Oxford Tree Surgeons (OX1): A good many Oxford homes have gardens with sizeable trees growing in them. Whilst trees are both beneficial to the environment and nice to look at they do need to be looked after. Trees can occasionally get overgrown, diseased, or simply need routine maintenance such as pruning and trimming. When the weather conditions in Oxford are windy, larger trees can even be a danger to buildings, vehicles or even passers-by, as as branches or whole sections of tree can snap off and drop to the ground. If you've trees growing on your home or business premises in Oxford, it's your responsibility to look after them.
If you are a keen gardener there will be certain tree care procedures that you are able to undertake on your own, notably with fruit trees, shrubs, smaller trees and hedges. Routine trimming and pruning of branches that can be easily reached from the ground are reasonably straightforward jobs, and can be tackled if you know what you're doing, have an appropriate tools and are self-confident. However, the task is best left to the experts if larger trees are involved that require ladders or climbing.
It is not just the chance of you falling or hurting yourself which is a concern when attempting to access tall trees, it is also the danger of falling branches (or tools) causing damage or injury to people on the ground. This type of project also requires the use of hazardous tools, and the mere thought of an amateur gardener wielding a powered-up chainsaw whilst teetering precariously up a tree sends shivers along my spine.
Your thoughts may at first turn to hiring a gardener to conduct the necessary work on your trees. However this would be an error, because the vast majority of gardeners in Oxford don't have the desired qualifications and training for work like this, and could potentially even harm your precious trees, rather than help them. The individual who'll have the proper tools, equipment and qualifications for any form of tree care work, is a tree surgeon. Special equipment like harnesses, chainsaws and wood chipping machines could be necessary to complete the work on your trees, but will naturally be dependant on the magnitude of the work and the size and type of trees that you've got.
A genuine Oxford tree surgeon will be suitably qualified in arboriculture, will be acquainted with using such equipment and tools and will hold specific certifications. Even though numerous folks in Oxford will profess to be tree surgeons, make sure that you hire one who's got these certifications:
- CS39 (NPTC 308) - Operate chainsaw from rope and harness.
- CS30 (NPTC 201/202) - Chainsaw crosscutting & maintenance.
- CS31 (NPTC 203) - Fell and process small trees up to 380mm (15") diameter.
- CS38 (NPTC 206/306) - Tree climbing & rescue.
Tree surgeons should also have basic first-aid instruction. It is important that all specialist tree surgery in Oxford is performed to British Standards BS3998 (2010) procedures.
These are the main qualifications that you ought to be looking out for when you are searching for a reputable tree surgeon in Oxford. If when questioned about such qualifications, the person you are considering is uncooperative and vague, you should find someone else. Tree surgeons in Oxford with more experience may also hold qualifications (i.e. City & Guilds) in things such as woodland conservation & ecology, forestry, arboriculture, forest management or countryside management.
A fully qualified tree surgeon will be able to complete a whole host of tree related work including transplanting, pest control, tree removal, stump grinding, tree planting, disease identification, the protection of trees from grazing, tree felling and tree surgery.
For Oxford householders the most common services they'll need would be crown thinning, crown raising, tree removal/felling, storm damage restoration, crown cleaning, crown re-shaping, staking or pruning.
A trustworthy tree surgeon in Oxford must also be competent in the proper use of loppers, harnesses, winches, chain saws, flip lines, lowering devices, rigging plates, stump grinding equipment, rigging ropes, pole saws, wood shredders, climbing ropes, and other tree surgery tools and paraphernalia. If your "tree surgeon's" toolkit appears to be a handsaw and a ladder, show them the door and search for a proper tradesperson.
Before you do any significant work on your trees in Oxford, you must make sure that there is not a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on any of them. You local authority is the place to contact to find out if there are TPOs on any of your trees. Your tree surgeon should be able to advise you on this and help you with any checks.
As soon as you have decided that you are going to need professional help with your trees, you'll need to find a decent tree surgeon in Oxford. The techniques for achieving this are many and varied. You could check local directories, the Yellow Pages or local newspapers, to find out what they throw up. You could a ask for recommendations from friends or family. You can try out one of the many online trade portals such as Quotatis, Trustatrader or Rated People. You could search on the web and check out the websites of local Oxford tree surgeons offering their services close by. This should leave you with a few possible options, and a shortlist of likely tree surgeons in the Oxford area.
If you'd prefer to stick to the crème de la crème of tree surgeons you should choose an Arboricultural Association approved contractor, who is guaranteed to be certified and fully trained in the following:
- A high level of customer care.
- A good knowledge of trees and tree maintenance.
- Working standards, knowledge and operations.
- Compliance with legislative requirements.
- Compliance with health and safety regulations.
Sad to say, there are frequently stories in the media about rogue traders offering 'tree surgery' services, so to reiterate, asking for proof of qualifications is crucial to identify these sorts of scammers who could be operating in the Oxford area, and sticking to trusted local tree surgery companies is normally best. As has already been said, this is a hazardous occupation and should not be performed by anybody who is not properly trained.
If you don't use a person who is knowledgeable, irreversible damage could be done to your trees, which is something I am positive you will want to avoid. Trees that are pruned, lopped or treated at the wrong time of the year or in the wrong way, can have their health affected in catastrophic ways, therefore my advice is - only employ professionals.
To get a selection of prices you should try to obtain at least three or four estimates from different tree surgery companies in Oxford. This will provide you with a choice of tree surgeons in Oxford, although you should not simply base your decision on price alone (i.e. go for the cheapest).
To get an idea of exactly who you're dealing with, ask plenty of pertinent questions. You'll want to ensure that they're adequately insured (£2 million is the minimum amount for tree surgeons), and you'll also want to know what's included in the price you've been given. One crucial detail that you'll need to know is whether the removal of logs, branches and waste is included in the price quoted. Depending on the scale of the project, they could generate a significant quantity of waste.
If the tree surgeon could give you a couple of references from customers they've worked for in the past, that could also be an advantage. They'll be happy to provide you with references and perhaps even some images of work they've accomplished if they are a reputable company. It may also be worthwhile to check out their Facebook page, since it's very likely to contain some hints about the reliability of the company and the clients it claims to serve.
Tree surgery is available in Oxford and also in nearby places like: Summertown, Eynsham, Chawley, Sunningwell, Sandford, Whitecross, Osney, Cumnor, Iffley, Wytham, Wolvercote, Headington, Barton, Cowley, Kennington, Marston, Littlemore, Garsington, Risinghurst, and in these postcodes OX1 1RQ, OX1 1QZ, OX1 1JJ, OX1 1HU, OX1 1GF, OX1 1UQ, OX1 1BN, OX1 1EJ, OX1 1NG, and OX1 1NZ. Locally based Oxford tree surgeons will most likely have the telephone code 01865 and the postcode OX1.
For this type of service it is definitely better to hire an approved tree surgeon. Oxford home and business owners can substantially benefit from the expertise and knowhow that are the trademark of a seasoned professional.
Getting Advice and Information
When checking out local Oxford tree surgeons, you must ask questions such as: Does your work follow the British Standard (BS3998)? Are you able to supply references from past clients? Do you have employers and public liability insurance? Can you give me a written quotation? Do you have membership of a trusted professional trade organisation (such as The Arboricultural Association or the International Society of Arboriculture)? Do you and your team have the correct certificates and qualifications (for chainsaw use and tree care)? to ensure that they know exactly what they're up to and that they will not cause irreparable damage to your trees. If you're not provided with good enough replies to any or all of these questions, you should find a different a tree surgeon.
You'll find a directory of accredited tree surgeons in the United Kingdom on the Arboricultural Association (AA) site, and also a lot of useful info about what to look for in a decent tree surgeon. The ISA is another fine resource which has a "find an arborist" tool (here) and a "verify credentials" tool. You'll also read detailed info on tree surgery as a profession by visiting the Wikipedia "Arborist" page here. The Government endorsed Trustmark website is also a quality place for obtaining reliable tradespeople, including tree surgeons. Providing a level playing field of quality and confidence, Trustmark focuses on quality customer service, technical proficiency and exceptional trading practices.
Deadwooding Oxford
A necessary part of tree management and care, the process of dead-wooding will be carried out by all experienced tree surgeons in Oxford. Dead-wooding calls for the careful removal of dead and dying branches which may pose a threat to passers-by, vehicles or homes. The most common reasons for the branches of a tree dying off are root damage, a lack of light, attack by pests or disease, and this is in fact a natural process.
Although the purpose of safety is the most frequent reason for dead-wooding, the procedure can also be conducted for aesthetic motives and for the overall benefit of the tree itself. It is possible to greatly improve the health of a tree by eliminating dying, dead and damaged branches, an excessive number of which will attract insect infestations and the spread of disease. Trees that have lots of dead wood also look ugly, so to improve its appearance, this should all be removed.
Only substantial dead branches will be removed in most cases, as a minimal risk is posed by the small ones. Although, any dead branches that are more than 50mm in diameter may need to be removed in locations where a tree overhangs a public space, a park, a road, a dwelling or a garden in Oxford.
The Daily Tasks for a Tree Surgeon
- Assess tree health and treatment.
- Climb trees to prune or remove branches.
- Produce telephone or on-site quotations with the clients.
- Produce tree survey reports for both commercial and domestic customers.
- Fell and remove trees and perform stump grinding.
- Tidy work area on completion and remove waste products from customer's site.
- Service equipment like chainsaws and chippers.
- Chip and cut branches and logs.
- Be proficient with power tools and powered machinery.
- Identify dangers presented by trees.
- Plant trees and vegetation.
- Work with customers and complete administrative tasks.
Storm Damage Prevention Oxford
At first glance, trees seem sturdy, strong and able to withstand virtually anything that Mother Nature can throw at them. Certain types of trees can in fact live and continue to grow for hundreds of years and will happily do so in most situations.
Nonetheless, they can be extremely vulnerable to the elements when faced with certain conditions, and it is not just the risk of falling tree limbs or branches, but in extreme circumstances the whole tree can fall down. High winds and gales pose serious problems for trees, and this kind of damage has become more and more common in Oxford, as the number of violent storms and weather events escalates with climate change. Prolonged periods of rain or flooding may cause the soil around roots to become saturated, which is another problem for large trees, as is heavy snow during wintertime.
To prune and remove any dead, dying or overhanging branches that might cause a problem in severe weather conditions, it is advisable to get a professional Oxford tree surgeon to check out your trees regularly.
To stop bigger trees getting struck by lightning, and to protect nearby property and buildings which may be susceptible to side-flashes ("jumps"), it is also important to fit them with copper conductors, lightning rods, or other lightning protection systems. Lightning strikes can drastically weaken trees, making them more susceptible to pest attacks and disease, and even kill them altogether in some instances. Lightning is more common than you might imagine, and there are something like 300 thousand strikes each year in the UK alone.
If you're anxious about the possibility of your trees in Oxford being damaged by storms, you should ask your local tree surgery firm what they can do to safeguard them, and lower the risk of accidents taking place. (Tags: Storm Damage Prevention Oxford, Storm Damaged Trees Oxford, Storm Damage Oxford).
Tree Removal Oxford
Sometimes, the removal of a tree becomes a necessary action, particularly when it's unsafe, diseased, or has simply outgrown where it stands. Trees are crucial for our environment, but there are times when they may endanger nearby properties or even people. Issues like overhanging branches, damage to roots, or the risk of the tree falling can push the decision towards removal as the safest option. While this isn't a choice to be made lightly, when it's needed, it can significantly enhance the safety and utility of your outdoor space in Oxford, giving you more peace of mind.
You know, the whole process of taking down a tree isn't quite as simple as it sounds, especially when it comes to larger ones. It really does involve a fair bit of planning and having the right tools so that everything can be done safely and efficiently. Professional tree surgeons possess the skills necessary to evaluate the tree and figure out the most effective way to remove it while minimising the disturbance to the nearby area. Plus, they'll take care of the tree's disposal for you, which definitely saves you a lot of trouble. Trying to tackle this yourself could be quite hazardous, which is why it's always wiser to call in an expert when you're dealing with bigger jobs.
Once a tree has been cleared away, it opens up a range of exciting options for your outdoor space. With additional light, nearby plants can flourish, and the area that's been freed up can be utilised for something like a patio, a driveway, or a stunning garden feature. Whether you're considering safety issues or wanting to enhance your garden's design, thoughtfully removing a tree can really transform your outdoor area in Oxford, making it a more enjoyable place for years to come. (Tags: Tree Removal Oxford).
Tree Surveys Oxford
There are various reasons why you might need a tree survey, and the most commonplace is for development or property extension. As laid out by British Standards BS5837, if you happen to be clearing some land to make room for a new home or an extension to an existing property in Oxford, and trees are growing on that land, you may need to undertake a tree survey. Tree surveys on both public and private property in Oxford, should be completed by an accredited tree surgeon or arboricultural surveyor.
Within the defined area, a properly done tree survey will produce a whole bunch of information about all the trees. For example:
- The diameter of each tree (taken 1.5m above the ground).
- The structural and physiological health of the trees.
- The species of each tree.
- The spread of the branches to North, East, West and South.
- The height of each tree.
- The existence of any Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
- Tree management recommendations.
- The expected lifespan of the trees.
- The allocation of a tree reference number for each tree.
- The age of the trees (i.e. young, semi-mature, mature, over-mature and veteran).
- The number of trees (those of more than 75mm diameter 1.5m from the ground).
If you are carrying out work on an existing home in Oxford, but aren't changing the access points or service lines, or extending the property's footprint, you will most likely not need to carry out a tree survey. (Tags: Tree Surveys Oxford, Tree Survey Oxford, Oxford Tree Surveys, Tree Surveyors Oxford).
Tree Preservation Orders & Conservation Areas Oxford
Before you do any serious work on your trees in Oxford, you must make sure that none of them have TPOs (Tree Preservation Orders) You local planning authority is the place to contact to find out if there are TPOs on any of your trees. Local authority consent in writing is essential if uprooting, wilful destruction, cutting down, topping, lopping, removal or wilful damage is planned on any tree that's covered by a TPO. Talk to your tree surgeon about this - they will be able to check this out for you.
For any of you who live within a conservation area in Oxford, no less than six weeks notice in writing has to be given to the local authority if you plan to conduct any work on a tree with a diameter of 75mm or more (1.5 metres from the ground).
Tree Surgery Tasks Oxford
Oxford tree surgeons can generally help you with woodland management, staking, tree lightening protection in Oxford, tree cabling, tree watering, stump treatment, crown lifting, retrenchment pruning, root removal Oxford, hedge lowering in Oxford, tree reduction, fruit tree pruning, drop crotching, vegetation management in Oxford, damage restoration, airspading, decompaction, tree cutting, tree surveys, woodchipping, crown thinning, tree care, damaged tree cutting and removal, felling of storm damaged trees, tree management, tree dismantling, dead wooding, tree waste removal in Oxford, tree fertilising, landscaping, emergency tree removal, domestic tree surgery, tree transplanting, tree topping, stump removal and other tree surgeon services in Oxford, Oxfordshire. Listed are just a selection of the activities that are handled by tree surgeons. Oxford specialists will be happy to inform you of their whole range of services.
Tree Surgeons Near Oxford
Also find: Sandford tree surgeons, Barton tree surgeons, Eynsham tree surgeons, Headington tree surgeons, Osney tree surgeons, Littlemore tree surgeons, Marston tree surgeons, Sunningwell tree surgeons, Summertown tree surgeons, Chawley tree surgeons, Cumnor tree surgeons, Wytham tree surgeons, Whitecross tree surgeons, Cowley tree surgeons, Risinghurst tree surgeons, Garsington tree surgeons, Iffley tree surgeons, Wolvercote tree surgeons, Kennington tree surgeons and more. Most of these towns and villages are served by certified tree surgeons. Local home and property owners and others can obtain tree surgery quotations by going here.
Tree Care Services Oxford
- Tree Planning
- Site Clearance
- Tree Dismantling
- Tree Cutting
- Tree Replanting
- Wood Chipping
- Stump Grinding
- Root Grinding
- Tree Care
- Stump Treatment
- Woodland Management
- Woodchipping
- Tree Transplanting
- Tree Inspections
For the latest local Oxford information look here
More: Tree Cutting, Tree Care, Tree Felling, Tree Inspections, Stump Treatment, Tree Lopping, Woodland Management, Tree Bracing, Site Clearance, Shrub Maintenance, Tree Shaping, Hedge Trimming, Site Clearance, Tree Cutting, Wood Chipping, Root Removal, Woodland Clearance, Root Removal, Dead Wooding, Tree Surveys, Crown Lifting, Wood Chipping, Stump Treatment, Eco-Plugging, Tree Dismantling, Hedge Planting, Cable Bracing, Tree Maintenance, Site Clearance, Tree Reduction.
Tree Surgery OX1 area, (dialling code 01865).
(Created with tree surgeons Oxford text version two.)
Root Removal Oxford - Tree Surgeons Near Me - Vegetation Control Oxfordshire - Stump Removal Oxford - Arboriculturalist Oxford - Tree Surgeon Oxford - Forest Management Oxford - Crown Lifting Oxford - Tree Surgery Oxford