Hockley Tree Surgeons (SS5) Essex: Trees are a vital feature of many gardens and properties in Hockley, and they will often transform an otherwise 2 dimensional area by adding structure, style and substance. But when poorly maintained or damaged by severe weather conditions, for instance storms or flooding, trees can be a bit of an issue. If you need to have work completed on your trees, it is the best option to consult a seasoned tree surgeon in Hockley, for their advice before any work commences.
Those who use non-qualified individuals, or attempt to do tree work themselves, may risk damaging trees, property or even life. However, tree work is not altogether safe for professional tree surgeons, who are aware of all the dangers involved with it. There are an average of 3 deaths and 140 major injuries per year within the profession, making it one of the most hazardous jobs in the United Kingdom and definitely not for amateurs to attempt.
A poorly maintained or damaged tree can also present a risk to life, with around five people annually being tragically killed by falling branches and trees in the UK. If an injury occurs, or property is damaged due to you hiring someone to do tree work, you may well be liable for any compensation to any third-party. These are just some of the reasons why using the services of a trained Hockley tree surgeon to carry out the work on your trees is essential. (All figures are from HSE UK).
There are 2 professional bodies that a qualified tree surgeon in Hockley should really be a signed up member of. The membership and professional standing of any tree surgeon in Hockley can be checked out on the websites of both the International Society of Arboriculture and the Arboricultural Association. This page permits you to check whether any specific local tree surgeon has ARB Approved Contractor status, and is a member of either of these associations.
If there's an issue during or after any tree work has been completed you'll be able to make contact with these industry associations for arbitration assistance and for advice and help at any point.
If a tree surgeon who isn't on this directory list offers to give you a quotation, it is recommended that you continue your search for an approved and qualified contractor, and tactfully decline their offer. When their accreditations and professional associations have been thoroughly checked, you should try and get a minimum of three quotes from different companies in and around Hockley. You should ask the questions below while acquiring these quotations, making it abundantly clear that you need them to provide you with the answers due to the risks of the work involved:
- What level of insurance coverage do you have? As stipulated by the ISA and AA, your tree surgeon should be able to show you an insurance certificate covering no less than five million pounds public liability.
- Is It Possible To contact a recent person who you have worked for so I can assess the quality of your work? Independently checking any recent work is always a good idea.
- Do you give quotations in writing? Only ever accept a written quote. NEVER take a verbal quote alone.
- Have you got documents to demonstrate that you have the proper qualifications, membership of the ISA or AA, and also a certificate for chainsaw use and maintenance from the NPTC? The NPTC/LANTRA is a required certificate in law for any tree surgeon/operative using a chainsaw. A seasoned tree surgeon in Hockley may hold City & Guilds Certificates and National Diplomas in Arboriculture.
The written quote that you are provided with must include clear and precise details of the planned work. It should include details about any trees which could be protected in law, and the necessary steps to obtain permission to carry out work on them, and also state who is responsible for the removal of waste, tree branches and stumps. Unless you are a commercial business, you should also ensure that VAT is included on the quotation. Realising that you've got a responsibility for employing only capable tradespeople to work on your trees and property, is vitally important.
PRIOR TO WORK BEGINNING - Your selected Hockley tree surgeon will need to enquire whether any of your trees are protected and take the appropriate steps to ensure that any tree work can get the green light from the local authority. Discovering that a tree has protected status doesn't signify that work cannot be carried out, as even protected trees need maintenance in order to cut back dead or damaged wood and ensure public safety.
If your property in Hockley is situated in a designated conservation area, the Local Planning Authority (LPA) will require no less than six weeks written notice of any tree work you are planning to do. This written notice is not required if the tree trunk is less than 7.5 centimetres in diameter when measured at 1.5m above ground level. Notice is also not required if pruning or thinning of a protected tree's branches is essential in order to promote and sustain growth.
Your Hockley tree surgeon will determine the required remedial treatment and how best and safely to achieve the required outcome after completing a full assessment of your trees health. Public areas, your property and any section of a neighbour's property that could be impacted by falling branches will all be given a risk assessment. The level of protection needed and the amount of operatives required, will also be determined at this stage. To keep property and the general public safe from harm or damage, this will include both PPE and other safety measures.
ON THE DAY OF WORK - To keep unauthorised persons and passers-by away from the area of work, barriers, cones and safety measures will be put in place before any climbing, tree felling or cutting of branches begins. If there's a risk of debris falling into a public highway, traffic may have to be temporarily stopped.
Different types of tree work will require the tree surgeon to have different degrees of protection. At the bare minimum when doing work with a chainsaw they'll be wearing protective clothing to avoid cutting injuries to the legs, torso and hands. Every worker involved in the operation, should at all times be wearing head and eye protection, and high-vis clothing.
If working at height is involved, ladders and safety climbing equipment will need to be used, and extra personnel will be there to assist in the safe removal of high branches and heavy pieces of tree trunk. For the removal of waste materials, unhindered access to the site will be needed. So, it is recommended that you inform your next door neighbours, because a skip or other transportation vehicle will need to be parked as close as possible to the work area while work proceeds.
UPON COMPLETION OF WORK - Once the tree work has been accomplished all the waste and branches will be hauled away and the site cleared of any debris. Particularly where the trees are covered by TPOs, a certificate of work will then be prepared by your tree surgeon, which can be signed off and a copy given to you. If any public spaces required safety measures, this can be removed and highways and footpaths will be re-opened to the public.
If you have any complaints about or issues with the completed work, you should get them fixed immediately by first of all taking them up with the tree surgeon. If any further arbitration is required, and your tree surgeon is a member of a professional trade association, you can receive guidance and help from the International Society of Arboriculture or the Arboricultural Association so as to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion.
Cable Bracing Hockley
In specific situations where a tree shows signs of decay, damage, or is a danger to nearby persons or property, a method called cable bracing will sometimes be used to give support to the tree. This technique is generally used on older or valued trees in Hockley, where felling or the removal of large unstable sections needs to be avoided for aesthetic or other reasons.
To support weak limbs, poor joints and V-shaped forks in a tree, a purpose designed cable bracing system can be employed. To help mitigate structural stresses and extend the lifespan of old and specimen trees most tree surgeons in Hockley will be able to carry out different types of bracing work by the installation of rods and cables.
The aim of cable bracing is to offer a non-invasive method of support which does not cause damage to the tree by having to drill and bolt the branches, and one that is is shock-absorbing and flexible. Before any actual cable bracing work can start, a comprehensive risk risk assessment needs to be carried out to ensure the safety of the tree and adjacent areas. (Tags: Tree Cable Bracing Hockley, Cable Bracing Methods Hockley, Cable Bracing Hockley, Cable Bracing Trees Hockley).
Removal of Tree Stumps Hockley
After getting a sizeable tree removed in Hockley, you'll be left with an additional issue - what to do with the stump. Now, in certain situations you might be happy enough to leave the tree stump in position and allow it to decay entirely naturally. However, a sizable stump could take several years to rot down, and could even produce new suckers in an effort to regrow itself. Protruding tree stumps can also be a trip hazard, an eysore and can attract harmful pests.
There are various methods for removing a tree stump totally, but stump grinding and stump removal are the 2 primary choices. Below we'll be looking at the removal solution.
In relation to getting rid of a tree stump, the three main methods are chemical treatment, digging out by hand and burning. You could use any of these solutions if you intend to remove a stump on your own. If you are hiring a tree surgeon in Hockley, they'll typically plump for the aforementioned stump grinding option.
Chemical Stump Removers: For chemically removing a stump you'll need to invest in Roundup Tree Stump Remover, Resolva Xtra Tough Tree Stump Killer or Vitax SBK Stump Killer. It's important that you follow the instructions closely when applying any of these chemical solutions, because they can be toxic and dangerous. This is not a short term resolution, and it could take a few weeks for the tree stump to rot totally, after which an axe and spade can be used to remove it.
Digging Out a Stump by Hand: Digging up a tree stump by hand calls for a few tools such as loppers, a handsaw, a pointed spade and a chainsaw. It involves digging down to expose the roots, chopping the roots with a saw or loppers, and ultimately freeing the stump, to make it easier to lift out. The use of some form of winch might be necessary for the final lifting and removal of the tree stump. This is really hard graft and isn't for the unfit or faint-hearted.
Stump Burning Methods: Burning isn't really recommended, and may be at variance with legislation in your area, so take care if choosing this option. The burning process involves drilling a few 1" holes in the tree stump, filling keeping them topped up with vegetable oil for a number of days until soaked. You can then cover the stump with logs or charcoal and set fire to it. Such a fire shouldn't be left unwatched, and must be monitored until safe to do so. Ensure that the fire is extinguished once it's totally burned out. You'll then be able to dig out the stump remains and roots after it has fully cooled off.
An alternate method is shoveling out all the soil from beneath the stump and lighting a fire in the cavity created underneath. There are a number of situations where burning is not appropriate, for instance when there are other trees, buildings or fences close to the stump being removed.
(Tags: Tree Stump Removal Hockley, Removal of Tree Stumps Hockley, Removing Tree Stumps Hockley, Stump Removal Methods Hockley).Pollarding Trees Hockley
Pollarding is on the whole done for the sake of safety, and is a technique which is used for substantially limiting a tree's proportions when it has got too large for its location. The encouragement of cultivated elements and the altering of trees into certain shapes can also be accomplished by the pollarding process. Trees that grow beside roadways in Hockley are frequently pollarded, as are those which are used for boundaries and in hedgerows. The somewhat bare and stark appearance that is the outcome of pollarding is not very popular with those who adore trees, as it is so different from its attractive natural state. However, in spite of the somewhat ugly appearance of pollarded trees like horse chestnuts, sycamores, maples, oaks, limes, beeches and planes, there is a beneficial aspect to this technique, in that such trees can be preserved when they would otherwise have to be chopped down.
Crown Thinning Hockley
If you need to lessen the overall weight of the crown, to prevent the tree from uprooting in blustery weather conditions, to allow more light to pass through, to minimize the tree's wind resistance or to reduce the stress on specific limbs as a result of ice, gravity, wind, or snow, a number of of the smallish live branches growing in the outer crown of a broad leafed (Rather than conifer) tree are trimmed in a procedure which is referred to as crown thinning. The overall dimensions and shape are not altered by this process, and it's likely that it'll need to be carried out on a fairly regular basis, as more shoots grow. A uniform thickness of foliage surrounding equally distributed branches should be the arborist's aim when carrying out crown thinning, it shouldn't transform the overall form and size of the tree.
Safety
Tree surgery can be a dangerous enterprise if carried out incorrectly, so one of the key concerns is the safety issue. There are numerous factors that may lead to disaster if the so called tradesmen engaged in the tree surgery are untrained or inexperienced. Among the most commonplace concerns are a lack of head protection, not wearing eye or hearing protection, neglecting to cordon-off the work area to safeguard passers-by and vehicles, failure to use cut resistant clothing (specifically leggings and safety boots), little if any fall protection, in the shape of ropes, harnesses and platforms and falling branches and timber. Vulnerable owing to this kind of incompetence are parked and passing vehicles, the people living in the property, the building connected to the property, facilities on the street, the actual tree, the tree surgeon (up the tree), employees at ground level, pedestrians, fences and garden outbuildings.
Chainsaws in Tree Surgery
Arguably the most common tool used by Hockley tree surgeons, the chainsaw, in untrained hands, is also the most dangerous. The most popular style of chainsaw with professional users is the petrol powered version, being easy to handle and more mobile, although you are able to obtain mains operated and rechargeable battery chainsaws. For effortlessly slicing through thick limbs and branches, petrol chainsaws are really the only effective option, being extremely powerful and able to contend with even the most demanding tree work.
Basically, a chainsaw consists of a motor-driven chain which has a series of teeth for slicing through bark and inner wood. Chainsaws also come in different types, each one having its own specific use - pole saws for hard to reach branches and long distance pruning, rear-handled for work at ground level (two handed) and top-handled for working at height (and which can be operated with one hand if necessary).
While being high up in a tree with a rapidly twirling blade in your hand is a pretty dangerous activity, it is rare to see a tree surgeon in Hockley who does not make use of a chainsaw. One of the main requirements for membership of the Arboricultural Association, is that tree surgeons must be fully trained in the maintenance and safe use of chainsaws.
The most popular brands of chainsaw used in Hockley by professionals are Husqvarna, Hyundai, Makita and Stihl, although there are many different brands.
Tree Transplanting Hockley
Re-planting fully-grown trees is an intricate, yet rather straightforward process nowadays, mostly due to modern truck mounted tree spades, tree lifting devices and other specialised tools. Fully developed trees can be replanted onto new properties to accomplish an instantly landscaped look, or out-of-control woody areas could be thinned without having to resort to tree felling.
Moving trees in Hockley can be performed throughout the year, however in the warmer months, soaking the surrounding soil becomes particularly vital in order to cause the minimum amount of stress on the tree's root system. Removing an adult tree involves a mechanical spade burrowing down and encircling the tree's root ball, before raising the entire tree, unharmed, from the earth. The tree can then be replanted or temporarily stored before its re-planting in its new home.
If you intend to move a tree from ground that has a preservation order upon it, a professional tree moving business in Hockley can communicate with appropriate agencies to approve replanting in an agreed area.
Skills and Knowledge Needed to be a Tree Surgeon in Hockley
- Physical skills like coordination and movement.
- The ability to work alongside others.
- Customer service skills.
- Have the ability to work well with your hands.
- Be aware of the dangers and complexities involved with the various areas of tree work.
- Have patience and the ability to remain focused in stressful situations.
- To be able to complete common tasks on a computer or hand-held device.
- Have a methodical approach to work.
- Be professional and capable of completing tasks within a specified period.
- Be capable of repairing, using and maintaining tools and equipment.
- Have a good understanding of public safety measures.
Leylandii Hedge Removal Hockley
Leylandii hedges are a popular choice for homeowners in Hockley due to their fast growth rate and ability to provide privacy. Despite their benefits, they can quickly become unwieldy and require significant maintenance. There are a few vital things to bear in mind when contemplating the removal of a Leylandii hedge. The first step is to confirm that the hedge isn't safeguarded by any legal designations such as a Tree Preservation Order. When the hedge is under legal protection, you must seek the local council's approval before you can remove it. Also, Leylandii hedges may have extensive roots, necessitating the engagement of a professional tree surgeon to safely remove the hedge and its roots. Finally, once the hedge is removed, you'll need to dispose of the waste responsibly. 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.
Tree Preservation Orders & Conservation Areas Hockley
Before you do any major work on your trees in Hockley, you must make certain none of them have Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) To check whether any of your trees are subject to TPOs, speak to your local authority. If one of your trees have TPOs, you're prohibited from undertaking wilful damage, uprooting, lopping, cutting down, topping, wilful destruction or removal, without written approval from the local authority. You could ask your tree surgeon to help with this process, any reputable one will be glad to offer guidance and advice.
For any of you who reside within a conservation area in Hockley, at least 6 wks written notice must be given to the local authority if you want to conduct any work on a tree with a stem diameter of 75mm or more.
Hedge Cutting Hockley
While the care and maintenance of trees is the main focus of tree surgeons in Hockley, they're sometimes asked to carry out work on hedges, for instance controlling the height and routine trimming. When you have conifer hedges like Leylandii, this is especially vital, seeing as they can quickly get so tall that a gardener or homeowner will find them all but impossible to cope with using regular tools.
When hedges are uncared for and poorly maintained, they can quickly get out of control and overgrown. If a hedge is allowed to overwhelm large parts of your garden, it can be challenging to fix down the line, therefore frequent clipping is recommended for both the health and aesthetic appeal of your hedge.
You can help your whole garden to appear neat by tidily clipping your hedges. And if you have plans to sell your property in the forseeable future, tidy hedges might even add to its value. You can also get hedge cutting in Ballards Gore, Great Stambridge, Ashingdon, Stambridge, Rawreth, South Fambridge, North Benfleet, Southend, North Fambridge, Battlesbridge, Canewdon, and Hockley, Essex. (Tags: Hedge Maintenance Hockley, Hedge Clipping Hockley, Hedge Trimming Hockley, Hedge Cutting Hockley).
Wood Chipping Hockley
In order to process the large amount of branches, tree limbs and vegetation that result from their work, the majority of Hockley tree surgeons will use wood chipping devices. Although it largely depends on what equipment is being used, these powerful wood chipping machines can gobble up as much as 40 tons of material every hour, and even the more commonly used machines can process around five tonnes each hour, or literally as much as you are able to feed in.
As well as providing a handy material that can be used for a whole host of purposes including; wood pulp, ecosystem restoration, mulch, weed prevention, landscaping, mushroom cultivation, biomass fuel and garden walkways, chopping down timber in this way makes it much easier to transport.
If you've got a use for the wood chippings which have been created during your tree surgery work, most tree surgeons in Hockley will be very happy to let you have however much you need, and they'll take away the remainder to use on other projects, or dispose of as they see fit. As I'm sure you will appreciate by reading this write-up, tree surgeons are a good source for wood chips that you can use for various purposes in your garden in Hockley, whether or not you actually need tree surgery. Certain tree surgeons will supply you with wood chippings for free, others may charge, especially if you need to have them delivered.
Wood chipping machinery is manufactured by several companies, some of the most popular brand names include Forest Master, Hyundai, Crytec and Timberwolf. (Tags: Wood Chipping Services Hockley, Wood Chipping Machinery Hockley, Wood Chipping Hockley, Wood Chips Hockley).
Tree Surgery Tasks Hockley
Hockley tree surgeons will likely help with tree maintenance, tree felling, tree fertilising Hockley, landscape clearance, cut sealing, felling of storm damaged trees, the removal of dead wood, hedge lowering, air spading, root flare exposure Hockley, landscaping Hockley, tree topping, damage restoration in Hockley, tree planting, hazard assessment, tree management, root removal, stump treatment, terraventing, root pruning Hockley, tree dismantling Hockley, safety inspections in Hockley, formative pruning, fruit tree pruning, vegetation management, woodland management, coppicing Hockley, hedge planting, site clearance, tree lopping Hockley, hedge reduction, cable bracing, tree cutting, tree care, pollarding and other tree surgeon services in Hockley, Essex. These are just a selection of the activities that are accomplished by local tree surgeons. Hockley professionals will be happy to inform you of their full range of services.
Tree Surgeons Near Hockley
Also find: Wickford tree surgeons, Ashingdon tree surgeons, North Fambridge tree surgeons, Hadleigh tree surgeons, Eastwood tree surgeons, North Benfleet tree surgeons, Ballards Gore tree surgeons, South Woodham Ferrers tree surgeons, Rochford tree surgeons, Rawreth tree surgeons, Southend tree surgeons, Rayleigh tree surgeons, Hawkwell tree surgeons, Hullbridge tree surgeons, Canewdon tree surgeons, Great Stambridge tree surgeons, Stambridge tree surgeons, South Fambridge tree surgeons, Leigh-on-Sea tree surgeons, Battlesbridge tree surgeons and more. Most of these towns and villages are covered by local tree surgeons. Local residents can get price quotes by going here.
(Sourced from tree surgeons Hockley text version four.)
More: Soil Terraventing, Wood Chipping, Tree Inspections, Tree Reshaping, Crown Lifting, Tree Cutting, Soil Terravention, Root Removal, Hedge Trimming, Tree Bracing, Tree Surveys, Crown Removal, Tree Lopping, Tree Replanting, Root Removal, Root Removal, Soil Terraventing, Hedge Trimming, Stump Treatment, Soil Terraventing, Tree Reshaping, Wood Chipping, Arboriculture, Shrub Maintenance, Root Removal, Crown Removal, Tree Felling, Eco-Plugging, Tree Cutting, Tree Care.
Arboriculture Hockley - Tree Surgery Hockley - Tree Care Hockley - Tree Surgeons Hockley - Vegetation Control Essex - Forest Management Hockley - Tree Surgeon Hockley - Stump Grinding Hockley - Root Removal Hockley