Services RSS feedFinding A Tree Surgeon
What should I be looking for?
When you are looking for a tree surgeon, it can be difficult to know both where to look and what you should be looking for. Tree surgeons commonly advertise in the local press and such publications as the Yellow Pages and Thomson directories. However, an advert is not a guarantee of competence or safety as there are no formal requirements to calling oneself a Tree Surgeon. In order to be confident you are employing the right Tree surgeon, there are several questions you should ask first.
- Are they a member of the Aboricultural Association
? - Do they have adequate insurance? A least £2m public liability insurance is recommended.
- Do they have adequate training? For example, National Proficiency Tests Council (NTPC) are essential for chainsaw work. Whilst other qualifications such as a National Certificate or Diploma aren't essential, they do identify those tree surgeons with more than just a practical knowledge.
- Do they work to recognised national standards? All treework should be carried out to British Standard 3998
- Are they a member of a professional organisation? Whilst not all competent tree surgeons are members of a professional organisation, you can expect those who are to carry out work to a high standard.
In addition to the above, you should ensure that you obtain a written quotation prior to work commencing and confirm with us that the trees aren't protected by law. Finally, confirm with the tree surgeon that it is his responsibility to remove any waste arising such as branches and any loppings.
What can a tree surgeon do?
Tree surgeons are able to advise how best to care for your tree, determining what type of pruning is necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance and safety of trees. These techniques include:
- eliminating branches that rub together
- removing limbs that interfere with wires, building facades, gutters, roofs or chimneys
- removing dead or weak limbs that pose a hazard or may lead to decay
- removing diseased or insect-infested limbs
- creating better structure to lessen wind resistance and reduce the potential for storm damage
- training young trees through formative pruning
- removing limbs damaged by adverse weather conditions
- thinning or removal of branches to increase light penetration
- improving the shape or silhouette of the tree
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