Cambourne Tree Surgeons (CB23) Cambridgeshire: A vital feature of many gardens and properties in Cambourne, trees add structure, style and substance to what can often be a dull and two dimensional area. But when poorly maintained or damaged by extreme weather conditions, for instance gales or flooding, trees can be a bit of a problem. If you need to have work carried out on your trees, it's the best option to consult a professional tree surgeon in Cambourne, for their guidance before any work commences.
Using unqualified individuals for tree work or trying to do the work yourself, could harm your trees, cause damage to property, or even lead to injury or death. However, tree work isn't altogether safe for professional tree surgeons, who know about all the dangers involved. There are an average of 140 serious injuries and 3 deaths a year within the profession, making it one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK and definitely not for amateurs to try.
With falling branches or trees causing around five fatalities each year in Britain, a risk to life can even be posed by a damaged or neglected tree. If an injury occurs, or property is damaged due to you hiring someone to perform tree work, you could be liable to third-party compensation claims. These are merely a few of the reasons why it is imperative to use an experienced tree surgeon to do the work on your trees. (Source - HSE).
A competent Cambourne tree surgeon will likely be a signed up member of one or both of the 2 main trade bodies. You can check the membership and professional status of any tree surgeon in Cambourne on the websites of either the International Society of Arboriculture or the Arboricultural Association. This page allows you to check out if any particular local tree surgeon has recognised Approved ARB Contractor status, and has membership of either of these associations.
You are able to make contact with these trade bodies for mediation assistance and for help and guidance, if there's a problem at any point during the course of the tree work, or after it has been finished.
If someone offers you a quote for any tree work and they're not on this directory list, you should courteously decline their offer of work and carry on with your search for an approved tree surgeon. It's wise to get at least 3 quotes from different companies in Cambourne, as soon as you have meticulously checked their professional memberships and qualifications. There are several important questions that you must ask while you're acquiring the quotations, and because of the risks involved in tree work, you should make it abundantly clear that you really need the answers. You should for example ask:
- Would I be able to to contact a person you have recently worked for, so that I can assess your workmanship? Doing an independent check on any recent work is always a good idea.
- What level of insurance cover have you got? Do not consider a tree surgeon in Cambourne with any less than five million pounds public liability insurance as outlined by the ISA and AA.
- Do you have documents to demonstrate that you have the correct qualifications, membership of the AA or ISA, and also a certificate for the use of a chainsaw from the NPTC/LANTRA? The NPTC/LANTRA certificate is required by law for any worker/tree surgeon using a chainsaw. Qualifications may include National Diplomas and Certificates in Arboriculture.
- Do you give quotations in writing? Only ever accept a written quote. NEVER take a verbal quote only.
The written quote should include clear and concise details about the tree work to be undertaken. It should include details about any trees which might be protected, and the necessary steps to get permission to carry out work on them, and also state who is responsible for the removal of tree branches, stumps and waste. You should also ensure VAT has been included on the quotation. It is vitally important that only skilled tradespeople are hired to work on your trees and property, and this is wholly down to you.
PRIOR TO WORK BEGINNING - The tree surgeon you have selected in Cambourne, will be able to look into whether any of the trees on your property are subject to a TPO, and will consult with the local authority to find out if the go-ahead for any tree surgery is forthcoming. Even protected trees require maintenance in order to cut back old or damaged wood and ensure the safety of the public, so finding a tree has protected status doesn't imply that work cannot still be carried out.
At least 6 weeks written notice must be given to the Local Planning Authority before any tree work can be conducted, if your property in Cambourne is situated in a designated conservation area. This is only required for trees with a trunk diameter of over 7.5 centimetres in diameter, at a point 1.5 metres above ground level. Written notice is also not required if thinning or pruning of a protected tree's branches is vital to sustain and promote growth.
On site they'll perform a complete assessment of your trees and determine the remedial treatment needed and how the required outcome can be achieved with safety in mind. This will include a risk assessment of any areas that may be impacted by falling branches and debris, such as on your property, in public areas, and on the properties of your neighbours. The level of protection needed and the number of operatives required, will also be determined at this stage. This will include various safety precautions along with PPE (personal protective equipment) to guarantee the safety of the general public and nearby property.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - Cones, barriers and safety measures will be put in place before any tree felling, climbing or cutting of branches begins, to keep unauthorised persons away from the area where work is going on. Traffic may need to be stopped temporarily if there's any threat of debris falling onto a public highway.
According to the type of work that's called for a tree surgeon will need varying degrees of protection. At the very least they need to be wearing specialist protective clothing to prevent cutting injuries to the legs, hands and torso, when doing chainsaw work. Head and eye protection, and high-vis clothing, must be worn by all operatives involved in the work.
Additional operatives will generally be required to assist in the safe 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 deployed. For transporting waste materials away from the work area, a skip or truck will be parked as close as possible to the area. This requirement for easy access is as good a reason as any for informing your next door neighbours of the work you are intending to do.
AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK - Upon completion of all the tree work, the area can be cleared of all debris, and all of the waste materials can be hauled away. Your tree surgeon should then prepare and sign off a certificate of work done, a copy of which will be given to you. This is especially important where protected trees are concerned. If any public spaces needed safety measures, this protection can be removed and highways and paths will be re-opened.
Problems or issues should be rectified straight away by approaching the tree surgeon directly. If your tree surgeon is a registered member of a professional body, you can receive guidance and advice from the Arboricultural Association or the International Society of Arboriculture so as to reach a satisfactory solution, if there is any further dispute.
Tree Removal Cambourne
When a tree becomes unsafe, diseased, or has outgrown its spot, removal is often a necessary task. Although trees are an important part of our environment, there are times when they can pose risks to nearby homes or even to people. Issues like overhanging branches, root damage, or the threat of a tree falling may make removal the safest choice. It's not something to take lightly, but when it's necessary, it can greatly improve the safety and use of your outdoor area in Cambourne, giving you much-needed peace of mind.
Tree removal isn't quite as simple as it may look, especially when it comes to larger trees. It involves thorough planning and having the right tools to ensure everything is carried out safely and effectively. Professional tree surgeons have the experience to properly assess the tree and identify the best way to remove it with minimal effect on the surrounding area. They'll also take care of disposing of the tree, which really saves you a lot of trouble. If you try to remove a tree on your own, it can be quite risky, so it's always a good idea to hire an expert for complex or larger jobs.
After a tree has been taken down, it can create new opportunities for your outdoor space. The additional sunlight can help nearby plants thrive, and the newly available area can be put to good use, perhaps as a patio, a driveway, or even a garden feature. Whether you're removing a tree for safety reasons or to enhance the layout of your garden, doing so carefully can truly transform your outdoor area in Cambourne, making it more enjoyable for many years ahead. (Tags: Tree Removal Cambourne).
Management of Vegetation
Tree care professionals don't only take care of the removal and care of trees alone, they'll additionally help with all sorts of vegetation that may be choking your property and spoiling the whole area. Many tree care specialists will be willing to cut down and remove overgrown vegetation, weeds, shrubs and bushes which might be growing close to buildings, paths, drives, patios or sheds, and creating a nuisance. If you're to manage your garden properly then all this excessive growth needs to be cut down regularly, and if you find you've got the inclination and time then this is definitely something you may do on your own if you're fit and healthy, or you can get your local tree surgeon to call annually to make sure it is looking good. The management of vegetation is a must if you're to have easy and safe access to all parts of your garden and if this is ignored the plants and vegetation can pretty quickly become a menace and take a lot of the enjoyment out of your garden. Aside from everything else the garden will look better when maintained properly. (Tags: Vegetation Management Cambourne, De-Vegetation Services Cambridgeshire, Vegetation Control Cambridgeshire)
Ash Dieback
Expected to devastate close to 80 percent of the current United Kingdom ash trees, over the coming years, ash dieback is a chronic fungal disease of ash trees, the first case of which was documented in England in 2012. Set to have huge ramifications for our beloved countryside, ash dieback is destined to be just as disastrous as the previous outbreak of Dutch Elm Disease (DED).
A disease that affects the Fraxinus genus of trees, it has an especially devastating effect on Fraxinus excelsior, the native British common ash. Originating in eastern Asia where the native Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis) and Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) are less susceptible to it, the fungus which causes ash dieback is known as Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (H. fraxineus), and it kills off a tree by blocking its water transport (vascular) systems.
Already present in most parts of Britain, ash dieback (or chalara ash dieback) is dispersed by wind blown spores released from the fruiting bodies of the fungus, and can travel for tens of miles.
The unmistakeable signs of ash dieback are:
- The formation of necrotic lesions where branches join the trunk.
- Leaves that develop dark patches during mid to late summer.
- New shoots and leaves that are visibly dying during the growing season.
- Wilting leaves that turn black and drop prematurely.
- New epicormic growth appearing from buds that were dormant previously.
To a certain degree, ash trees are able to fight the disease, but they eventually perish as they're repeatedly attacked every year. At this time there is no apparent strategy for stopping the spread of achalara ash dieback, and there's no effective treatment.
If you suspect you have spotted a tree suffering from ash dieback on your property in Cambourne, or somewhere in the area, you can report it to the "Tree Alert Service" provided by the Forestry Commission, although chalara ash dieback is so prevalent all over the UK that they are only really interested to know about cases found in locations not previously affected. You should still however speak to a local tree surgeon, who can offer guidance and advice about how best to proceed.
Trees affected - the genus Fraxinus.
Tree Surveys Cambourne
There are a number of situations when tree surveys may be required, land development and property extension being the most common. If, for example, you're clearing a piece of land in Cambourne to make room for an extension to an existing property or a brand new house, and trees exist on that land, you will need to perform a tree survey to British Standards BS5837 (2012). All tree surveys should be performed by a certified tree surgeon or arborist, regardless of whether they are being carried out on public or private property in Cambourne.
A properly done tree survey will glean a number of details about all of the trees within a defined area. For instance:
- The existence of any Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
- The height of each tree.
- The diameter of each tree (measured 1.5m above ground level).
- The physiological and structural health of the trees.
- The age of the trees.
- The predicted lifespan of the trees.
- The number of trees.
- Allocating a tree reference number for each tree.
- The species of trees.
- The spread of branches to the East, West, South and North.
- Guidelines for tree management.
If you happen to be doing work on an existing property or home in Cambourne but you aren't increasing the property's footprint and are not modifying the service lines or access points, a tree survey will most likely not be necessary. (Tags: Cambourne Tree Surveys, Arboricultural Surveyors Cambourne, Tree Surveys Cambourne, Tree Survey Cambourne).
The ISA - International Society of Arboriculture
The International Society of Arboriculture, generally referred to as simply the ISA, is an international non-profit organisation that is headquartered in Atlanta, USA. Serving the tree care industry across the globe, the ISA is a membership association that cultivates the professional practice of arboriculture, providing credentials for tree care professionals.
The ISA has its focus on best tree care practices, inspiring those in the tree care sector fully develop their arboricultural expertise, knowledge and skills, by promoting educational publications, events and services.
After signing an agreement with them the Arboricultural Association was accepted as an associate organisation of the International Society of Arboriculture in 2016. Offering further opportunities for ISA members in Great Britain and Ireland, this also significantly strengthened the relationship between the AA and ISA. Arboricultural Association members in the UK now benefit from being part of a worldwide network of tree care professionals. The International Society of Arboriculture has now got over 22,000 members worldwide with associate organisations and professional affiliates in Europe, New Zealand, Asia, Australia, South Africa, and the UK.
Tree Care Accidents
As we've already mentioned, tree surgeons in Cambourne undertake work that can be quite hazardous. All reasonable safety measures must be implemented when working on trees, because most tree work involves a considerable risk of injury to both operatives and passers-by.
It would seem (according to the HSE (Health & Safety Executive)), that the use of chainsaws, falls from trees, and being struck by a falling branch or tree are responsible for a large majority of serious and fatal injuries that are linked to tree work. In actual fact, operatives involved in tree care work are more at risk of injuring themselves seriously than those who are working in the construction industry.
In terms of insurance claims the most common tree surgery accidents involve lifting injuries, being struck by objects (grapple hooks, branches, ropes, trees, cranes etc) and slipping from ladders.
All of this demonstrates the need for employing a certified Cambourne tree surgeon when work needs doing on your trees. The majority of accidents that occur in the tree care sector are attributable to unskilled workers attempting tasks that they aren't properly trained in. Using an experienced and trustworthy company which has been trading in the Cambourne area for several years, is the easiest way to avoid such issues, and get your tree work done correctly and safely.
The Daily Tasks of a Tree Surgeon
- Service equipment like chainsaws and chippers.
- Tidy up site upon completion and fulfil removal of waste product from client's site.
- Climb trees to prune or remove branches as required.
- Deal with customers and complete administrative tasks.
- Be competent using power tools and other powered machinery.
- Cut and chip branches and logs.
- Assess tree health and treatment.
- Identify hazards presented by trees.
- Tree planting and transplanting.
- Create on-site or telephone quotes with the customers.
- Fell and remove trees and perform stump grinding.
- Prepare tree survey reports for domestic and commercial clients.
Cable Bracing Cambourne
A method which is employed to give support to a tree when it has signs of damage or decay or is a risk to nearby property or persons, cable bracing can be really effective in the right situation. Where the wish is to avoid felling a tree or removing large, unstable sections, due to the tree being old or valuable, cable bracing can be an effective solution.
A cable bracing set-up can be employed to support V-shaped forks, weak tree limbs and defective joints. Most Cambourne tree surgeons will be prepared to undertake different types of bracing work through the installation of cables and rods to help mitigate structural tension and extend the life of veteran trees.
Cable bracing has the goal of offering a flexible and shock-absorbing method of support that's non-invasive and doesn't cause additional damage to the tree by having to drill and bolt the branches. To guarantee the safety of the tree and adjacent areas, a risk assessment should be done before any actual work can begin. (Tags: Tree Cable Bracing Cambourne, Cable Bracing Techniques Cambourne, Cable Bracing Cambourne, Cable Bracing Trees Cambourne).
Dutch Elm Disease
Not quite the issue now that it once was, Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) has wiped out millions of precious elm trees all around Britain over the last 50 yrs or more. Caused by the fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi which is spread by the elm bark beetle (particularly the Scolytus genus), Dutch Elm Disease was imported into Great Britain inadvertently in the late nineteen sixties from North America (Canada).
Through the transportation of elm products such as bark mulch, crates, saplings, and logs with the bark still attached, it was spread rapidly through the British Isles after first arriving. This horrible disease didn't only impact elms in the United Kingdom, but also ravaged elm stocks in continental Europe and North America. While the origins of Dutch Elm Disease are unknown, the suspicions are that it first originated in Asia (probably Japan).
Generally first appearing in early summer, the recognisable signs of DED disease are:
- Twigs with rings or spots in cross-section.
- Foliage that turns yellow, wilts, shrivels and falls.
- A "shepherd's crook" effect on affected twigs.
- New shoots that die back from the tips.
The chopping down of dying, dead and infected trees, has effectively removed the elm bark beetle's habitat, and in recent years the spread of DED has been slowed. There's currently an ongoing project for the propagation of young saplings which are resistant to Dutch Elm Disease.
If you happen to have elms on your property in Cambourne, and have suspicions they might be infected with Dutch Elm Disease, get in touch with your neighbourhood tree surgeon for guidance, or request a diagnosis from the Tree Health Diagnostic & Advisory Service.
(Tags: Dutch Elm Disease Cambourne, Spotting Dutch Elm Disease, Signs of Dutch Elm Disease).Air-Spading Cambourne
When you are concerned about the health of a tree, it might be down to various issues, but problems with the root system is a common cause of such concerns. Easy accessibility to your tree's roots is essential for an experienced tree care specialist in Cambourne to check for soil compaction, root rot and other potential issues.
This was sometimes somewhat problematic to achieve until recently, because during the process of digging down, the roots could easily be damaged. A method known as "air spading" is employed by many modern day tree surgeons in Cambourne, and this enables compressed soil to be broken down and blown away by means of compressed air, which doesn't cause any harm to the tree's root system.
On occasion, passing vehicles, foot traffic or building work can cause the soil around a tree's roots to get compacted, and this is known to have a negative effect on its health. When a tree lacks nutrients and water it can quickly become "stressed", and this means that it's more prone to attacks by insects, pests and disease. Root flare issues can also be put right with air-spading, and this is where the flare around the base of the stem gets covered with an excess of soil, increasing the likelihood of root rot by causing tissue breakdown.
By forcing air into voids in the soil at a speed of twelve hundred miles per hour by means of an air compressor and an air-spading tool, the air-spading process rapidly breaks up the soil without affecting the tree roots. Immediate inspection can take place, as the powerful flow of air blows away the soil from the roots. Any obvious problems can then be rectified and the soil replaced with a much looser layer of wood chips and fertiliser to rejuvenate the tree.
Chainsaws
When it comes to the equipment that is used by Cambourne tree surgeons, the chainsaw is the most commonly seen. Despite the fact that mains and battery versions of chainsaw can be purchased, the most popular with professionals are driven by petrol, because of their ease of use and portability. For heavy tree work, the only realistic choice is to use petrol chainsaws, because they are able to cut through branches and tree limbs of any dimensions, and are exceptionally powerful.
Basically, a chainsaw is composed of a motor-driven chain which has a row of razor-sharp teeth for slicing through wood and branches. Chainsaws also come in a variety of designs, each having a distinct use - rear-handled for working on the ground (must be used with two hands), pole saws for hard to reach branches and long distance pruning and top-handled for working at height (and which can be used single handedly if necessary).
Despite the fact that holding a rapidly spinning blade whilst balancing precariously high up in a tree isn't the safest job on the planet, it is pretty rare to see a tree surgeon in Cambourne who doesn't use a chainsaw in his/her daily activities. All tree surgeons must be trained in the safe use of chainsaws, and it is one of the primary conditions for gaining membership of the AA (Arboricultural Association).
There are quite a few different brands and models of chainsaw, but the main ones used by professional tree surgeons in Cambourne are Husqvarna, Stihl, Hyundai and Makita.
Protecting Trees & Shrubs in the Wintertime
Protecting your trees and shrubs in winter is perhaps something that you haven't thought about too much, possibly presuming that the winters in the United Kingdom are not harsh enough to warrant this. The winter months can actually be quite a hard time for plants, trees and shrubs and even those that we think of as hardy can benefit from a bit of added protection in times of intense cold.
Of course where trees are concerned it's high winds that can cause the biggest issues and although most trees will have shed their leaves come winter, they may still be susceptible to windy conditions. If you're concerned about a tree's condition, or it looks like it may topple over, you must get in touch with a tree surgeon to inspect it and complete a risk assessment. You can also have issues with trees due to heavy snow, so when weather such as this is anticipated, keep a watch out for possible damage. Protection from ice and frost may be required for some trees and shrubs (especially newly planted ones), and a substantial layer of mulch spread around their bases can help keep their roots from freezing, and allow them to absorb moisture.
Tree Transplanting Cambourne
Transplanting trees and moving them to other places has become a relatively straightforward process with the introduction of tractor mounted tree spades and other tree removal devices. Adult trees can be transplanted on new properties to create an instant landscaping appearance, or overgrown wooded areas could be thinned out without needing to resort to tree felling.
Moving trees in Cambourne can be completed in any season of the year, however during the warmer months the soaking of the surrounding soil becomes particularly important so as to cause the minimum amount of stress on the tree's root system. To raise a tree from the earth a truck based mechanical spade is forced down into the ground to encapsulate the root ball, before lifting the whole tree free. The tree can then be temporarily stored before its re-planting in a new location.
If you wish to move a tree from ground that's got a preservation order upon it, an experienced tree moving company in Cambourne can communicate with appropriate authorities to approve transplanting in a suitable area. It should be possible to get tree transplanting services in Caxton, Longstowe, Eltisley, Crow End, Great Cambourne, Waresley, Yelling, Highfields Caldecote, Knapwell, Little Gransden, Hardwick, Elsworth, Great Gransden, Boxworth, Caxton End, Lower Cambourne, and in Cambourne.
Dead-Wooding Cambourne
Dead-wooding (or deadwooding) is an important element of tree management, and all professional Cambourne tree surgeons will undertake this procedure where needed. When there's a risk of dead or dying branches falling on vehicles, passers-by or homes, dead-wooding will be carried out to carefully remove the offending limbs. The most commonplace reasons for tree branches dying off are pest attacks, damaged roots, excessive shading or disease, and this is in fact a completely natural process.
Even though safety is obviously the usual reason for dead-wooding, it's sometimes necessary to make the tree more appealing, or because the tree itself will benefit from the process. An excessive amount of dying, damaged and dead branches can encourage infestation by insects and disease, therefore removing these unwanted branches can greatly improve the health of a tree. Trees with lots of dead wood also look unsightly, therefore to make it more attractive, this should all be cut off.
Only substantial dead branches will be taken off in most cases, because little risk is presented by the small ones. Then again, any dead timber that's in excess of 50 millimetres in diameter might need to be removed in places where a tree hangs over a garden, a dwelling, a park, a public space or a highway in Cambourne.
Tree Surgery Tasks Cambourne
Cambourne tree surgeons will likely help you with retrenchment pruning, tree removal, soil terraventing, crown reduction, woodland management in Cambourne, woodland clearance, tree cutting in Cambourne, residential tree care, site clearance in Cambourne, coppicing, tree watering in Cambourne, cut sealing in Cambourne, drop crotching, tree planning Cambourne, emergency tree removal, tree shaping in Cambourne, pollarding, root grinding, tree reduction Cambourne, tree lopping in Cambourne, hedge laying in Cambourne, tree dismantling, crown raising, landscaping, root removal, crown lifting, stump grinding, tree replanting, stump treatment, crown cleaning, tree bracing, formative pruning Cambourne, health assessments, the protection of trees from grazing, waste removal Cambourne and other tree surgeon services in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire. These are just an example of the duties that are carried out by tree surgeons. Cambourne specialists will inform you of their entire range of services.
More Cambourne Trades: Undoubtedly, whenever you happen to be having tree surgery done in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, you'll likely need other garden related services, and along with a tree surgeon in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, you could also need garden digging services in Cambourne, lawn mowing in Cambourne, fence installers in Cambourne, driveways in Cambourne, SKIP HIRE in Cambourne, artificial grass installers in Cambourne, patio layers in Cambourne, waste removal in Cambourne, garden pond installation in Cambourne, landscaping in Cambourne, hedge cutting in Cambourne, decking installers in Cambourne, soil irrigation in Cambourne, garden clearances in Cambourne, garden shed builders in Cambourne, garden design in Cambourne, and other different Cambourne tradespeople.
Tree Surgeons Near Cambourne
Also find: Caxton End tree surgeons, Little Gransden tree surgeons, Eltisley tree surgeons, Knapwell tree surgeons, Hardwick tree surgeons, Papworth Everard tree surgeons, Waresley tree surgeons, Lower Cambourne tree surgeons, Great Cambourne tree surgeons, Boxworth tree surgeons, Yelling tree surgeons, Crow End tree surgeons, Great Gransden tree surgeons, Highfields Caldecote tree surgeons, Longstowe tree surgeons, Caxton tree surgeons, Elsworth tree surgeons and more. Most of these towns and villages are serviced by local tree surgeons. Local householders can obtain estimates by going here.
(Created with tree surgeons Cambourne text version four.)
More: Woodland Clearance, Site Clearance, Wood Chipping, Tree Replanting, Tree Pruning, Tree Reshaping, Root Decompaction, Tree Pollarding, Tree Dismantling, Tree Felling, Root Decompaction, Tree Dismantling, Hedge Cutting, Dead Wooding, Site Clearance, Wood Chipping, Woodland Clearances, Shrub Maintenance, Crown Thinning, Stump Grinding, Stump Treatment, Stump Grinding, Woodland Management, Woodland Clearance, Air-Spading, Tree Reshaping, Cable Bracing, Stump Treatment, Site Clearance, Hedge Reduction.
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