Sittingbourne Tree Surgeon Kent: A vital feature of many gardens and properties in Sittingbourne, trees add style, structure and substance to what can at times be a boring and two dimensional landscape. This is fine and dandy, however when trees are poorly maintained, diseased, or affected by extreme weather events like storms or flooding, issues may arise which will need to be addressed. The best option if there is work that needs completing on your trees, is to consult a seasoned tree surgeon in Sittingbourne.
Employing a non-qualified individual for tree work or trying to do it by yourself, could harm your trees, cause damage to property, or even lead to injury or death. But even using a skilled tree surgeon who is acquainted with all the risks doesn't mean that tree work is safe. In actual fact tree surgery is among the most hazardous jobs in the UK, with an average of 3 deaths and 140 serious injuries each year within the profession, therefore it is certainly not safe work for amateurs.
A neglected or damaged tree can also cause a risk to life, with around 5 people annually being tragically killed by falling branches and trees in Britain. You may well be liable for any compensation to a third-party due to the consequences of your actions, if you employ someone to conduct tree work and an injury, or damage to property occurs. This is why employing a qualified Sittingbourne tree surgeon to undertake the work on your trees is essential. (Figures sourced from HSE).
PICKING A TREE SURGEON IN SITTINGBOURNE - A trained tree surgeon in Sittingbourne ought to be a signed up member of at least one of the two industry bodies found in the United Kingdom. Both the AA (Arboricultural Association) and the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) offers a website where you can view the professional status and membership of any tree surgeon in Sittingbourne. On this webpage you can check for membership of either of these organisations, which gives the tree surgeon in question, Approved ARB Contractor status.
If there's an issue during or after any work has been carried out you'll be able to communicate with these trade bodies for arbitration assistance and for guidance and help at any point.
You should graciously decline the offer of an estimate from anybody who isn't on this directory list, and continue your search for a fully qualified and approved tree surgeon. It's wise to get a minimum of three estimates from different companies in Sittingbourne, as soon as you've thoroughly checked their professional associations and accreditations. There are various important questions that you must ask whilst you're gathering these quotes, and because of the risks of the work involved, you should make it abundantly clear that you really need the answers. You should for example ask:
- Could I contact some former clients so that I can check the quality of your work? It's advisable to perform an independent examination of any recent work.
- Do you have a NPTC/LANTRA certificate for the use of a chainsaw, and documentary evidence of your qualifications and professional memberships? It's required by law that any tree surgeon/operative using a chainsaw must hold a NPTC/LANTRA certificate. Qualifications might include Certificates and National Diplomas in Arboriculture.
- What insurance cover is provided? As suggested by the ISA and AA, your tree surgeon should be able to produce a certificate covering at least £5 Million public liability insurance.
- Can you offer me a written quotation? You must NEVER settle for a verbal quote only. Only ever accept a written quote.
The written quotation that you are given must include clear and concise information on the proposed tree work. It should state who is responsible for the removal of tree branches, stumps and debris, and should also include details of any trees which might be protected, and the steps required to obtain permission to carry out work on them. You should also ensure that VAT is included on the quote unless you're a commercial business. It's extremely important that only capable people are hired to work on your property and trees, and this is entirely down to you. This is laid out by the "Common law duty of care responsibilities under the Occupier's Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984."
PRIOR TO WORK COMMENCING - The tree surgeon you have selected in Sittingbourne, will be able to look into 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 forthcoming. Finding that a tree has protected status doesn't imply that work can't be carried out, as even protected trees need maintenance in order to cut back old or dying wood and ensure public safety.
If your property in Sittingbourne is located within a conservation area, the Local Planning Authority (LPA) will need no less than 6 weeks written notice of any planned tree work. However, tree stems of less than 75 millimetres in diameter when measured at 1.5m above the ground are exempt from this requirement. If the pruning or thinning of a protected tree's branches are required in order to sustain and promote growth, written notice is also not necessary.
Your chosen Sittingbourne tree surgeon will determine the necessary remedial treatment and how best to achieve the required outcome in a safe manner after completing a full assessment of your trees health. This will involve completing a risk assessment to include public areas, your property and any section of neighbouring properties that could be impacted by falling branches and debris. This stage will also establish the number of operatives required and the level of protection needed. This will include various safety precautions together with PPE to ensure the safety of passers-by and nearby property.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - Safety measures and barriers should be put in place before any tree felling, climbing or cutting of branches is started, to keep passers-by and unauthorised persons away from the area where work is going on. Traffic might have to be temporarily halted if there's a risk of falling debris into a public road.
Different levels of protection will be necessary for the tree surgeon according to what work needs to be undertaken. When carrying out basic tree work with a chainsaw, to avoid injuring the torso, legs and hands, they will as a bare minimum be wearing special protective clothing. At all times, every worker involved in the operation should wear high visibility clothing, and eye and head protection.
Ladders and associated climbing equipment will be necessary if working at height is involved, and to assist in the safe removal of high branches and sections of tree trunk, extra workers will be needed. It is recommended that you inform your next door neighbours of the need for unhindered access, because a skip or other means of transporting the waste away will be parked as close as possible to the work area.
AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK - On completion of all the work, the area can be cleared of all debris, and all the waste can be hauled away. Your tree surgeon will then prepare and sign off a certificate of work, a copy of which will be handed to you. This is especially important where trees with TPOs are involved. If any safety measures were put in public spaces they can now be taken down, with roads and paths being re-opened.
If you've got any problems or issues with the finished work, you should first address them with the tree surgeon so that they can be fixed immediately. If your tree surgeon is a signed up member of a professional body, and any further arbitration is required, you can get help and guidance from the ISA or AA in order to reach an acceptable conclusion.
Locally based Sittingbourne tree surgeons are likely to have the telephone dialling code 01795 and the postcode ME9. They will work in Sittingbourne itself, as well as nearby areas such as Murston, Tunstall, Chestnut Street, Rainham, Tonge, Milstead, Milton Regis, Bapchild, Highsted, Bobbing, Kemsley, Borden, Snipeshill, Rodmersham, Chalkwell, Upchurch, Oad Street, Rodmersham Green, and these postcodes: ME10 1RN, ME10 1GB, ME10 1DB, ME10 1RU, ME10 1AN, ME10 1BX, ME10 1EN, ME10 1NZ, ME10 1HB, ME10 1RP.
For this type of assistance it is unquestionably best to employ a qualified local tree surgeon. Sittingbourne residents can substantially benefit from the know-how and expertise that a fully trained professional can offer.
Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus Fraxineus)
A damaging fungal disease which is likely to wipe out approximately 80% of the current UK ash tree population, over the coming years, ash dieback was first recorded in the United Kingdom in 2012, when a nursery brought in 2000 trees from the Netherlands. Following on from the Dutch Elm Disease catastrophe, which killed the United Kingdom's elm trees, ash dieback is almost certain to have huge ramifications for our beloved countryside.
A lethal disease of trees of the Fraxinus genus, ash dieback has a particularly devastating effect on the Fraxinus excelsior (common ash), British Fraxinus excelsior (common or European ash). Originating in eastern Asia, the fungus which causes ash dieback is named Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.
Now present in most areas of the United Kingdom, ash dieback is dispersed by minute spores that blow on the wind, and which are able to travel for many miles.
Affecting tree of all ages, ash dieback can be recognised by symptoms such as:
- The formation of necrotic lesions where branches meet the trunk.
- Foliage that wilts, turns black and falls early.
- New epicormic growth appearing from previously dormant buds.
- Dark patches on leaves during the summertime.
- New shoots and leaves that are dying during the growing season.
Ash trees can fend off the disease to some extent, but ultimately succumb to sustained attacks. There's presently no cure for chalara ash dieback, and no clear method for stopping it spreading.
If you believe that you have identified a tree infected with ash dieback in your garden in Sittingbourne, or in the local neighbourhood, you could report it to the "Tree Alert Service" provided by the Forestry Commission, although ash dieback is so prevalent throughout the UK that they're only really interested in hearing about cases found in areas not previously affected. You can still however speak to a local tree surgeon, who'll offer guidance on how best to proceed.
Tree families affected: the Fraxinus genus.
(Tags: Identifying Ash Dieback, Ash Dieback Signs, Ash Dieback Sittingbourne).Management of Vegetation
It's not just the care and removal of trees that your nearby Sittingbourne tree surgeon will be happy to assist you with, but also any form of proliferating plant growth that is clogging up your land. Quality tree surgeons will usually be happy to cut down and remove weeds, overgrown vegetation, bushes and shrubs which may be growing near driveways, walkways, garages, buildings or sheds, and generally creating a problem. If you're to maintain your garden properly then all of this excessive growth should be cut down at least once a year, and if you have the inclination and time then this is something you might undertake by yourself if you're reasonably fit, or you could get your local tree surgeon to come annually to keep it in check. The management of vegetation is important if you are going to have easy and safe entry to all parts of your property and if this isn't done the vegetation can very quickly take over and take a lot of the enjoyment out of your garden. Besides everything else the garden will also look a lot better when maintained properly.
Stump Grinding
It's vital to it is wise to work with a firm with the correct knowhow and equipment, when you need to have specialist services such as stump grinding done in Sittingbourne. Competent tree surgeons should aim to grind down all sizes of stump to a good twelve inches below the surface. Grinding down stubborn stumps and roots fairly close to structures and walls while avoiding damage, can only be successfully accomplished if your tree surgeon has got access to the proper machinery. The proper stump grinders is also able to take out tree stumps tucked away down alleys and passageways. If you are clearing away a large tree the stump left over could be quite enormous and regardless of what you are planning to use the resulting empty space for, there's a good chance that the remaining stump will have to be taken out a good foot below ground level. (Tags: Tree Stump Removal Sittingbourne, Stump Removal Sittingbourne, Stump Grinding Sittingbourne)
Tree Surgery Accidents
As has been already mentioned in this article, the work that is done by tree surgeons and tree care professionals in Sittingbourne can be pretty dangerous. When working on trees, there is a high risk of injury to both operatives and passers-by, so all possible safety measures must be taken.
As stated by the HSE, the vast majority of fatal and serious injuries are associated with falls from trees, the use of chainsaws, and being struck by a falling branch or tree. Surprisingly, those involved in tree care have a higher likelihood of serious injury than those in building and construction.
In terms of insurance claims the most common tree work accidents involve lifting injuries, falling from ladders and being struck by objects (ropes, trees, cranes, branches, grapple hooks etc).
That is why hiring a competent Sittingbourne tree surgeon is so important when you've got tree work that needs doing. Quite often, accidents that occur in the tree care sector are due to unqualified operatives attempting work that they aren't equipped for, nor competent at. So, to avoid this type of issue, always use a reputable and experienced company that's been operating in the Sittingbourne area for several years.
Tree Removal Sittingbourne
If the tree poses a risk to safety, the tree is diseased/infected, your tree has grown too large for its environment, the tree is in the way of new development, the tree is damaged, the tree roots are obstructing foundations/retaining walls or you've got a dying/dead tree, then you've likely got a legitimate reason for the removal of a tree. Otherwise tree removal should be the last resort, given that trees are in most cases a beneficial and attractive part of your garden. Several individuals in Sittingbourne would like to get rid of trees to gain a much better view or to avoid the inconvenience of leaves, this isn't imperative and should only happen if the problem is severe. (Tags: Tree Removal Sittingbourne, Removing Trees Sittingbourne, Tree Felling Sittingbourne)
The Day to Day Duties for a Tree Surgeon
- Identify hazards posed by trees.
- Deal with clients and complete admin tasks.
- Plant trees and vegetation.
- Climb trees to prune or remove branches.
- Be proficient with power tools and other powered equipment.
- Evaluate the health of trees and formulate treatment plans.
- Tidy up area upon completion and remove waste products from customer's site.
- Cut and chip logs and branches.
- Produce telephone or on-site quotes for clients.
- Fell and remove trees and grind stumps.
- Maintain and service equipment like wood chippers and chainsaws.
- Prepare tree survey reports for both domestic and commercial customers.
Pollarding Trees Sittingbourne
The process whereby the size of a tree is drastically decreased because it has gotten too big for its present setting, is know as "pollarding". It can at times be used for visual or practical motives to change a tree into a particular form or shape. It can sometimes be seen on trees that function as borders or hedgerows, and trees that grow alongside highways in Sittingbourne. For folks who like trees this isn't an especially popular process, seeing that the outcome is inclined to be somewhat harsh and bare, with the appearance of being practically dead. However, irrespective of the fairly ugly appearance of pollarded trees like beeches, limes, sycamores, oaks, maples, planes and horse chestnuts, there's a beneficial element to the technique, in that these trees can be conserved when they would otherwise have to be felled. (Tags: Pollarding Sittingbourne, Tree Pollarding Sittingbourne, Tree Pruning Sittingbourne)
Tree Surgery Tasks Sittingbourne
Sittingbourne tree surgeons can generally help you with forestry management in Sittingbourne, root removal Sittingbourne, tree pest management Sittingbourne, soil terraventing Sittingbourne, hedge trimming in Sittingbourne, crown reduction, waste removal, tree cutting, vegetation management, brush cutting services Sittingbourne, tree watering, tree lightening protection Sittingbourne, fruit tree pruning, emergency tree surgery, tree pollarding, hazard assessments, tree fertilising Sittingbourne, damage restoration, root pruning Sittingbourne, tree pruning, shielding trees from grazing in Sittingbourne, damaged tree removal Sittingbourne, tree planting, crown removal in Sittingbourne, tree bracing Sittingbourne, root grinding, cabling in Sittingbourne, tree dismantling Sittingbourne, woodland clearances Sittingbourne, stump removal and other tree surgeon services in Sittingbourne, Kent. These are just an example of the activities that are conducted by a local tree surgeon. Sittingbourne professionals will inform you of their entire range of services.
Tree Surgeons Nearby
Also find: Milton Regis tree surgeon, Bobbing tree surgeon, Oad Street tree surgeon, Snipeshill tree surgeon, Chalkwell tree surgeon, Borden tree surgeon, Milstead tree surgeon, Upchurch tree surgeon, Chestnut Street tree surgeon, Rodmersham tree surgeon, Bapchild tree surgeon, Murston tree surgeon, Rodmersham Green tree surgeon, Kemsley tree surgeon, Highsted tree surgeon, Tonge tree surgeon and more. The majority of these locations are serviced by tree surgeons. Business and home owners in the region can acquire estimates for tree surgery by clicking here.
Tree Care Services Sittingbourne
- Sittingbourne Cable Bracing
- Sittingbourne Tree Lopping
- Sittingbourne Tree Surveys
- Sittingbourne Tree Management
- Sittingbourne Tree Maintenance
- Sittingbourne Dead Wooding
- Sittingbourne Tree Pruning
- Sittingbourne Soil Terraventing
- Sittingbourne Tree Care
- Sittingbourne Tree Pollarding
- Sittingbourne Tree Removal
- Sittingbourne Tree Topping
- Sittingbourne Vegetation Management
- Sittingbourne Tree Cutting
More Sittingbourne Trades: Obviously, whenever you are having tree surgery done in Sittingbourne, Kent, you are likely to be in need of other garden related services, and along with a tree surgeon in Sittingbourne, Kent, you could also need block paving in Sittingbourne, grass cutting services in Sittingbourne, garden shed installation in Sittingbourne, hedge cutting in Sittingbourne, garden waste removal in Sittingbourne, patio installers in Sittingbourne, decking fitters in Sittingbourne, landscaping in Sittingbourne, fence installers in Sittingbourne, pond installers in Sittingbourne, garden design in Sittingbourne, weeding in Sittingbourne, soil irrigation in Sittingbourne, artifical grass in Sittingbourne, SKIP HIRE in Sittingbourne, garden clearances in Sittingbourne, and other different Sittingbourne tradespeople.
Information about Sittingbourne, Kent can be seen here
Tree Surgery ME9 area, (dialling code 01795).
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Crown Lifting Sittingbourne - Tree Management Sittingbourne - Tree Felling Sittingbourne - Stump Grinding Sittingbourne - Tree Surgeon Sittingbourne - ME9 - Root Removal Sittingbourne - Arboriculture Sittingbourne - Vegetation Control Sittingbourne Kent