Crowthorne Tree Surgeon Berkshire: Adding substance, structure and style to what can quite often be a two dimensional area, trees are an important feature of gardens and properties in Crowthorne. This is fine and dandy, however when trees are poorly maintained, diseased, or damaged by extreme weather events like storms or flooding, problems may occur that will need to be sorted out. Prior to any work beginning, the safest option is to seek the advice and guidance of a qualified tree surgeon in Crowthorne, when your trees need looking at.
Using an unqualified person for tree work or trying to do the work yourself, could harm your trees, cause damage to property, or even lead to injury or death. However, even for trained tree surgeons who are aware of all the hazards, tree work is not entirely safe. In fact tree surgery is one of the most hazardous jobs in the UK, with an average of three deaths and a hundred and forty major injuries a year within the industry, consequently it is certainly not safe work for amateurs.
With falling branches and trees causing around 5 deaths a year in the United Kingdom, a risk to life can even be caused by a neglected or damaged tree. If an injury occurs, or property is damaged due to you bringing in somebody to conduct tree work, you might be liable to third-party compensation claims due to the consequences of your actions. This is why it is important to hire an accredited tree surgeon to undertake the work on your trees. (Figures sourced from HSE UK).
FINDING A TREE SURGEON IN CROWTHORNE - A seasoned tree surgeon in Crowthorne ought to be a signed up member of at least one of the 2 industry bodies found in Britain. The membership and professional status of any tree surgeon in Crowthorne can be checked on the websites of both the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Arboricultural Association (AA). On this website you can check membership of either of these 2 associations, which gives the tree surgeon in question, ARB Approved Contractor status.
If an issue emerges during the tree work, or after it has been completed you'll be able to get hold of these trade associations for mediation assistance and for help and guidance.
If any tree surgeon who is not on this directory list offers to provide you with a quotation, you should tactfully decline their offer of work and carry on your search for an accredited contractor. When their professional associations and qualifications have been meticulously checked, you should try and get at least three quotes from different companies in Crowthorne. Whilst acquiring these quotes you must ask the questions below, making it crystal clear that you need the answers due to the risks involved with the work:
- Could I contact some former customers so that I can assess the quality of your work? Doing an independent examination of any recent work is always recommended.
- Do you offer written quotations? Verbal quotes alone are not sufficient. Always try to get a quote in writing.
- Can you provide documents to demonstrate that you have the proper qualifications, membership of the AA or ISA, and also a certificate for basic chainsaw use from the NPTC? The NPTC/LANTRA is a required certificate in law for any tree surgeon/operative who uses a chainsaw. Qualifications can include City and Guilds Diplomas and Certificates in Arboriculture.
- What is your level of insurance cover? You shouldn't even consider a tree surgeon in Crowthorne with any less than five million pounds public liability insurance as outlined by the ISA and AA.
The written quote must include easy to follow specifics of the tree work to be undertaken. It should state whose responsibility it is to remove waste, tree branches and stumps, and should also include details about any trees which may be protected, and the steps required to get permission to carry out work on them. Unless you're a commercial business, you should also ensure VAT has been included on the quote. Realising that you've got a responsibility to employ only competent people to work on your property and trees, is crucial.
PRIOR TO WORK COMMENCING - Checking whether any of your trees are covered by a TPO, your preferred Crowthorne tree surgeon should ensure that any work can get the go-ahead from the appropriate local authorities. To ensure the safety of the public, even protected trees need maintenance in order to cut back old or dead wood, so finding that a tree is protected doesn't suggest that you're unable to carry out important work.
If your property in Crowthorne is located within a designated conservation area, the Local Planning Authority will need a minimum of six weeks written notice of any intended tree work. This only applies to trees with a trunk diameter of over 7.5 centimetres in diameter, at a point 1.5m above ground level. Written notice is also not required if thinning or pruning of a protected tree's branches is crucial in order to encourage and sustain growth.
Your Crowthorne tree surgeon will decide on the required remedial treatment and how best to achieve the required outcome in a safe manner after performing a thorough assessment of your trees health. Public spaces, your property and any sections of neighbouring properties that could be impacted by falling branches and debris will all be given a full risk assessment. At this stage, the level of protection needed and the amount of operatives required will also be determined. This could include various safety precautions as well as PPE (personal protective equipment) to ensure the safety of passers-by and nearby property.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - Safety measures and barriers should be put in place before any climbing, cutting of branches or tree felling commences, to keep unauthorised persons away from the work area. When there is the possibility of debris and branches crashing onto a highway, it may be necessary to temporarily halt the traffic.
According to the kind of work that's called for a tree surgeon will need varying degrees of protection. At the bare minimum they're going to be wearing specialist protective clothing to avoid serious cutting injuries to the legs, torso and hands, when doing chainsaw work. At all times, every worker involved in the operation should wear hi-vis clothing, and head and eye protection.
Safety climbing equipment and ladders will need to be deployed if any working at height is involved, and to help in the removal of high branches and pieces of tree trunk, extra personnel will be essential. It's a good idea to inform your neighbours of the need for access, since a truck or skip for removing the waste will be parked as close as possible to the work area.
AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK - The site can be cleared of all debris, and all of the waste can be transported away, as soon as all of the tree work has been completed. A certificate of work done should then be created by your tree surgeon, particularly in the case of any protected trees, which can be signed off and a copy handed to you. Any safety measures that were put in public spaces can then be removed, with roads and pathways being re-opened to the public.
Problems or issues should be fixed immediately by approaching your tree surgeon directly. If your tree surgeon is a signed up member of a professional association, and any further arbitration is needed, you can obtain advice and guidance from the Arboricultural Association or the International Society of Arboriculture in order to come to an acceptable conclusion.
Locally based Crowthorne tree surgeons are most likely have the postcode RG45 and the dialling code 01344. They'll operate in Crowthorne itself, as well as nearby areas such as Holme Green, Finchampstead, Sandhurst, Yateley, Owlsmoor, Camberley, Bracknell, Gardeners Green, Eversley Cross, Little Sandhurst, Bagshot, Wick Hill, The Ridges, College Town, Blackwater, Wokingham, Barkham, and these postcodes: RG40 3QS, RG45 6ET, RG45 6ER, RG45 6HU, RG45 6QY, RG45 6AL, RG45 6DJ, RG45 6NZ, RG45 6JS, RG45 6BA.
If you require this kind of assistance it's unquestionably wise to use an accredited tree surgeon. Crowthorne residents can greatly benefit from the skills and knowledge that a seasoned professional can offer.
Dutch Elm Disease
While Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) isn't quite the problem it once was, during the past 50 years or so it has killed many millions of elm trees all over the UK. Spread by the elm bark beetle and caused by a fungus called Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, Dutch Elm Disease was accidentally introduced into Britain from North America (Canada) in the 1960s.
Its swift spread was mainly down to to elm products such as crates, bark mulch, saplings, and firewood logs with the bark still attached, being moved throughout the United Kingdom. DED didn't just affect the British Isles, but also decimated stocks of elms in mainland Europe and North America, it is believed to have originated from Asia (possibly Japan).
Dutch Elm Disease normally first manifests in early summer, and the main signs are:
- New shoots that die back from the tips.
- Twigs turning into a "shepherd's crook".
- Dark streaks beneath the bark of twigs.
- Clusters of leaves turning yellow, wilting and falling.
The felling of dead, dying and infected trees, has essentially decimated the beetle's favourite habitat, and in recent times the spread of Dutch Elm Disease has been substantially slowed. A project for the propagation of young trees that up to now have proven resistant to Dutch Elm Disease is currently being undertaken.
You could request a diagnosis from the THDAS (Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service), or you can speak to your neighbourhood tree surgeon for guidance and advice, if you have elm trees on your property in Crowthorne, and suspect that they might be infected with Dutch Elm Disease.
Tree families affected: Ulmacae and Zelkova.
Spread by - beetles of the Scolytus and Hylorgopinus genera.
Cause - fungi Ophiostoma Ulmi and Ophiostoma Novo-Ulmi.
(Tags: Spotting Dutch Elm Disease, Dutch Elm Disease Crowthorne, Dutch Elm Disease Signs).Tree Cable Bracing Crowthorne
A technique which is used to offer support to a tree when it's showing signs of damage or decay or is a risk to nearby property or persons, cable bracing can be extremely helpful in certain circumstances. This strategy is often used on valuable or older trees in Crowthorne, where the felling or removal of large unsafe sections needs to be avoided for reasons of aesthetics.
In order to support weak limbs, poor joints and V-shaped forks in a tree, a purpose designed cable bracing system can be installed. By the installation of cables and rods most Crowthorne tree surgeons will be able to redistribute structural stresses and extend the lifespan of veteran trees using various types of bracing work.
The aim of cable bracing is to offer a non-invasive method of support that doesn't damage the tree by drilling and bolting the branches, and is shock-absorbing and flexible. To ensure the safety of the tree and encircling areas, a comprehensive risk assessment must be completed before any actual cable bracing work can begin.
Hedge Cutting Crowthorne
While focused mostly on specialist tree surgery work, Crowthorne tree surgeons are regularly involved in the upkeep and trimming of hedges. Where there are conifer hedges like Leylandii, this is especially useful, because they can quickly get so high that a regular gardener or homeowner will find them all but impossible to deal with using standard tools.
A hedge that is poorly maintained and uncared for will soon become overgrown and quickly get out of control. Routine clipping is advisable if you don't want a hedge to run riot in large sections of your garden in Crowthorne, and in addition to making the hedge stronger and healthier it also looks better aesthetically.
You can help your whole garden to appear neat by tidily clipping your hedges. And if you are planning to sell your property in the forseeable future, neat hedges could even add to its value.
Pollarding Crowthorne
Pollarding is mainly conducted for basic safety reasons and is a technique for appreciably decreasing the size of trees which have got too large for their existing surroundings. The encouragement of cultivated characteristics and the moulding of trees into certain shapes can also be accomplished by the pollarding procedure. Trees which grow alongside streets in Crowthorne are regularly pollarded, as are those used for boundaries and in managed hedgerows. The somewhat harsh and bare appearance that results from pollarding is not very popular with those who appreciate trees, given that it is so dissimilar to its natural state. However, in spite of the somewhat ugly appearance of recently pollarded trees like beeches, sycamores, planes, limes, maples, oaks and horse chestnuts, there is a beneficial aspect to this technique, in that such trees can be kept when they'd otherwise have to be cut down.
The ISA (International Society of Arboriculture)
A non-profit international organisation that is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, USA, the International Society of Arboriculture is generally referred to just as the ISA. A membership association that serves the tree care industry all around the globe, the ISA supports the professional practice of arboriculture.
The ISA has its focus on best tree care practices, inspiring those who work in the tree care sector fully develop their skills, knowledge and arboricultural expertise, by promoting educational events, publications and services.
The AA (Arboricultural Association) is now an associate organisation of the International Society of Arboriculture after signing a 2016 agreement with them. This enabled the two organisations to significantly strengthen their relationship, whilst providing more opportunities for anyone in the United Kingdom and Ireland who was a signed-up member of the ISA. UK Arboricultural Association members can now benefit from being part of a wide and varied worldwide tree care network. Boasting over 22,000 members worldwide the ISA now has associate organisations and professional affiliates in EXTRAvegetation management, woodland management, tree pruning Crowthorne, retrenchment pruning, root pruning in Crowthorne, woodland clearances in Crowthorne, airspading, cut sealing, arboriculture, root grinding, tree watering in Crowthorne, soil terraventing, woodchipping in Crowthorne, tree surveys Crowthorne, tree pest control, fruit tree pruning, root flare exposure, tree lopping in Crowthorne, pollarding, stump grinding Crowthorne, tree lightening protection Crowthorne, shrub maintenance, tree felling in Crowthorne, commercial tree care, tree maintenance, tree dismantling, tree fertilising Crowthorne, dead wooding, stump treatment in Crowthorne, hedge cuttingTEN, and the United Kingdom.
Safety Considerations
Tree surgery can soon become a dangerous undertaking if carried out improperly, so one of the principle worries is the safety issue. There are a great many things that can go wrong if the so called tradespeople engaged in the project are inexperienced or incapable. Amongst the most commonplace situations are no head protection, not wearing eye or hearing protection, neglecting to cordon-off the area to protect the general public and vehicles, failure to put on cut-proof (chainsaw-proof) apparel (especially trousers and boots), falling timber and branches and hardly any protection from falling, in the shape of ropes, harnesses and platforms. What might be at risk owing to such inadequacies are the street facilities, the tree surgeon himself (up the tree), the actual tree itself, the groundsman, fencing and garden outbuildings, the property owners family, pedestrians, passing and stationary vehicles, nearby buildings.
The Use of Chainsaws
The most commonplace piece of equipment that Crowthorne tree surgeons use is the chainsaw. It's a versatile and effective tool, but can be pretty dangerous in the wrong hands. The most popular style of chainsaw with professional users is the petrol powered version, being easily handled and more portable, although it is possible to obtain mains operated chainsaws and rechargeable battery models. For slicing through thick trunks and branches, petrol driven chainsaws are the only real option effective option, being extremely powerful and able to cope with even the most substantial of tree work.
Essentially, a chainsaw comprises a rotating motor-driven chain that has a series of sharp teeth for slicing through wood and branches. Chainsaws also come in a variety of types, each having a particular use - rear-handled for working on the ground (two handed), pole saws for long distance pruning and hard to reach branches and top-handled for working at height (and which can be operated single handedly).
Although it is not the safest thing to be carrying up a tree, it is fairly rare to find a tree surgeon in Crowthorne who does not use a chainsaw virtually every day. All tree surgeons need to be trained in the safe use of chainsaws, and it's one of the main prerequisites for membership of the AA (Arboricultural Association).
There are quite a few different makes and models of chainsaw, but the most commonly used by specialist tree surgeons in Crowthorne are Husqvarna, Hyundai, Stihl and Makita.
Tree Removal Crowthorne
If the tree has grown too large, the tree is in the way of new construction, your tree has been uprooted by windy weather, you have a dead/dying tree, your tree is diseased/infected, the tree roots are obstructing retaining walls/foundations or the tree poses a hazard to safety, then you've likely got a genuine reason for felling a tree. Otherwise tree removal should in fact be the last resort, seeing that trees are generally a beautiful and beneficial part of the garden. Numerous individuals in Crowthorne plan to remove a tree or trees to reduce the inconvenience of leaves in winter time or gain a much better view, this isn't essential and should only happen in extreme cases.
Everyday Duties for a Tree Surgeon
- Be proficient with power tools and other powered machinery.
- Chip and cut logs and branches.
- Produce tree survey reports for both commercial and domestic clients.
- Tidy up area upon completion and remove waste products from client's site.
- Service equipment like chainsaws and chippers.
- Evaluate tree health and treatments.
- Identify dangers posed by trees.
- Create telephone or on-site quotes with the clients.
- Tree planting and transplanting.
- Deal with clients and complete administrative duties.
- Fell and remove trees and perform stump grinding.
- Climb trees to remove or prune branches.
Skills and Knowledge Necessary for a Tree Surgeon in Crowthorne
- To be methodical and pay close attention to detail.
- Be capable of repairing, using and maintaining machines and tools.
- Decent customer skills.
- Have necessary computer skills and know how to carry out basic tasks on handheld devices.
- Be able to work with your hands.
- Physical skills such as coordination and movement.
- Be professional and able to complete work within the set period.
- Good knowledge of public safety and security.
- Have patience and the ability to remain focused in times of stress.
- The cabability to work successfully other folks.
- Be mindful of the dangers and complexities involved with the various aspects of the work.
Accidents Through Tree Surgery
As we have already pointed out, tree surgeons in Crowthorne undertake work that can be highly dangerous. Most tree work involves a risk of injury to both operatives and those on the ground, therefore all reasonable safety measures must 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 fatal and major injuries. In actual fact, arborists and tree surgeons are more at risk of serious injury than workers involved in the construction sector.
The most common tree care accidents are being struck by objects (ropes, trees, cranes, branches, grapple hooks etc), lifting injuries and falling from ladders, with regards to insurance claims.
This is why choosing an experienced Crowthorne tree surgeon is so crucial when you have tree care work that needs to be carried out. Many accidents that happen in the tree care industry are attributable to unskilled workers trying to carry out tasks that they're not properly trained in. Consequently, to avoid this type of issue, try to always use an established and trustworthy Crowthorne company who have been operating in the local area for several years.
Invasive Tree Roots Crowthorne
You could encounter problems when certain trees which have really invasive root systems are growing too close to your Crowthorne home. Issues that may arise include damaged foundations, cracked patios and blocked drains. Species like sycamores, maples, willows and elms, are trees that have extremely invasive roots.
If you're planning to grow any new trees in your garden, it's a good idea to make sure that they are located a good distance from patios, your drainage pipes, pathways and your house. If existing trees are growing too close to your dwelling and are already causing some of these issues, you should get hold of a tree surgeon in Crowthorne, to see what can be done.
To avoid the possibility of significantly harming the health of your tree or even killing it, you certainly should not simply cut out the invasive roots in an attempt to solve this yourself. Understanding which roots can be safely cut, and which roots should be left in place is the realm of the specialist, and a seasoned Crowthorne tree care specialist will make sure that the tree is still able to get enough water and nutrients to survive.
Given that sewage pipes provide a continuous source of nutrients and moisture, tree and shrub roots regularly cause structural problems in underground drainage systems. Joint failure and blockages can occur when a drainage system's joints are penetrated by minute tree roots, which can eventually grow into large root balls as soon as they've established themselves. Through the use of manual rodding, high pressure jetting or mechanical equipment, some Crowthorne tree surgeons will be able to provide specialist root removal services. You should also be able to obtain root removal services in Holme Green, Finchampstead, Sandhurst, Yateley, Owlsmoor, Camberley, Bracknell, Gardeners Green, Eversley Cross, Little Sandhurst, Bagshot, Wick Hill, The Ridges, College Town, Blackwater, Wokingham, Barkham, and in Crowthorne, Berkshire. (Tags: Drain Root Removal Crowthorne, Invasive Tree Roots Crowthorne, Problematic Tree Roots Crowthorne, Tree Root Problems Crowthorne).
Dead-Wooding Crowthorne
All experienced Crowthorne tree surgeons will undertake the practice known as dead-wooding, which is a necessary element of tree management and care. Dead-wooding involves the careful removal of dying and dead branches that could pose a threat to homes, vehicles or pedestrians. Tree branches can die off for a number of reasons, with pest attacks, root damage, a lack of light or disease, being the most widespread.
While the purpose of safety is the usual reason for removing dead branches, the procedure can also be done for aesthetic motives and for the benefit of the tree itself. An excessive amount of dying, damaged and dead branches can attract infestation by insects and the spread of disease, therefore the removal of these compromised branches can dramatically improve a tree's health. You can also improve a tree's appearance through this procedure, since trees with lots of dead wood can also look very unappealing.
As smaller dead branches pose very little risk, only the largest ones will be taken off in most cases. Nevertheless, where a public space, a road, a garden, a park or a property in Crowthorne is overhung by trees, any dead timber of more than 50 millimetres diameter may have to be removed.
Protecting Trees in the Wintertime
Even though the winter weather conditions are rarely severe enough to warrant protecting your trees and shrubs, it is definitely worth thinking about as a precaution. In actual fact, even trees, shrubs and plants that we usually consider to be hardy, will benefit from a bit of extra protection in the colder winter season.
Storms and high winds can be the biggest problem where trees are concerned, and although most of your trees will have shed all their leaves come winter, they may still be susceptible in extreme conditions. If you've got a tree in your garden that looks like it may be damaged, or shows signs of crashing to the ground, you'll need to have it checked out by a tree surgeon, who can offer advice and guidance. Trees can also suffer damage due to heavy snow, so keep an eye out for damage in this sort of weather. A good layer of mulch round the base of trees and shrubs (particularly freshly planted ones), will help to keep the roots frost-free and stop them from becoming dehydrated.
Tree Surgery Tasks Crowthorne
Crowthorne tree surgeons can normally help you with vegetation management, woodland management, tree pruning Crowthorne, retrenchment pruning, root pruning in Crowthorne, woodland clearances in Crowthorne, airspading, cut sealing, arboriculture, root grinding, tree watering in Crowthorne, soil terraventing, woodchipping in Crowthorne, tree surveys Crowthorne, tree pest control, fruit tree pruning, root flare exposure, tree lopping in Crowthorne, pollarding, stump grinding Crowthorne, tree lightening protection Crowthorne, shrub maintenance, tree felling in Crowthorne, commercial tree care, tree maintenance, tree dismantling, tree fertilising Crowthorne, dead wooding, stump treatment in Crowthorne, hedge cutting and other tree surgeon services in Crowthorne, Berkshire. These are just an example of the tasks that are accomplished by a tree surgeon. Crowthorne specialists will be happy to tell you about their whole range of services.
Tree Surgeons Nearby
Also find: Ravenswood tree surgeon, The Ridges tree surgeon, Wick Hill tree surgeon, Darby Green tree surgeon, Jennett's Park tree surgeon, Owlsmoor tree surgeon, Eversley Cross tree surgeon, Holme Green tree surgeon, College Town tree surgeon, Wildridings tree surgeon, Barkham tree surgeon, Easthampstead tree surgeon, Gardeners Green tree surgeon and more. Pretty much all of these places are served by tree care companies. Homeowners in the area can obtain tree surgery quotations by clicking here.
Tree Care Services Crowthorne
- Crowthorne Arboriculture
- Crowthorne Tree Pruning
- Crowthorne Crown Raising
- Crowthorne Tree Care
- Crowthorne Tree Lopping
- Crowthorne Woodchipping
- Crowthorne Tree Surveys
- Crowthorne Hedge Cutting
- Crowthorne Crown Reduction
- Crowthorne Air-Spading
- Crowthorne Woodland Management
- Crowthorne Dead Wooding
- Crowthorne Shrub Maintenance
- Crowthorne Tree Cutting
More Crowthorne Trades: Not surprisingly, whenever you're having tree surgery done in Crowthorne, Berkshire, you will probably need other garden related services, and aside from a tree surgeon in Crowthorne, Berkshire, you might additionally need SKIP HIRE in Crowthorne, garden pond installation in Crowthorne, garden decking in Crowthorne, garden clearance in Crowthorne, fence installers in Crowthorne, driveway specialists in Crowthorne, artificial grass installers in Crowthorne, garden shed installers in Crowthorne, garden digging services in Crowthorne, garden planning and design in Crowthorne, garden rubbish removal in Crowthorne, patio layers in Crowthorne, grass cutting services in Crowthorne, landscape gardeners in Crowthorne, topiary in Crowthorne, garden wall construction in Crowthorne, and other different Crowthorne tradespeople.
For local Crowthorne information take a look here
Tree Surgery RG45 area, and dialling code 01344.
RG45 - Tree Surgery Crowthorne - Forest Management Crowthorne - Tree Surgeons Crowthorne - Stump Grinding Crowthorne - Vegetation Control Crowthorne Berkshire - Tree Surgeon Crowthorne - Tree Reshaping Crowthorne - Tree Felling Crowthorne