Tree Surgeons Darlington

Using an unqualified individual for tree work or attempting to do it on your own, could cause damage to property, harm your trees, or even lead to injury or death. However, even for certified tree surgeons who are familiar with all the risks, tree work is not entirely safe. There are an average of three deaths and 140 severe injuries per year within the industry, making it among the most dangerous jobs in the United Kingdom and certainly not for amateurs to attempt.

With falling trees or branches causing around 5 fatalities annually in the UK, a danger to life can even be presented by a damaged or neglected tree. If an injury, or damage to property occurs due to you bringing in someone to perform tree work, you might be liable for any compensation to any third-party. This is why employing a skilled Darlington tree surgeon to do the work on your trees is essential. (The above figures were sourced from HSE UK).

PICKING A TREE SURGEON IN DARLINGTON - There are two professional trade bodies that a qualified Darlington tree surgeon should really be a signed up member of. The websites of both the Arboricultural Association and the International Society of Arboriculture allow you to view the professional standing and membership of any tree surgeon in Darlington. On this page you can check for membership of either of these bodies, which gives the tree surgeon in question, recognised ARB Approved Contractor status.

If there is a problem during the work, or after it's been completed you'll be able to get in touch with these industry organisations for mediation and for help and guidance.

You should graciously decline the offer of an estimate from anyone who isn't on this directory list, and continue your search for a fully qualified and approved tree surgeon. It's wise to get at least three quotes from different companies in Darlington, when you've thoroughly checked their professional memberships and qualifications. You should ask the following questions while getting the quotations, making it crystal clear that you need to know the answers because of the risks involved in tree work:

• Is It Possible To contact a recent person who you have worked for so I can check the standard of your work? It's advisable to carry out an independent examination of any recent work.
• Can you show documents to demonstrate that you have the appropriate qualifications, membership of the ISA or AA, and also a certificate for basic chainsaw use from the NPTC? It is required by law that any worker/tree surgeon using a chainsaw must have NPTC/LANTRA certification. City & Guilds Diplomas and Certificates in Arboriculture are qualifications that could be held by a decent tree surgeon in Darlington.
• Can you provide me with a written quotation? Always get a quote in writing, and NEVER accept a quote that is only given verbally.
• What level of insurance cover do you have? You shouldn't entertain a tree surgeon in Darlington with less than five million pounds public liability insurance as recommended by the ISA and AA.

The written quote that you're given should include clear and concise information on the planned tree work. Who's responsible for the removal of tree branches, stumps and waste should be stated, as should specifics of any trees which might be protected, and the required steps to get permission to carry out work on them. Unless you are a commercial entity, you should also make sure VAT is included on the quote. Recognising that you have a responsibility to employ only skilled tradespeople to work on your trees and property, is crucial.

PRIOR TO WORK - Finding out whether any of your trees are protected, your chosen Darlington tree surgeon should make sure that any work gets the green light from the appropriate local authority department. To ensure public safety, even protected trees need maintenance so as to cut back dead or damaged wood, therefore discovering that a tree is protected doesn't suggest that you are unable to carry out necessary work.

If your property in Darlington is inside a designated conservation area, the Local Planning Authority will require no less than six weeks written notice of any planned tree work. This written notice isn't required if the stem of the tree is less than 75mm in diameter when measured at 1.5m above the ground. It is also not necessary to give notice if the branches of a protected tree need thinning or pruning simply to sustain and promote growth.

After assessing the health of your trees, your chosen Darlington tree surgeon will determine the necessary treatments and how the best outcome can be safely accomplished. This will involve a risk assessment of any areas that may be affected by falling debris, such as on your property, in public areas, and on the properties of your neighbours. The number of workers required and the level of protection needed, will also be established at this point. To keep property and the general public safe from damage or harm, this will include both PPE and other safety measures.

ON THE DAY OF WORK - Barriers and safety measures will be put in place before any climbing, tree felling or cutting of branches is started, to keep unauthorised persons and passers-by away from the work area. When there is the possibility of debris and branches falling onto a road, it might be necessary to halt the traffic briefly.

The tree surgeon will need varying degrees of protection based on the kind of tree work being performed. When doing chainsaw work, they will at the very least be wearing protective clothing to prevent serious cutting injuries to the torso, hands and legs. Without exception, every worker involved in the operation should wear high visibility clothing, and head and eye protection.

Ladders and associated climbing equipment will need to be deployed if any working at height is involved, and to help with the safe removal of high branches and heavy pieces of tree trunk, additional workers will be essential. It's advisable to inform your neighbours of the need for unhindered access, since a vehicle or skip for removing the waste will be parked as close to the work area as possible.

UPON COMPLETION OF WORK - All of the waste and branches will be transported away and the whole area cleared of all debris, once all work has been completed. Especially where the trees are under a protection order, a certificate of work done should then be prepared by your tree surgeon, which can be signed off and a copy presented to you. If any public spaces required safety measures, this protection will be removed and paths and highways will be re-opened.

If you've got any complaints about or issues with the completed work, you should get them put right immediately by firstly speaking to the tree surgeon. If there's any further dispute, and your tree surgeon is a member of a professional trade association, you can get help and guidance from the AA or the ISA in order to reach a satisfactory solution.

Tree Removal Darlington

Although there could be a variety of reasons why you might wish to take out a tree from your property or garden in Darlington, tree removal should in fact be a last resort. Some trees are even protected by law, so you're unable to get rid of them even if you wanted to, unless of course they are a safety threat. Bonafide triggers for tree removal would be if the tree is damaged, the tree poses a hazard to safety, the roots of a tree are obstructing foundations/retaining walls, the tree is hampering a new construction, your tree is infected/diseased, you've got a dead/dying tree or your tree has grown too large.

Tree Surveys Darlington

There are a number of instances where a tree survey might be needed, land development and property extension being the most commonplace. If you happen to be clearing a piece of land to make space for an extension to an existing property or a brand new home in Darlington, for instance, you may need to conduct a tree survey to British Standards BS5837 if trees exist on that land. Tree surveys on both private and public property in Darlington, should be performed by an accredited arborist or tree surgeon.

Within the specified area, a properly done tree survey will produce a wide range of information about the trees. For example:

• The number of trees.
• The physiological and structural health of the trees.
• The height of each tree in metres.
• The age of the trees.
• The predicted lifespan of the trees.
• The diameter of each tree (taken 1.5m above ground level).
• Tree management recommendations.
• The species of trees on the site (either common or scientific).
• The existence of any Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
• The spread of the branches to the East, North, South and West.
• A tree reference number for each of the trees.

If you happen to be doing work on an existing home or property in Darlington but are not increasing the footprint of the property and aren't changing the service lines or access points, a tree survey probably won't be needed.

Pollarding Trees Darlington

Pollarding is mostly carried out for safety reasons and is a procedure for appreciably lessening the size of trees which have grown too big for their current environment. This method is from time to time used for visual reasons to transform a tree into a particularly attractive shape. It can sometimes be observed on trees that function as boundaries or hedgerows, as well as trees which grow beside highways in Darlington. For individuals who love trees it's not a very popular technique, because the consequence tends to be somewhat stark and naked, with the appearance of being practically dead. The advantageous element of pollarding, is that trees which would otherwise need to be cut down can be saved. Pollarding is commonly done on broad-leafed tree species like oaks, maples, limes, beeches, planes, horse chestnuts and sycamores.

Hedge Trimming Darlington

Despite the fact that Darlington tree surgeons are primarily associated with the maintenance and care of trees they are regularly called on to trim hedges. Where there are Leylandii or similar conifer hedges, this is particularly helpful, seeing as they can quickly get so tall that a homeowner or gardener will find them nigh on impossible to tackle using regular tools.

Pretty quickly getting out of control, a hedge that is uncared for and poorly maintained has the chance to become overgrown. It's a good idea to clip your hedges on a routine basis, and this isn't purely to stop them from overwhelm large areas of your garden, but also to make them more visually appealing and stronger.

You can help your entire garden to appear neat by tidily trimming your hedges. And if you're intending to sell your property in the forseeable future, tidy hedges might even add to its value.

Tree Surgery Injuries

As we have already pointed out, tree surgeons in Darlington undertake work that can be pretty dangerous. Tree work involves a high risk of injuries to both operatives, co-workers and passers-by, therefore all possible safety measures must be taken when carrying out work on trees.

According to figures gathered by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), falls from trees, the use of chainsaws, and being struck by a falling tree or branch are the cause of the majority of fatal and major injuries. Surprisingly, the risk of being seriously injured is higher in tree care work than it is for those in the construction industry.

The most accident claims, when it comes to insurance, are for being struck by objects (cranes, grapple hooks, ropes, trees, branches etc), falling from ladders and lifting injuries.

When work needs doing on your trees, all this accentuates the importance of employing a knowledgeable Darlington tree surgeon. A lot of accidents that occur in the tree care sector are attributable to unskilled workers trying to tackle tasks that they're not fully trained in. Therefore, always try to use an established and trustworthy Darlington company who have been working in the area for several years, to avoid this type of issue.

The Day to Day Tasks for a Tree Surgeon

• Prepare tree survey reports for both commercial and domestic customers.
• Establish hazards posed by trees.
• Cut and chip logs and branches.
• Be proficient with power tools and powered machinery.
• Tidy up site on completion and remove waste products from client's site.
• Evaluate the health of trees and create plan of action.
• Deal with clients and complete administration tasks.
• Tree planting and transplanting.
• Fell and remove trees and perform stump grinding.
• Climb trees to prune or remove branches.
• Maintain and service equipment like wood chippers and chainsaws.
• Prepare telephone or on-site price quotes with the customers.

Leylandii Hedge Removal

Leylandii hedges are a top pick for householders in Darlington who value both fast growth and privacy. Yet, they have the tendency to grow excessively and become challenging to manage. Removing a Leylandii hedge requires careful consideration of several essential aspects. The first step is to confirm that the hedge isn't safeguarded by any legal designations such as a Tree Preservation Order. If the hedge is protected, you will have to acquire authorization from the local council before removing it. Secondly, Leylandii hedges can have extensive root systems, so it's important to hire a qualified 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 put it simply, removing a Leylandii hedge can be a dangerous and prolonged task, underscoring the need to take the necessary safety measures and potentially seeking assistance from a professional.

Stump Grinding

If you wish to get stump grinding carried out on your property, be certain to bring in a tree surgery company having the correct gear and knowhow. The finest Darlington tree surgeons will understand that every single piece of the stump should be removed to a depth of at least a foot. Owning the right machinery means they can grind stubborn stumps and roots right up to walls and buildings while avoiding damage. The purpose built grinders will also be able to remove any awkward stumps found in alleys and passageways. Where huge trees need to be taken out the stump that remains can be rather substantial and the thicker roots are going to go down to a considerable depth, requiring a herculean effort to remove them. (Tags: Tree Stump Removal Darlington, Stump Grinding Darlington, Stump Removal Darlington)

Preventing Storm Damage

At first glance, trees seem strong, sturdy and capable of standing up to virtually anything that Mother Nature can inflict on them. Some types of trees can in fact survive for hundreds of years and will happily do so in most conditions.

Severe weather can however cause significant damage, and as well as the danger of falling limbs or branches, entire trees can fall down in certain circumstances. The principal danger to, and enemy of trees, is high winds, and with the increasing frequency of severe storms this type of damage has become more common in Darlington. Prolonged periods of rainfall or flooding may cause soil to become saturated, which is another problem for large trees, as is heavy snow in the winter.

In order to be prepared for any problems that might arise during severe weather conditions, it's recommended that you have a local Darlington tree surgeon prune and remove any dead, dying or excessively long branches, and check for any additional problems.

Copper conductors, lightning rods, or other lightning protection systems are also important for bigger trees, to lessen the chances of them being struck by lightning and to safeguard nearby buildings and property which might be affected by side-flashes ("arcs") that result in more destruction, along with damage done to the tree itself. A tree can be killed or drastically weakened by a lightning strike, and even if the effect isn't immediately apparent, the tree is going to be more vulnerable to attacks by pests and diseases. For any of you who believe that lightning isn't all that common, there are about three hundred thousand strikes in Great Britain each year.

Your local Darlington tree surgery firm will be able to advise you on what protection your trees can be given from being damaged by storms, and lessen the risk of accidents happening because of this.

Emergency Tree Surgery Darlington

While emergencies are rare regarding trees in your garden, accidents can happen, therefore it might pay you to have an emergency telephone number where you can reach a tree surgeon in Darlington. Several tree surgeons in Darlington offer a 24/7 service, and when there are high winds and gales, they normally receive a spike in emergency call outs. There's more chance of branches breaking off and falling when the weather is stormy, and an increased likelihood of a whole tree toppling over and harming people or property. When branches and tree limbs start to fall smashed greenhouses, splintered sheds, broken garden furniture and damaged fences are a common result, therefore prevention is preferable to having to tackle the aftermath.

When large tree limbs break of and fall onto railway lines, roads and public paths, the local council in Darlington will also frequently need emergency tree surgery services.

There may be a need for "re-balancing" a tree, even after emergency tree work has been successfully done, because due to the loss of some branches, there might be an uneven weight distribution, which could be hazardous but also aesthetically displeasing. For all of these problems, you should get in touch with a local tree surgeon in Darlington who provides emergency tree surgery services, and they'll deal with all of this for you. (Tags: Emergency Tree Surgery Darlington, Emergency Tree Services Darlington, Emergency Call-Outs Darlington, Tree Care Emergencies Darlington).

Chainsaws in Tree Surgery

The most dangerous and arguably the most commonplace piece of equipment that's used by Darlington tree surgeons, is the chainsaw. Even though battery and mains models of chainsaw are available, the most popular with professionals are powered by petrol, thanks to their ease of use and portability. For effortlessly slicing through large limbs and branches, petrol driven chainsaws are really the only effective option, being extremely powerful and able to cope with even the most substantial of tree work.

Comprising a revolving chain lined with a set of teeth that cut through the bark and branches, a chainsaw is in fact a relatively simple piece of equipment. Chainsaws are also available in a variety of designs, each having a distinct use - top-handled for working at height (and which can be used with one hand if required), rear-handled for work at ground level (two handed) and pole saws for long distance pruning and hard to reach branches.

Despite the fact that holding a twirling blade whilst balancing precariously high up in a tree is certainly not the safest job in the world, it's rare to find a tree surgeon in Darlington who doesn't use a chainsaw in their daily activities. All tree surgeons must be trained in the maintenance and safe use of chainsaws, and this is one of the main conditions for becoming a registered member of the AA (Arboricultural Association).

There are quite a few different brands and models of chainsaw, but the most commonly used by specialist tree surgeons in the United Kingdom are Stihl, Hyundai, Makita and Husqvarna.

Tree Surgery Tasks Darlington

Darlington tree surgeons can generally help you with cut sealing, tree surveys in Darlington, tree felling, landscaping in Darlington, the removal of dead wood, coppicing, removal of storm damaged trees, woodland clearance Darlington, safety inspections Darlington, pollarding, tree transplanting, root pruning, tree lightening protection, tree dismantling, retrenchment pruning, vegetation management, tree waste removal, dead wooding, woodland management, hedge planting, root removal, tree pest management, emergency tree surgery in Darlington, damage restoration Darlington, tree planning, root flare exposure Darlington, shrub maintenance, tree lopping, crown reduction, hedge trimming, tree topping, stump treatment, tree management, damaged tree cutting and removal, tree reshaping and other tree surgeon services in Darlington, County Durham. These are just an example of the activities that are conducted by local tree surgeons. Darlington companies will tell you about their full range of services.

Tree Surgeons Near Darlington

Also find: Stapleton tree surgeons, High Coniscliffe tree surgeons, Coatham Mundeville tree surgeons, Neasham tree surgeons, Cockerton tree surgeons, Manfield tree surgeons, Hurworth Moor tree surgeons, Whinney Hill tree surgeons, Sadberge tree surgeons, Hurworth Place tree surgeons, Harrowgate Hill tree surgeons, Haughton le Skerne tree surgeons, Middleton Saint George tree surgeons and more. The majority of these areas are covered by local tree surgeons. Local homeowners and others can get estimates by clicking here.

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More: Tree Lopping, Crown Lifting, Arboriculture, Crown Thinning, Root Removal, Hedge Reduction, Tree Topping, Tree Replanting, Tree Surveys, Root Removal, Hedge Trimming, Air-Spading, Woodland Clearances, Tree Dismantling, Tree Removal, Tree Transplanting, Air-Spading, Tree Surveys, Tree Care, Dead Wooding, Crown Raising, Vegetation Management, Root Grinding, Hedge Planting, Tree Dismantling, Air-Spading, Hedge Cutting, Tree Maintenance, Tree Cutting, Crown Raising.

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