Tree Surgery
Is my tree is too big to fell in my garden?
We are specialists in sectional felling safely removing the largest of trees in the smallest of areas. The tree is removed piece by piece.
My tree might have some sort of disease. Could it be dangerous?
Disease and decay can be present all year round but analysis of diseases at certain time of the year is the key to offering long-term advice. Most diseases that affect roots and the base of a tree are found underground and are identified during November to March when the "fruiting" season produces fungi or fungus bodies in the soil under the tree that are easily seen. Further disease can be identified all year round by advanced decay detection using the latest "non-invasive" technology and a plan can be made to ascertain whether or not this renders the tree dangerous.
How do I increase the safety of my tree? I have small children and I use the garden a great deal.
The removal of dead wood within the crown of a tree and the "formative pruning" of a tree which removes crossing and rubbing branches and identifies an area of limb or trunk weakness is a very useful operation. Climbing inspections and decay reports can be constructed to offer a planned management programme. This is the only fully insurable way of offering you peace of mind.
I am concerned the roots of my tree may be affecting my foundations?
This question has been a larger concern for the tree industry over the last few years than ever before. Insurance company requests and research into this field of tree care have been growing rapidly. It is possible that, dependant upon tree type, location and the soil type, trees can affect soil structure and foundations. The only way to gather a comprehensive picture of the exact problem is to call us in and we can either make recommendations ourselves or refer the site to a consultant specialising in this field. Test pits may have to be dug and further analysis of data made before making an accurate and insurable decision. This can prove to be a confusing procedure for clients, but left with us we can take the responsibility on board with confidence.
My tree casts shadow over my house and garden, what can I do about it?
Depending upon what species of tree it is, a number of operations can be used to reduce shadow and light blocking. In general and dependant upon species it would be best not to formally reduce the crown (or leafing area) of the tree drastically. The removal of crown growth in most case promotes fast re-growth and an unnecessary draw on the tree’s reserves. This can lead to stress growth and the first signs of disease or decay intervention. Certain limbs can be pruned and in some cases a formal crown reduction can be used. However a combination of tip reducing key limbs, thinning the crown of the tree (i.e. reducing density of the leafing area) and removing limbs completely (crown lifting) will lead to a similar result in getting more light into the garden or house and reducing the number of operations a tree surgeon has to carry out. In the long term this will lead to a reduced management cost for you and a longer life for your tree. Sometimes, because of the location of the tree, reducing the tree’s size is the only option, but let us explain the options to you first on site.
Can I prune back a neighbours branches / roots?
Generally common law provides a 'right' for a landowner to cut back trespassing branches or roots from a neighbour's tree. The individual scenario must be reviewed to ensure that this view of Common Law applies and it should be noted that action under this law brings with it conditions that must be adhered to. One regular problem is that the extent and positioning of pruning allowed under this 'right', frequently does not compare with modern tree pruning recommendations and if taken to the letter of the law, may result in a disfigured and possibly a dangerous tree. Acting in this way may not protect you should damage or loss occur. If your trees are protected (See: Are my trees protected), then the Consent of the Planning Authority (but not the tree owner) will be required. As you can see, this can be a complicated matter and it is important you receive professional advice relevant to your situation, better still, work hard to maintain good relations with you neighbours!
Will trees damage my property?
Trees should be regarded as real assets to our homes and gardens. However, occasionally they can conflict with nearby structures. If a tree grows very close (typically within 1.5m) of a lightly loaded wall or structure then as it grows, the base of the stem or the large diameter roots very close to the trunk may exert pressure and cause it to yield/ lift. If a house is founded upon a shrinkable clay soil, then trees may cause or add to movement damage due to the soil drying out. Some trees require more moisture than others but all trees will require more moisture when they are fully grown with a large crown. Trees close to drains and sewers etc, may cause 'direct' damage if very close. At a greater distance it is common for tree roots to enter a pipe via an existing hole / gap and then to cause a blockage once the roots multiply. Where possible, clearing roots and inserting a flexible liner may solve the problem. This is mainly the case with old leaky drains, whilst modern plastic drains are seldom effected.
Trees may be protected in a number of ways. Within a Conservation Area, initial protection is afforded to all types of tree which have a stem diameter (measured at 1.5 m above the ground) greater than 7.5cm. Consent is not required from your Local Planning Authority (LPA), but 6 weeks written notification of intended works must be provided. Tree Preservation Orders (TPO's) provide a high level of protection for selected trees and woodlands or named types of trees within groups or given areas. Written consent is required from the LPA before carrying out any works and this normally takes around 8 weeks. Trees on development sites or near recently built houses, may be protected by virtue of conditions attached to Planning Permissions. These may require the consent of the LPA before carrying out works or perhaps, enforce the replacement of dead trees. Carrying out work to trees because they have become dead, dying or dangerous may not require permission - If you are concerned please give us a call.
General
I can no longer manage my hedge?
We have all the necessary tools and equipment to trim the largest of hedges to a manageable size or completely remove at your request.
What happens if I use a company who is not insured?
You could be liable for any accident the operator may have. This could be to your property or your neighbour’s property. It could be personal injury to anyone, including any assistant with the operator or the operator himself. The advice would be not to use uninsured tree surgeons. Tree Tenders Ltd. have in place a £2 million public liability insurance policy giving you complete peace of mind.
What happens to the tree waste?
None of the tree / plant material we remove from your site goes into landfill. All the branches that can be are put through our wood chipper and recycled into woodchip / mulch. We take this to a holding yard where the chip is turned over’ to help it break down evenly. After 6 weeks the woodchip / mulch is ready to go back onto borders as soil improving mulch. We sell seasoned split firewood by the truck load (Approx 3m³) or by the dumpy bag (Approx 1m³).
If your tree needs attention for safety reasons, we will make it our priority to get to you as soon as possible. However our lead time for tree work is approximately 3 weeks. It will take a minimum of 6 weeks if you live in a Conservation Area or your tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on it. This is due to planning permission having to be filed with the local planning authority to carry out certain work.
Tel: 01782 324548
Mob: 07985 731945
Contact us online…
E-mail: enquiries@treetenders.co.uk
Tree Tenders Ltd
Tree Cutting & Felling • Hedge Trimming & Thinning • Crown Reduction & Pruning • NPTC Qualified • Fully Insured Arborists
