Tree Works

When carrying out work on a tree it is important to choose the correct type of work to be completed and to ensure the work is being carried out correctly. With experience in both carrying out and specifying different type of tree work, the team have always been thorough to work in accordance with BS3998:2010, which is the British standard for tree works. Beneath are a few of the regular terms associated with tree work that we carry out and what they mean.

Reduction

The reduction in height and/or spread of the crown of a tree. Crown reductions may be used to reduce the stress that can be put on a single branch or of the whole tree, such as storm damage or natural obstructions. It also allows the tree to be more suited to its environment, such as if the tree is outgrowing its surroundings and reduce effects of light loss or shading. The final result will retain the main framework of a trees crown, but leave a similar yet smaller outline. A reduction will also not necessarily achieve symmetry for its own sake, where the tree was not symmetrical before. However, not all species are suitable for crown reductions and this type of work should not be confused with ‘topping’, the removal of the whole top of a tree which is very harmful. We love carrying out reductions on trees and take pride in getting that ‘natural’ look of a tree, not leaving it like a lollipop!

Felling

Felling is Elliots speciality. From the removal of small saplings to big mature trees, he can fell the lot! Working in a forestry setting, where he was felling all sorts of trees, really honed his technique and there isn’t a lot he hasn’t come across. Once the tree is felled we can then cut it into logs for you or remove them from site, chip the side branches and brash and leave the site looking as it was before.

Dismantle

Sometimes it can be an unpleasant choice to decide to remove a tree, but in certain circumstances it is the only sensible option. A dismantle is the full removal of a tree. This is carried out in a systematic and safe way, removing the branches first to leave the main stem of the tree. The stem is then either felled where possible or taken down in smaller sections.

Crown Lift

Crown lifting is the removal of the lowest branches of a tree. Good practice dictates that when crown lifting, larger branches growing directly from the trunk should not be removed. This is to reduce the likelihood of large wounds becoming extensively decayed in the future. Crown lifting on older, mature trees should be avoided or restricted to smaller branches or shortening of larger branches rather than the whole removal where possible. Crown lifting is an effective method of increasing light to pass to areas closer to the tree or to enable access under the crown.

Crown Thin

Crown thinning is the removal of smaller branches on the outer crown of a tree, to produce uniform foliage and an even branch structure. Crown thinning will not alter the overall size or shape of the tree. Branches will be removed throughout the tree, however the amount removed will not exceed more than 30% overall. Common reasons for crown thinning are to allow more light to pass through the tree, reduce wind resistance and reduce weight in a tree.

Deadwooding

Deadwooding is the process of removing deadwood from a trees canopy. This is an effective method of reducing the risk posed by any deadwood that may fall and injure someone or damage property. However, deadwood isn’t necessarily a bad thing to have in trees. It can have huge ecological benefit and host all sorts of life. Where there is no risk, then many trees can be left with deadwood within the canopy.

Pollard

Pollarding is a method used to keep bigger trees to a more suitable size. This method is normally started once a tree reaches a certain height and then carried out at regular intervals to ensure the tree remains that way.

Tidy Up Time

Naturally, tree work is a messy business. You may look at the site and think this is never going to be the same again! We pride ourselves on how we leave a job looking once its complete. It doesn’t matter how impressive the work was, if the garden or site is looking terrible once we’ve left, that’s all the client will see. All waste is removed, unless otherwise desired, sawdust is blown away and logs stacked in a suitable location. We then check with the client to make sure they’re happy with the work, before leaving to go home for a cup of tea.

Qualifications and Insurance

We are both fully qualified tree surgeons, holding all relevant tree surgery qualifications and tickets, plus a few more! Elliot has the most competency tickets, such as large tree felling, winch assisted felling, use of a MEWP and Forestry Harvester. Ewan also has a BSc in Arboriculture and his Professional Tree Inspector (PTI) qualification. We are fully insured up to five million pounds. A copy of insurance can be seen on request if needed.

Our Clients

We have worked for many different clients. We have carried out small scale works for domestic clients, such as single tree removal, and also larger works for big businesses! We are currently the contractors for Sony’s Environmental Centre, carrying out sensitive works to get right the balance between leaving the site looking natural and keeping it safe.

If you have any questions why not get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!

Email: thetreefolks@gmail.com