Norwich Tree Surgeon Norfolk: Adding structure, style and substance to what can otherwise be a two dimensional area, trees are an attractive feature of gardens and properties in Norwich. This is all well and good, but when trees are poorly maintained, diseased, or affected by extreme weather events, for instance flooding or storms, problems can occur that will need to be addressed. Seeking the advice of a qualified tree surgeon in Norwich, is the safest option when there's work that needs doing on your trees.
There is a major risk of damaging property, trees or even life, for folks in Norwich who try to do tree work on their own, or by hiring a non-qualified person. However, even for professional tree surgeons who are acquainted with all the hazards, tree work is not entirely safe. Within the profession there are a thought provoking average of three deaths and one hundred and forty major injuries a year, making tree surgery one of the most dangerous jobs in the United Kingdom.
There is also a risk to life from damaged or poorly maintained trees in Norwich, as around five people annually are killed in Britain by falling trees or branches. You could be liable for any compensation to a third-party due to the consequences of your actions, if you hire someone to conduct tree work and subsequently an injury, or damage to property occurs. The above are merely a few of the reasons why employing a qualified Norwich tree surgeon to do the work on your trees is imperative. (Source - HSE).
A trained tree surgeon in Norwich ought to be an approved member of one or both of the two professional bodies found in the United Kingdom. The professional status and membership of any tree surgeon in Norwich can be checked on the websites of both the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) and the AA (Arboricultural Association). This website allows you to check out if any particular local tree surgeon has Approved ARB Contractor status, and is a member of either of these two bodies.
If a problem emerges during or after any work has been finished you'll be able to get in touch with these professional associations for arbitration assistance and for help and guidance at any point.
If anybody offers to provide you with a quotation for any tree work and you're unable to find them on this directory list, you should tactfully decline their offer of work and continue your search for an approved contractor. You should try to get a minimum of 3 estimates from different companies in Norwich when you are reassured of their qualifications and professional associations. Because of the risks of the work involved, you should ask the questions below, stating you need a response:
- Can you provide me with a written quotation? You must NEVER settle for a verbal quote only. Only ever accept 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 worker using a chainsaw. Certificates and National Diplomas in Arboriculture are qualifications that might be held by a certified tree surgeon in Norwich.
- What insurance cover do you provide? Your tree surgeon ought to be able to produce an insurance certificate covering no less than five million pounds public liability, as stated by the ISA and AA.
- Would I be able to to contact someone you have recently done work for, so that I can inspect your tree work? Doing an independent check on any recent work is always a good idea.
The written quote must include easy to follow details about the work to be undertaken. Who's responsible for removing debris, tree branches and stumps should be stated, as should details of any trees which may be protected, and the steps needed to get permission to work on them. You should also make certain that VAT is included on the quotation unless you're a commercial entity. You have a responsibility for employing only capable people to work on your property and trees, and it is vitally important to understand that.
PRIOR TO WORK BEGINNING - The tree surgeon that you have chosen in Norwich, will investigate whether any of your trees are subject to a tree protection order (TPO), and will consult with the local authority to find out if the go-ahead for any tree work is possible. Finding that a tree has protected status does not mean that work can't be carried out, because even protected trees need maintenance so as to cut back dead or damaged wood and ensure public safety.
A minimum of six weeks written notice must be given to the Local Planning Authority prior to any work being conducted, if your property in Norwich is located in a designated conservation area. However, tree trunks of under 7.5cm in diameter when measured at 1.5m above ground level are exempt from this requirement. If the thinning or pruning of a protected tree's branches is required to sustain and promote growth, notice is also not necessary.
On site they'll carry out a full assessment of your trees and determine the required remedial treatment and how best to achieve the required outcome in a safe manner. Your property, public spaces and any part of a neighbour's property that could be impacted by falling debris will all be given a full risk assessment. The quantity of workers needed and the level of protection required, will also be determined at this point. To keep property and the general public safe from damage or harm, this will include both PPE and other safety precautions.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - Before any cutting of branches, climbing or tree felling commences, barriers and safety measures will be put in place to keep unauthorised persons away from the work area. Traffic may need to be temporarily stopped if there is a danger of debris falling onto a public road.
The tree surgeon will need varying levels of protection depending on the kind of work being undertaken. At the bare minimum when doing work with a chainsaw they'll be wearing protective clothing to avoid injuring the legs, hands and torso. Every worker involved in the operation, must at all times be wearing eye and head protection, and high-vis clothing.
If working at height is involved, ladders and associated climbing equipment will have to be deployed, and extra workers will be there to assist in the safe removal of high branches and heavy sections of tree trunk. A pickup truck or skip for removing the waste will be stationed as close as possible to the work area, therefore it is recommended that you inform your next door neighbours of the need for access.
AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK - All of the branches and waste will be hauled away and the whole area cleared of any debris, once all tree work has been finished. Particularly when the trees are protected, a certificate of work will then be created by your tree surgeon, which can be signed off and a copy presented to you. If there were any public areas that required safety measures, this protection will be taken away and footpaths and highways will be re-opened to the public.
If you've got any complaints about the completed work, you should get them rectified straight away by firstly taking them up with the tree surgeon. If there's any further dispute or arbitration required, and your tree surgeon is a signed up member of a trade body, you can receive guidance and help from the Arboricultural Association or the International Society of Arboriculture so as to come to a satisfactory solution.
Local Norwich tree surgery services are likely to have the phone code 01603 and the postcode NR1. They will operate in Norwich itself, as well as nearby areas like Trowse Newton, Eaton, Upper Hellesdon, Mt Pleasant, Hellesdon, Sprowston, Lakenham, Thorpe Hamlet, Thorpe Saint Andrew, Heigham Grove, Old Catton, Earlham, and these postcodes: NR1 1DR, NR1 1QU, NR1 1EG, NR1 1SN, NR1 1PD, NR1 1HA, NR1 1TX, NR1 1EP, NR1 1HB, NR1 1UJ.
For this sort of assistance it's unquestionably wise to bring in a competent local tree surgeon. Norwich homeowners can greatly benefit from the knowhow and skills that are the trademark of a seasoned professional.
Storm Damage Norwich
When you look at a sturdy, strong tree standing proud and tall in your garden it is difficult to imagine it ever falling to the ground. The life expectancy of most tree species far surpasses that of us humans, and in fact certain varieties such as oaks, sweet chestnuts and yews can live and continue to grow for several hundred years.
Severe climatic conditions can however cause significant damage, and as well as the danger of falling branches or tree limbs, entire trees can fall down in certain situations. The principal enemy of, and danger to trees, is high winds, and with escalating frequency of violent storms and extreme weather events this kind of damage is becoming more commonplace in Norwich. Flooding or prolonged periods of rain will cause the soil around roots to become waterlogged, which can cause further issues for trees, as can heavy snow in the winter.
To prune and remove any dead or overhanging branches that may cause a problem in times of severe weather, it's recommended that you get a certified Norwich tree surgeon to check out your trees fairly regularly.
To stop larger trees being struck by lightning, and to safeguard nearby property and buildings which might be affected by "jumps" or side-flashes, it is also recommended to fit them with lightning rods, copper conductors, or other protection systems. A tree which is struck by lightning can be severely weakened or even killed, a weakened tree can be left susceptible to pests, decay or disease. You may not believe that lightning strikes are that common, yet in the UK there are approximately three hundred thousand strikes recorded every year.
If you're worried about the risk of storm damage to your trees in Norwich, you should ask what your local tree surgery firm can do to protect them, and lower the risk of mishaps occurring. (Tags: Storm Damage Norwich, Storm Damaged Trees Norwich, Storm Damage Prevention Norwich).
Stump Grinding
If you've got to have stump grinding carried out, you should hire a tree surgery company having the proper gear and knowhow. The finest Norwich tree surgeons will understand that every last piece of the tree stump has to be taken out down to a depth of at least 30 cm. Grinding down roots and stumps very close to walls and buildings while avoiding damage, can only be successfully done if the tree surgeon has got the use of the appropriate machinery. The proper grinding machinery will also be able to remove stumps located in narrow alleys and passageways. If you are doing away with a large tree the stump left over can be pretty substantial and regardless of what you're likely to use the space for, the chances are the stump needs to be removed to a decent depth.
Dutch Elm Disease
Not quite the problem now that it once was, Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) has killed off many millions of elm trees all around the British Isles during the last fifty years or so. Accidentally brought into the UK, in infected elm logs imported from Canada in the 1960's, Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is caused by the Ophiostoma novo-ulmi fungus which is spread by the elm bark beetle (Scolytus).
Through the transportation of elm products like saplings, elm crates, mulching bark, and logs with the bark on, it was spread rapidly through Great Britain after first arriving. Dutch Elm Disease didn't just affect the British Isles, but also devastated elm stocks in continental Europe and North America, it is believed to have originated from Asia (possibly Japan).
The first signs of Dutch Elm Disease are:
- Twigs with rings or spots in cross-section.
- Clusters of leaves turning yellow, wilting and falling.
- Twigs turning into a "shepherd's crook".
- New shoots that die back from the tips.
It normally begins to appear in early summer.
Since there are now hardly any large elms in the UK countryside, the favourite habitat of the elm bark beetle has been largely eradicated, which has resulted in a slowing down of the disease. The propagation of young elms that are so far resistant to DED is a continuing project.
You could ask for a diagnosis from the Tree Health Diagnostic & Advisory Service, or you can contact your neighbourhood tree surgeon for guidance, if you have elm trees on your property in Norwich, and are suspicious that they might be infected with Dutch Elm Disease.
Tree families affected: Ulmacae and Zelkova.
Agent of spread - beetles of the Scolytus and Hylorgopinus genera.
Cause - fungi Ophiostoma Novo-Ulmi & Ophiostoma Ulmi.
Accidents Through Tree Surgery
The work carried out by tree surgeons and tree care professionals in Norwich can be extremely dangerous. All possible precautions should be implemented when working on trees, because tree work involves a significant risk of injuries to both operatives, co-workers and passers-by.
As reported by figures gathered by the HSE, the use of chainsaws, falls from trees, and being struck by a falling branch or tree are responsible for the majority of fatal and serious injuries. The startling fact is that people working in tree care have a greater likelihood of sustaining a serious injury than those in the construction sector.
The most frequent tree care accidents in terms of insurance claims, involve lifting injuries, being struck by objects (ropes, grapple hooks, branches, cranes, trees etc) and falling from ladders.
All of this accentuates the need for employing a knowledgeable Norwich tree surgeon to do the work on your trees. Unskilled workers trying to tackle tasks that they're not properly trained in, accounts for the majority of accidents in the tree care industry. Using a trustworthy and established company which has been trading in the Norwich area for a good few years, is the most effective way to sidestep such issues, and get your tree surgery work done in the safest possible way.
Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus Fraxineus)
Likely to decimate about 80 percent of the current UK ash tree stock, over the next few years, ash dieback is a serious fungal disease of ash trees that was first documented in the British Isles in 2012. Following on from the Dutch Elm Disease catastrophe, which decimated the United Kingdom's elm trees, ash dieback is almost certain to have a huge impact on our beloved countryside.
A disease which affects the Fraxinus genus of trees, it has a particularly devastating effect on Fraxinus excelsior, the native British common ash. Originally coming from Asia, the fungus which causes the disease is called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (H. fraxineus).
Ash dieback (or chalara ash dieback as it's often known) has now spread to most areas of the British Isles, and is dispersed by wind blown spores released from the fruiting bodies of the fungus, and can travel for many miles, quickening the process.
Ash dieback kills trees of every age group and has the following symptoms:
- Leaves that wilt, turn black and fall early.
- Dying shoots and leaves are visible in summer.
- Dark patches on leaves during mid to late summer.
- The formation of lesions where limbs connect to trunk.
- New growth appears from previously dormant buds (epicormic growth).
Sometimes ash trees have the tenacity to ward off early infections of the disease, but as it returns year-on-year, they ultimately perish. There's not yet any cure or effective treatment for chalara ash dieback, and as it's an airborne disease, no effective way of stopping it spreading.
If you have suspicions that a tree in your local neighbourhood is infected with ash dieback, or you're anxious about a tree on your property in Norwich, you should call in a local tree surgeon to affirm the diagnosis, and you could then send in a report to the "Tree Alert Service" provided by the Forestry Commission, although they're now only interested to know about cases in areas that were previously unaffected.
Trees which are affected by ash dieback: Fraxinus excelsior, EXTRAtree watering, root flare exposure, tree work, root decompaction, tree maintenance, brush cutting, emergency tree removal, tree replanting Norwich, tree care services Norwich, hedge planting, staking, woodchipping, tree reduction Norwich, dead wooding, hedge cutting Norwich, tree dismantling Norwich, tree lopping, vegetation management, landscape clearance, hazard assessment, conrolling pests in Norwich, removal of storm damaged trees in Norwich, drop crotching, tree health monitoring in Norwich, tree surveys Norwich, waste removal, formative pruning, cut sealing in Norwich, tree waste removal, woodland management in NorwichNINE.
(Tags: Spotting Ash Dieback, Symptoms of Ash Dieback, Chalara Ash Dieback Norwich).Crown Thinning Norwich
The elimination of a number of the smallest branches at the outer crown of a tree to produce a density of leaves which is consistent all the way through and does not alter the shape or size of a tree, is known as crown thinning. This process is usually only performed on broad leafed trees (rather than conifers) and is to decrease the weight of the crown, to minimize the stress put on specific limbs as a result of ice, gravity, snow, or wind, to reduce the tree's wind resistance, to prevent the tree from uprooting in blustery weather conditions or to enable more sunlight to pass through. A uniform density of foliage encircling consistently distributed branches ought to be the tree surgeon's objective when crown thinning, it shouldn't transform the overall size and shape of the tree. It should be possible to obtain crown thinning in Trowse Newton, Eaton, Upper Hellesdon, Mt Pleasant, Hellesdon, Sprowston, Lakenham, Thorpe Hamlet, Thorpe Saint Andrew, Heigham Grove, Old Catton, Earlham, and Norwich. (Tags: Crown Thin Norwich, Crown Thinning Norwich, Tree Crown Thinning Norwich)
A Tree Surgeons's Daily Duties
- Deal with clients and complete administration duties.
- Maintain and service equipment like wood chippers and chainsaws.
- Tidy up area upon completion and fulfil removal of waste product from customer's site.
- Be adept with power tools and other powered equipment.
- Tree planting and transplanting.
- Prepare telephone or on-site quotations for customers.
- Produce tree survey reports for both commercial and domestic clients.
- Chip and cut branches and logs.
- Climb trees to prune or remove branches as required.
- Establish hazards posed by trees.
- Evaluate the health of trees and create treatment plan.
- Fell and remove trees and perform stump grinding.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) Norwich
You should ensure that there is not a TPO (Tree Preservation Order) on your trees in Norwich, before you carry out any serious work on them. To check whether any trees on your property are protected by Tree Preservation Orders, get in touch with your local planning authority. A Tree Preservation Order forbids the felling, topping, wilful destruction, wilful damage, uprooting, lopping or removal of any tree that is covered. Any reputable tree surgeon in Norwich will be glad to help you out with this process.
Also, if you propose to conduct any work on a tree with a diameter of 75 millimetres or more (1.5 metres from ground level), and you reside within a conservation area in Norwich, you must give your local planning authority at least 6 wks written notice of the work.
Firewood & Logs Norwich
Of course, you might need a tree surgeon for a totally different reason, as they are frequently a great source for firewood or logs in Norwich. This is not really surprising, as tree surgeons spend most of their time cutting down branches and trees.
If you are fortunate, you may find a tree surgeon in Norwich who gives logs and branches away free to collectors, these will often be "green" and in need of drying out. Others will sell their logs by the tonne or in bags, and these will generally be fully seasoned and dried logs, that are ready for burning.
Logs which have been dried out for at least 12 months are ideal for burning on your log burner or open fire, and they should have a moisture content of under 20 percent. The advantage of getting logs from tree surgeons, is that these are likely to be mostly assorted hardwood logs, which will generate heat for many hours, and give a sustained burn. Softwood logs are wonderful for getting a fire burning, so if you can get your hands on a few of these too, that would be helpful. (Tags: Seasones Firewood Norwich, Firewood Logs Norwich, Firewood and Logs Norwich, Firewood Norwich).
Removal of Tree Stumps Norwich
After having a large tree chopped down in Norwich, you will likely be left with one more problem - what to do with the tree stump. You may be thinking of using the tree stump as a garden seat or some other useful feature, and might be happy enough to leave it in situ until it eventually rots away. However, tree stumps can be a trip hazard, can attract unwanted pests, and be an eyesore as well.
There are various ways that you can remove a tree stump, if you determine that this is the best course of action, but the two main alternatives are stump grinding and stump removal. Below we will be investigating the removal option.
There are in essence 3 methods of getting rid of a tree stump - digging out by hand, burning or chemical treatment. If you've got plans to remove a stump on your own, the use of any of these solutions may be feasible. Tree surgeons themselves will normally go with the aforementioned stump grinding option, although might suggest a chemical removal treatment like eco-plugging.
Chemical Stump Killers: For the chemical removal of a stump you will need to obtain Vitax SBK Stump Killer, Roundup Tree Stump Remover or Resolva Xtra Tough Tree Stump Killer. You must always read and follow the directions closely for quantities, applications and timings for these chemicals, and be mindful that they are toxic and oftentimes inflammable. Depending on the dimensions of your stump, and if it's dead or alive when it's treated, it can take several weeks or maybe even months for a tree stump to break down totally, so look at this as a long term rather than a short term resolution. Once well rotted, it can be chopped small with an axe and removed with a spade.
Hand Stump Digging: Digging by hand is rather self-explanatory and will involve digging down, sawing through all the roots, and freeing up the stump. For the final freeing process you may need to make use of some form of winch. This is exhausting and tedious work.
Burning Tree Stumps: Burning is not generally a recommended course of action, and may contravene legislation in your area, so take great care if choosing this option. A few 25mm holes will have to be drilled into the tree stump, and for a few days kept topped up with vegetable oil. You can then cover the stump with logs or charcoal and set it alight. However, this should be continually monitored and not left to its own devices. Ensure that the fire is fully extinguished when it is completely burned out. You'll be able to dig out the roots and burnt stump remains after it has fully cooled down.
Other solutions include digging out and clearing all the soil away from beneath the tree stump, and building a fire in the space that has been created. There are a number of scenarios where burning isn't suitable, such as when there are other trees, fences or buildings close to the stump being removed.
(Tags: Removal of Tree Stumps Norwich, Removing Tree Stumps Norwich, Stump Removal Techniques Norwich, Tree Stump Removal Norwich).Tree Surgery - Safety Aspects
The health and safety aspect is one of the main challenges when doing tree surgery, since if done improperly it can definitely be a very dangerous enterprise. If the individuals engaged in the tree surgery are inexperienced or incapable, there are plenty of things that can easily go awry such as not wearing hearing or eyesight protection, falling branches and timber, inadequate head protection, not roping off the area to protect passing pedestrians and vehicles, failure to put on cut resistant clothing (specifically trousers and boots) and little or no protection from falling, in the shape of ropes, harnesses and platforms. What might be vulnerable owing to such incompetencies are the property owners family, facilities on the street, passing and stationary vehicles, the building connected to the property, the tree surgeon himself (up the tree), the groundsperson, garden sheds and fences, the actual tree itself, passers by.
Tree Surgery Tasks Norwich
Norwich tree surgeons will likely help with tree watering, root flare exposure, tree work, root decompaction, tree maintenance, brush cutting, emergency tree removal, tree replanting Norwich, tree care services Norwich, hedge planting, staking, woodchipping, tree reduction Norwich, dead wooding, hedge cutting Norwich, tree dismantling Norwich, tree lopping, vegetation management, landscape clearance, hazard assessment, conrolling pests in Norwich, removal of storm damaged trees in Norwich, drop crotching, tree health monitoring in Norwich, tree surveys Norwich, waste removal, formative pruning, cut sealing in Norwich, tree waste removal, woodland management in Norwich and other tree surgeon services in Norwich, Norfolk. These are just a selection of the duties that are handled by a local tree surgeon. Norwich professionals will inform you of their full range of services.
Tree Surgeons Nearby
Also find: Bixley tree surgeon, Little Melton tree surgeon, Thorpe Hamlet tree surgeon, Great Plumstead tree surgeon, Intwood tree surgeon, Heigham Grove tree surgeon, Lakenham tree surgeon, Bawburgh tree surgeon, Postwick tree surgeon, Earlham tree surgeon, Eaton tree surgeon, Ringland tree surgeon, Mt Pleasant tree surgeon, Salhouse tree surgeon, Rackheath tree surgeon, Trowse Newton tree surgeon, Marlingford tree surgeon and more. All these villages and towns are served by local tree surgeons. Residents in the area can get tree surgery quotations by going here.
Tree Care Services Norwich
- Norwich Tree Pollarding
- Norwich Dead Wooding
- Norwich Crown Thinning
- Norwich Tree Dismantling
- Norwich Arboriculture
- Norwich Air-Spading
- Norwich Crown Lifting
- Norwich Tree Pruning
- Norwich Tree Felling
- Norwich Vegetation Management
- Norwich Stump Treatment
- Norwich Woodland Clearance
- Norwich Tree Reduction
- Norwich Forestry Management
If you need local info regarding Norwich, Norfolk go here
Tree Surgery NR1 area, phone code 01603.
Tree Reshaping Norwich - Tree Removal Norwich - Crown Lifting Norwich - 01603 - Tree Surgeon Norwich - Tree Surgeons Norwich - Vegetation Control Norwich - Arboriculture Norwich - Forest Management Norwich