Bexley Tree Surgeons (DA5): Offering welcome shade on hot summers days, providing home and shelter for our ever diminishing wildlife and producing essential oxygen for our living environment, trees are awesome things to have and enjoy in our gardens. However, trees are living things and can either get damaged by windy conditions, get much too huge for our gardens in Bexley or become unhealthy and diseased. If you are having concerns about your trees in Bexley, the best person to contact is a tree surgeon.
Who you gonna call? Tree surgeons! - Playing a key role in the general care and maintenance of trees, tree surgeons offer services to both domestic and commercial customers in Bexley. Tree related services like: felling and removal, hazard assessments and inspections, safe tree planting, the pruning of intrusive, dead or weak branches, together with general tree care, are only a few examples of what a competent Bexley tree surgeon can provide.
However, it isn't just trees that float a tree surgeon's boat! Stump removal, hedge care, trimming and maintenance, are additional duties that a tree surgeon in Bexley can take on. The best individual to call if you have any doubts about a tree's structural integrity is a tree surgeon, since they'll be in a position to examine your tree, put together a report on potential hazards, and give you suggestions about the best way to proceed.
Any intelligent person in Bexley would recognise that tree surgery is an exceedingly dangerous undertaking, and that it should not be handled by anyone that is not professionally trained. It wouldn't be a smart decision to bypass and go for a do-it-yourself approach, although this may appear to be an attractive option. Tree surgeons have to be physically fit, experienced and qualified to carry out the work they are required to do.
Oftentimes, tree surgery and maintenance involves using dangerous chainsaws and power tools whilst harnessed to the tree and elevated in the air. So, you can see why it is not a task for beginners! To complete a tree surgery project, a gang of tree surgeons who are all experts at what they do, will usually be involved, and this is likely to include both a ground team and climbers. Competing with this level of experience, competence and risk assessment to carry out the work, would be nigh on impossible for any unqualified individual.
Upon deciding that you need the assistance of a tree surgeon in Bexley, the first step is to identify a really good one that can be trusted. But, how is this to be accomplished? Well, there are a few things you will need to check, such as costs and qualifications. Now, we will provide you with some handy tips for obtaining the ideal tree surgeon to care for, carry out and maintain your tree needs.
Ensuring they have the right certifications is the first step in assuring you that they're competent and properly trained. The National Proficiency Tests Council is the main governing body issuing certifications to tree surgeons. The following qualifications should be a minimum requirement for any tree surgeon in Bexley:
- NPTC 308 (CS39) - Operate a chainsaw from rope and harness.
- NPTC 201/202 (CS30) - Basic crosscutting & chainsaw maintenance.
- NPTC 203 (CS31) - Fell and process small trees up to 380mm diameter.
- NPTC 206/306 (CS38) - Tree climbing and rescue.
Having these certifications both demonstrates that they've got a good level of training, and provides you with the peace of mind that the task will be completed in a safe and successful way, even though tree surgeons are not legally required to hold such qualifications. It's also essential that arborists, tree surgeons and forestry workers do some basic First Aid training, and that they carry an appropriate First Aid kit in accordance with HSE workplace guidelines.
Next off, you can ask a few tree surgeons in Bexley to prepare different quotes for the tree surgery work, and check the breakdown of costs. You may discover that the removal and disposal of the large amount of waste normally produced by tree surgery and maintenance will sometimes not be included in the costs quoted. The waste removal process can involve enormous cost and inconvenience to the customer, consequently if it is possible to have the tree surgeons remove this waste themselves, it would certainly be preferable.
Also, when chatting to potential tree surgeons in Bexley, ensure you're ready to ask a number of key questions in relation to your tree care needs. You will, for example, need to know who is going to be doing the job, and who will be working on your property. Is meeting them before work begins a possibility? Will it be a gang of people or just one individual working alone? Exactly how long is the work going to take? What techniques of tree surgery or removal will be used on the tree? What will the impact on my neighbours or my home be?
To avert any nasty surprises later on, ask lots of questions.
You should also pay attention to the things your tree surgeon says. Pay particular attention to the ways in which they describe the tree surgery work they are going to carry out, as this can give you clues about their level of knowledge and experience. If the term 'topping and lopping' is mentioned, it is recommended that you look for a different tree surgeon, since this is a rather old-fashioned term, which shows a lack of knowledge in modern tree surgery. Terminology like 'thinning', 'pollarding', 'crown reduction', 'pruning' and 'crown lifting', should be what you hear from an experienced, professional and skilled tree surgeon in Bexley. Whilst this alone should not be seen as proof of ability, in relation to the expertise of your tree surgeon, it can often be a valuable clue.
In summary, it's always worth consulting a number of tree surgeons in Bexley regarding any possible tree surgery or tree care requirements you might have. If you find the best one, you can count on having an expertly undertaken job, taking all possible hazards into account and making sure that all of your needs are fully met in a timely manner.
Stump Grinding
It is important to it is wise to bring in a firm with the proper gear and knowhow, when you need to have specialist services such as stump grinding done in Bexley. Any self-respecting tree surgeon in Bexley will appreciate the significance of removing every remnant of the tree stump to at least a twelve inch depth, so it will not come back. Having access to the right stump grinding machinery means that your tree surgeon will have the ability to remove stumps and roots to right up against walls and structures while avoiding damage. Even any awkward tree stumps which are located in alleys and passageways, can be removed using the correct machinery. Where big trees need to be removed the tree stump that's left can be rather substantial and the main roots will go down to a significant depth, requiring a herculean effort to deal with them them. (Tags: Stump Grinding Bexley, Tree Stump Grinding Bexley, Stump Removal Bexley)
Tree Surgery - Safety Considerations
One of the key worries with carrying out tree surgery in Bexley is the safety aspect, since this is a risky and dangerous enterprise if handled badly. If the "tradespeople" engaged in the tree surgery are inexperienced or incapable, there are many factors that can easily lead to injury or disaster such as not using eyesight or hearing protection, failure to put on cut-proof (chainsaw-proof) clothing (particularly leggings and boots), falling branches and timber, an absence of head protection, hardly any protection from falling, in the form of ropes, platforms and harnesses and neglecting to cordon-off the area to protect vehicles and the public. What can be at risk because of these inadequacies are garden features and fencing, passers by, facilities on the street, employees at ground level, the tree surgeon (up the tree), nearby properties, stationary and passing vehicles, the tree itself, the home owners.
The ISA (International Society of Arboriculture)
A non-profit international organisation with its headquarters in the USA, the International Society of Arboriculture is usually referred to just as the ISA. Providing credentials for tree care specialists across the world, the ISA is a membership association that supports the professional practice of arboriculture.
With its focus firmly on technology, research and education, the ISA endorses best tree care practice through educational services, events and publications, allowing those in the tree care industry to improve their arboricultural expertise, knowledge and skills.
After signing an agreement with them the Arboricultural Association proudly became an associate organisation of the ISA in mid-2016. This substantially strengthened the relationship between the two bodies and offered additional opportunities for ISA members in the United Kingdom and Ireland. UK Arboricultural Association members can now benefit from being an integral part of a wide and diverse global tree care network. With professional affiliates and associate organisations in New Zealand, Asia, Australia, South Africa, Europe, and the UK, the ISA now boasts over 22,000 members internationally.
Leylandii Hedge Removal
Leylandii hedges are a favoured option among Bexley property owners who seek rapid growth and privacy. However, they can rapidly become overgrown and burdensome to maintain. Before removing a Leylandii hedge, it is crucial to think about a few critical factors. The first essential point is to verify that there are no legal protections in place for the hedge, such as a Tree Preservation Order. If the hedge is covered by legal safeguards, you must obtain the local council's consent before removing it. Also, Leylandii hedges can have intricate root structures, stressing the need to engage a certified tree surgeon to safely remove the hedge and its roots. Finally, it's crucial to dispose of the hedge waste in a responsible and eco-friendly way after its removal. To wrap up, removing a Leylandii hedge can be a challenging and potentially hazardous task, highlighting the importance of taking the appropriate safety measures and potentially seeking the guidance of an expert.
Firewood and Logs Bexley
Tree surgeons are usually a good source for logs and firewood in Bexley, if you happen to be in the market for this useful commodity. As felling trees and lopping off branches is part of their daily schedule, this is a natural sideline for the enterprising tree surgeon.
Some tree surgeons in the Bexley area may be willing to let you have logs and branches cost-free, as they always have an excess of them to get rid of, while others will require paying for chopped and seasoned logs which are dried out and ready to burn.
The best logs for burning on your open fire or log burner will have a moisture level of less than twenty percent, and will have been dried out for at least a year. Normally tree surgeons in Bexley will have supplies of assorted hardwood logs, and the advantage of these is that they give a long, sustained burn, providing several hours of heat. The drawback of hardwood logs is that they can be quite tricky to light, therefore if you can pick up a few softwood logs, these are fantastic for getting your fire started.
Dutch Elm Disease
A fungal disease which has killed many millions of precious elm trees all over the British Isles over the past 50 yrs or so, Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) is not quite as big a concern as it once was. Inadvertently imported into the British Isles from North America (Canada) in the late 1960s, Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is spread by the elm bark beetle and caused by a fungus called Ophiostoma novo-ulmi.
After its arrival, it spread swiftly through the nationwide transportation of elm products like mulching bark, saplings, elm crates, and logs with the bark still attached. This horrific disease did not just impact elms in the British Isles, but also decimated elm stocks in continental Europe and North America. While the origins of DED are unproven, the suspicion is that it first originated in Asia (possibly Japan).
DED normally first manifests in early summer, and the main symptoms are:
- Foliage that turns yellow, wilts and dies.
- Twigs that turn into a "shepherd's crook" shape.
- New shoots that die back from the tips.
- Dark streaks under the bark of twigs.
The spread of DED has been dramatically slowed down by the removal of infected, dead and dying trees, which has essentially decimated the favourite habitat of the beetle. New saplings have also been propagated from elms that have proved to be resistant so far.
If you have elms on your property in Bexley, and suspect that they may be affected by Dutch Elm Disease, contact your local tree surgeon for guidance, or ask for a diagnosis from the Tree Health Diagnostic & Advisory Service (THDAS).
Trees affected - Ulmus and Zelkova.
Spread by - beetles of the Scolytus family.
Cause - fungi Ophiostoma Ulmi and Ophiostoma Novo-Ulmi.
Fundamental Skills for Tree Surgeons in Bexley
- Be aware of the dangers and complexities involved in all aspects of tree work.
- The cabability to work happily with others.
- To be methodical and pay attention to detail.
- Physical skills such as co-ordination and movement.
- To be able to undertake common tasks on a computer or hand-held device.
- Patience and the ability to stay focused in times of stress.
- Be professional and capable of completing work within the set time frame.
- Be capable of maintaining, using and repairing equipment and tools.
- Good knowledge of public safety.
- Have the ability to work with your hands.
- Customer service skills.
Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus Fraxineus)
First recorded in the British Isles in 2021, ash dieback is a dangerous fungal disease that's expected to decimate around 80% of the current ash tree stock, over the coming years. Following the Dutch Elm Disease disaster, which decimated the UK's elm trees, ash dieback is almost certain to have huge ramifications for our beloved countryside.
A damaging disease of trees of the Fraxinus genus, ash dieback has an especially devastating effect on the Fraxinus excelsior (common ash), British Fraxinus excelsior (common or European ash). Originating in eastern Asia where the native Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) and Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis) are less seriously affected by it, the fungus which causes ash dieback is known as Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (H. fraxineus), and it kills the tree by obstructing its water transport (vascular) systems.
Rapidly spread by minute spores which can be blown for miles on the wind, ash dieback is prevalent in most areas of Great Britain with mortality rates of up to 85 percent.
The noticeable signs of ash dieback are:
- New epicormic growth appearing from previously dormant buds (common in trees under stress).
- Dark brown necrotic lesions (often diamond shaped) form where branches meet the trunk, and the inner bark under the lesions looks brownish grey.
- Leaves that develop dark patches during mid to late summer.
- Dying leaves and shoots which are visible during the summertime.
- Leaves that wilt, turn black and fall prematurely.
Even ash trees which have the ability to fight off the infection, are attacked year-on-year and ultimately succumb and perish. There's not yet any cure for ash dieback, and because it's an airborne disease, no certain way of stopping it spreading.
Although the "Tree Alert Service" provided by the Forestry Commission is currently only interested in hearing about cases reported in new areas where it has not previously been recorded, if you're concerned about an ash tree on your property in Bexley, you should bring in a local tree surgeon to affirm that you're correct in your diagnosis and suggest a suitable plan of action.
A Tree Surgeons's Daily Duties
- Produce tree survey reports for both domestic and commercial customers.
- Evaluate tree health and treatments.
- Establish dangers presented by trees.
- Tree planting and transplanting.
- Prepare on-site or telephone quotations for customers.
- Fell and remove trees and perform stump grinding.
- Be competent using power tools and other powered machinery.
- Chip and cut logs and branches.
- Deal with customers and complete administrative tasks.
- Tidy up area upon completion and remove waste products from client's site.
- Climb trees to prune or remove branches as required.
- Service equipment like chainsaws and wood chippers.
Vegetation Control
Tree surgeons do not only tackle the removal and care of trees alone, they will also deal with all sorts of vegetation which might be choking your property and spoiling the whole area. Quality tree surgeons will normally be more than happy to cut down and remove bushes, weeds, overgrown vegetation and shrubs that may be taking hold around sheds, garages, drives, buildings or pathways, and generally causing a nuisance. If you are to manage your precious garden properly then all of this accumulating growth ought to be removed frequently, and if you find you have the inclination and time then this is certainly a job that you can do on your own if you are fit and able, or you can book in a local tree surgeon to call every few months to keep it under control. Vegetation management is vital if you're going to maintain easy and safe access to all areas of your garden and if this is neglected the vegetation will very quickly get out of control and ruin your enjoyment of the garden. Apart from anything else the garden will look a picture when properly maintained. (Tags: Vegetation Control Bexley, Vegetation Management Bexley, De-Vegetation Services Greater London)
Chainsaws
The most dangerous and perhaps the most common piece of equipment which is used by Bexley tree surgeons, is the chainsaw. Due to their ease of use and greater portability, petrol chainsaws are the most popular with tree care professionals, although mains electric and battery models are available. For heavy tree work, the only realistic choice is to use petrol driven chainsaws, given that they are able to effortlessly cut through limbs and branches of any dimensions, and are exceptionally robust and powerful.
A chainsaw essentially consists of a revolving motor-driven chain which is armed with a series of razor-sharp teeth that slice through the bark and inner wood of a tree. There are also different types of chainsaw, rear-handled for work at ground level (two handed), top-handled for working at height (and which can be operated with one hand if necessary) and pole saws for long distance pruning and hard to reach branches.
Although holding onto a spinning blade while precariously balancing high up in a tree isn't the safest job in the world, it's pretty rare to find a professional Bexley tree surgeon who does not use a chainsaw in his/her daily work. One of the primary requirements for membership of the AA (Arboricultural Association), is that tree surgeons have to be fully trained in the maintenance and safe use of chainsaws.
The most popular manufacturers of chainsaw used in the UK by tree care professionals are Makita, Stihl, Hyundai and Husqvarna, although of course there are quite a few different brands.
Hedge Trimming Bexley
Whilst focusing mostly on specialist tree care work, Bexley tree surgeons are quite often also involved in the trimming and upkeep of hedges. Householders will find conifer hedges such as Leylandii difficult to cope with, since they grow tall very swiftly - therefore a tree surgeon may be needed.
When uncared for and poorly maintained a hedge can fairly quickly become overgrown and out of control. It's a good idea to trim your hedges on a routine basis, and this is not simply to stop them from overwhelm your garden, but also to make them more aesthetically appealing and stronger.
If your intentions are to sell your property, tidy hedges will help make your whole garden neater, and could even increase the value of your home in Bexley. (Tags: Hedge Trimming Bexley, Hedge Cutting Bexley, Hedge Clipping Bexley, Hedge Shaping Bexley).
Tree Surgery Tasks Bexley
Bexley tree surgeons will likely help with tree staking, tree surveys, tree inspections in Bexley, landscaping in Bexley, airspading, root pruning, vegetation management, tree lopping, hazard assessment, formative pruning, eco-plugging, crown thinning, root grinding, site clearance in Bexley, arboriculture, coppicing in Bexley, soil terraventing, landscape clearance Bexley, retrenchment pruning in Bexley, crown lifting, tree topping, tree watering, pest management, tree management, commercial tree care Bexley, root decompaction, emergency tree surgery, crown cleaning, brush cutting services, drop crotching in Bexley, tree cutting, tree work, tree removal in Bexley, tree replanting, stump treatment and other tree surgeon services in Bexley, Greater London. These are just a selection of the duties that are conducted by tree surgeons. Bexley professionals will keep you informed about their entire range of services.
Tree Surgeons Near Bexley
Also find: Sidcup tree surgeons, Wilmington tree surgeons, Leyton Cross tree surgeons, Slade Green tree surgeons, Chislehurst tree surgeons, Northumberland Heath tree surgeons, Blackfen tree surgeons, Coldblow tree surgeons, Dartford tree surgeons, Bexleyheath tree surgeons, Crayford tree surgeons, Albany Park tree surgeons, Welling tree surgeons, Hook Green tree surgeons, Barnehurst tree surgeons, North Cray tree surgeons and more. The majority of these villages and towns are catered for by local tree surgeons. Local residents can get tree surgery price quotes by clicking here.
More Bexley Trades: Naturally, whenever you happen to be having tree surgery done in Bexley, Greater London, you will likely be in need of other garden related services, and apart from a tree surgeon in Bexley, Greater London, you may additionally need garden shed installation in Bexley, garden designers in Bexley, soil irrigation in Bexley, fence fitters in Bexley, pond maintenance in Bexley, artificial grass installers in Bexley, patio cleaning in Bexley, hard landscaping in Bexley, hedge cutting in Bexley, decking fitters in Bexley, block paving in Bexley, SKIP HIRE in Bexley, garden digging services in Bexley, rubbish removal in Bexley, lawn mowing services in Bexley, garden clearances in Bexley, and other different Bexley tradespeople.
(Created with tree surgeons Bexley text version three.)
More: Stump Treatment, Crown Raising, Stump Treatment, Tree Replanting, Eco-Plugging, Stump Treatment, Tree Reduction, Wood Chipping, Stump Removal, Tree Felling, Tree Bracing, Stump Removal, Hedge Reduction, Woodland Management, Soil Terravention, Tree Reduction, Tree Inspections, Stump Grinding, Tree Reshaping, Tree Cutting, Crown Cleaning, Stump Removal, Tree Reduction, Tree Management, Shrub Maintenance, Tree Replanting, Hedge Planting, Tree Planning, Site Clearance, Hedge Cutting.
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