West Bromwich Tree Surgeon West Midlands: Trees are a crucial feature of many properties and gardens in West Bromwich, and they can frequently transform an otherwise two dimensional landscape by adding style, substance and structure. However, when neglected or damaged by extreme weather events like flooding or high winds, trees can be a bit of a problem. Seeking the expert advice of an established tree surgeon in West Bromwich, is the safest option when work needs to be carried out on your trees.
People in West Bromwich who attempt to do tree work on their own, or by using non-qualified personnel might cause a risk of damage to property, the trees and to life. However, tree work isn't a safe occupation, even for professional tree surgeons, who are well acquainted with all the risks. In actual fact tree surgery is among the most dangerous jobs in Britain, with an average of 3 deaths and 140 severe injuries each year within the profession, consequently it's certainly not safe work for amateurs to do.
With falling branches and trees causing around five deaths per year in the United Kingdom, a risk to life can even be presented by a poorly maintained or damaged tree. You may be liable for any compensation to a third-party due to the consequences of your actions, if you hire someone to carry out tree work and property is damaged, or an injury occurs. This is why using a trained West Bromwich tree surgeon to carry out the work on your trees is important. (The source of the above figures was HSE).
A decent West Bromwich tree surgeon will likely be an approved member of at least one of the 2 main industry bodies. The websites of both the International Society of Arboriculture and the Arboricultural Association allow you to view the membership and professional status of any tree surgeon in West Bromwich. This page permits you to check if any specific tree surgeon has Approved ARB Contractor status, and is a member of either of these bodies.
If there's a problem during the work, or after it's been carried out you are able to make contact with these trade associations for assistance in arbitration and for help and guidance.
If a tree surgeon who you can't find on this directory list offers to give you a quotation, it is recommended that you continue your search for an approved and fully qualified contractor, and tactfully decline their offer. As soon as their qualifications and professional associations have been thoroughly checked, you should try and get a minimum of three quotations from different companies in West Bromwich. There are various crucial questions that you must ask while you are in the process of obtaining the quotes, and due to the risks involved in tree work, you must make it clear that you really need the answers. You should for example ask:
- How much insurance cover is provided? Don't entertain a tree surgeon in West Bromwich with any less than five million pounds public liability insurance as set out by the ISA and AA.
- Can I contact a recent person who you have worked for so that I can inspect the quality of your tree work? It's always a good idea to perform an independent check on recently completed work.
- Have you got a NPTC/LANTRA certificate for chainsaw use, and documentary verification of your qualifications and professional memberships? Any tree surgeon/operative who uses a chainsaw, must by law have gained NPTC/LANTRA certification. Qualifications can include City & Guilds Certificates and National Diplomas in Arboriculture.
- Can you provide a quotation in writing? Only ever accept a written quote. NEVER accept a verbal quote alone.
On the written quote that you receive, you'll need there to be easy to understand specifics of all the tree work that is being undertaken. Who's responsible for the removal and disposal of tree branches, stumps and waste should be stated, as should details about any trees which could be protected in law, and the necessary steps to obtain permission to work on them. You should also make sure that VAT is included on the quotation unless you're a commercial entity. You have a responsibility to hire only trained tradespeople to work on your trees and property, and it is crucial to understand that fact.
PRIOR TO WORK BEGINNING - Your chosen West Bromwich tree surgeon should enquire whether any of your trees are protected and take the necessary steps to make sure that any work can get the green light from the local authority. To ensure the safety of the public, even protected trees need to be maintained so as to cut back old or dead wood, so discovering that a tree is protected doesn't mean that you are unable to carry out necessary work.
A minimum of six weeks written notice must be given to the Local Planning Authority before any tree work can be conducted, if your property in West Bromwich is in a designated conservation area. This is only required for trees with a stem diameter of over 7.5 centimetres in diameter, at a point 1.5m from the ground. Notice is also not a requirement if pruning or thinning of a protected tree's branches is vital in order to encourage and sustain growth.
After assessing the health of your trees, your chosen West Bromwich tree surgeon will determine the appropriate treatments and how the required outcome can safely be achieved. This will include a risk assessment of any areas that might be impacted by falling branches, such as in public spaces, on your property, and on the properties of your neighbours. This stage will also ascertain the level of protection needed and the amount of workers required. This is both PPE in addition to other safety measures to keep property and the general public safe from harm or damage.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - Before any tree felling, climbing or cutting of branches commences, barriers and safety measures will be put in place to keep unauthorised persons away from the area of work. If there is any danger of debris falling onto a public road, passing traffic might need to be halted temporarily.
Different degrees of protection will be necessary for the tree surgeon subject to what tree work needs to be executed. At the bare minimum they need to be wearing special protective clothing to prevent serious cutting injuries to the legs, hands and torso, when working with a chainsaw. Eye and head protection, and high-vis clothing, should be worn by all workers involved in the operation.
Extra workers will usually be necessary to assist in the removal of high branches and heavy pieces of tree trunk, especially if working at height is involved, and where ladders and associated climbing equipment is being used. For removing waste, easy access to the work site will be needed. Therefore, it's recommended that you inform your next door neighbours, because a skip or pick up truck will need to be stationed as close to the work area as possible while the work proceeds.
UPON COMPLETION OF WORK - Once the work has been finished all of the waste materials will be transported away and the area cleared of all debris. A certificate of work done will then be prepared by your tree surgeon, especially in the case of any protected trees, which can be signed off and a copy handed to you. If there were any public areas that needed safety measures, this protection will be removed and roads and paths will be re-opened.
If you have any issues or problems with the completed work, you should first address them with the tree surgeon so that they can be put right immediately. If your tree surgeon is a member of a trade association, and any further arbitration is needed, you can obtain help and guidance from the International Society of Arboriculture or the Arboricultural Association in order to arrive at an acceptable solution.
Locally based West Bromwich tree surgery services will most likely have the phone code 0121 and the postcode B70. They'll operate in West Bromwich itself, along with nearby areas such as Langley, Brades Village, Rood End, Dudley Port, Smethwick, Swan Village, Tipton, Handsworth, Tividale, Sandwell, Langley Green, West Smethwick, Horseley, Guns Village, Oldbury, and these postcodes: B70 0DW, B70 0HW, B70 0LQ, B70 0NA, B70, B70 0NU, B70 0RA, B70 0BL, B70 0BF, B70 0FD.
For this type of assistance it is definitely best to use a qualified local tree surgeon. West Bromwich property owners can benefit greatly from the dexterity and skills offered by a seasoned professional.
Pollarding Trees West Bromwich
The process whereby the size of a tree is substantially decreased because it's got too large for its existing surroundings, is know as "pollarding". The development of cultivated features and the moulding of trees into particular shapes can also be accomplished by pollarding. It can quite often be observed on trees that serve as boundaries or hedgerows, as well as trees which grow alongside streets in West Bromwich. Because pollarded trees have such a bare and stark appearance, and will never return to their "pre-pollarded" shape, the method isn't very popular with those who love trees. The advantageous element of the pollarding process, is that trees which might normally have to be cut down can be saved in-situ. Pollarding is commonly used on broad-leafed tree species like oaks, beeches, sycamores, maples, limes, planes and horse chestnuts.
Removal of Tree Stumps West Bromwich
If you're in a predicament where you have to have a large tree removed from your property in West Bromwich, you're likely to be left with a stump, which will also have to be dealt with. You might consider leaving it to rot away in a natural way, and be happy to leave it to its own devices. However, a large tree stump could take several years to rot down, and could even produce suckers in an effort to regrow itself. Protruding tree stumps can also be an eyesore, can attract harmful pests, and be a trip hazard for your family.
Stump grinding and stump removal are the 2 primary choices, if you do opt to do away with the tree stump completely. In the following paragraphs we will be looking at the stump removal alternative rather than grinding.
There are 3 main approaches that you can use to remove a tree stump - you can use a chemical treatment, you can dig it out by hand or you can burn it. If you are intending to tackle a stump by yourself, you can employ any one of these procedures. If you're using a tree surgeon in West Bromwich, they'll normally suggest the previously mentioned stump grinding option.
Burning a Tree Stump: Since it can be quite dangerous and might be at variance with legislation in your area, stump burning isn't really a recommended course of action, so if you choose this technique, be careful. The burning technique involves drilling a few 25mm holes into the tree stump, filling keeping them topped up with vegetable oil for several days until soaked. You should then cover the stump with logs or charcoal and set it alight. However, this should be constantly monitored and not left unattended. When the fire has finally stopped burning, you need to make certain that it is fully extinguished and cooled off, after which you will be able to manually dig out the roots and charred stump remains.
An alternative method is scooping out all the soil from beneath the tree stump and lighting a fire in the cavity created underneath. You should never set light to a stump if it's near buildings, other trees or fences.
Digging Out a Stump by Hand: Digging up a stump by hand calls for an assortment of tools such as a chainsaw, loppers, a handsaw and a pointed spade. It entails digging down to expose the roots, chopping the roots with loppers or a saw, and finally releasing the stump, or making it easier to pull out. A winch might be required to complete this process. This is exceedingly tough work and is not for the unfit or faint-hearted.
Chemical Stump Removal: If you opt for the chemical removal option, you will need to get hold of Vitax SBK Stump Killer, Roundup Tree Stump Remover or Resolva Xtra Tough Tree Stump Killer. When utilising any of these you should closely follow the instructions, as these chemicals can be extremely hazardous. This is not a short term fix, and it can take quite a few weeks for the tree stump to rot totally, after which time a spade and an axe can be used to remove it.
Day to Day Tasks for a Tree Surgeon
- Fell and remove trees and perform stump grinding.
- Cut and chip branches and logs.
- Tree planting and transplanting.
- Tidy up work area on completion and fulfil removal of waste product from client's site.
- Identify hazards presented by trees.
- Produce telephone or on-site quotations with the clients.
- Prepare tree survey reports for both domestic and commercial clients.
- Climb trees to remove or prune branches.
- Deal with customers and complete administrative duties.
- Maintain and service equipment like chippers and chainsaws.
- Be adept with power tools and other powered equipment.
- Assess tree health and treatments.
Management of Vegetation
Although a lot of property owners in West Bromwich will imagine that tree surgeons only address the maintenance and removal of trees, that's simply not the case, because most tree surgeons will also deal with overgrown land and gardens that are clogged up with unchecked plant growth. Quality tree surgeons will generally be more than happy to clear away shrubs, overgrown vegetation, weeds and bushes that might be growing near to sheds, buildings, walls, pathways or drives, and generally being an issue. If you are to maintain your precious garden properly then this ever increasing growth must be removed every few months, and if you've got the time and inclination then this is unquestionably something you might do by yourself if you are reasonably fit, or you might get a local tree surgeon to call every six months or so to keep it in shape. Vegetation control is crucial if you're going to have safe and easy access to every area of your property and if this isn't done the vegetation can pretty quickly take over and ruin your enjoyment of the garden. Aside from everything else the garden will look a lot better when maintained properly. (Tags: Vegetation Control West Bromwich, Vegetation Management West Bromwich, De-Vegetation Services West Bromwich)
Dead-Wooding West Bromwich
All experienced West Bromwich tree surgeons will carry out the process known as dead-wooding (or deadwooding), which is an important element of tree care. Where there is a threat to vehicles, property or pedestrians, dead-wooding is done to remove the dying and dead branches which are likely to fall. There are a number of different explanations why a tree's branches die, the most typical being a lack of light, pest attacks, root damage or diseases.
Even though the most frequent reason for removing dead branches is one of safety, it's also often done to benefit the tree, or for aesthetic reasons. Insect infestations and the spread of disease can be encouraged by a tree having too many damaged, dying and dead branches, therefore the health of the tree can be greatly improved by removing such dead branches. A tree with a lot of dead wood also looks unsightly and spoils its appearance, therefore this can be removed to get your tree looking beautiful once again.
Only large dead branches will generally be removed, as in most situations the smaller ones are not going to pose any great risk. Although, where a garden, a road, a dwelling, a public area or a park in West Bromwich is overhung by trees, any dead limbs of more than fifty millimetres diameter may have to be removed.
Stump Grinding
If you've got to have some stump grinding undertaken, it is best to call in a tree surgery company with the proper tools and knowhow. Professional tree surgeons can eradicate every remnant of any size stump to at least 12 inches below the surface. Grinding down roots and stumps to right up against buildings and walls while avoiding damage, can only be achieved if the tree surgeon has access to the correct machinery. This purpose built grinding equipment is so multifaceted that it can even remove tree stumps that are tucked away in alleys, passageways and other generally hard to get at spots. Where really big trees have to be taken out the tree stump that's left can be rather substantial and the thicker roots will go down to a considerable depth, demanding a herculean effort to remove them. (Tags: Stump Removal West Bromwich, Tree Stump Grinding West Bromwich, Stump Grinding West Bromwich)
Invasive Tree Root Problems West Bromwich
When they're growing too near to your property in West Bromwich, some larger trees have really invasive roots, and can cause problems. Among the most commonplace problems are: cracked patios, damaged foundations and blocked drains. Species like willows, sycamores, elms and maples, are trees that have very invasive root systems.
Keeping any new trees you plant, as far as possible away from paths, your drainage system, patios and your home, is wise to avoid future problems. You should call in a tree surgeon in West Bromwich, to see what can be done, if pre-existing trees are growing too close to your dwelling and are leading to some of these problems.
To avoid the chance of significantly harming the health of your tree or even killing it, you certainly shouldn't just cut through the offending tree roots in an attempt to deal with this yourself. So that any damage to property is minimised, and the tree can still get ample water and food to survive and thrive, an experienced tree surgeon in West Bromwich will know precisely which roots can be cut, and which roots should be left in place.
Because sewer pipes provide a constant source of moisture and nutrients, shrub and tree roots quite often cause structural problems in subterranean drainage systems. Blockages and joint failure can arise, when tiny roots compromise a drainage system's joints, establish themselves and develop into enormous root balls. To eradicate the troublesome roots, specialist root removal solutions will be offered by many West Bromwich tree surgeons, who'll employ mechanical equipment, manual rod clearance or high pressure water jetting.
Dutch Elm Disease
While Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) isn't quite the concern that it was at one time, over the past five decades or more it has wiped out millions of precious elm trees right through the British Isles. Caused by the Ophiostoma novo-ulmi fungus which is spread by the elm bark beetle (Scolytus), DED (Dutch Elm Disease) was imported into Britain unintentionally in the 1960s from North America (Canada).
Its fast spread was attributed mainly to elm products such as crates, bark mulch, saplings, and logs with the bark still attached, being moved throughout the British Isles. Thought to have originally come from Asia, Dutch Elm Disease did not just affect trees in the UK, but also destroyed elm stocks in mainland Europe, North America and New Zealand.
Typically first manifesting in early summer, the main signs of DED disease are:
- Dark streaks under the bark of twigs.
- Clusters of yellow leaves that wilt and then fall.
- Shoots that die back from the tip.
- A "shepherd's crook" effect on affected twigs.
The felling of dying, infected and dead trees, has essentially eradicated the elm bark beetle's habitat, and in recent times the spread of DED has been substantially slowed. A project for the propagation of young elms that have so far proved resistant to DED is currently being undertaken.
You can put in a request for a diagnosis from the Tree Health Diagnostic & Advisory Service, or you can get in touch with your local tree surgeon for guidance, if you happen to have elm trees in your garden in West Bromwich, and suspect they might be afflicted with DED.
(Tags: Dutch Elm Disease West Bromwich, Spotting Dutch Elm Disease, Dutch Elm Disease Signs).Skills Necessary for a Tree Surgeon in West Bromwich
- The capacity to work efficiently with other people.
- Decent customer skills.
- Physical skills such as movement and coordination.
- Have a good understanding of public safety.
- Be professional and able to complete tasks within a specified time frame.
- To be meticulous and pay close attention to detail.
- Have the ability to work with your hands.
- Be aware of the dangers and complexities involved with the various aspects of the work.
- To be able to accomplish basic tasks on a hand-held device or computer.
- Be patient and have the ability to remain calm and focused in times of stress.
- Have the ability to maintain, use and repair tools and machines.
Woodland Clearance West Bromwich
Engaging in woodland clearance in the West Bromwich area can be impacted by national and local restrictions and regulations in place, depending on where your land is, and what flora and fauna is present in the place that is going to be cleared. Hiring the skills of a competent West Bromwich tree surgeon for woodland clearance project, will see them applying for any permits, follow applicable protection orders and covenants, and use eco-friendly and ethical methods for completing the clearance.
An extensive habitat survey will be performed by a tree surgeon who'll also collaborate with woodland authorities and organisations to make certain that your woodland clearance is undertaken legally and safely. Mitigation strategies may need to be employed if there's protected animals or plant species in the area; this could require replanting of trees and relocation of wildlife, such as reptiles or bats to another protected site.
Due to the equipment used in woodland clearances, i.e. felling, mulching and chipping machines, it's usually more cost efficient to hire an accredited tree surgeon to oversee the work.
Chainsaws
The most dangerous and probably the most widely used tool employed by West Bromwich tree surgeons, is the chainsaw. Due to their ease of use and greater portability, petrol chainsaws are the most preferred by professionals, although battery and mains electric versions are available. For effortlessly slicing through large branches and limbs, petrol driven chainsaws are the only real option effective option, being robust, powerful and able to cope with even the most substantial of tree work.
Comprising a rotating chain armed with a row of sharp teeth that cut through the bark and wood, a chainsaw is in fact a fairly simple tool. Besides what drives them, there are also different types of chainsaw for various operations, top-handled for working at height (and which can be operated with one hand), pole saws for long distance pruning and hard to reach branches and rear-handled for work at ground level (must always be used with two hands).
Although carrying a rapidly spinning blade whilst precariously balancing up a tree is certainly not the safest job in the world, it's rare to see an experienced West Bromwich tree surgeon who does not use a chainsaw in their everyday work. Being fully trained in the safe use and maintenance of chainsaws is a primary requirement for any tree surgeon, and is essential before they can be approved by the ISA or the Arboricultural Association (AA).
Although there are a lot of different chainsaw makes available to specialist tree surgeons, the most popular ones used the United Kingdom are Hyundai, Makita, Stihl and Husqvarna.
Tree Surgery Tasks West Bromwich
West Bromwich tree surgeons can usually help you with root pruning in West Bromwich, tree bracing, tree transplanting West Bromwich, tree pollarding in West Bromwich, woodland management, landscaping in West Bromwich, tree removal West Bromwich, hedge trimming, tree maintenance, tree health monitoring West Bromwich, cut sealing, residential tree surgery, hedge reduction, emergency tree removal, dead wooding, forestry management, shrub maintenance, vegetation management, tree waste removal West Bromwich, tree lopping West Bromwich, crown lifting, tree planting, hedge lowering, root removal West Bromwich, woodchipping, retrenchment pruning, stump grinding, pest management in West Bromwich, crown thinning in West Bromwich, arboriculture and other tree surgeon services in West Bromwich, West Midlands. These are just a small portion of the duties that are conducted by a tree surgeon. West Bromwich providers will be happy to inform you of their whole range of services.
Tree Surgeons Nearby
Also find: Sandwell tree surgeon, Langley Green tree surgeon, Ocker Hill tree surgeon, Brades Village tree surgeon, Balls Hill tree surgeon, Tividale tree surgeon, Handsworth tree surgeon, Guns Village tree surgeon, Langley tree surgeon, Golds Hill tree surgeon, Rood End tree surgeon, Swan Village tree surgeon, Horseley tree surgeon, Toll End tree surgeon and more. Pretty much all of these villages and towns are serviced by local tree surgeons. Home and property owners in the area can obtain estimates for tree surgery by clicking here.
Tree Care Services West Bromwich
- West Bromwich Tree Maintenance
- West Bromwich Stump Grinding
- West Bromwich Tree Felling
- West Bromwich Tree Shaping
- West Bromwich Hedge Planting
- West Bromwich Crown Thinning
- West Bromwich Hedge Reduction
- West Bromwich Crown Reduction
- West Bromwich Tree Removal
- West Bromwich Air-Spading
- West Bromwich Hedge Cutting
- West Bromwich Stump Removal
- West Bromwich Crown Cleaning
- West Bromwich Tree Topping
More West Bromwich Trades: Undoubtedly, when you are having tree surgery done in West Bromwich, West Midlands, you will likely need other garden related services, and along with a tree surgeon in West Bromwich, West Midlands, you may also need garden sheds in West Bromwich, planting services in West Bromwich, garden rubbish removal in West Bromwich, landscaping in West Bromwich, patio layers in West Bromwich, pond installers in West Bromwich, artifical grass in West Bromwich, soil irrigation in West Bromwich, local SKIP HIRE in West Bromwich, hedge shaping in West Bromwich, garden design in West Bromwich, block pavers in West Bromwich, fence fitters in West Bromwich, garden decking in West Bromwich, grass cutting services in West Bromwich, garden clearance in West Bromwich, and other different West Bromwich tradespeople.
If you're interested in local information relating to West Bromwich, West Midlands go here
Tree Surgery B70 area, phone code 0121.
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