Fleet Tree Surgeon Hampshire: An attractive feature of many gardens and properties in Fleet, trees add structure, substance and style to what can at times be a dull and 2 dimensional landscape. This is all well and good, but when trees are poorly maintained, diseased, or affected by extreme weather conditions such as flooding or high winds, issues can arise which need to be sorted out. Seeking the advice and guidance of an established tree surgeon in Fleet, is the safest option when there is work that needs doing on your trees.
There is an enormous risk of damage to property, the trees or to life, for people in Fleet who try to do tree work themselves, or by hiring non-qualified personnel. But even employing an experienced tree surgeon who is acquainted with all the hazards does not necessarily mean that tree work is safe. In fact tree surgery is one of the most hazardous jobs in Britain, with an average of three deaths and 140 major injuries a year within the industry, consequently it is definitely not safe work for amateurs.
A damaged or poorly maintained tree can also present a threat to life, with around five people annually being killed by falling branches or trees in the United Kingdom. If property is damaged, or an injury occurs due to you bringing in someone to conduct tree work, you might be liable for any compensation to any third-party as a consequence of your actions. These are just some of the reasons why it is imperative to use a competent tree surgeon to do the work on your trees. (The source of the above figures was HSE UK).
A certified Fleet tree surgeon will likely be a registered member of at least one of the 2 main professional arboricultural bodies. You can check up on the membership and professional standing of any tree surgeon in Fleet on the websites of either the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) or the AA (Arboricultural Association). On this webpage you can check for membership of either of these organisations, which gives the tree surgeon in question, recognised Approved ARB Contractor status.
If there is an issue during or after any work has been finished you are able to speak to these trade associations for assistance in arbitration and for help and guidance at any stage.
You shouldn't be afraid to respectfully decline the offer of a quotation from someone who you cannot find on this directory list, since after all, it's an approved contractor who you should be looking for. Once you have reassured yourself of their qualifications and professional associations you should try to get a minimum of 3 different quotes from various companies in Fleet. Due to the risks involved in tree work, you should ask the below questions, making it abundantly clear that you need to know the answers:
- Do you provide quotations in writing? Always try to get a written quote, and NEVER accept a quote that's only given verbally.
- Can you show documents to show that you have the appropriate qualifications, membership of the AA or ISA, and also a certificate for basic chainsaw use from the NPTC/LANTRA? The NPTC/LANTRA is a required certificate in law for any tree surgeon using a chainsaw. National Diplomas and Certificates in Arboriculture are qualifications that may be held by a skilled tree surgeon in Fleet.
- Exactly what level of insurance cover have you got? Your tree surgeon ought to be able to show you an insurance certificate covering no less than five million pounds public liability, as recommended by the ISA and AA.
- Can I contact some former customers to inspect the standard of your work? It is generally a good idea to carry out an independent examination of recently completed work.
On the written quote that you receive, you'll need there to be clear and concise specifics of all the work that is being undertaken. It should include information on any trees which may be protected, and the required steps to get permission to work on them, and also state who's responsible for the removal of waste, tree branches and stumps. You should also make certain that VAT has been included on the quote unless you're a commercial business. You have a responsibility for employing only trained people to work on your trees and property, and it is extremely important to understand that. 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 - Your chosen Fleet tree surgeon will need to make enquiries into the possibility of any trees being protected in your area and make the necessary steps to make sure that any tree work can get the green light from the local authority. Finding a tree has got protected status does not mean that work cannot be carried out, as even protected trees need to be maintained so as to cut back dead or damaged wood and ensure public safety.
If your property in Fleet is located inside a designated conservation area, the Local Planning Authority will require at least 6 weeks written notice of any planned tree work. However, tree stems of less than 7.5 centimetres in diameter when measured at 1.5m from the ground are free from this requirement. Also, if the branches of a protected tree need to be pruned or thinned to sustain and promote growth, written notice will not be necessary.
After performing a full assessment of your trees health, your chosen Fleet tree surgeon will decide on the required remedial treatment and how best to achieve the required outcome in a safe manner. Where there's any potential for falling branches and debris, a full risk assessment will have to be carried out on your property, public spaces, and sections of neighbouring properties that could be affected. At this stage, the level of protection required and the amount of operatives needed will also be established. To keep property and the general public safe from harm or damage, this will include both personal protection equipment and other safety precautions.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - Barriers and safety measures will be put in place before any climbing, tree felling or cutting of branches begins, to keep unauthorised persons and passers-by away from the area where work is going on. If there's a risk of debris falling onto a public highway, traffic might need to be temporarily halted.
The tree surgeon will need different degrees of protection subject to the kind of tree work being done. At the very least when doing chainsaw work they'll be wearing special protective clothing to avoid serious cutting injuries to the torso, hands and legs. Every worker involved in the operation, should at all times be wearing high-vis clothing, and head and eye protection.
If any working at height is involved, ladders and associated safety climbing equipment will need to be deployed, and additional operatives will be there to help with the safe removal of high branches and large sections of tree trunk. For the removal of waste, easy access to the site will be needed. Therefore, it's recommended that you inform your next door neighbours, as a skip or other transportation vehicle will need to be parked as close to the work area as possible whilst the work progresses.
UPON COMPLETION OF WORK - When the tree work has been finished all of the waste and branches will be transported away and the whole area cleared of all debris. Particularly in the case of any protected trees, a certificate of work will then be created by your tree surgeon, which will be signed off and a copy presented to you. Pathways and roads can then be re-opened to the public, and any safety measures places in public spaces taken away.
If you've got any issues or problems with the completed work, you should first address them with your tree surgeon in order that they can be put right immediately. If any further arbitration is required, and your tree surgeon is a registered member of a professional trade association, you can receive help and advice from the ISA or AA so as to arrive at a satisfactory solution.
Local Fleet tree surgeons will likely have the phone code 01252 and the postcode GU51. They'll work in Fleet itself, in addition to nearby areas like Dogmersfield, North Warnborough, Crookham Village, Winchfield, Mattingley, Elvetham, Blackwater, Odiham, Hartley Wintney, Ewshot, Church Crookham, Aldershot, Willowbourne, Farnborough, and these postcodes: GU51 2QR, GU51 1EA, GU51 1BP, GU51 1DY, GU51 2QX, GU51 1AE, GU51 1BW, GU51 1LA, GU51 1BL, GU51 2RL.
If you need this type of assistance it is unquestionably a good idea to use an experienced tree surgeon. Fleet home and property owners can benefit from the expertise offered by a trained professional.
Skills Needed by Tree Surgeons in Fleet
- Be capable of maintaining, repairing and using equipment and tools.
- Be alert to the complexities and dangers involved in all areas of work.
- To be able to undertake basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device.
- Have the ability to work with your hands.
- Have a good understanding of public safety and security.
- Have the ability to work successfully others.
- Have a systematic and methodical way of working.
- Be professional and capable of completing work within the set timeframe.
- Customer service skills.
- Have patience and the ability to stay calm and focused in stressful situations.
- Physical skills like movement and coordination.
Tree Surveys Fleet
There are various reasons why you may require a tree survey, and the most common is for development or property extension. If you happen to be clearing a piece of land in Fleet that has trees on it, to make room for an extension to an existing property or a brand new house, you will need to arrange a tree survey as outlined by the British Standards BS5837. Tree surveys on both public and private property must be conducted by a qualified tree surgeon or arboricultural surveyor in Fleet.
Within the specified area, a properly done tree survey will produce a whole bunch of information about the trees. For example:
- The number of trees.
- The existence of any TPOs.
- The spread of branches towards the East, West, South and North.
- The age of the trees.
- The physiological and structural health of the trees.
- Allocating a tree reference number for each tree.
- The height of each tree.
- The diameter of each tree (measured 1.5m above ground level).
- The life expectancy of the trees.
- Guidelines for tree management.
- The species of trees on the site.
A tree survey will probably not be needed if you aren't extending the building's footprint and are not changing the access points or service lines of an existing home in Fleet.
Accidents Through Tree Surgery
As we've already mentioned, tree surgeons and tree care professionals in Fleet carry out work that can be extremely hazardous. With a high risk of injuries to both operatives and passers-by, all possible safety measures must be implemented when working on trees.
As reported by figures gathered by the HSE (Health & 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. In fact, those people involved in tree care have a greater chance of injuring themselves seriously than those in the construction sector.
The most common tree surgery accidents are falling from ladders, lifting injuries and being struck by objects (cranes, trees, branches, grapple hooks, ropes etc), in relation to insurance claims.
This should all help you appreciate why it is so critical to hire a seasoned tree surgeon in Fleet. Most often, accidents in the tree care industry are down to unqualified operatives trying to do tree work that they aren't equipped for, nor skilled in. Consequently, using a reputable and experienced company that's been trading in the Fleet area for a number of years, is the easiest way to avoid such issues.
Preventing Storm Damage
When looking at a sturdy, strong tree standing proudly in your garden it's difficult to picture it ever toppling to the ground. The lifespan of most tree species far surpasses that of us humans, and in actual fact some varieties like sweet chestnuts, oaks and yews can survive for many hundreds of years.
Extreme weather can however cause extensive damage, and besides the ever present danger of falling branches and tree limbs, trees can even topple over completely in certain circumstances. The principal weather related issue for trees is wind, and as the number of violent storms and weather events in Fleet increases because of climate change, this form of damage is becoming more commonplace. Floods or prolonged periods of rainfall can cause the soil around roots to become saturated, which can cause further issues for trees, as can heavy snow in the winter.
So as to be ready for any issues that may occur during severe weather conditions, it's recommended that you have a qualified Fleet tree surgeon trim and remove any dead or excessively long branches, and check for any other problems.
It is also important to fit bigger trees with lightning rods, copper conductors, or other lightning protection systems, to prevent them being struck by lightning, and to protect surrounding buildings and property which might be susceptible to "jumps" and 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, decay or disease. You might not believe that lightning strikes are that common, however in the UK there are about 300,000 lightning strikes each year.
Your local Fleet tree care specialist will be able to give you advice and guidance on what can be done to safeguard your trees from storm damage, and lower the risk of accidents taking place because of this. (Tags: Storm Damage Fleet, Storm Damaged Trees Fleet, Storm Damage Prevention Fleet).
Air-Spading Fleet
When a tree's health is causing concern, this may be down to any number of issues, but is very often because of problems with the root system. So as to check for root rot, soil compaction, or other problems, a professional Fleet tree surgeon may need to gain access to the roots of your tree.
Due to the likelihood of root damage in the digging down process, this was difficult during the past. To effectively break down and clear away compacted soil without causing damage to tree roots or utilities, a contemporary system which is frequently used is "air spading".
The general health of a tree can be negatively affected when the soil surrounding the roots becomes compacted by passing vehicles, heavy foot traffic or construction work. A tree can become "stressed" because of a lack of nutrients and water, which makes it more prone to attack by disease, pests and insects. Air spading is also good for resolving root flare problems, when the flare at the base of the stem becomes covered with soil, causing tissue breakdown, and increasing the possibility of root decay.
Involving the use of an air-spade and an air compressor, this process forces high-speed air into the soil, this breaks it up by penetrating any voids in the soil, but leaves tree roots and utilities unaffected. As the soil is blown away from the roots by the powerful air flow, immediate inspection can take place. Any problems can then be rectified and the soil replaced with wood chips and fertiliser to revive the tree.
The Daily Duties of a Tree Surgeon
- Identify hazards presented by trees.
- Be proficient with power tools and equipment.
- Assess tree health and treatment.
- Fell and remove trees and grind stumps.
- Service equipment like chainsaws and wood chippers.
- Climb trees to remove or prune branches.
- Tree planting and transplanting.
- Work with customers and complete administrative tasks.
- Create telephone or on-site quotations with the clients.
- Produce tree survey reports for domestic and commercial clients.
- Cut and chip logs and branches.
- Tidy up area on completion and remove waste products from customer's site.
Ash Dieback
Expected to devastate around 80% of the current UK ash tree population, over the next few years, ash dieback is a fatal fungal disease of ash trees, the first case of which was reported in Great Britain in 2012. Having an equally disastrous effect on the British countryside as Dutch Elm Disease (DED), ash dieback is just another blow to the UK's tree stocks.
A disease which affects the Fraxinus genus of trees, it has a particularly disastrous effect on Fraxinus excelsior, the native British common ash. Originating in eastern Asia, the fungus which causes the disease is called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.
Ash dieback (or chalara ash dieback) has already spread to most areas of Great Britain, and is dispersed by wind blown spores which can travel for many miles, quickening the whole process.
The obvious signs of ash dieback are:
- Wilting leaves that turn black in colour and are shed early.
- Dying leaves and shoots which are visible during the summertime.
- Leaves with dark patches that develop during mid to late summer.
- Dark brown lesions (often diamond shaped) form where branches join the trunk.
- New epicormic growth appearing from previously dormant buds (common in trees under stress).
Even ash trees which are able to fend off the disease, suffer repeated attacks year after year and eventually succumb and die. There's presently no effective treatment for ash dieback, and no clear-cut procedure for stopping its spread.
If you suspect a tree in your local area is suffering from ash dieback, or you are anxious about a tree on your property in Fleet, you should bring in a local tree surgeon to confirm the diagnosis, and you can also report it to the "Tree Alert Service" provided by the Forestry Commission, although they're currently only interested in cases in previously unaffected areas.
Trees of the genus Fraxinus are affected.
Vegetation Management
It isn't simply the removal and care of trees that your local Fleet tree surgeon will be happy to help you with, but also any form of proliferating vegetation that is clogging up your land. Some tree care experts will be happy to cut down and remove weeds, bushes, shrubs and overgrown vegetation which might be growing close to sheds, drives, walkways, patios or buildings, and causing a pain. If you are going to maintain your precious garden properly then this excess growth ought to be cut back regularly, and if you've got the time and inclination then this is undoubtedly something that you might do by yourself if you're fit and able, or you could ask a tree surgeon to pay a visit every few months to make sure it is in shape. The control of vegetation is important if you're to keep safe and easy entry to every part of the garden and if this is not done the plants and vegetation can very quickly take over and take a lot of the enjoyment out of your garden. Apart from everything else your garden will look better when maintained properly.
Tree Surgery Tasks Fleet
Fleet tree surgeons can generally help with removal of storm damaged trees in Fleet, tree dismantling, root grinding Fleet, crown raising, safety inspections, hedge trimming in Fleet, woodland management in Fleet, fruit tree pruning Fleet, landscaping Fleet, vegetation management, stump grinding, drop crotching, hedge laying, landscape clearance Fleet, damaged tree cutting and removal, tree removal, eco-plugging Fleet, woodland clearance, stump removal Fleet, crown removal, hedge lowering Fleet, tree fertilising in Fleet, coppicing Fleet, tree surveys, crown lifting, hedge reduction, tree transplanting, tree cutting, tree waste removal Fleet, damage restoration Fleet and other tree surgeon services in Fleet, Hampshire. Listed are just a selection of the tasks that are carried out by a local tree surgeon. Fleet providers will keep you informed about their entire range of services.
Tree Surgeons Nearby
Also find: Chandlers Green tree surgeon, Elvetham tree surgeon, Dogmersfield tree surgeon, Ewshot tree surgeon, North Warnborough tree surgeon, Willowbourne tree surgeon, Winchfield Green tree surgeon, Odiham tree surgeon, Hound Green tree surgeon, Minley tree surgeon, Warnborough Green tree surgeon, Mattingley tree surgeon, Hazeley tree surgeon, Dipley tree surgeon, Crookham Village tree surgeon, Crondall tree surgeon, Winchfield tree surgeon and more. The majority of these areas are covered by tree care companies. Business and home owners in these areas can acquire quotations for tree surgery by clicking here.
Tree Care Services Fleet
- Fleet Tree Lopping
- Fleet Tree Pruning
- Fleet Root Decompaction
- Fleet Tree Reduction
- Fleet Stump Treatment
- Fleet Tree Topping
- Fleet Dead Wooding
- Fleet Tree Felling
- Fleet Crown Cleaning
- Fleet Stump Removal
- Fleet Tree Bracing
- Fleet Shrub Maintenance
- Fleet Woodchipping
- Fleet Hedge Planting
More Fleet Trades: Undoubtedly, whenever you're having tree surgery done in Fleet, Hampshire, you will likely need other garden related services, and apart from a tree surgeon in Fleet, Hampshire, you may also need weeding services in Fleet, rubbish removal in Fleet, local SKIP HIRE in Fleet, garden clearance in Fleet, garden designers in Fleet, garden shed installers in Fleet, soil drainage services in Fleet, landscape gardeners in Fleet, patio cleaning in Fleet, hedge clipping in Fleet, lawn mowing in Fleet, driveways in Fleet, artificial grass installation in Fleet, gate installation in Fleet, garden pond builders in Fleet, decking specialists in Fleet, and other different Fleet tradespeople.
If you need local info about Fleet, Hampshire look here
Tree Surgery GU51 area, (dialling code 01252).
Arboriculturalist Fleet - Tree Surgeons Fleet - Woodland Management Fleet - Tree Removal Fleet - Tree Surgeon Fleet - Crown Lifting Fleet - Vegetation Management Fleet - Root Removal Fleet - 01252