Westbury Tree Surgeon Wiltshire: Trees around your property and in your garden in Westbury, add style, structure and substance to what can often be a largely 2 dimensional landscape. However, when neglected or damaged by severe weather conditions, for example flooding or high winds, trees can be a bit of an issue. The best option if there is work that needs completing on your trees, is to seek advice from a qualified tree surgeon in Westbury.
There is a major risk of damaging property, trees or even life, for folks in Westbury who attempt to do tree work themselves, or by using unqualified personnel. However, even for skilled tree surgeons who know about all the risks, tree work is not entirely safe. Tree surgery is definitely not a task for novices, and on average there are 3 deaths and 140 serious injuries per year within the industry, making it one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK.
With falling trees or branches causing around five deaths per year in the United Kingdom, a danger to life can even be posed by a neglected or damaged tree. If you employ someone to perform tree work and subsequently property is damaged, or an injury occurs, you may well be liable for any compensation to any third-party as a consequence of your actions. These are merely a few of the reasons why retaining the services of a competent Westbury tree surgeon to carry out the work on your trees is very important. (All figures are from HSE UK).
There are two main professional industry bodies, one or both of which a seasoned Westbury tree surgeon should be a signed up member of. The professional status and membership of any tree surgeon in Westbury can be checked on the websites of both the Arboricultural Association and the International Society of Arboriculture. To discover whether any particular tree surgeon has recognised ARB Approved Contractor status and has membership of either of these two organisations, you can do a search on this webpage.
If there is an issue during the tree work, or after it's been carried out you will be able to speak to these professional organisations for mediation and for guidance and help.
If a tree surgeon who you cannot find on this directory list offers to provide you with a quote, it is recommended that you carry on with your search for a fully qualified and approved contractor, and courteously decline their offer. It's best to get a minimum of 3 different quotations from various companies in and around Westbury, once you've thoroughly checked their professional accreditations and associations. While getting these quotations you must ask the questions below, stating you need to know the answers because of the risks involved with tree surgery work:
- Can you show documentary evidence of your professional membership, qualifications and a NPTC/LANTRA certificate for the use of a chainsaw? It is required by law that any tree surgeon/worker who uses a chainsaw must have gained a NPTC/LANTRA certificate. National Diplomas and Certificates in Arboriculture are qualifications that could be held by a trained tree surgeon in Westbury.
- Can you offer me a written quotation? Always get a quote in writing, and NEVER accept a quote that's only given verbally.
- Can I check the quality of your tree work by contacting a person you have worked for recently? It's a good idea to carry out an independent check of any recent work.
- What level of insurance cover do you have? As stipulated by the AA and ISA, your tree surgeon ought to be able to produce an insurance certificate covering no less than £5 Million public liability.
Clear and accurate details of all the tree work that is being undertaken should be included on the written quotation. It should include specifics of any trees which may be protected in law, and the steps needed to get permission to work on them, and also state whose responsibility it is to remove waste, tree branches and stumps. Verify that VAT has also been included on the quotation. It's vitally important to recognise that you've got a responsibility for hiring only capable people to work on your trees and property.
PRIOR TO WORK COMMENCING - The tree surgeon that you have selected in Westbury, will be able to investigate whether any of the trees on your property are subject to a a TPO (tree protection order), and will consult with the local authority to find out if the go-ahead for any tree work is forthcoming. Finding a tree has got protected status doesn't signify that work can't be carried out, because even protected trees need maintenance so as to cut back dead or damaged wood and ensure the safety of the public.
If your property in Westbury is in a conservation area, the Local Planning Authority will need a minimum of six weeks written notice of any proposed tree work. However, tree stems of less than 7.5cm in diameter when measured at 1.5 metres from ground level are exempt from this requirement. Notice is also not required if thinning or pruning of a protected tree's branches is crucial to sustain and encourage growth.
After fully assessing the health of your trees, your chosen Westbury tree surgeon will determine the appropriate treatments and how the best outcome can be safely achieved. This involves carrying out a full risk assessment to include your property, public spaces and any parts of a neighbour's property that could be impacted by falling branches and debris. This stage will also establish the number of operatives needed and the level of protection required. This will include various safety precautions along with PPE to ensure the safety of the general public and nearby property.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - Before any climbing, cutting of branches or tree felling commences, safety measures and barriers should be put in place to keep passers-by and unauthorised persons away from the area of work. If there is any danger of debris falling into a public highway, passing traffic may need to be stopped temporarily.
Subject to the kind of work required a tree surgeon will need varying degrees of protection. At the very least when working with a chainsaw they're going to be wearing protective clothing to avoid injuring the legs, hands and torso. At all times, every operative involved in the work should wear eye and head protection, and high visibility clothing.
Climbing equipment and ladders will be necessary if working at height is involved, and to help in the removal of high branches and large sections of tree trunk, extra personnel will be essential. For removing waste materials, easy access to the site will be needed. Therefore, it is advisable to inform your next door neighbours, as a lorry or skip will need to be stationed as close to the work area as possible while work progresses.
AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK - Upon completion of all the tree work, the whole site can be cleared of any debris, and all the waste materials can be transported away. Especially in the case of any protected trees, a certificate of work will then be prepared by your tree surgeon, which will be signed off and a copy given to you. If any safety measures were put in public spaces they can now be taken down, with roads and paths being re-opened to the public.
If you've got any complaints about or issues with the work, you should get them rectified immediately by first of all speaking to the tree surgeon. If your tree surgeon is a member of a trade body, you can obtain advice and help from the AA or the ISA so as to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion, if any further arbitration is needed.
Locally based Westbury tree surgeons will likely have the telephone code 01373 and the postcode BA13. They will operate in Westbury itself, along with nearby areas such as Salisbury, Old Dilton, Berkley, Hawkeridge, Heywood, Warminster, Standerwick, Chalford, Bratton, North Bradley, Yarnbrook, Upton Scudamore, Westbury Leigh, Dilton Marsh, Frome Market, and these postcodes: BA13 3AQ, BA13 3FY, BA13 3GU, BA13 3GR, BA13 3EX, BA12 0DZ, BA13 3ED, BA13 3JD, BA13 3JW, BA13 3LG.
For this kind of assistance it is certainly far better to bring in a competent tree surgeon. Westbury property owners can benefit greatly from the skills that a trained professional can offer.
Deadwooding Westbury
Dead-wooding is an important part of tree management and care, and all professional Westbury tree surgeons will carry out this practice where necessary. Involving the removal or dying and dead branches which could present a hazard to homes, pedestrians or vehicles, dead-wooding helps to make a tree both healthier and safer. The branches of a tree can die for a variety of reasons, the most typical being root damage, disease, attack by pests or light deficiency.
Whilst the objective of safety is the most frequent reason for removing dead branches, the process can also be carried out for aesthetic reasons and for the overall benefit of the tree itself. An excessive number of dead, damaged and dying branches can attract disease and insect infestation, so removing these impaired branches can greatly improve the health of a tree. Dead wood can also make a tree look unattractive, and by removing most of this, you can make it look more appealing.
Generally only substantial dead branches will be taken out, because small ones present very little risk. On the other hand, where trees are hanging over a public space, a highway, a garden, a dwelling or a park in Westbury, it may be essential to remove any dead wood that's over fifty millimetres in diameter.
Air-Spading Westbury
There are various factors that can have an impact on the health of your trees, and the tree's root system is one place to consider when you have cause for concern. So as to check for root rot, soil compaction, or other issues, a certified Westbury tree surgeon might need to access the roots of your tree.
Because of the chance of root damage during the digging down process, this was difficult to do during the past. To effectively break down and clear away compressed soil without causing damage to tree roots or utilities, a contemporary method which is often used by tree surgeons is "air spading".
The soil surrounding tree roots can sometimes become compacted by construction work, heavy foot traffic or passing vehicles, and this can have a negative effect on the general health of a tree. When a tree becomes "stressed" it's more prone to attacks by insects, pests and disease, and this stress can be caused by a lack of water and nutrients. Also ideal for correcting root flare issues, air-spading can be employed to remove the soil from the base of a tree which has become covered in an excess of soil, increasing the chance of root decay.
The ingenious air spading process involves the use of an air-spade tool and an air compressor which directs air into the soil at speeds of up to twelve hundred miles per hour, the air penetrates the voids in the soil and instantly breaks it up, while leaving tree roots and utilities unaffected. All the compacted soil is blown away from the roots by the powerful air flow, meaning the investigation can take place immediately. The soil can then be replaced with wood mulch and fertiliser to encourage the tree to rejuvenate, and resolve any problems. (Tags: Air-Spading Westbury, Air-Spade Westbury, Air-Spade Investigations Westbury).
Chainsaws in Tree Surgery
Probably the most commonplace tool used by experienced tree surgeons in Westbury, the chainsaw is also the most dangerous in the wrong hands. The most popular type of chainsaw with professional users is the petrol driven version, being easily handled and more portable, although nowadays it is possible to buy mains operated and rechargeable battery chainsaws. Where thick limbs and large tree trunks need cutting, such heavy tree work calls for the use of the most robust petrol chainsaws.
A chainsaw basically comprises a rotating engine-driven chain which is armed with a series of razor-sharp teeth that readily cut through the bark of a tree and the wood beneath. For the different tasks that are called for, there are various styles of chainsaw, pole saws for hard to reach branches and long distance pruning, rear-handled for working on the ground (two handed) and top-handled for working at height (and which can be operated single handedly if necessary).
Although holding a twirling blade whilst balancing precariously high up in a tree is definitely not the safest job on the planet, it's pretty rare to see an experienced Westbury tree surgeon who doesn't use a chainsaw in his/her day-to-day activities. Being fully trained in the safe use of chainsaws is a key requirement for any tree surgeon, and is vital before they can be approved by the ISA or the AA (Arboricultural Association).
For any individual looking to purchase a chainsaw in the United Kingdom, there are several brands to choose from, but the most preferred by specialist tree surgeons are Makita, Husqvarna, Stihl and Hyundai.
Required Skills for Tree Surgeons in Westbury
- Be professional and capable of completing tasks within a specified time frame.
- Physical skills such as movement and coordination.
- The ability to work well with other people.
- Have essential computer skills and know how to accomplish basic tasks with handheld devices.
- To be thorough and pay attention to detail.
- Excellent customer skills.
- Have the ability to work well with your hands.
- Have a good understanding of public safety.
- Be mindful of the complexities and dangers involved in all areas of work.
- Have the ability to repair, use and maintain machines and tools.
- Patience and the ability to stay calm and focused in stressful situations.
Tree Surgery - Safety Aspects
The health and safety issue is one of the key concerns when you're doing tree surgery, because if done badly it can certainly be a dangerous process. There are many factors that may go amiss if the individuals doing the project are unqualified or inexperienced. Among the most familiar situations are falling branches and timber, neglecting to cordon-off the area to protect the general public and vehicles, no fall protection, in the form of ropes, harnesses and platforms, not using eyesight or hearing protection, an absence of head protection and failure to put on cut resistant (chainsaw resistant) apparel (specifically leggings and boots). In jeopardy because of such incompetencies are the building connected to the property, garden sheds and fences, facilities on the street, the actual tree, the groundsman, the home owners, passers by, stationary and passing vehicles, the tree surgeon (person in the tree).
Wood Chipping Westbury
Most Westbury tree surgeons will use wood chipping devices to chop up the smaller limbs and branches that are generated by their work. Speedily gobbling up as much as 40 tons of material per hour, these impressive wood chipping machines can handle as much as you are able to feed into them. Even the smaller, more commonly used machines can process a respectable five tons per hour without much problem.
Chopped down material is naturally a lot easier to transport, taking up a lot less space in the tree surgeon's wagon, and can also be used for ecosystem restoration, cultivating mushrooms, mulch in gardening, landscaping, biomass fuel, weed prevention, wood pulp and garden walkways, to name but a few.
If you've a use for the wood chips that have been created during your tree surgery assignment, tree surgeons in Westbury will usually be happy to let you have however much you need, and they'll take away the rest to use on other projects, or dispose of ethically. As I'm sure you will have realised by reading this article, tree surgeons are the best source for wood chippings that you can use for various purposes in your garden in Westbury, whether or not you actually need tree surgery. Wood chippings are often available from tree surgeons free, although if you need them to be delivered there will likely be a fee.
Forest Master, Timberwolf, Crytec and Hyundai, are among the most popular brands of wood chipping equipment.
Firewood & Logs Westbury
If you're searching for logs or firewood in Westbury, tree surgeons are often a good source for this commodity. As the majority of their days are spent cutting down branches and trees, it is no great surprise that many choose to adopt this as a lucrative sideline.
Recently cut logs and branches are frequently available "free to collector" from certain Westbury tree surgeons, who are simply happy to get shot of them. Other local tree surgeons, who have the room to store them, will dry out and season the logs and sell them off by the bag or tonne, and will often even deliver them for you.
Logs having a moisture content of below 20% are ideal for burning on your open fire or log burning stove, and these will have been dried out for twelve months or more. Typically tree surgeons in Westbury will have stocks of hardwood logs, and the advantage of these is that they give a long, sustained burn, and provide many hours of comforting heat. The downside of hardwood is that it can be quite difficult to get lit, so if you can get hold of a few softwood logs, these are fantastic for initially getting your fire started. (Tags: Firewood Logs Westbury, Firewood Westbury, Softwood Firewood Westbury, Logs and Firewood Westbury).
Cable Bracing Westbury
A method which is used to offer support to a tree when it is showing signs of decay or damage or is a risk to nearby property or persons, cable bracing can be extremely useful in the right situation. Where the wish is to avoid felling a tree or removing large, unsafe sections, because the tree is valuable or old, cable bracing is an effective solution.
In order to support weak limbs, poor joints and V-shaped forks in a tree, a purpose designed cable bracing setup can be employed. Through the installation of cables and rods most Westbury tree surgeons will be prepared to alleviate structural tension and prolong the life of old and valuable trees using different forms of bracing work.
Cable bracing does not cause further damage to the tree (as could happen when drilling and bolting the branches), and offers a shock-absorbing and flexible method of support that is basically non-invasive. A thorough risk risk assessment must be conducted by a tree surgeon or arborist before any actual cable bracing work can commence. This is vital to guarantee the safety of the tree and encompassing areas as the project progresses.
Protecting Trees & Shrubs in Winter
Even though the winter weather conditions are seldom severe enough to warrant protecting your shrubs and trees, it is certainly worth looking at as a precautionary measure. Even the most hardy of plants, shrubs and trees can find it hard during winter, and a bit of extra protection in times of intense cold will unquestionably be a benefit.
When you've got trees on your property in Westbury, it is storms and high winds that cause the biggest concerns, and they might still be susceptible even though the majority of them will have already dropped their leaves come winter, thus being less wind resistant. If you are concerned about a tree's condition, or it looks like it could topple over, you should get in touch with a tree surgeon to check it out and carry out a risk assessment. Trees and tree branches can also suffer damage due to heavy snowfall, so be on the lookout for damage in this kind of weather. Some shrubs and trees, particularly freshly planted ones, might require some protection from frost and ice, and a thick covering of mulch will help to keep the soil frost-free around their bases.
Tree Surgery Tasks Westbury
Westbury tree surgeons can normally help you with stump grinding, tree reshaping, woodland clearances in Westbury, stump treatment, site clearance in Westbury, tree planning Westbury, fruit tree pruning, tree cutting in Westbury, root removal, cut sealing, eco plug treatments, crown reduction, commercial tree surgery, brush cutting in Westbury, safety inspections, landscape clearance, hedge reduction Westbury, woodland management, crown removal, tree felling Westbury, arboriculture, dead wood removal in Westbury, airspading, tree dismantling Westbury, crown raising, root grinding Westbury, vegetation management, dead wooding, decompaction, tree watering and other tree surgeon services in Westbury, Wiltshire. These are just an example of the tasks that are accomplished by a local tree surgeon. Westbury professionals will be happy to inform you of their whole range of services.
Tree Surgeons Nearby
Also find: Yarnbrook tree surgeon, Bratton tree surgeon, Upton Scudamore tree surgeon, Berkley tree surgeon, Standerwick tree surgeon, Dilton Marsh tree surgeon, Westbury Leigh tree surgeon, Old Dilton tree surgeon, North Bradley tree surgeon, Hawkeridge tree surgeon and more. Most of these villages and towns are covered by tree surgeons. Homeowners in these places can acquire price quotes for tree surgery by going here.
Tree Care Services Westbury
- Westbury Arboriculture
- Westbury Tree Felling
- Westbury Soil Terravention
- Westbury Tree Pruning
- Westbury Cable Bracing
- Westbury Root Removal
- Westbury Site Clearance
- Westbury Vegetation Management
- Westbury Air-Spading
- Westbury Forestry Management
- Westbury Root Decompaction
- Westbury Tree Cutting
- Westbury Woodland Management
- Westbury Tree Management
Tree Surgeon Jobs Westbury: Find Westbury tree surgeon jobs here: Westbury Tree Surgeon Jobs
For the latest local information regarding Westbury, Wiltshire take a look here
Tree Surgery BA13 area, phone code 01373.
Stump Grinding Westbury - Tree Pruning Westbury - Tree Surgery Westbury - Crown Lifting Westbury - Tree Surgeon Westbury - Forest Management Westbury - BA13 - Arboriculture Westbury - 01373