Hoddesdon Tree Surgeon Hertfordshire: An attractive feature of many gardens and properties in Hoddesdon, trees add substance, structure and style to what can otherwise be an unexciting and two dimensional landscape. But when neglected or affected by severe weather conditions like flooding or gales, trees can be a bit of a problem. Before any work begins, the safest option is to get the advice of a certified tree surgeon in Hoddesdon, when your trees need attention.
Those in Hoddesdon who attempt to do tree work themselves, or by using an unqualified operative could cause a risk of damage to property, the trees or to life. However, tree work isn't even safe for experienced tree surgeons, who are acquainted with all of the dangers involved with it. In fact tree surgery is one of the most dangerous jobs in Britain, with an average of 140 serious injuries and three deaths a year within the profession, hence it is certainly not safe work for amateurs to do.
With falling branches and trees causing around five fatalities per year in the United Kingdom, a danger to life can even be posed by a damaged or neglected tree. If property is damaged, or an injury occurs due to you hiring somebody to carry out tree work, you may well be liable for any compensation to any third-party. This is why it is very important to use a certified tree surgeon to undertake the work on your trees. (The figures given were sourced from HSE).
PICKING A TREE SURGEON IN HODDESDON - There are two principal professional trade bodies, one or both of which a decent tree surgeon in Hoddesdon should be a signed up member of. Both the Arboricultural Association and the International Society of Arboriculture offers a website where you can check out the membership and professional standing of any tree surgeon. To determine whether any specific tree surgeon has recognised ARB Approved Contractor status and has membership of either of these two bodies, you can check this website.
If there is a problem during the course of the work, or after it has been completed you'll be able to speak to these trade bodies for mediation and for help and guidance.
You should respectfully decline the offer of a quotation from anybody who you cannot find on this directory list, and carry on your search for an approved and qualified tree surgeon. When you're reassured of their professional accreditations and associations you should try to get at least 3 price quotes from different companies in and around Hoddesdon. There are several vital questions that you must ask whilst you're in the process of gathering these quotes, and due to the risks of the work involved, you must make it abundantly clear that you need them to provide you with the answers. You should for example ask:
- Can you provide a written quotation? Only ever accept a written quote. NEVER settle for a verbal quote alone.
- Have you got a NPTC/LANTRA certificate for the use of a chainsaw, and documentary proof of your professional memberships and qualifications? It is required by law that any operative/tree surgeon using a chainsaw must have a NPTC/LANTRA certificate. Certificates and National Diplomas in Arboriculture are qualifications that could be held by an experienced tree surgeon in Hoddesdon.
- Exactly what level of insurance coverage have you got? As stipulated by the ISA and AA, your tree surgeon ought to be able to produce an insurance certificate covering no less than five million pounds public liability.
- Would it be possible for me to contact somebody you've recently done work for, so that I can assess your tree work? It's advisable to perform an independent examination of any recent work.
On the written quote that you receive, you will need there to be clear and concise specifics of all the tree work that's being undertaken. It should state who's responsible for the removal of waste, tree branches and stumps, and should also include information on any trees which might be protected, and the steps necessary to get permission to carry out work on them. Unless you're a commercial entity, you should also make certain VAT has been included on the quote. You have a responsibility for hiring only trained tradespeople to work on your trees and property, and it is vitally important to understand that fact.
PRIOR TO WORK COMMENCING - Making enquiries into the possibility of any trees being protected, your selected Hoddesdon tree surgeon should make sure that any tree work can get the go-ahead from the relevant local authority. Even protected trees need maintenance so as to cut back old or damaged wood and ensure the safety of the public, so finding a tree has protected status does not signify that work can't still be carried out.
If your property in Hoddesdon is in a designated conservation area, the Local Planning Authority will require a minimum of 6 weeks written notice of any planned tree work. This is only applicable to trees with a trunk diameter of more than 7.5cm in diameter, at a point 1.5m above the ground. If a protected tree's branches need to be pruned or thinned to encourage and sustain growth, it's also not necessary to give written notice.
After doing a full assessment of your trees health, your chosen Hoddesdon tree surgeon will decide on the remedial treatment needed and how best and safely to achieve the required outcome. Where there's any possibility of falling debris, a full risk assessment will have to be performed on your property, public spaces, and parts of a neighbour's property that might be affected. At this stage, the level of protection needed and the amount of workers required will also be ascertained. This is both PPE as well as other safety precautions to keep property and the general public safe from harm or damage.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - To keep unauthorised persons away from the area of work, safety measures and barriers will be put in place before any climbing, tree felling or cutting of branches commences. Traffic might have to be temporarily halted if there is a danger of falling debris into a public road.
Varying levels of protection will be needed by the tree surgeon subject to what work needs to be done. At the bare minimum they'll be wearing special protective clothing to prevent cutting injuries to the hands, legs and torso, when doing chainsaw work. High visibility clothing, and eye and head protection, must be worn by all operatives involved in the work.
Additional personnel will generally be needed to help in the safe removal of high branches and heavy pieces of tree trunk, particularly if working at height is involved, and where climbing equipment and ladders are being used. For the removal of waste, easy access to the work site will be necessary. So, it's a good idea to inform your next door neighbours, since a skip or other transportation vehicle will need to be parked as close to the work area as possible whilst the work proceeds.
UPON COMPLETION OF WORK - Upon completion of all the work, the whole site can be cleared of any debris, and all of the waste materials can be transported away. Your tree surgeon should then prepare and sign off a certificate of work, a copy of which will be presented to you. This is especially important where trees with TPOs are concerned. If there were any public areas that required safety measures, this can be taken away and footpaths and highways will be re-opened to the public.
If you have any issues or problems with the finished work, you should first take them up with the tree surgeon in order that they can be rectified immediately. If your tree surgeon is a member of a trade body, you can receive advice and help from the International Society of Arboriculture or the Arboricultural Association in order to reach a satisfactory conclusion, if there is any further dispute or arbitration needed.
Local Hoddesdon tree surgery services will probably have the dialling code 01992 and the postcode EN11. They will operate in Hoddesdon itself, in addition to nearby areas such as Harlow, Yewlands, Woollensbrook, Royden, Spitalbrook, Gilston, Halls Green, Stanstead Abbotts, Hertford Heath, Great Amwell, Hailey, Wormley, Broxbourne, Rye Park, Lower Nazeing, and these postcodes: EN10 6WY, EN10 7LF, EN11 0GG, EN10 7LA, EN11 0NU, EN11 0NE, EN11 0LP, EN11 0JA, EN11 0AZ, EN11 0BT.
For this type of assistance it's unquestionably advisable to bring in a certified local tree surgeon. Hoddesdon homeowners can substantially benefit from the skills offered by a fully trained professional.
Air-Spading Hoddesdon
There are a number of problems that could make the health of your trees a concern, however issues with the root system are quite often the cause. A qualified tree care specialist in Hoddesdon may need to gain access to the roots to check for soil compaction, root rot, or other problems.
Because of the potential for root damage during the process of digging down, this was difficult previously. The technique that numerous contemporary tree surgeons use is known as "air spading", whereby compressed air is used to efficiently break up and remove compressed soil without damaging tree roots or underground utilities.
When the soil around a tree becomes compacted by passing vehicles, foot traffic or construction work, the health of the tree can be badly affected. Due to a lack of nutrients and water, a tree can quickly become "stressed", rendering it more susceptible to attack by insects, diseases and pests. Root flare problems can also be an issue, when the flare around the base of the stem gets covered with soil, causing tissue breakdown, and increasing the likelihood of root rot. Air-spading is a helpful technique for correcting this.
Involving the use of an air-spade and an air compressor, this process blows high-speed air into the soil, this breaks it apart by penetrating spaces in the soil, but leaves tree roots and utilities unaffected. All of the soil is blown away from the tree's roots by the powerful flow of air, meaning that immediate inspection and investigation can take place. The soil can then be replaced with wood chip mulch and fertiliser to encourage the tree to revive, and rectify any problems.
Dead-Wooding Hoddesdon
Dead-wooding is an essential part of tree management and care, and all professional Hoddesdon tree surgeons will carry out this process where needed. When there's a risk of dead and dying branches falling on vehicles, buildings or pedestrians, dead-wooding will be conducted to remove the offending limbs. Some of a tree's branches can die for a number of different reasons, the most typical being a damaged root system, attack by pests, excessive shading or disease.
Even though the usual reason for removing dead branches is that of safety, it's also done to benefit the tree, or for aesthetic reasons. It is possible to greatly improve the health of a tree by removing dead, dying and damaged branches, too many which will attract the spread of disease and insect infestation. Trees with a lot of dead wood also look unappealing, so to make it more attractive, this should all be cut off.
Only larger and more substantial dead branches will generally be cut out, as in most instances the smaller ones are not going to present any great risk. Then again, where trees are hanging over a garden, a park, a home, a highway or a public space in Hoddesdon, it might be necessary to remove any dead timber that is over 50mm in diameter.
Cable Bracing Hoddesdon
In specific circumstances where a tree is showing signs of damage, decay, or is a threat to nearby property or persons, a procedure called cable bracing can be used to give support to the tree. Where it is undesirable to fell a tree or remove large, unsafe sections, because the tree is valuable or old, cable bracing is the perfect solution.
A cable bracing system can be employed for adding support to defective joints, V-shaped forks and weak limbs. By the fitting of rods and cables most Hoddesdon tree surgeons will be prepared to mitigate structural stresses and extend the life of veteran trees using various types of bracing work.
The goal of cable bracing is to provide a non-invasive method of support which doesn't damage the tree by having to drill and bolt the branches, and is both flexible and shock-absorbing. Before any actual cable bracing work can proceed, a thorough risk risk assessment needs to be carried out to ensure the safety of the tree and adjacent areas. (Tags: Cable Bracing Hoddesdon, Cable Bracing Methods Hoddesdon, Cable Bracing Trees Hoddesdon, Tree Cable Bracing Hoddesdon).
Ash Dieback
A damaging fungal disease which is likely to wipe out around 80% of the current UK ash trees, over the next few years, ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) was first reported in Britain in 2012, when a nursery imported a large number of trees from Holland. Set to have huge repercussions for our beloved countryside, ash dieback is likely to be just as disastrous as the preceding epidemic of Dutch Elm Disease.
Trees of the Fraxinus genus are affected by this lethal disease, but it has an especially disastrous effect on the common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), which is the most widespread species in Britain. Originating in eastern Asia, the fungus which causes ash dieback is named Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.
Dispersed by spores that blow on the wind, which can travel for many miles, ash dieback (or chalara ash dieback as it is sometimes known) has now spread to most areas of the United Kingdom.
Ash dieback can be recognised by symptoms like:
- New growth appears from previously dormant buds.
- Wilting leaves that turn black in colour and are shed prematurely.
- Leaves that develop dark patches during mid to late summer.
- Dark brown lesions form where limbs meet the trunk, and the inner bark under the lesions looks brownish grey.
- Dying leaves and shoots which are visible during the summertime.
Some ash trees have a tendency to resist early infections of the disease, but as it returns year-on-year, they ultimately perish. As it's an airborne disease there is no clear procedure for stopping its spread, and no cure for ash dieback.
While the Forestry Commission's "Tree Alert Service" is presently only interested in cases reported in new areas where the disease hasn't previously been documented, if you're worried about an ash tree on your property in Hoddesdon, you should contact a local arborist or tree surgeon to affirm that you're correct and suggest an effective plan of action.
Trees of the genus Fraxinus are affected.
Pollarding Trees Hoddesdon
The technique whereby a tree's size is radically decreased because it has outgrown its current environment, is know as "pollarding". The development of cultivated elements and the altering of trees into certain shapes or forms can also be achieved by pollarding. Trees which grow beside highways in Hoddesdon are regularly pollarded, as are those which are used for borders and in managed hedgerows. The somewhat stark and naked appearance that is the consequence of pollarding is not very popular with tree lovers, seeing that it is so dissimilar to its natural state. Tree species like maples, sycamores, oaks, limes, horse chestnuts, planes and beeches are regular candidates for the pollarding process, and on the positive element trees which would normally have to be chopped down can be retained for generations to come. (Tags: Tree Pruning Hoddesdon, Tree Pollarding Hoddesdon, Pollarding Hoddesdon)
Required Skills for a Tree Surgeon in Hoddesdon
- Physical skills like movement and coordination.
- Good knowledge of public safety measures.
- Be patient and have the ability to stay calm in times of stress.
- Good customer skills.
- Have necessary computer skills and know how to carry out tasks on handheld devices.
- Have a methodical and systematic way of working.
- Be professional and able to complete work within the specified time frame.
- Have the ability to repair, use and maintain tools and machinery.
- Be alert to the complexities and dangers involved in all areas of the work.
- Have the ability to work well with your hands.
- The ability to work happily with others.
Removal of Tree Stumps Hoddesdon
When you've had a tree felled and removed from your garden in Hoddesdon, unless agreed with the tree surgeon, you'll be left with a tree stump to deal with. You may be thinking of using the stump as a garden seat for example, and may be quite happy to leave it in position until it rots away with time. However, tree stumps in your garden can be trip hazards, can attract undesirable pests, and can even send out new suckers in an effort to regrow.
If you choose to remove the stump altogether, there are several ways you can do this, however they fall under two primary options stump grinding and stump removal. In the following paragraphs we will be considering the stump removal option rather than grinding.
There are in essence 3 methods of getting rid of a tree stump - burning, digging out by hand or chemical treatments. If you're planning to tackle a stump yourself, the use of any of these solutions may be possible. If a local tree surgeon is going to be doing the work, stump grinding is typically their method of choice, although eco-plugging or another chemically based treatment might be offered.
Chemical Stump Killers: Chemical treatment involves the use of a powerful chemical solution for instance Resolva Xtra Tough Tree Stump Killer, Roundup Tree Stump Remover or Vitax SBK Stump Killer. When working with these products you should always follow the manufacturer's directions closely, as such chemicals can be very toxic. This is not a short term resolution, and it can take several weeks for the stump to break down entirely, after which time a spade and axe can be used to chop it up and remove it.
Stump Digging: Digging up a tree stump by hand calls for a few tools such as loppers, a handsaw, a pointed spade and a chainsaw. It involves digging down to uncover the roots, cutting the roots with a saw or loppers, and ultimately freeing the stump, to make it easier to get out. The use of some form of winch may be necessary for the final freeing and removal of the tree stump. This sort of work is not suited to the unfit or faint-hearted, since it is tedious and exhausting.
Stump Burning: Since it can be dangerous and could contravene legislation in your area, burning stumps isn't really a recommended course of action, so if you use this technique, be careful. You will have to drill several one inch holes in the tree stump, and pour in vegetable oil, you'll need to keep these topped up for a few days until the stump is fully soaked. Charcoal or logs can then be piled around the stump and lit. A fire such as this should not be left unwatched, and must be monitored until safe to do so. Once the burning process is complete, you must make certain that the fire is fully extinguished, when it has completely cooled down you will be able to dig out and clear away the remnants of roots and stump.
A different option is digging out all the soil from below the tree stump and setting a fire in the cavity underneath. There are various situations where burning is not suitable, such as when there are buildings, fences or other trees close to the stump in question.
(Tags: Removal of Tree Stumps Hoddesdon, Tree Stump Removal Hoddesdon, Stump Removal Methods Hoddesdon, Removing Tree Stumps Hoddesdon).A Tree Surgeons's Daily Tasks
- Tree planting and transplanting.
- Chip and cut logs and branches.
- Fell and remove trees and perform stump grinding.
- Work with clients and complete administration tasks.
- Be competent using power tools and powered machinery.
- Climb trees to remove or prune branches.
- Establish hazards presented by trees.
- Produce tree survey reports for domestic and commercial customers.
- Create telephone or on-site price quotes for clients.
- Tidy site on completion and remove waste products from client's site.
- Evaluate tree health and treatment.
- Maintain and service equipment like chainsaws and chippers.
Eco-Plugging Tree Stumps Hoddesdon
The conventional technique employed for removing stumps by most tree surgeons in Hoddesdon is stump grinding. However, these days "eco-plugging" is widely recognised as a less expensive alternative to this strategy. Not only is this solution cheaper, but it can also be employed where stump grinding accessibility issues exist, for example in awkward and hard-to-reach locations.
Without affecting the surrounding trees and vegetation, eco-plugging is a highly effective treatment for eliminating tree stumps. Eco-plugs can be used at any time of the year and in any weather, and they kill off the entire root system of a stump. Eco-plugs contain a type of crystalline glyphosate herbicide which is suitable for a wide range of tree species, and is 95% to 100% effective.
Tree Surgery Tasks Hoddesdon
Hoddesdon tree surgeons can normally help with tree topping, root flare exposure Hoddesdon, site clearance Hoddesdon, health assessments, air spading in Hoddesdon, drop crotching, stump grinding Hoddesdon, tree fertilising, fruit tree pruning Hoddesdon, hazard assessments Hoddesdon, tree reduction in Hoddesdon, woodchipping, hedge reduction Hoddesdon, cut sealing, tree pollarding, residential tree surgery, emergency tree removal, arboriculture, staking, pest control in Hoddesdon, tree lightening protection, tree removal, tree work, tree reshaping, woodland management, root pruning, terraventing, tree bracing, felling of storm damaged trees, root grinding and other tree surgeon services in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. These are just a small portion of the tasks that are performed by a tree surgeon. Hoddesdon companies will inform you of their entire range of services.
Tree Surgeons Nearby
Also find: Royden tree surgeon, Great Amwell tree surgeon, Woollensbrook tree surgeon, Hertford Heath tree surgeon, Spitalbrook tree surgeon, Hailey tree surgeon, Yewlands tree surgeon, Stanstead Abbotts tree surgeon, Gilston tree surgeon, Lower Nazeing tree surgeon, Halls Green tree surgeon, Wormley tree surgeon and more. The majority of these areas are catered for by tree care companies. Home and property owners in these areas can obtain price quotes for tree surgery by going here.
Tree Care Services Hoddesdon
- Hoddesdon Woodchipping
- Hoddesdon Root Removal
- Hoddesdon Tree Management
- Hoddesdon Hedge Reduction
- Hoddesdon Crown Thinning
- Hoddesdon Stump Treatment
- Hoddesdon Air-Spading
- Hoddesdon Tree Inspections
- Hoddesdon Cable Bracing
- Hoddesdon Tree Transplanting
- Hoddesdon Hedge Cutting
- Hoddesdon Hedge Planting
- Hoddesdon Dead Wooding
- Hoddesdon Soil Terravention
More Hoddesdon Trades: Undoubtedly, when you're having tree surgery done in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, you'll probably be in need of other garden related services, and aside from a tree surgeon in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, you might additionally need soil drainage services in Hoddesdon, garden rubbish removal in Hoddesdon, garden shed installation in Hoddesdon, garden clearances in Hoddesdon, patio installers in Hoddesdon, driveway pavers in Hoddesdon, grass cutting services in Hoddesdon, pond maintenance in Hoddesdon, hedge shaping in Hoddesdon, garden design and planning in Hoddesdon, garden digging services in Hoddesdon, SKIP HIRE in Hoddesdon, landscaping in Hoddesdon, fencing contractors in Hoddesdon, artificial grass installation in Hoddesdon, garden decking in Hoddesdon, and other different Hoddesdon tradespeople.
If you need local Hoddesdon info take a look here
Tree Surgery EN11 area, phone code 01992.
Tree Surgeon Hoddesdon - Stump Removal Hoddesdon - EN11 - Tree Care Hoddesdon - Forest Management Hoddesdon - Tree Management Hoddesdon - Arboriculture Hoddesdon - 01992 - Vegetation Management Hertfordshire