Tree Surgeon Didcot

Tree Surgery and Tree Management

Didcot Tree Surgeon Oxfordshire: Trees in your garden and around your property in Didcot, add structure, substance and style to what can quite often be a largely two dimensional area. However, when poorly maintained or affected by extreme weather conditions such as flooding or gales, trees can be a bit of an issue. Prior to any work beginning, the safest option is to get the advice of a skilled tree surgeon in Didcot, when your trees are in need of attention.

Didcot Tree Surgeon Quotes (OX11)

Those who employ a non-qualified person, or try to do tree work for themselves, may cause a risk of damage to the trees, to property and to life. But even using a qualified tree surgeon who is aware of all the hazards does not mean that tree work is safe. The reality is tree surgery is among the most dangerous jobs in the UK, with an average of 3 deaths and 140 serious injuries each year within the industry, consequently it is certainly not safe work for amateurs to do.

Local Tree Surgeon Didcot

A poorly maintained or damaged tree can also cause a threat to life, with around 5 people annually being fatally wounded by falling branches and trees in Britain. You may be liable to third-party compensation claims due to the consequences of your actions, if you bring in somebody to do tree work and subsequently there is an injury, or damage to property. This is why employing a skilled Didcot tree surgeon to work on your trees is vitally important. (The source of the above figures was HSE UK).

SELECTING A TREE SURGEON IN DIDCOT - A qualified tree surgeon in Didcot should be a registered member of one or both of the two professional industry bodies found in the UK. The websites of either the International Society of Arboriculture or the Arboricultural Association allow you to check the membership and professional standing of any tree surgeon in Didcot. Membership of either of these 2 organisations will give the tree surgeon recognised Approved ARB Contractor status which can be checked on this webpage.

You will be able to make contact with these trade associations for mediation and for help and advice, if an issue arises at any point during the course of the tree work, or after it has been concluded.

Professional Tree Surgeons Didcot Oxfordshire

You should not be frightened to decline the offer of a quote from somebody who is not on this directory list, since after all, it's an approved contractor who you are actually looking for. When their professional associations and accreditations have been diligently checked, you should try to get at least three quotations from different companies in the Didcot area. There are a number of important questions that you should ask while you are in the process of acquiring the quotations, and due to the risks of the work involved, you must make it crystal clear that you need the answers. You should for example ask:

  • Precisely what level of insurance cover do you have? You should not entertain a tree surgeon in Didcot with any less than five million pounds public liability insurance as set out by the AA and ISA.
  • Can you provide a NPTC/LANTRA certificate for the use of a chainsaw, and documentary proof of your qualifications and professional memberships? It is required by law that any tree worker who uses a chainsaw must have gained NPTC/LANTRA certification. Qualifications may include City & Guilds Diplomas and Certificates in Arboriculture.
  • Can you provide a quotation in writing? Only ever accept a quote in writing. NEVER settle for a verbal quote only.
  • Would I be able to to contact someone you have recently worked for, so that I can assess your workmanship? It's generally advisable to do an independent check on recently accomplished work.

The written quote that you are given must include easy to understand specifics of the planned work. Who's responsible for the removal and disposal of debris, tree branches and stumps should be stated, as should information on any trees which may be protected, and the steps necessary to get permission to carry out work on them. Unless you're a commercial entity, you should also make sure VAT has been included on the quotation. Understanding that you've got a responsibility to employ only trained people to work on your property and trees, is extremely important. This is outlined by the "Common law duty of care responsibilities under the Occupier's Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984."

Click For Tree Surgery Estimates in the Didcot Area of Oxfordshire

PRIOR TO WORK COMMENCING - The tree surgeon that you have chosen in Didcot, will be able to look into whether any of the trees on your property are subject to a a TPO (tree protection order), and will check with the local authority if the green light for any work is forthcoming. Even protected trees require maintenance so as to cut back old or damaged wood and ensure public safety, so finding a tree has protected status does not imply that work can't be carried out.

At least 6 weeks written notice is required to the Local Planning Authority prior to any work being performed, if your property in Didcot is situated in a conservation area. This written notice is not required if the tree stem is less than 75mm in diameter when measured at 1.5 metres above ground level. Also, it isn't necessary to give notice if the branches of a protected tree need pruning or thinning simply to promote and sustain growth.

Tree Surgery Didcot (OX11)

After fully assessing the health of the trees on your property, your chosen Didcot tree surgeon will determine the appropriate treatments and how the best outcome can be safely accomplished. This will involve a risk assessment of areas that could be impacted by falling debris, such as on your property, in public spaces, and on neighbouring properties. The level of protection needed and the amount of workforce required, will also be established at this point. To keep property and the general public safe from damage or harm, this will include both personal protection equipment and other safety measures.

ON THE DAY OF WORK - Before any tree felling, cutting of branches or climbing begins, barriers and safety measures will be put in place to keep unauthorised persons away from the work area. Traffic may have to be stopped temporarily if there is any threat of falling debris onto a public highway.

The tree surgeon will need varying degrees of protection based on the kind of tree work being carried out. When doing chainsaw work, they will as a bare minimum be wearing special protective clothing to avoid serious cutting injuries to the hands, torso and legs. At all times, every worker involved in the operation should wear head and eye protection, and high-vis clothing.

Extra staff will generally be needed to assist in the safe removal of high branches and heavy sections of tree trunk, especially if any working at height is involved, and where climbing equipment and ladders are being used. For taking waste materials away from the area, a skip or truck will be stationed as close as possible to the work area. This need for unhindered access is as good a reason as any for informing your nearby neighbours of the work you are intending to do.

UPON COMPLETION OF WORK - As soon as the work has been concluded all of the waste can be hauled away and the whole site cleared of any debris. Your tree surgeon should then put together and sign off a certificate of work done, a copy of which will be presented to you. This is especially important where trees with TPOs are involved. Any safety measures that were put in public spaces can then be taken away, with highways and paths being re-opened.

If you've got any complaints about or issues with the work, you should get them fixed straight away by firstly speaking to your tree surgeon. If your tree surgeon is a registered member of a trade body, you can get help and guidance from the International Society of Arboriculture or the Arboricultural Association in order to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion, if any further arbitration is needed.

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Local Didcot tree surgery services are most likely have the postcode OX11 and the telephone dialling code 01235. They will operate in Didcot itself, in addition to nearby areas such as Culham, Long Wittenham, Fulscot, Steventon, Upton, East Hagbourne, Blewbury, North Moreton, Harwell, Milton, West Hagbourne, Milton Park, Northbourne, Aston Tirrold, South Moreton, and these postcodes: OX11 7AN, OX11 6EL, OX11 7AQ, OX11 7EP, OX11 0NP, OX11 7DF, OX11 1DD, OX11 6EA, OX11 7BH, OX11 7DH.

If you need this kind of assistance it's unquestionably far better to bring in a qualified local tree surgeon. Didcot home and business owners can benefit greatly from the skills and knowhow offered by a fully trained professional.

TPOs (Tree Preservation Orders) Didcot

You must make certain there is no TPO (Tree Preservation Order) on any of your trees in Didcot, before you undertake any serious work on them. If you contact your local planning authority, they will let you know whether any of your trees are subject to a TPO. If there are Tree Preservation Orders on one of your trees, you will need written consent from the local authority to carry out any of these: wilful damage, topping, removal, lopping, uprooting, wilful destruction or cutting down. Ask your tree surgeon if you're anxious about this - they'll be happy to check all this out for you.

For those folks who reside inside a conservation area in Didcot, a minimum of 6 weeks written notice must be given to the local council if you plan to undertake any work on a tree with a trunk diameter of seventy five millimetres or more (1.5 metres from the ground).

Preventing Storm Damage

When looking at a strong, sturdy tree standing proudly in your garden it's difficult to imagine it ever falling over. In actual fact certain types of tree can live for many hundreds of years.

Even so, when confronted by a certain set of conditions they can be very vulnerable to the elements, and it's not just falling limbs or branches that can be a consequence, but the entire tree can fall down in extreme weather. The main danger to, and enemy of trees, is high winds, and with increasing numbers of violent storms and extreme weather events this type of damage has become more and more commonplace in Didcot. Prolonged periods of rain or floods will cause soil to become waterlogged, which is another issue for larger trees, as is heavy snowfall during wintertime.

To trim and remove any dead or overhanging branches that may cause an issue in severe weather conditions, it is recommended that you get a local Didcot tree surgeon to examine your trees on a regular basis.

It is also a good idea to fit bigger trees with lightning rods, copper conductors, or other protection systems, to prevent them being struck by lightning, and to safeguard nearby buildings and property which may be vulnerable to side-flashes ("arcs"). A lightning strike could easily kill a tree, or severely weaken it, making it more susceptible to pest attacks and disease. Lightning occurs more frequently than you might imagine, and there are around 300,000 strikes every year in the UK alone.

To safeguard your trees from being damaged by storms and reduce the chances of major consequences should an unstable tree fall down as a result of extreme weather conditions, ask your local Didcot tree surgery company what they can do.

Cable Bracing Didcot

When a tree could be a risk to nearby passers-by or property, or if it is showing signs of decay or damage, the tree can be provided with extra support with a procedure known as tree cable bracing. Cable bracing is frequently used on valuable or older trees in Didcot where it is undesirable to chop down the tree or cut out large unsafe portions.

In order to support defective joints, V-shaped forks and weak limbs in a tree, a purpose designed cable bracing system can be employed. Executing different kinds of bracing work, a professional tree surgeon will be able to use cables and rods to help redistribute structural stresses, and hopefully extend the life of valuable trees in Didcot.

The objective of cable bracing is to offer a non-invasive method of support that doesn't cause damage to the tree by drilling and bolting the branches, and is shock-absorbing and flexible. To guarantee the safety of the tree and nearby areas, a risk assessment must be conducted before any actual work can begin.

Tree Removal Didcot

Tree Removal Didcot

Trees are typically beneficial, thus the removal of a tree should be the final resort. On the other hand, there are bona fide factors behind tree removal on your garden or property in Didcot. Among the commonplace reasons behind needing to remove a tree are when: your tree poses a safety threat, your tree is infected, you have a dead/dying tree, the tree has been uprooted by the weather, your tree is in the way of new development, the tree roots are obstructing foundations/retaining walls or the tree has grown too large. (Tags: Removing Trees Didcot, Tree Felling Didcot, Tree Removal Didcot)

Crown Thinning Didcot

Tree Care Didcot

Because it helps to enable more sunlight throughout, to minimize the wind resistance of the tree, to reduce the chance of the tree uprooting in strong winds, to alleviate the stress on particular limbs resulting from ice, gravity, wind, or snow or to decrease the weight of the crown of the tree, many of the little branches that are growing at the outer crown of a broad leafed (Rather than conifer) tree are cut in a process that's known as crown thinning. The overall shape and size are not altered by this, and it is likely it will have to be carried out on a regular basis, as shoots continue to sprout. Crown thinning isn't supposed to transform the all round size and structure of the tree, but needs to establish a uniform thickness of foliage around uniformly spaced branches.

Deadwooding Didcot

All competent Didcot tree surgeons will carry out the practice of dead-wooding, which is a necessary element of tree management and care. Where there's a threat to passers-by, vehicles or property, dead-wooding is done to carefully remove the dead and rotting branches that are at risk of falling to the ground. The branches of trees can die for a variety of reasons, with diseases, damaged roots, attack by pests or a lack of light, recognised as the most typical.

Whilst the purpose of safety is the usual reason for removing dead branches, the procedure can also be conducted for aesthetic motives and for the overall benefit of the tree itself. The spread of disease and insect infestations can be encouraged by a tree having too many dead, dying and damaged branches, therefore the health of the tree can be greatly improved by eliminating those dead branches. A tree with a lot of dead wood may also have an unsightly appearance, so this should be cut out to get your tree looking beautiful once again.

As smaller dead branches pose little risk, only substantial ones will be cut out in most situations. Nevertheless, where trees are overhanging a garden, a public area, a home, a park or a road in Didcot, it might be recommended to remove any dead timber that's in excess of 50 millimetres in diameter.

Dutch Elm Disease

Destroying tree stocks and killing off tens of millons of elm trees all over the UK over the past five decades or more, Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) is not so prevalent now, as it was in the past. Caused by the Ophiostoma novo-ulmi fungus which is spread by the elm bark beetle, Dutch Elm Disease (DED) was introduced into Great Britain unintentionally in the Sixties from Canada.

Its rapid spread was attributed mainly to elm products such as bark mulch, saplings, crates, and logs with the bark still attached, being moved around Britain. DED didn't only affect Great Britain, but also decimated the stocks of elms in continental Europe and North America, it is thought to have originated in Asia.

Dutch Elm Disease typically first appears in early summer, and the main symptoms are:

  • Clusters of leaves turning yellow and wilting.
  • New shoots that die back from the tips.
  • Dark spots or rings in the cross-section of twigs.
  • Twigs that turn into a "shepherd's crook" shape.

Since there are now hardly any substantial elms in the UK countryside, the elm bark beetle's habitat has been pretty much decimated, the result of which has been a slowing of this disease. A project for the propagation of young elm saplings that up to now have proven resistant to Dutch Elm Disease is currently being undertaken.

You could ask for a diagnosis from the THDAS (Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service), or you can get in touch with your neighbourhood tree surgeon for advice and guidance, if you happen to have elm trees on your property in Didcot, and have suspicions that they may be afflicted with DED.

Trees of the families Ulmcae and Zelkova are affected.

Vectors - small beetles of the Scolytus and Hylorgopinus genera.

Cause - fungi Ophiostoma Novo-Ulmi and Ophiostoma Ulmi.

(Tags: Dutch Elm Disease Didcot, Spotting Dutch Elm Disease, Signs of Dutch Elm Disease).

Air-Spading Didcot

There are a number of problems that could make the health of your trees a concern, however issues with the root system are frequently the cause. So as to check for soil compaction, root rot, or other problems, a qualified tree surgeon in Didcot might need to get at the root system of your tree.

Because there is a potential for inflicting damage on the roots during the digging process, during the past this was difficult to achieve. A process known as "air spading" is employed by many modern day tree surgeons in Didcot, and this enables compacted soil to be broken down and stripped away by using compressed air, which doesn't cause any harm to the tree's root system or buried utilities.

On occasion, construction work, passing vehicles or heavy foot traffic can cause the soil surrounding a tree's roots to become compacted, and this can have a negative effect on its health. When a tree becomes "stressed" it is more susceptible to attack by pests, disease and insects, and this stress can be caused by a lack of nutrients and water. Root flare problems can also be resolved with air-spading, and this is when the flare around the base of the tree becomes covered with an excess of soil, increasing the chances of root rot by causing tissue breakdown.

By forcing air into voids in the soil at speeds of up to 1,200 mph through the use of an air compressor and an air-spade, the air-spading process quickly breaks down the soil without harming or damaging the tree roots. As the soil is directed away from the roots by the powerful flow of air, immediate inspection is possible. A solution can then be found for any issues, and the previously compact soil replaced with chip mulch and fertiliser to help revive the tree.

Accidents Through Tree Surgery

As we've already said, tree care professionals in Didcot undertake work that can be rather hazardous. Tree work involves a risk of injuries to both operatives, co-workers and passers-by, therefore all reasonable safety measures must be taken when carrying out work on trees.

According to figures gathered by the HSE, falls from trees, the use of chainsaws, and being hit by a falling tree or branch are responsible for the majority of serious and fatal injuries. Surprisingly, tree surgeons and arborists are more at risk of being seriously injured than workers involved in the construction industry.

According to insurance company sources, lifting injuries, being struck by objects (ropes, branches, trees, grapple hooks, cranes etc) and slipping from ladders, are the most frequent accidents for which claims are made.

This should all help you to understand why it is so critical to choose a qualified tree surgeon in Didcot. Inexperienced workers trying to tackle tasks that they haven't been trained to do, accounts for a lot of accidents in the tree care sector. So, to avoid this kind of problem, always use an experienced and trustworthy company that has been trading in the Didcot area for several years.

Essential Skills for Tree Surgeons in Didcot

  • Have a good understanding of public safety.
  • Have patience and the ability to stay calm in stressful circumstances.
  • Good customer skills.
  • To be methodical and pay close attention to detail.
  • Be professional and capable of completing tasks within a set timeframe.
  • Be aware of the dangers and complexities involved with the various aspects of tree work.
  • Be capable of using, repairing and maintaining machinery and tools.
  • Have the ability to work with your hands.
  • Physical skills such as coordination and movement.
  • The capacity to work efficiently with other folks.
  • To be able to execute common tasks on a hand-held device or computer.

The ISA (International Society of Arboriculture)

The International Society of Arboriculture, usually referred to as the ISA, is an international non-profit organisation that is headquartered in the United States of America. Serving the tree care industry all over the world, the ISA is a membership association that champions the professional practice of arboriculture, providing accreditations for tree care professionals.

Supporting best tree care practices via educational events, services and publications, the ISA has a firm focus on enabling those who work in the tree care sector develop their arboricultural expertise, knowledge and skills wherever possible.

After signing a partnership agreement with them the Arboricultural Association proudly became an associate organisation of the International Society of Arboriculture in 2016. The relationship between the two bodies was therefore strengthened, and more opportunities made available for United Kingdom and Ireland ISA members. UK members of the Arboricultural Association can now enjoy the benefits of being part of an international network of tree care professionals. With associate organisations and professional affiliates in EXTRAdrop crotching, tree pruning, fruit tree pruning, tree staking in Didcot, felling of storm damaged trees, site clearance in Didcot, forestry management Didcot, root removal, tree bracing Didcot, safety inspections, crown cleaning Didcot, tree reshaping in Didcot, tree transplanting, emergency tree removal Didcot, commercial tree surgery in Didcot, damage restoration in Didcot, hedge trimming in Didcot, tree surveys, hedge laying, domestic tree care, hedge reduction, brush cutting, eco-plugging, dead wood removal, air spading, hazard assessments, tree reduction, cabling Didcot, crown reduction Didcot, landscapingTEN, and the United Kingdom, the International Society of Arboriculture now boasts over twenty two thousand members from all around the world.

Emergency Tree Surgery Didcot

While emergencies are uncommon in relation to trees in your garden, accidents are always possible, so it might pay you to have an emergency contact number for a tree surgeon in Didcot quickly. When there are strong winds and gales, Didcot tree surgeons receive an increase in emergency calls, and some of them offer a 24/7 service. In windy weather there is more chance of branches breaking off and falling onto property or pedestrians, and even possibly the risk of an entire tree crashing to the ground. Frequent problems that happen as a result of tree emergencies are splintered sheds, damaged fences, smashed greenhouses and busted garden furniture.

Obviously, the local authorities in the Didcot area will also often need emergency tree care services, when large tree branches fall onto railway lines, streets and public footpaths.

When a tree has lost some limbs it can become lopsided, with more branches and weight on one side. This can often be both aesthetically displeasing and hazardous, so the tree may have to undergo "rebalancing". For all of these problems, you should phone a local tree surgeon in Didcot who offers emergency tree surgery services, and they will deal with all of this for you. You should also be able to get 24 hour emergency tree surgery services in Culham, Long Wittenham, Fulscot, Steventon, Upton, East Hagbourne, Blewbury, North Moreton, Harwell, Milton, West Hagbourne, Milton Park, Northbourne, Aston Tirrold, South Moreton, and Didcot itself. (Tags: Emergency Call-Outs Didcot, Emergency Tree Care Didcot, Emergency Tree Services Didcot, Emergency Tree Surgery Didcot).

Tree Surgery Tasks Didcot

Tree Surgery Tasks Didcot UK

Didcot tree surgeons can usually help with drop crotching, tree pruning, fruit tree pruning, tree staking in Didcot, felling of storm damaged trees, site clearance in Didcot, forestry management Didcot, root removal, tree bracing Didcot, safety inspections, crown cleaning Didcot, tree reshaping in Didcot, tree transplanting, emergency tree removal Didcot, commercial tree surgery in Didcot, damage restoration in Didcot, hedge trimming in Didcot, tree surveys, hedge laying, domestic tree care, hedge reduction, brush cutting, eco-plugging, dead wood removal, air spading, hazard assessments, tree reduction, cabling Didcot, crown reduction Didcot, landscaping and other tree surgeon services in Didcot, Oxfordshire. Listed are just an example of the activities that are handled by a tree surgeon. Didcot providers will be happy to inform you of their whole range of services.

Contact a Tree Surgeon Didcot

Tree Surgeons Nearby

Also find: Long Wittenham tree surgeon, Milton Park tree surgeon, Harwell tree surgeon, Upton tree surgeon, Blewbury tree surgeon, Fulscot tree surgeon, Steventon tree surgeon, Aston Tirrold tree surgeon, West Hagbourne tree surgeon, Milton tree surgeon, East Hagbourne tree surgeon, Culham tree surgeon, Northbourne tree surgeon, North Moreton tree surgeon, South Moreton tree surgeon and more. Practically all of these towns and villages are covered by local tree surgeons. Property owners in these areas can get price quotes for tree surgery by clicking here.

Tree Care Services Didcot

Find a Tree Surgeon in Didcot Here
Tree Surgeon Quotes Didcot Oxfordshire (01235)
  • Didcot Hedge Reduction
  • Didcot Tree Care
  • Didcot Woodland Clearances
  • Didcot Tree Cutting
  • Didcot Crown Raising
  • Didcot Tree Maintenance
  • Didcot Hedge Trimming
  • Didcot Tree Planting
  • Didcot Tree Watering
  • Didcot Stump Grinding
  • Didcot Tree Transplanting
  • Didcot Root Removal
  • Didcot Tree Bracing
  • Didcot Wood Chipping

More Didcot Trades: Not surprisingly, whenever you're having tree surgery done in Didcot, Oxfordshire, you will probably be in need of other garden related services, and apart from a tree surgeon in Didcot, Oxfordshire, you may also need garden shed builders in Didcot, artifical grass in Didcot, hard landscaping in Didcot, gate installers in Didcot, waste removal in Didcot, garden digging services in Didcot, soil drainage services in Didcot, garden pond installation in Didcot, lawn mowing in Didcot, driveway specialists in Didcot, garden clearance in Didcot, garden planning and design in Didcot, patio installers in Didcot, decking specialists in Didcot, SKIP HIRE in Didcot, hedge shaping in Didcot, and other different Didcot tradespeople.

To obtain local information about Didcot, Oxfordshire go here

Tree Surgeon Jobs Didcot: Find Didcot tree surgeon jobs here: Tree Surgeon Jobs Didcot

Tree Surgery OX11 area, phone code 01235.

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(This tree surgeon Didcot article was revised and updated on 09-02-2024)