Maesteg Tree Surgeon Wales: Trees are a vital feature of many gardens and properties in Maesteg, and they can frequently transform an otherwise two dimensional area by adding structure, style and substance. But problems can arise when trees are neglected or have been affected by severe weather conditions, for example storms or flooding. If you need to have work carried out on your trees, it's the safest option to consult a professional tree surgeon in Maesteg, for their expert advice before any work begins.
There is a major risk of damage to property, the trees or to life, for people in Maesteg who try to do tree work by themselves, or by using a non-qualified person. However, tree work is not even safe for experienced tree surgeons, who are aware of all of the risks involved with it. Tree surgery is definitely not a task for novices, and on average there are 140 serious injuries and 3 deaths each year within the industry, making it one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK.
There's also a threat to life from poorly maintained or damaged trees in Maesteg, seeing as around 5 people each year are killed in the UK by falling trees or branches. If you employ somebody to perform tree work and an injury occurs, or property is damaged, you could be liable for any compensation to a third-party. This is why it is important to use a competent tree surgeon to carry out the work on your trees. (The above figures were sourced from HSE).
An experienced tree surgeon in Maesteg will likely be a member of at least one of the two main professional bodies. The professional status and membership of any tree surgeon in Maesteg can be checked out on the websites of both the AA (Arboricultural Association) and the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture). On this webpage you can check membership of either of these bodies, which gives the tree surgeon in question, recognised ARB Approved Contractor status.
You're able to get hold of these industry organisations for arbitration assistance and for help and guidance, if there's a problem at any stage during the course of the tree work, or after it has been completed.
If any tree surgeon who you're unable to find on this directory list offers you a quote, you should graciously decline their offer of work and carry on with your search for an approved contractor. You should try and get a minimum of three different quotations from various companies in and around Maesteg as soon as you have reassured yourself of their accreditations and professional associations. You should ask the below questions while getting these quotations, making it abundantly clear that you need the answers due to the risks of the work involved:
- Can I assess the quality of your workmanship by contacting a person you have recently worked for? Independently examining any recent work is always recommended.
- Exactly what level of insurance coverage have you got? You should not entertain a tree surgeon in Maesteg with less than five million pounds public liability insurance as set out by the ISA and AA.
- Do you give written quotations? Only ever accept a quote in writing. NEVER accept a verbal quote alone.
- Have you got documentary verification of your professional membership, qualifications and a NPTC certificate for the use of a chainsaw? Any tree surgeon/worker who uses a chainsaw, must by law hold a NPTC/LANTRA certificate. City and Guilds National Diplomas and Certificates in Arboriculture are qualifications that may be held by a skilled tree surgeon in Maesteg.
Clear and precise details of all the work that is to be undertaken must be included on the written quotation. It should include specifics of any trees which could be protected in law, and the necessary steps to obtain permission to carry out work on them, and also state who's responsible for the removal of tree branches, stumps and waste. Unless you are a commercial entity, you should also make certain that VAT is included on the quotation. Recognising that you have a responsibility to hire only skilled tradespeople to work on your trees and property, is vitally important. This is stated by the "Common law duty of care responsibilities and sometimes liabilities under the Occupier's Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984."
PRIOR TO WORK COMMENCING - Making enquiries into the possibility of any of your trees being protected, your selected Maesteg tree surgeon should ensure that any tree work gets the green light from the relevant local authority department. To ensure the safety of the public, even protected trees need maintenance so as to cut back old or dead wood, so discovering that a tree is protected does not imply that you're unable to carry out important work.
If your property in Maesteg is within a designated conservation area then a minimum of 6 weeks written notice must be given to the Local Planning Authority prior to any work being conducted. This is only required for trees with a stem diameter of more than 7.5cm 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 sustain and promote growth.
On site they will conduct a thorough assessment of your tree's health and decide on the remedial treatment required and how the required outcome can be achieved with safety in mind. Where there's any possibility of falling debris and branches, a full risk assessment will need to be carried out on public spaces, your property, and parts of a neighbour's property that could be impacted. The level of protection required and the number of operatives needed, will also be established at this point. This will include various safety precautions as well as PPE (personal protective equipment) to ensure the safety of the general public and adjacent property.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - Before any cutting of branches, tree felling or climbing is started, safety measures and barriers should be put in place to keep passers-by and unauthorised persons away from the area where work is going on. When there is a chance of branches and debris falling onto a road, it may be necessary to briefly stop the traffic.
Different levels of protection will be necessary for the tree surgeon according to what work needs to be done. At the bare minimum when doing chainsaw work they're going to be wearing specialist protective clothing to avoid serious cutting injuries to the hands, legs and torso. Every operative involved in the work, must at all times be wearing hi-vis clothing, and eye and head protection.
Climbing equipment and ladders will be necessary if any working at height is involved, and to help with the removal of high branches and large pieces of tree trunk, additional workers will be essential. A skip or other method of transporting the waste materials away will be stationed as close to the work area as possible, so it's a good idea to inform your nearby neighbours of the need for unhindered access.
UPON COMPLETION OF WORK - All of the waste will be taken away and the area cleared of any debris, after all of the tree work has been concluded. Your tree surgeon should then sign off and present you with a certificate of work, particularly where the trees are under a protection order. Any safety measures that were put in public spaces can then be taken down, with roads and pathways being re-opened.
If you've got any complaints about the work, you should get them rectified straight away by first of all speaking to your tree surgeon. If your tree surgeon is a signed up member of a professional trade association, and there is any further dispute or arbitration required, you can get guidance and advice from the AA or the ISA so as to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
Local Maesteg tree surgeons are likely to have the postcode CF34 and the dialling code 01656. They'll work in Maesteg itself, in addition to nearby areas like Sarn, Caerau, Bryncethin, Pontycymer, Glanllynfi, Coytrahen, Bryn, Nantyffyllon, Tondu, Dyffryn, Garth, Aberkenfig, Blaengarw, Llangynwyd, and these postcodes: CF34 0BJ, CF34 0RG, CF34 0TU, CF34 0UA, CF34 0PP, CF34 0LH, CF34 0AP, CF34 0JA, CF34 0DP, CF34 0HU.
For this sort of assistance it's unquestionably a good idea to bring in a certified local tree surgeon. Maesteg home and property owners can benefit greatly from the skills and dexterity offered by a fully trained professional.
Woodland Clearance Maesteg
Woodland clearance in the Maesteg area is a sophisticated process that can be influenced by numerous restrictions and regulations. To ensure all pertinent permits are gathered, restrictions and land covenants are enforced, and that all strategies for completing the clearance are ecologically responsible, a certified Maesteg tree surgeon should be recruited to supervise and complete the project.
A tree surgeon will ascertain if there are any ecological constraints, felling restrictions or special planning permissions by carrying out a full site survey and liaising with the local council. Mitigation strategies might need to be employed if there is protected animals or plant species on site; this could involve the relocation of wildlife such as reptiles or bats, and the replanting of rare trees to an alternative protected site.
The highly technical and expensive equipment that is used in woodland clearances, means that it's more cost efficient to engage a qualified tree surgeon to handle your clearance project.
Accidents Through Tree Surgery
The work undertaken by tree surgeons and tree care professionals in Maesteg can be fairly hazardous. When work is being done on trees, there is a high risk of injury to both operatives and those on the ground, so all possible safety measures should be taken.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the majority of major and fatal injuries are associated with the use of chainsaws, falls from trees, and being hit by a falling tree or branch. Surprisingly, the risk of serious injury is greater in tree surgery work than it is for those in construction.
The most commonplace tree work accidents when it comes to insurance claims, involve lifting injuries, slipping from ladders and being struck by objects (ropes, branches, cranes, grapple hooks, trees etc).
That is why employing a professional Maesteg tree surgeon is so crucial when you've got tree work that needs doing. Quite often, accidents that occur in the tree care sector are a consequence of unqualified operatives trying to do tree work that they aren't equipped for, nor skilled at. So, always use a reputable and experienced Maesteg company that has been operating in the local area for a good few years, to sidestep this issue.
A Tree Surgeons's Everyday Duties
- Assess tree health and treatments.
- Be proficient with power tools and other powered equipment.
- Establish hazards posed by trees.
- Fell and remove trees and grind stumps.
- Maintain and service equipment like chippers and chainsaws.
- Deal with clients and complete administrative duties.
- Plant trees and vegetation.
- Climb trees to prune or remove branches as required.
- Produce telephone or on-site price quotes for clients.
- Tidy up site on completion and fulfil removal of waste product from client's site.
- Chip and cut branches and logs.
- Produce tree survey reports for both domestic and commercial clients.
Invasive Tree Roots Maesteg
Because some trees have particularly intrusive roots, if they're growing too near to your house in Maesteg, they can trigger a number of issues, potentially serious ones. Blocked drains, damaged foundations and cracked patios, are among the most commonplace problems that you might run across. Very invasive root systems are found in species like sycamores, elms, willows and maples.
If you're planting any new trees, make sure that they are located sufficiently far from your drainage system, patio areas, pathways and your home, so they don't cause serious problems later on. If one or more of these issues is already being caused by existing trees which are growing too near to your home, you should get hold of a tree surgeon in Maesteg for guidance and advice.
You shouldn't attempt to deal with this yourself by just hacking off the offending roots, as this could significantly affect the tree's health or even kill it in some cases. Knowing which roots can be safely cut back, and which roots should be left in place is the domain of the specialist, and a competent Maesteg tree care specialist will make certain the tree can still get sufficient water and food to survive.
Structural problems in underground drains are sometimes caused by shrub and tree roots, because a constant source of nutrients and water is present in these settings. Teeny tree roots can easily invade the joints of a drainage system, and when established develop into sizeable root balls which can result in joint failure and blockages. Through the use of high pressure jetting, electro-mechanical equipment or manual rod clearance, many Maesteg tree surgeons will offer specialist root removal services. Invasive root removal services are also available in Sarn, Caerau, Bryncethin, Pontycymer, Glanllynfi, Coytrahen, Bryn, Nantyffyllon, Tondu, Dyffryn, Garth, Aberkenfig, Blaengarw, Llangynwyd, and and of course in Maesteg.
Removal of Tree Stumps Maesteg
When you've had a tree felled and removed from your garden in Maesteg, unless previously agreed with the tree surgery company, you will likely be left with a stump to contend with. You might consider allowing it to decay and rot away in a natural way, and be quite happy to leave it as it is. However, stumps in your garden can produce suckers in an attempt to regrow, and big stumps can take several years to break down, during which time they can be a trip hazard, and eyesore and the ideal hiding place for unwelcome bacteria, pests and fungi.
Stump grinding or stump removal are the two primary alternatives, if you do decide to get rid of the stump altogether. For the purposes of this piece we'll be focusing on removal as opposed to grinding.
In regards to removing a tree stump, the 3 main methods are chemical treatments, burning and digging out by hand. If you are hoping to tackle a tree stump yourself, the use of any of these approaches could be possible. If you are hiring a tree surgeon in Maesteg, they will generally suggest the previously mentioned stump grinding option.
Hand Stump Digging: Digging up a tree stump by hand will require an assortment of tools such as loppers, a handsaw, a pointed spade and a chainsaw. It entails digging down to uncover the roots, cutting the roots with loppers or a saw, and finally freeing the stump, or making it easier to lift out. The use of a cable ratchet winch may be necessary for the final removal of the tree stump. This is tiring and laborious work.
Stump Burning: Be careful if you choose this approach to stump removal, as stump burning can be quite dangerous and may conflict with local laws. You will need to drill some 25mm holes into the tree stump, and pour in some vegetable oil, you will have to keep the holes topped up for a number of days until the stump is fully saturated. Charcoal or logs should then be stacked around the stump and lit. But, this must be supervised constantly and not left to its own devices. Once fully burned, make sure the fire is completely extinguished, allow it to cool down and then proceed to dig out the stump debris and roots.
There are also additional stump burning strategies, such as digging a hole underneath and lighting a charcoal or log fire in the excavated root bowl. You should never try burning out a tree stump if it is near fences, buildings or other trees.
Chemical Stump Removers: The chemical treatment option calls for the use of a powerful chemical like Roundup Tree Stump Remover, Resolva Xtra Tough Tree Stump Killer or Vitax SBK Stump Killer. When utilising these you should always closely follow the directions, as such chemicals can be very hazardous. According to the size of your stump, and if it's dead or alive when it's treated, it can take several weeks or possibly even months for a tree stump to rot down entirely, so look at this as a long term rather than a short term solution. Once rotted, it can be chopped small with an axe and dug out with a spade.
Dutch Elm Disease
Devastating tree stocks and wiping out many millions of precious elm trees all over Great Britain over the last 50 years or so, Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) is not so widespread now, as it previously was. Inadvertently imported into Great Britain from North America (Canada) in the nineteen sixties, Dutch Elm Disease is spread by the elm bark beetle and caused by a fungus called Ophiostoma novo-ulmi.
After arriving in the United Kingdom, it spread quickly through the transportation of elm products such as crates, saplings, mulching bark, and logs with the bark still attached. Dutch Elm Disease didn't just affect the UK, but also devastated stocks of elms in continental Europe and North America, it is believed to have originally come from Asia (probably Japan).
Usually first appearing in early summer, the main signs of Dutch Elm Disease disease are:
- Twigs with rings or spots in cross-section.
- New shoots that die back from the tips.
- Twigs turning into a "shepherd's crook".
- Clusters of leaves turning yellow, wilting and falling.
The spread of Dutch Elm Disease has been slowed by the felling and removal of infected, dying and dead trees, which has effectively decimated the favourite habitat of the elm bark beetle. There's an ongoing project for propagating young saplings that are resistant to DED.
You could request a diagnosis from the Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service (THDAS), or you can speak to your neighbourhood tree surgeon for guidance and advice, if you happen to have elm trees on your property in Maesteg, and are suspicious that they might be infected with Dutch Elm Disease.
(Tags: Spotting Dutch Elm Disease, Symptoms of Dutch Elm Disease, Dutch Elm Disease Maesteg).Control of Vegetation
Tree care experts do not simply work on the care and removal of trees exclusively, they may additionally deal with all kinds of overgrown vegetation which might be strangling your yard and taking over the entire area. Experienced tree surgeons will usually be quite happy to remove bushes, shrubs, weeds and overgrown vegetation which might be taking hold near walls, drives, paths, buildings or sheds, and creating a hassle. If you're going to maintain your garden correctly then all of this excessive growth must be cut down frequently, and if you find you have the inclination and time this is a job you could undertake by yourself if you are fit and healthy, or you could get your local tree surgeon to call every six months or so to make certain it is in shape. Vegetation management is necessary if you're going to keep easy and safe access to all areas of your property and if this isn't done the vegetation and plants can soon become a menace and take away the enjoyment of your garden. Aside from anything else the garden will also look much better when maintained properly.
Storm Damaged Trees Maesteg
While we are all conscious of the extreme power of Mother Nature, larger trees seem strong, sturdy and capable of withstanding more or less any eventuality. Some types of tree can actually survive for several hundred years and will happily do so in most situations.
Having said that, when faced with certain conditions they can be very vulnerable to the elements, and it is not only falling branches or limbs that can result, but the entire tree can fall down in extreme circumstances. The primary weather related enemy of trees is high winds, and as the frequency of violent weather events and storms in Maesteg escalates because of climate change, this kind of damage has become more and more common. Heavy snowfall during winter can also cause issues, as can waterlogged soil resulting from prolonged periods of rainfall or floods.
It's a good idea to get a certified Maesteg tree surgeon to check out your trees to reduce the likelihood of issues with your trees in severe weather conditions, they will trim and remove any dead or excessively long branches that may be an issue.
It is also recommended to fit larger trees with copper conductors, lightning rods, or other protection systems, to stop them getting struck by lightning, and to protect surrounding property and buildings which could be susceptible to "jumps" or side-flashes. A tree can be killed or seriously weakened when it is struck by lightning, and even if the effect is not immediately conspicuous, the tree will be more vulnerable to attacks by disease and pests. You might not believe that lightning strikes are that common, however in the UK there are around 300 thousand strikes recorded annually.
Your local Maesteg tree surgery company will be able to advise you on what protection your trees can be given from being damaged by storms, and lessen the risk of mishaps taking place because of this.
The Skills to be a Tree Surgeon in Maesteg
- Have the ability to work well with your hands.
- Being able to work well with others.
- Decent customer skills.
- Good knowledge of public safety and security.
- Be aware of the complexities and dangers involved in all areas of tree work.
- Physical skills such as co-ordination and movement.
- Have the ability to maintain, use and repair tools and equipment.
- Be professional and able to complete work within the specified time frame.
- Have necessary computer skills and know how to accomplish basic tasks on handheld devices.
- Patience and the ability to remain focused in times of stress.
- Have a methodical and organised working approach.
Emergency Tree Surgery Maesteg
There may be occasions where you need to call an emergency tree surgeon, if you have sizeable trees in your Maesteg garden. Many tree surgeons in Maesteg provide a 24/7 service, and when there are strong winds and storms, they normally experience a surge in emergency call outs. The likelihood of damage or injury is greater during windy weather, with branches breaking off and plunging to the ground below, and occasionally even whole trees collapsing. Prevention is definitely preferable to having to contend with the aftermath, and commonplace issues that can result from falling branches and tree limbs include busted garden furniture, squashed sheds, cracked greenhouses and damaged fences.
Obviously, the local authorities in Maesteg will also frequently need emergency tree care services, when large branches fall onto public pathways, highways and railway tracks.
When a tree has lost some of it's larger limbs it could become uneven or lopsided, with more weight and branches on one side than the other. This can often be both unsightly and unsafe, therefore the tree might need to undergo "rebalancing". A local Maesteg tree surgeon who provides emergency services should be called in to handle all of these issues, and you shouldn't try to resolve them yourself. You can also get 24 hour emergency tree surgery in Sarn, Caerau, Bryncethin, Pontycymer, Glanllynfi, Coytrahen, Bryn, Nantyffyllon, Tondu, Dyffryn, Garth, Aberkenfig, Blaengarw, Llangynwyd, and and of course Maesteg. (Tags: Emergency Tree Services Maesteg, Emergency Call-Outs Maesteg, Emergency Tree Work Maesteg, Emergency Tree Surgery Maesteg).
Tree Surgery Tasks Maesteg
Maesteg tree surgeons can usually help you with hazard assessments, tree surveys, tree lightening protection, air spading Maesteg, woodchipping, emergency tree surgery Maesteg, brush cutting, tree planning, cut sealing, crown raising Maesteg, decompaction Maesteg, formative pruning, tree reduction, the protection of trees from grazing animals in Maesteg, tree dismantling, tree work, drop crotching, crown reduction, tree bracing, stump treatment, tree pruning, pest control, tree management, root flare exposure in Maesteg, root pruning in Maesteg, tree cutting, hedge lowering Maesteg, hedge reduction, tree replanting, tree fertilising and other tree surgeon services in Maesteg, Wales. These are just some of the tasks that are conducted by a local tree surgeon. Maesteg providers will let you know their full range of services.
Tree Surgeons Nearby
Also find: Llangynwyd tree surgeon, Caerau tree surgeon, Glanllynfi tree surgeon, Blaengarw tree surgeon, Aberkenfig tree surgeon, Sarn tree surgeon, Bryncethin tree surgeon, Nantyffyllon tree surgeon, Dyffryn tree surgeon, Pontycymer tree surgeon, Tondu tree surgeon, Garth tree surgeon, Bryn tree surgeon, Coytrahen tree surgeon and more. The majority of these places are covered by tree care companies. Home and business owners in the area can obtain tree surgery quotes by going here.
Tree Care Services Maesteg
- Maesteg Woodchipping
- Maesteg Stump Treatment
- Maesteg Dead Wooding
- Maesteg Tree Watering
- Maesteg Root Removal
- Maesteg Hedge Cutting
- Maesteg Tree Surveys
- Maesteg Hedge Planting
- Maesteg Stump Grinding
- Maesteg Woodland Management
- Maesteg Tree Pollarding
- Maesteg Cable Bracing
- Maesteg Tree Cutting
- Maesteg Arboriculture
To read local Maesteg information check here
Tree Surgery CF34 area, (dialling code 01656).
Stump Grinding Maesteg - Tree Surgery Maesteg - CF34 - Tree Management Maesteg - Tree Surgeons Maesteg - Forest Management Maesteg - 01656 - Tree Care Maesteg - Root Removal Maesteg