Sycamores, maples, willows and elms, are renowned for having extremely invasive root systems.
Problems can be avoided later on, if you make sure that you plant new trees as far as possible away from patio areas, your sewerage system, your home and paths. If pre-existing trees are growing too near to your house and are already causing some of these problems, you must call in a tree surgeon in Craigavon, to see what can be done to rectify the situation.
To avoid seriously harming your tree's health or even killing it off altogether, you certainly shouldn't just cut through the invasive roots in an effort to solve this yourself. To survive successfully, a tree will still need to be getting ample nutrients and water, and an established tree surgeon in Craigavon will know exactly which roots can be safely cut, and which roots should be left.
Tree and shrub roots sometimes cause cracks in underground drains, because sewerage pipes provide a constant source of moisture and nutrients. The joints of a drainage system can very soon be compromised by teeny roots, which when established can grow into huge root balls and eventually cause joint failure and blockages. To eradicate the tree roots that are causing the problem, specialised root removal services will be offered by many Craigavon tree surgeons, who'll use manual rod clearance, high pressure water jetting or electro-mechanical equipment. (Tags: Invasive Tree Roots Craigavon, Tree Root Problems Craigavon, Drain Root Removal Craigavon, Problem Tree Roots Craigavon).
Skills and Knowledge Required by Tree Surgeons in Craigavon
- Physical skills such as coordination and movement.
- Have the ability to repair, use and maintain tools and equipment.
- Be aware of the dangers and complexities involved with the various aspects of work.
- Have a good understanding of public safety and security.
- Being able to work well with other folks.
- Be able to work with your hands.
- Have patience and the ability to remain calm in times of stress.
- To be meticulous and pay attention to detail.
- Be professional and capable of completing work within the set timeframe.
- Have essential computer skills and know how to perform basic tasks on handheld devices.
- Customer service skills.
Hedge Trimming Craigavon
While focused largely on specialist tree care work, Craigavon tree surgeons are often also involved in the upkeep and trimming of hedges. Your everyday gardener will find Leylandii and other conifer hedges hard to cope with, as they can grow tall very rapidly - so a professional tree surgeon may be required.
A hedge that's poorly maintained or uncared for will become overgrown and pretty quickly get out of control. It is recommended that you clip your hedges on a routine basis, and this isn't simply to prevent them from overwhelm large sections of your garden, but also to make them stronger and more aesthetically appealing.
If you're intending to sell your property, tidy hedges will help to make your entire garden look neater, and may even add to the value of your home in Craigavon. You can also get hedge trimming in Portadown, Dollingstown, Coalisland, Derrymacash, Aghalee, Waringstown, Moira, Dungannon, Dromore, Banbridge, Tandragee, Dromara, Magheralin, Gilford, Upper Ballinderry, Lurgan, and Craigavon, Northern Ireland. (Tags: Hedge Care Craigavon, Hedge Cutting Craigavon, Hedge Clipping Craigavon, Hedge Trimming Craigavon).
Crown Thinning Craigavon
If you would like to help reduce the tree's wind resistance, to lower the stress on certain limbs as a result of wind, snow, ice, or gravity, to decrease the total weight of the crown of the tree, to let more sunlight in or to prevent the tree from uprooting in windy conditions, a lot of the smaller tertiary branches that grow on the outer crown of a broad leafed tree are clipped in a technique that is known as crown thinning. The overall shape and dimensions aren't altered by this, and the probability is that it will have to be carried out on a regular schedule, as more shoots grow. The overall shape and size of the tree should not be altered by crown thinning, and should just produce a uniform thickness of foliage encircling evenly spread out branches. It should be possible to get crown thinning in Portadown, Dollingstown, Coalisland, Derrymacash, Aghalee, Waringstown, Moira, Dungannon, Dromore, Banbridge, Tandragee, Dromara, Magheralin, Gilford, Upper Ballinderry, Lurgan, and in Craigavon. (Tags: Crown Thin Craigavon, Crown Thinning Craigavon, Tree Crown Thinning Craigavon)
Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus Fraxineus)
First recorded in the British Isles in 2021, ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) is a lethal fungal disease which is likely to wipe out around 80 percent of the current ash tree stock, in the next few years. Following on from the devastation of Dutch Elm Disease, which killed off the UK's elm trees, ash dieback is almost certain to have a massive impact on our countryside.
Ash dieback has a particularly disastrous effect on the native British common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), although it affects the whole Fraxinus genus of trees, which have varying degrees of tolerance. Originally coming from Asia, the fungus which causes the disease is named Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.
Ash dieback (or chalara ash dieback as it is often known) has already spread to most parts of Great Britain, and is dispersed by tiny spores that blow on the wind, which are able to travel for tens of miles, speeding up the process.
Ash dieback kills trees of all ages and has the following symptoms:
- Dark brown necrotic lesions (often diamond shaped) form where limbs join the trunk, and the inner bark under the lesions looks brownish grey.
- New growth appearing from previously dormant buds (epicormic growth).
- Dark patches on leaves during the summertime.
- Dying leaves and shoots are visible in summer.
- Leaves that wilt, turn black and fall prematurely.
Even ash trees that are able to fight the infection, suffer repeated attacks year-on-year and sooner or later succumb and die. At this moment in time there's no clear-cut strategy for stopping the spread of achalara ash dieback, and there's no cure.
If you suspect you have spotted a tree infected with ash dieback on your property in Craigavon, or in the neighbourhood, you can report it to the Forestry Commission's "Tree Alert Service", although chalara ash dieback is so commonplace throughout Britain that they are only really interested to know about cases discovered in areas not previously affected. You can still however contact a local tree surgeon, who can offer guidance about how best to proceed.
Tree families affected by ash dieback: the Fraxinus genus.
Cable Bracing Trees Craigavon
When a tree could be a danger to nearby pedestrians or property, or if it's showing signs of damage or decay, the tree can be supported with a method known as tree cable bracing. This technique is generally used on older or valued trees in Craigavon, where the felling or removal of large unsafe portions needs to be avoided for aesthetic reasons.
A cable bracing system can be employed for adding support to V-shaped forks, weak tree limbs and defective joints. By the fitting of cables and rods most tree surgeons in Craigavon should be able to redistribute structural stresses and extend the lifespan of old and specimen trees using different kinds of bracing work.
The aim of cable bracing is to deliver a non-invasive means of support that doesn't damage the tree by drilling and bolting the branches, and one that is is both shock-absorbing and flexible. A thorough risk risk assessment must be undertaken by an arborist of tree surgeon before any actual work can commence. This is vital to guarantee the safety of the tree and adjoining areas as the project progresses. (Tags: Cable Bracing Craigavon, Cable Bracing Trees Craigavon, Cable Bracing Methods Craigavon, Tree Cable Bracing Craigavon).
Dutch Elm Disease
A fungal disease that has killed tens of millons of elm trees throughout the United Kingdom during the past 50 years or so, Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) is not quite as big a problem as it was previously. Inadvertently introduced into Britain, by means of elm logs imported from North America (Canada) in the late Sixties, Dutch Elm Disease is caused by the fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi which is spread by the elm bark beetle (Scolytus).
After arriving in the British Isles, it was quickly spread through the nationwide movement of elm products such as mulching bark, elm crates, saplings, and firewood logs with the bark still attached. This awful disease didn't just impact elms in the British Isles, but also ravaged elm stocks in mainland Europe and North America. While the origins of Dutch Elm Disease are unknown, the suspicion is that it first originated from Asia (most likely Japan).
The signs of DED typically first show up in early summer, and can be recognised by:
- New shoots dying back from the tips.
- Foliage that turns yellow, shrivels and falls.
- Twigs that turn into a "shepherd's crook" shape.
- Dark rings or spots in the cross-section of twigs.
The spread of DED has been significantly slowed down by the removal of infected, dead and dying trees, which has essentially decimated the beetle's habitat. There is an ongoing project for the propagation of young elms which are so far resistant to Dutch Elm Disease.
If you've got elm trees in your garden in Craigavon, and have suspicions they might be afflicted with Dutch Elm Disease, contact your local tree surgeon for guidance, or ask for a diagnosis from the THDAS (Tree Health Diagnostic & Advisory Service).
Protecting Trees in the Wintertime
Even though you might not feel that the weather conditions in the UK are harsh enough to justify protecting your trees and shrubs, it might be wise to take a second look at this. The winter months can actually be quite a tough time for trees, shrubs and plants and even the ones that we normally think of as hardy will benefit from a bit of added protection in times of intense cold.
Obviously where trees are concerned it's high winds that can cause the biggest problems and although most trees will have shed their leaves by winter, they may still be susceptible to windy conditions. If the weather in Craigavon has been windy, and a tree in your garden looks weakened or in danger of toppling over, it's wise to call in a tree surgeon to assess whether any action is necessary. Damaged trees can also be caused by heavy snowfall, so when this sort of weather is expected, keep an eye out for problems. Some shrubs and trees, in particular recently planted ones, may require some protection from frost and ice, and a thick covering of mulch can help to keep the soil around their bases frost-free.
The ISA - International Society of Arboriculture
Having its headquarters in Atlanta, United States, the International Society of Arboriculture, normally referred to as simply the ISA is a non-profit organisation that fosters the awareness and benefits of trees. Serving the tree care industry across the globe, the ISA is a membership association that champions the professional practice of arboriculture, providing accreditations for tree care professionals.
Promoting best practices in tree care, and focused on technology, education and research, the ISA provides educational publications, services and events fully develop the arboricultural expertise, knowledge and skills of those who work in the tree care industry.
In 2016 the United Kingdom's Arboricultural Association (AA) was accepted as an associate organisation of the International Society of Arboriculture after signing an agreement with them. This enabled the two to strengthen their relationship, whilst offering further opportunities for any tree surgeon in Great Britain and Ireland who was a member of the ISA. Any UK tree care professionals having ISA or AA membership are now able to reap the wide and varied benefits of being an integral part of an international network. With professional affiliates and associate organisations in EXTRAtree reshaping Craigavon, tree surveys, crown raising Craigavon, tree cutting in Craigavon, woodland management in Craigavon, brush cutting, commercial tree surgery, root flare exposure Craigavon, woodland clearance in Craigavon, tree pest control, hedge lowering Craigavon, stump removal, domestic tree surgery, root removal in Craigavon, root decompaction, hedge planting, retrenchment pruning, tree work, tree fertilising, tree maintenance Craigavon, tree lopping, tree topping, the protection of trees from grazing Craigavon, landscape clearance in Craigavon, tree cabling, repair of storm damaged trees in Craigavon, crown removal, fruit tree pruning, drop crotching, vegetation managementTEN, and the UK, the International Society of Arboriculture now boasts over 22,000 members worldwide.
Firewood and Logs Craigavon
Tree surgeons can be an excellent source for firewood or logs in Craigavon, if you're in the market for this particular commodity. This is no great surprise, as tree surgeons spend most of their life cutting down branches and trees.
Some Craigavon tree surgeons will charge you for chopped and seasoned logs which are fully dried out and ready to burn, while others might be prepared to give you logs and branches cost-free, since they normally have lots of them to get rid of.
Bunging "wet" logs on your wood burner or open fire isn't a great idea, and will create lots of smoke and block up your flue. Only use logs which have been dried out for at least a year and have a moisture level of 20 percent or lower. Tree surgeons in Craigavon will mostly have stocks of hardwood logs and these are brilliant for a long, sustained burn which will generate heat for several hours. The downside of hardwood logs is that they can be quite tricky to get going, so if you are able to get your hands on a few softwood logs, these are fantastic for getting your fire started. (Tags: Logs and Firewood Craigavon, Firewood Logs Craigavon, Firewood Craigavon, Hardwood Firewood Craigavon).
Tree Surgery Tasks Craigavon
Craigavon tree surgeons will likely help with tree reshaping Craigavon, tree surveys, crown raising Craigavon, tree cutting in Craigavon, woodland management in Craigavon, brush cutting, commercial tree surgery, root flare exposure Craigavon, woodland clearance in Craigavon, tree pest control, hedge lowering Craigavon, stump removal, domestic tree surgery, root removal in Craigavon, root decompaction, hedge planting, retrenchment pruning, tree work, tree fertilising, tree maintenance Craigavon, tree lopping, tree topping, the protection of trees from grazing Craigavon, landscape clearance in Craigavon, tree cabling, repair of storm damaged trees in Craigavon, crown removal, fruit tree pruning, drop crotching, vegetation management and other tree surgeon services in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. Listed are just a handful of the duties that are handled by a local tree surgeon. Craigavon specialists will keep you informed about their full range of services.
Tree Surgeons Nearby
Also find: Aghalee tree surgeon, Portadown tree surgeon, Upper Ballinderry tree surgeon, Dromara tree surgeon, Tandragee tree surgeon, Derrymacash tree surgeon, Magheralin tree surgeon, Lurgan tree surgeon, Moira tree surgeon, Waringstown tree surgeon, Dollingstown tree surgeon, Gilford tree surgeon, Coalisland tree surgeon and more. All these towns and villages are serviced by local tree surgeons. Business and home owners in these places can obtain tree surgery price quotes by clicking here.
Tree Care Services Craigavon
- Craigavon Crown Thinning
- Craigavon Tree Bracing
- Craigavon Air-Spading
- Craigavon Hedge Reduction
- Craigavon Tree Maintenance
- Craigavon Crown Reduction
- Craigavon Crown Lifting
- Craigavon Tree Replanting
- Craigavon Dead Wooding
- Craigavon Stump Removal
- Craigavon Tree Planning
- Craigavon Eco-Plugging
- Craigavon Stump Treatment
- Craigavon Tree Felling
Tree Surgeon Jobs Craigavon: Find Craigavon tree surgeon jobs here: Craigavon Tree Surgeon Jobs
For local Craigavon information click here
Tree Surgery BT63 area, (dialling code 028 38).
BT63 - Tree Care Craigavon - Vegetation Management Craigavon Northern Ireland - Crown Thinning Craigavon - Tree Surgeons Craigavon - Tree Management Craigavon - Woodland Management Craigavon - Tree Felling Craigavon - Tree Surgery Craigavon