Tree Surgeon Godalming

There is an enormous risk of damage to property, the trees and to life, for those in Godalming who attempt to do tree work themselves, or by employing unqualified individuals. However, even for professional tree surgeons who are aware of all the dangers, tree work is not entirely safe. The reality is tree surgery is among the most hazardous jobs in Britain, with an average of 140 major injuries and 3 deaths a year within the industry, thus it's definitely not safe work for amateurs to do.

With around 5 people per year being tragically killed by falling trees or branches in Britain, even a damaged or neglected tree can also pose a danger to life. If property is damaged, or an injury occurs due to you hiring someone to conduct tree work, you may be liable for any compensation to any third-party. The above are just some of the reasons why hiring a trained Godalming tree surgeon to undertake the work on your trees is very important. (The source of the above figures was HSE).

CHOOSING A TREE SURGEON IN GODALMING - There are 2 major professional trade bodies, one or both of which a skilled tree surgeon in Godalming should be a signed up member of. The professional standing and membership of any tree surgeon in Godalming can be checked on the websites of both the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) and the AA (Arboricultural Association). To determine whether any particular local tree surgeon has ARB Approved Contractor status and has membership of either of these organisations, you can do a search on this page.

If there's a problem during the course of the tree work, or after it has been carried out you are able to get hold of these industry associations for assistance in arbitration and for help and guidance.

If anybody who you can't find on this directory offers to provide you with a quote, you should graciously decline their offer of work and find an accredited contractor. It's best to get a minimum of 3 quotations from different companies in and around Godalming, as soon as you have carefully checked their accreditations and professional memberships. While getting the quotations you must ask the below questions, stating you need them to provide the answers due to the risks involved with tree work:

• Precisely what level of insurance coverage have you got? As stipulated by the AA and ISA, your tree surgeon should be able to produce a certificate covering at least five million pounds public liability insurance.
• Have you got documentary proof of your professional membership, qualifications and a NPTC certificate for chainsaw use? Any tree worker using a chainsaw, must by law hold NPTC/LANTRA certification. A seasoned tree surgeon in Godalming might hold City and Guilds National Diplomas and Certificates in Arboriculture.
• Can you provide a written quotation? Verbal quotes alone are not satisfactory. Always get a quote in writing.
• Would I be able to to contact someone you have recently worked for, so that I can assess your tree work? It is always advisable to perform an independent examination of recently accomplished work.

Clear and concise details about all the tree work that is to be undertaken should be included on the written quote. It should include information on any trees which may be protected in law, and the necessary steps to obtain permission to work on them, and also state who's responsible for the removal of tree branches, stumps and waste. You should also ensure VAT has been included on the quotation unless you're a commercial enterprise. It's extremely important to recognise that you've got a responsibility for employing only qualified people to work on your trees and property.

PRIOR TO WORK COMMENCING - Your chosen Godalming tree surgeon will need to make enquiries into the possibility of any trees being protected in your area and take the appropriate steps to ensure that any work can get the green light from the local authorities. Finding a tree has protected status doesn't imply that work can't be carried out, because even protected trees require maintenance in order to cut back old or damaged wood and ensure the safety of the public.

If your property in Godalming is in a conservation area then no less than six weeks written notice is required to the Local Planning Authority prior to any work being conducted. However, tree stems of under 7.5cm in diameter when measured at 1.5m from the ground are exempt from this requirement. Also, it is not necessary to give notice if the branches of a protected tree need thinning or pruning simply to sustain and encourage growth.

After fully assessing the health of the trees on your property, your Godalming tree surgeon will decide on the necessary treatments and how the best outcome can be safely accomplished. Where there's any chance of falling debris, a full risk assessment will have to be undertaken on your property, public areas, and parts of neighbouring properties that may be affected. The level of protection needed and the number of operatives required, will also be determined at this stage. To keep the public and other property safe from harm or damage, this will include both PPE (personal protective equipment) and other safety measures.

ON THE DAY OF WORK - To keep passers-by and unauthorised persons away from the work area, barriers, cones and safety measures should be put in place before any climbing, cutting of branches or tree felling is started. Traffic may need to be halted temporarily if there's a risk of falling debris onto a public road.

Different types of work will demand that the tree surgeon has different degrees of protection. At the bare minimum they're going to be wearing special protective clothing to avoid injuring the torso, legs and hands, when doing chainsaw work. Every worker involved in the operation, must at all times be wearing hi-vis clothing, together with head and eye protection.

Additional personnel will usually be required to help in the removal of high branches and heavy sections of tree trunk, especially if any working at height is involved, and where safety climbing equipment and ladders are being used. For removing waste materials, access to the site will be necessary. So, it's recommended that you inform your next door neighbours, because a skip or other transportation vehicle will need to be parked as close as possible to the workplace whilst the work progresses.

UPON COMPLETION OF WORK - Upon completion of all the tree work, the whole area can be cleared of any debris, and all of the waste materials can be taken away. A certificate of work will then be prepared by your tree surgeon, particularly where the trees are covered by TPOs, which will be signed off and a copy given to you. If any safety measures were put in public areas they can now be taken down, with highways and footpaths being re-opened.

If you have any issues or problems with the finished work, you should first address them with your tree surgeon so that they can be rectified immediately. If your tree surgeon is a registered member of a trade association, and any further arbitration is required, you can receive advice and guidance from the AA or the ISA so as to come to an acceptable solution.

Locally based Godalming tree surgeons will probably have the postcode GU7 and the telephone code 01483. They will operate in Godalming itself, as well as nearby areas like Charterhouse, Brook, Wanborough, Shackleford, Hambledon, Catteshall, Chiddingfold, Busbridge, Puttenham, Peper Harlow, Hurtmore, Wormley, Witley, Milford, Compton, Farncombe, and these postcodes: GU7 1GL, GU7 1BG, GU7 1DQ, GU7 1FA, GU7 1LB, GU7 1LN, GU7 1PY, GU7 1BU, GU7 1DX, GU7 1EZ.

For this kind of assistance it is definitely wise to use a trusted tree surgeon. Godalming homeowners can benefit from the expertise that a trained professional can offer.

Tree Surveys Godalming

There are various reasons why you could need a tree survey, and the most common is for development or property extension. If you happen to be clearing a piece of land to prepare for the building of a new home or an extension to an existing property in Godalming, for example, you might need to conduct a tree survey to BS5837 British Standards if there are trees standing on that land. Tree surveys on both private and public property in Godalming, should be handled by a certified tree surgeon or tree surveyor.

Within the defined area, a correctly done tree survey will produce a broad range of information about the trees. For instance:

• A unique tree reference number for every tree.
• The species of each tree.
• The number of trees (those of over 75mm diameter 1.5m from the ground).
• The age of the trees.
• Recommendations for tree management.
• The spread of branches towards the West, East, South and North.
• The existence of any Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
• The diameter of each tree (measured 1.5m above ground level).
• The height of each tree.
• The life expectancy of the trees.
• The physiological and structural health of the trees.

A tree survey will likely not be needed if you aren't extending the footprint of the building nor are you changing the access points or service lines of an existing property or home in Godalming.

Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus Fraxineus)

A harmful fungal disease that's expected to decimate about 80 percent of the current British ash tree population, in the next few years, ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) was first reported in the British Isles in 2012, when a nursery brought in a number of trees from the Netherlands. Following on from the catastrophe of Dutch Elm Disease, which killed off Britain's elm trees, ash dieback is set to have huge repercussions for our countryside.

Ash dieback has a particularly disastrous effect on the native Fraxinus excelsior (common ash), British Fraxinus excelsior (common ash), although it actually affects all trees of the Fraxinus genus, with different levels of tolerance. Originating in eastern Asia where the native Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) and Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis) are less seriously affected by it, the fungus which causes ash dieback is known as Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (H. fraxineus), and it kills off a tree by blocking its water transport (vascular) systems.

Ash dieback has now spread to most areas of the UK, and is dispersed by microscopic spores that blow on the wind, which are produced by the fruiting bodies of the fungus, and are able to travel for many miles, speeding up the whole process.

Ash dieback affects trees of all ages and has the following symptoms:

• Foliage that wilts, turns black in colour and falls prematurely.
• Leaves developing dark patches during the summertime.
• Dying shoots and leaves are visible in summer.
• The formation of lesions where branches meet the trunk.
• New epicormic growth appearing from previously dormant buds (common in trees under stress).

Some ash trees have a tendency to repel early infections of the disease, but as it returns every year, they eventually perish. There's not yet any cure or effective treatment for ash dieback, and because it's an airborne disease, no clear way to stop it spreading.

If you think that you have identified a tree infected with ash dieback on your property in Godalming, or in the community, you can report it to the "Tree Alert Service" provided by the Forestry Commission, although ash dieback is so prevalent all over Great Britain that they're really only interested in cases discovered in locations not affected previously. You should still however speak to a local tree surgeon, who'll offer guidance on how to proceed.

Trees affected - the genus Fraxinus.

Chainsaws in Tree Surgery

In terms of the equipment that is utilised by Godalming tree surgeons, the most commonly seen is the chainsaw. Petrol chainsaws are the most popular with professionals, because of their ease of use and portability, although mains electric versions can be purchased, as can battery operated chainsaws which are becoming popular for some processes. For substantial tree work, the only serious choice is to use petrol chainsaws, because they are able to effortlessly slice through tree limbs and branches of any proportions, and are exceptionally powerful and robust.

A chainsaw is composed of a motor and a revolving chain with a row of teeth that cut through the bark and wood of a tree. For the different procedures they perform, there are various types of chainsaw, top-handled for working at height (and which can be operated with one hand), rear-handled for work at ground level (must always be used with two hands) and pole saws for long distance pruning and hard to reach branches.

While clambouring up a tree with a spinning blade in your hand is a somewhat dangerous activity, you will rarely see a tree surgeon in Godalming who does not use a chainsaw. In order to become a member of the AA (Arboricultural Association), being trained in the safe use and maintenance of chainsaws is one of the primary conditions.

For anyone interested in purchasing a chainsaw in Godalming, there are many makes and models on the market, but the most preferred by tree surgery specialists are Husqvarna, Stihl, Hyundai and Makita.

Protecting Trees and Shrubs in the Wintertime

While the winter climate is rarely severe enough to warrant protecting your shrubs and trees, it's always worth considering as a precautionary measure. Even the hardiest of trees, shrubs and plants can find it hard during winter, and a small amount of extra protection during times of severe cold will certainly benefit them.

Obviously where trees are concerned it's strong winds that can be the biggest problem and despite the fact that the majority of trees will already have shed their leaves come winter, they may still suffer damage in windy weather. If you're concerned about a tree's condition, or it looks like it might fall to the ground, you should contact a tree surgeon to check it out and conduct a risk assessment. You can also have problems with breaking branches due to heavy snow, therefore when such weather is anticipated, keep an eye open for possible damage. In the depths of winter, your trees and shrubs may need a little protection from ice and frost. Spreading a thick layer of mulch round the bases of the stems will enable them to continue absorbing moisture and prevent the surrounding soil from freezing.

TPOs (Tree Preservation Orders) Godalming

You must make sure that there is not a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on any of your trees in Godalming, before you carry out any major work on them. You need to check with your local authority to make sure none of the trees within the boundaries of your property are protected by TPOs. If there are Tree Preservation Orders on one or more of your trees, you'll need local authority approval to carry out any of the following: lopping, uprooting, felling, wilful damage, wilful destruction, removal or topping. Your tree surgeon should be able to explain the process and help with any checks.

If you are living in a conservation area in Godalming, and plan to carry out any work on a tree with a trunk diameter of 75mm or more (1.5m from the ground), you have to give at least 6 wks written notice to your local council. (Tags: TPOs Godalming, TPOs (Tree Preservation Orders) Godalming, Tree Preservation Orders Godalming).

Tree Removal Godalming

Trees are generally beneficial, thus tree removal should be the final resort. Nonetheless, there are of course legitimate factors behind tree removal on your property or garden in Godalming. Among the familiar factors behind needing to perform tree removal are when: the tree poses a safety threat, the roots are obstructing foundations/retaining walls, the tree has grown too large, you have a dying/dead tree, the tree is diseased, the tree is in the way of new construction project or your tree has been damaged by the weather. (Tags: Removing Trees Godalming, Tree Felling Godalming, Tree Removal Godalming)

Accidents Through Tree Surgery

As we've already pointed out, tree care professionals in Godalming undertake work that can be very dangerous. When working on trees, there is a considerable risk of injury to both operatives, co-workers and passers-by, so all possible safety measures must be implemented.

According to the HSE (Health & Safety Executive), the vast majority of fatal and major injuries are linked to the use of chainsaws, falls from trees, and being hit by a falling tree or branch. Surprisingly, those working in tree care have a higher likelihood of sustaining a serious injury than those in construction.

The most accident claims, in relation to insurance, are for falling from ladders, being struck by objects (trees, branches, cranes, grapple hooks, ropes etc) and lifting injuries.

This should all help you to understand why it is so important to choose a competent tree surgeon in Godalming. Inexperienced workers trying to tackle tasks that they have not been trained to do, accounts for a lot of accidents in the tree care industry. Using a trustworthy and established company which has been operating in the Godalming area for a good few years, is the simplest way to avoid such issues, and get your tree surgery work done safely and correctly.

Safety

The safety aspect is one of the principal considerations when you're doing tree surgery, given that if done incorrectly it can certainly be a risky process. If the so called tradespeople carrying out the work are unqualified or inexperienced, there are a great many factors that can go amiss such as a lack of head protection, no protection from falling, in the shape of ropes, harnesses and platforms, falling timber and branches, failure to wear cut resistant (chainsaw resistant) clothing (specifically boots and leggings), not cordoning off the area to protect the public and vehicles and not putting on hearing or eyesight protection. In jeopardy owing to such incompetencies are fencing and garden features, nearby properties, the tree itself, employees on the ground, the property owners, passers by, the tree surgeon himself (up the tree), parked and passing vehicles, the street facilities.

Tree Surgery Tasks Godalming

Godalming tree surgeons will likely help with tree replanting Godalming, stump removal, brush cutting, crown raising in Godalming, commercial tree surgery, tree management in Godalming, removal of storm damaged trees, airspading, hedge cutting, tree care, tree maintenance in Godalming, site clearance, landscaping in Godalming, tree dismantling Godalming, tree waste removal, root pruning, tree shaping, crown reduction, landscape clearing Godalming, formative pruning, tree fertilising Godalming, tree pruning, coppicing, tree cutting, crown thinning, drop crotching, woodland clearance, hazard assessments, monitoring of tree health, tree lightening protection and other tree surgeon services in Godalming, Surrey. Listed are just a small portion of the tasks that are accomplished by a tree surgeon. Godalming companies will be delighted to keep you abreast of their whole range of services.

Tree Surgeons Nearby

Also find: Compton tree surgeon, Farncombe tree surgeon, Wormley tree surgeon, Hurtmore tree surgeon, Puttenham tree surgeon, Brook tree surgeon, Hambledon tree surgeon, Shackleford tree surgeon, Busbridge tree surgeon, Chiddingfold tree surgeon, Milford tree surgeon, Catteshall tree surgeon, Wanborough tree surgeon, Charterhouse tree surgeon and more. Almost all of these places are serviced by tree surgeons. Home and property owners in these areas can acquire price quotes for tree surgery by going here.

Tree Care Services Godalming

Find a Tree Surgeon in Godalming Here

• Godalming Tree Removal
• Godalming Crown Raising
• Godalming Tree Management
• Godalming Tree Pruning
• Godalming Tree Cutting
• Godalming Hedge Reduction
• Godalming Woodchipping
• Godalming Air-Spading
• Godalming Crown Thinning
• Godalming Wood Chipping
• Godalming Tree Planning
• Godalming Arboriculture
• Godalming Tree Reduction
• Godalming Stump Grinding

More Godalming Trades: Obviously, when you're having tree surgery done in Godalming, Surrey, you are likely to be in need of other garden related services, and together with a tree surgeon in Godalming, Surrey, you might additionally need garden waste removal in Godalming, patio installers in Godalming, artificial grass installation in Godalming, grass cutting in Godalming, gate installers in Godalming, hedge trimming in Godalming, landscape gardeners in Godalming, garden designers in Godalming, garden clearance in Godalming, weeding services in Godalming, pond maintenance in Godalming, garden decking in Godalming, SKIP HIRE in Godalming, driveways in Godalming, garden wall construction in Godalming, garden shed builders in Godalming, and other different Godalming tradespeople.

To find local Godalming information click here

Tree Surgery GU7 area, telephone code 01483.

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