luketreework

Acute oak decline is a tree disease, which has impacted Europe severely several times in over 2 centuries. Currently, there is a version of this disease being observed in the UK, which has been monitored and examined for 20 years. The targets of this disease are trees over 50 years old, meaning that veteran oaks are at particular risk. 

The symptoms of acute oak decline include some of the following: 

• Crown thinning – sometimes it is a sudden occurrence, in other cases, it is gradual over 2 years. 
  
  
• Stem bleeding – the tree develops dark weeping patches. They may be less serious than they look, and can sometimes even heal if the tree recovers from that stressed state. 
  
  
• Tree stress – in such a state, a tree becomes more vulnerable to pests and diseases, which may appear on the tree. 
  
  
• Dark fluids – the dark fluids may seep through cracks in the bark, and run down the tree trunk. 
  
  

Several factors mostly determine the specifics of acute oak decline. The most important thing to remember is that the disease stresses out the trees. Things like waterlogging, pollution and sometimes drought are the environmental factors contributing to stressing the tree. Bacteria, fungi and insects can then further push an oak into decline. 

It bears mention that oak decline occurs in stressed trees. There are certain processes taking place then, such as the tree being unable to supply enough water, its crown becoming thin and it loses a certain amount of leaves. In response to drought, a tree will develop dark patches on the bark. The stress factors combine and then lead to low amounts of energy within the tree to compensate for the issue at hand. In this condition, it may be ill-prepared for cold months and not be able to manage a pest infestation as effectively. For trees pushed into decline like that, death may take place in the following years. 

Impact of acute oak decline 

Oak decline has been monitored for over 250 years. Germany has had an issue with this disease since the 1990s. In the UK, the oak decline has mostly struck in Wales and the southern shores of England. As it is an atypical disease, the spread of it is much lower. The same cannot be said for its environmental impact, however, especially in regards to the environmental conditions become more unpredictable. As a result, other tree species experience the same decline. 

The impact acute oak decline poses will increase, because environmental changes are ongoing still. Such a disease on trees will become more frequently surveyed, due to climate changes. Worse yet is the fact that the disease can cause the oak decline condition to be more severe. 

Here is what can be done about the acute oak decline 

Combating acute oak decline is not easy. One step in the right direction is to ensure more oaken trees are planted. More importantly, is planting them in an area that fosters their natural regenerative qualities. It is also important to do more research on the disease. Knowing what causes it and how it can be prevented and slow it down is very important. 

Good tree surveying is of utmost importance when it comes to acute oak decline. Having experts explore the trees in a given area and take notes of their condition can make all the difference in the world. Changing matters isn’t always possible, but it is essential to assess the situation early on. 

© Treework Environmental Practice

When it comes to dangers to UK trees, there are a lot of pests and diseases that qualify with the use of that word. It is important to monitor them and detect any issue early on so that it doesn’t lead to anything serious later on. Many pests and diseases can lead to very bad effects for trees if left rampant for too long. 

One of the best ways to control pests and diseases is to detect them early on through tree surveys. When arborists do that, they have a much better chance to deal with the condition of the tree, regardless of what it may be. There are several major pests and diseases that tree surveys can reveal: 

• Acute oak decline – this is a tree disease that affects many native oak trees. It is a condition that has been present within the UK for the past 20 years. Arborists note it mostly affects mature oaks that are over 50 years of age. Symptoms of the disease include crown thinning, vertical cracks of the bark seeping dark fluid, stem bleeding that gets more severe with time and the presence of more pests and other diseases attacking the tree, which is already weakened. Acute oak decline is mostly due to a combination of factors, like waterlogging, soil conditions, pollution and drought. These can all weaken a mature tree and then leave it more vulnerable to fungi, bacteria and pests. 
  
  
• Ash dieback – this disease, as evident from the name, targets trees of different ages. Of course, young, less mature trees are much more vulnerable, even though the symptoms are largely the same. They include dark patches of leaves, even present in the summer; early shedding; leaves and shoots die back; lesions at the areas where the trunk meets branches; epicormic growth – unusual growth under stress. The disease originates from Asia. And while Manchurian and Chinese ash trees have had more time to adapt and become less vulnerable to it, European ash trees have been way more susceptible to it. The reason is these trees did not evolve with the fungus that causes the disease and is much more vulnerable. 
  
  
• Asian and Citrus longhorn beetles – these are beetles that target broadleaf trees. There is a high risk of them being imported in the wood package. Damage from this kind of beetles is mostly present in the form of holes in the trunk. Adult specimens feed on foliage and sometimes cause this damage to the trunk. The beatles are also regarded for stripping young bark from shoots. 
  
  
• Dothistroma needle blight – this fungal disease creates opportunities for early needle drop. It is responsible for a lot of loss of yield in commercial forests and leads to the premature death of a lot of trees. It is particularly dangerous for Caledonian pine forests. The main symptoms of the disease manifest in June and July. At that time, arborists observe yellow spots on the needles of trees, which then go into the red. Needles shed a few weeks later after being infected. As a result, the branches get that ‘lion’s tail’ look with minor tufts of needle growth at the end. 
  
  
• Bronze birch borer – this is a beetle that gets its name from the metallic bronze colour that it has. It feeds on wood during the larval stages, which heavily impacts the tree capacity to intake nutrients and water. The symptoms of bronze birch borer infestation are dead leaf retention, leaf thinning and discolouration, swelling and welts of the bark. 

These diseases and pests are common enough that they need to be monitored and checked for through regular tree surveys, to minimise and prevent the damage from them. 

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The purpose of a tree survey is to provide essential information on the trees within a given area. Whether it is a private or public landscape, arborists can survey the land and gather data on the tree species, their age, condition, metrics and more. Also, the tree survey aims to provide information on various tree pests and diseases that may be present, as well as assess the risk of subsidence in the area. The survey outlines ways that a tree can be protected during any developments being made in the area, as well as provides information on tree preservation orders and more. 

There are many different surveys that you can get for your property. The experts conduct each to a certain professional standard, based on your requirements. Here are some of the tree surveys you can have for your property: 

• Condition report – in case you are managing a certain number of trees on your property and you want to find out more about their condition, then this survey is the right one to get. Professionals survey the trees and assess the potential risks associated with trees. They will then provide you with specific recommendations on how to manage these risks. 
  
  
• A survey for planning purposes – whenever you want to submit a planning application, you need to consider the trees in the area. There is a tree survey you will need to get before anything else – the BS5837 survey. Only qualified arboricultural consultants can provide such a survey. They gather specific data in the area and feature it on their report. The main reason for getting such a survey is to get yourself planning consent. It is also essential for determining how you can lower the risk of damage to the trees during any development in the area. 
  
  
• A tree survey for subsidence management – if there is a case of subsidence, you need a tree survey to identify the trees that are causing it. The goal of such a survey is to outline what steps can be taken to minimise the damage and prevent any future risk. Subsidence really isn’t a minor thing, as it can cause property damage and halt construction. Getting a proper survey is essential for managing such an issue, and for this reason, you will need to contact an experienced team of arborists to conduct the work on surveying the area and its trees. 
  
  
• A survey for buying a house – when you are buying a house, you will find that mortgage lenders usually require a tree survey. That is because they want to be in the know about any potential risks, including subsidence. Besides, trees do add value to a property, so it is essential to consult the right experts for the job. 
  
  
• Tree Preservation Order – various local authorities create tree preservation orders. They do so under the Countryside and Rights of Way act. The orders concern different trees, from specific ones to the entire area/woodland. The TPO is a tool to protect trees against acts of removal and anything that would otherwise contribute to a loss of amenity. Improper pruning is also a thing to be mindful of, which is why a TPO exists. Opposing a TPO is possible, although you will have to consult with an arborist company on how to manage the process. Once a company has conducted a tree survey, they should be able to tell whether the trees fall under the protection of a TPO. 
  
  

As you know more about the different kinds of surveys, you are now better equipped to get experts and conduct the right one. 

© Treework Environmental Practice

If you want to clear some land in the UK, which has trees, you will likely require a tree survey. This is something that professional arborists can carry out for you. If you are not sure what a tree survey is and how to get one, then the following guide is right for you. 

What is a tree survey/tree report? 

Tree surveys represent the process of gathering detailed data about trees present on a given property. These surveys aim to acquire more information about trees on both public and private landscapes. The reason why one would want to get a tree survey lies with the fact that owners of the land and representatives of the management team behind it have a legal duty to maintain the health and safety of trees, especially if the land is open to the public. Furthermore, to make the right decisions about the area owners need to have the expert level of information, which arborists can acquire during a tree survey. It is usually performed to the BS5837 standard. It presents a guideline for all of the data that needs to go into the survey, for it to be of any legal use. 

What information do tree surveys collect?

The British Standard BS5837 accumulates all of the information necessary for tree surveys. Based on it, the experts provide data on: 

• The number of trees in the area 
• The species of trees in the area 
• Giving a unique reference number to each of the individual trees 
• Age of trees – sometimes given by class, i.e. young, mature, veteran 
• The life expectancy of trees 
• The diameter of the trunk 
• Radii of the crown 
• The health of trees – features structural and physiological condition 
• Management recommendations 

All of this is mostly information for the experts to read and make recommendations based on. It is what makes the tree survey viable. 

How to determine if you require a survey? 

Carrying out a tree survey is required by law in many areas. One of the reasons for this is the species of trees in the area, many of which require protection. The Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 sets out the directives, which protect certain trees, i.e. stating they cannot be cut down. Another reason for tree surveys lies with developing the landscape. For those who want to build within the vicinity of trees, they will require a tree survey to determine whether the trees there are under a tree protection order and how to minimise the negative impact of development on them. Trees add great value to any property, and so any designer out there will first want to see a tree survey for recommendations on how to prevent any damage. Another important reason for tree surveys lies with detecting pests, diseases and structural damage, as well as the need to prune or otherwise assist the tree so that it doesn’t become a hazard. 

Do you need a tree survey? 

If you are close to finalising the plans for the development of your property, and you have a desire to add ancillary buildings or extensions, then a tree survey is something you need to get. If you need service lines or change of access to the property, you will also need a survey. It should include all of the trees present there, including any that are within influential distance. Needless to say, it has to be carried out by professional arborists, who know how to conduct the survey from A to Z and come up with the necessary data and recommendations. 

© Treework Environmental Practice

An arboricultural survey is often used to identify and preserve trees within a given area. It provides important information to homeowners and estate managers with a plan on the trees within the area. 

There are various reasons why you’d want to have a tree survey conducted. The most common of them are: 

• Subsidence – this is not a small problem, which affects properties. The reason why it occurs lies with tree roots. If a homeowner suspects this sort of issue with their property, they have to request a tree survey from a professional company. They will send out experts to inspect whether it is indeed the case and also assess the level at which the tree roots have affected the foundations of the building. 

• Safety – at times, trees indeed pose a risk to the health and safety of the public. Conducting a professional tree survey is the only way to assess this risk to the people and property on the site. It is very important to conduct frequent surveys on trees of old age since they have a higher chance of having dead branches that can break at any time. 

• Mortgage purposes – another reason to conduct a tree survey lies with mortgage lenders and their desire to assess the safety of nearby trees and how they can affect the risks to the property. Other than that, it is no secret that trees do affect the value of any home, depending on their condition and location, and that is another thing mortgage lenders may want to know. 

What Goes Into A Tree Survey? 

There are a few important aspects of each survey: 

• A report that outlines relevant recommendations for the tree/s that have been surveyed.
   
• Various data on the trees, including number and species, condition, diseases and pests present, etc. 
  
  
• An overall assessment of the woodland/area that has been surveyed. 
  
  
• Information as per the BS5837 standard, pointing out to the health, age and growth of the trees in the area. The local council may request such surveys, as they are needed for planning and developmental permissions. 
  
  

One of the major purposes of a tree survey is that it has to be preemptive about certain issues that trees develop. To identify and assess these problems, experts conduct a survey, to have the information before a real problem escalates. And even though trees make for an important component of the landscape, when individual trees pose too serious of risk to property and people, they may need to be removed. Tree surveys outline this need or share the necessary steps to mitigating the risk and remedying the situation. 

Sometimes tree surveys are necessary out of the need to comply with British duty of care, in addition to statutory requirements. Only licensed arborists conduct surveys, however, as they have the necessary tools and expertise for the job. This is also because tree surveys should adhere to various standards. 

How long does it take to conduct a tree survey? 

A quick survey is possible with a professional company. Their aim is usually to provide quick results since they know that homeowners and developers require them. Because of the tools and knowledge of the experts, a tree survey wouldn’t take long to execute. All that people need to do is find a company that works within the area and then consult with them on conducting a tree survey. They will be able to arrange things pretty quickly. 

© Treework Environmental Practice

Tree surveys aim to provide a landowner with various data on the trees present there. Such a survey plays an important role in the development of the land and outlines steps to improve the condition of the trees on it. Every good landlord knows that trees boost the value of a property greatly and so need to be preserved. Furthermore, some trees are protected by law, like the Wildlife and Countryside act, which has to do with felling prohibition on protected trees. 

Overall, it is clear that tree surveys are important enough so that you should never ignore them. But it is also important to understand how experts conduct them. There are a few types of surveys that are important: tree health surveys targeted surveys and pre-property development surveys. Each of them is specific: 

Tree health surveys – inspect the health of all trees on the property, the presence of diseases and pests. Outlines possible cures and prevention methods. 

Targeted surveys – these establish the damage and extent of a tree disease. Their goal is to predict further damage and prevent more issues. 

Pre-property development survey – this is done to ensure the property complies with the British Standard BS5837: 2012, in the trees concerning the construction part. 

So what are the phases of a tree survey? Following are each of them with a rundown of what they include. 

Phase 1 – Pre-planning and setting parameters 

Before the survey starts, experts plan out how they will conduct it. There are a few methods they can use. 

Line transects – perhaps the most common way of conducting tree surveys. It involves walking a series of parallels and evenly-spaced lines. The experts then conduct an exam of all trees on the left and right of these lines. 

Quarter-point transects – experts walk a line to the north, south, west and east starting from a diseased tree. That way they can estimate just how many trees are infected and how far the disease has spread. 

Radius survey – when trees have great distances between them, this sort of survey is just right. Experts choose a radius and survey all of the tree species in that radius. 

Complete survey – looks at all trees for signs of pests and diseases. It is the go-to method for small woodlands and parks. 

Most tree surveys take place from the ground, although in some cases experts may need to climb them. This is because they have to examine the branches on top and the crowns. It is essential to pick the right time for a tree survey since not all diseases are active during certain seasons. 

Phase 2 – Additional work 

- For a survey to be considered viable, experts need to do the following: 

- Note the position, species and condition of trees

- Check dimensions and crown spread 

- Check leaf colour 

- Inspect for deadwood and damaged branches 

- Check for ivy growth, swellings, fungus, ark damage 

- Check for exposed roots and root damage 

- Check for cracks in the soil or uplifting of the concrete structures 

- Experts will use tree tags to map the surveyed trees. When they are done, there will be an assessment of the value of the landscape. 

Phase 3 – Impact assessment 

During this phase, experts assess the impact of tree damage on the property. It contains such details, as what trees need to be removed, how to protect trees during the construction process and other recommendations to best preserve trees. 

Tree surveys are an important part of tree maintenance and finding the right experts to conduct them is equally crucial.

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When it comes to construction works, trees are often in the way. Many developers choose a site for new construction because of trees, as they add aesthetic value and boost the environment in many ways. 

Unfortunately, this means that when the process of construction begins, trees in question are at risk. It takes planning and cares to preserve them on the building sites. Consulting with an arborist then becomes a necessity as does actively working with the builders to minimise the risk. There are certain things you can do to protect trees during construction: 

• Planning and organisation - early planning is crucial for the wellbeing of trees during the construction process and especially in the early phases of it. During this step, arborists and builders need to cooperate, to consider the trees present in the area. Sometimes it takes minor changes in the driveway design or the placement of the house that can preserve trees. If there is no way to re-route utility lines, perhaps a change of technique can be employed? For example, tunnelling and trenching installations are two techniques that are tree-friendly. 

• Limiting access with barriers - an effective way to prevent damage to trees is to erect barriers around them. This enables physical protection from machinery and the construction process. Some sturdy fences around each tree can keep harm away. Consider the spacing to be as far out from the trunk. Another thing that can help is to limit access to the construction site from a single entry point. Instruct all contractors where they are allowed to park and drive vehicles. This will limit compaction and soil damage. 

• Communicate at all times - when it comes to preserving trees, it is a good thing to always communicate your objectives with the arborist, builder and all subcontractors involved in the building process. When you visit the site and you always warn people about tree risks, you will present yourself as vigilant and that will pay off. After all, trees are worth the effort. 

What can you do in case of damage during construction? 

Construction damage may affect the stability and structure of a tree. It is the job of an arborist to inspect potential risks. An inspection involves both visual examination and instruments that reveal the presence of decay. If there are risks identified, the arborist will recommend the removal of limbs and prune the tree. They may also install cables and braces that serve to increase structural support. 

In case there is a need to treat the crown and trunk: 

• Pruning is a good option - broken and split branches should always be removed. In addition, any dead limbs from the crown must go. If these take place, it is a good idea to postpone crown raising and other maintenance pruning.

• Bracing and cabling - braces and cables offer additional support. Installing them is a matter of a professional arborist doing the work and assessment beforehand. Any cables and braces require regular inspection. Bear in mind that not all limbs are good candidates for such measures. 

• Drainage and irrigation - it is essential to follow up construction damage with proper watering of the root zone. Now, don’t go overboard with excessive watering, as that can also be harmful to trees. 

• Mulching - adding a few inches of organic mulch around trees will enhance root growth. This can speed up recovery from construction damage. 

Now that you know better how to prevent construction damage, or address it after it has occurred, you can better protect trees. 

© Treework Environmental Practice

While it is true that keeping trees healthy is always preferable, sometimes it may just not be possible to do so. The tree may have sustained severe damage after a storm, or there might be something else about it that you cannot fix. When a tree becomes a danger to people and property, it is taking it down that will become a priority. Bear in mind that cutting down a tree should always be a last resort because of the many implications this action has for wildlife and people. 

And before you do it, you need to consider the rules that surround this act, as well as the alternatives. 

What are your reasons for felling a tree?

There are many reasons why you may want to fell a tree. For starters, the reasons might be aesthetical, to minimise the impact of leaves/seeds and wildlife. Perhaps a more serious reason could be the fact that roots are causing subsidence in the nearby buildings, which is something to watch out for. In the case of the latter, even though you may have certain reservations, felling the tree could be the best option. If there is structural damage to the tree and it there is a potential it can fall, it might leave you no other choice. 

What are the consequences of cutting down a tree?

There are many benefits to keeping trees around, which means that cutting down one is a negative thing. For starters, trees are home to various wildlife representatives. It is safe to say a lot of species depend entirely on trees for safety, finding food, shelter and reproduction. Since these species cannot find the resources they need elsewhere, they seek out trees in our gardens. Taking out their home doesn’t bode well for them. 

Furthermore, trees provide oxygen and combat air pollution. They absorb the carbon emissions and serve a stabilising role for the soil with their roots. Spending more time near trees has also been proven to relax people and make them feel better. People value trees, which is a reason why having a few of them in your garden can boost the value of the property. Felling a tree means that you lose all of these benefits. 

What are the alternatives?

If there is a serious problem, felling the tree may not be the only solution. Pruning and pollarding are two methods, which can save it. This can clear some of the hanging branches and reduce the weight of the tree in the setting. It is best to seek advice from a tree consultant/advisor, as they know how you can manage a problem tree. Sometimes doing some pruning is enough to preserve the tree in top shape. Make sure to contact an assured tree surgeon for the task. That way, you will know the task is done to a good standard. It is a good idea to contact the Arboricultural Association for the task. 

Do you need permission to cut down a tree in your own garden?

If there is a Tree Preservation Order placed on the tree, then you will require permission from the local council if you wish to do anything with the tree. Trees under TPOs provide some amenity value, and you cannot just do whatever you want. First, you want to contact a tree officer who will be able to help you find out if there is such an order. If there isn’t, and the tree is not a Conversation Area, you don’t need permission.

Knowing more about the felling procedure of trees on your property will better help you determine the best course of action. 

© Treework Environmental Practice

There are many surveys that a private or public landscape can use. Tree surveys are just one of the types, which have to do with providing the essential information on trees on that property and their condition. It is very important to gain this understanding of trees, to make more informed decisions when it comes to maintenance and construction. 

There is a lot of information that tree surveys provide. Thanks to the established British Standard BS5837, arborists can determine the health of a tree and what steps should be taken to better the condition. Of course, there are many different types of services you can hire arborists for. Following is a quick guide on the matter: 

1. Tree surveys for planning purposes

If you are about to submit your planning application and there are nearby trees in the location, you will do well to use qualified arboricultural consultants for a BS5837 survey. Thanks to this standard, the experts know the exact data that goes into the tree report, and they can use it to conduct the tree survey in accordance. 

2. Tree surveys for determining tree condition

If you are responsible for a given number of trees on the property and you want to assess their condition, then a tree survey for safety/management purposes is in order. Contacting qualified arborists is always the first step. They will come to the area and closely examine all of the trees there for diseases and other defects. The report that follows will then provide information on how you can reduce the risks, or remove the danger altogether. 

3. Tree surveys for buying a house

If you are buying or selling a house, there is the risk of subsidence to consider. This, as well as tree failure, are no small risks, and that is why you need a tree survey. It basically includes all of the trees within the influential distance of the property. In the report, experts will outline what steps you can take to minimise the risk and bring it down to an acceptable level, if not remove it completely. 

4. Tree surveys for subsidence management

If there is already a case of subsidence, a tree survey is needed to determine the trees causing subsidence, or if trees are to blame for it in the first place. Arborists will conduct the tree survey on all trees within the potential influence. The goal of conducting a tree survey, in this case, is to outline ways to reduce the risks and manage the problem. It is important to rely on experts for the job, since tree subsidence in no small matter. Not only will they recommend a course of action for the current problem, but also outline how you can minimise future risks. 

5. Tree preservation order 

Tree preservation orders are usually created by Local Authorities, whether it be for individual trees, a group of trees or woodlands. The purposes of the TPO, in general, is to protect the tree from removal or improper pruning. These are all activities that result in a loss of amenities. Obtaining a Tree Preservation Order is usually done after a tree survey. To find out more on the matter, you best consult with an arboricultural agency. 

6. Litigation

In the case where a tree has caused damage to a person or property, a tree survey is conducted. It is then presented as a report per law court standards. 

Now that you know more about tree surveys, you can better ensure the right type is performed for you and your property. 

© Treework Environmental Practice

Carrying out any work on some trees should always happen only after you have established their legal status. The reason for this is simple: the legislation of England puts some trees under protection, which means you cannot work on them unless you get all the proper authorisation.

Otherwise, you face the risk of prosecution and enforcement actions, like a criminal record and hefty fines. If you wish to find out more about tree preservation orders, planning conditions, felling licenses,

conservation areas and the restrictive covenants that protect a large part of the trees in the UK, read on:

• Tree Preservation Orders – TPOs, for short, exist for one purpose: to protect the trees that are important to their local area, as they bring big amenity benefit to it. It is the Local Planning Authorities that administer TPOs – national park authorities, boroughs/unitary/district councils, etc. TPOs protect all kinds of trees, but not bushes.
• Orders sometimes affect single trees, whereas in other cases they cover the entire woodland or defined area. TPOs can be issued for any tree species, though there are no species that fall under automatic protection. The order itself makes cutting down, uprooting, topping or purposefully damaging a tree a criminal offence. If you wish to carry out works on a tree that is under a TPO, you have to submit an application form to your local planning authority. It is a good idea to consult with a tree surgeon before you submit such form.
• Conservation areas – normal TPOs usually cover trees that are part of a conservation area. If that is not the case and you need to do work on the tree(s), you have to notify your LPA via email, letter or their form. In it, you have to describe in detail what you want to do, at least six weeks before starting any work. If you plan on executing work on a tree less than 7.5 cm in diameter, you do not need to give notice. The purpose of the notice itself is to provide the LPA with the opportunity to issue a protective order.
• Felling license – the Forestry Commission is the only one to administer felling licenses. If you want to fell a tree in your garden, you don’t need a permit. Yet, for a tree outside the garden, you have to apply to the Forestry Commission for the proper license.
• Restrictive covenant – in essence, this is a promise that one person makes to another, for instance, a buyer and a seller, not to do certain things to the land on which the property is. It is more binding for the land, and not so much for the individual owner. That means even if the owner sells to another person, the covenant continues in effect.
• Making a covenant or other different restrictions in the property title require third party consent for carrying out any tree work in the area. This is the case even if no TPO or a felling license applies.

• The site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – the Statutory Nature Conservation
• Organisation designates all SSSI. These are beautiful habitats, teeming with wildlife. Each of these sites has a management plan and a list of operations that require the consent of the SNCO before any works are carried out. Reckless activity or intentional harm to SSSI is a liable offence, which could lead to a hefty fine or a summary conviction.

Knowing all this now will definitely help you in regards to carrying out tree work in accordance with the legislation that applies.

If you wish to find out more on the matter, consult with Treework Environmental Practice.

© Treework Environmental Practice

If there are certain aspects of the work of arboricultural consultants that you are not sure of, it is time to clear them up. You should do that because you want to understand better the different aspects of the work that these experts do with your trees. It is important, as it guarantees the wellbeing of the trees and that there will not be major problems associated with them. Here are a few of those aspects and questions regarding arboriculture that you should learn more about:

• What is arboriculture all about? – Many practices and activities go into what people refer to as arboriculture. Generally speaking, you can define it as the work associated with keeping trees in their best condition. Most of this work targets the visual aspect of woodland and has nothing to do with timber production or similar activities.
• What is an arboricultural contractor? – This is a professional you hire to prune your tree, advise you how to care for trees on your property, or, in the worst case scenario, fell a tree that is dangerous. Other names for such an expert include tree surgeon and arborists.

• What does an arboricultural contractor do? – There are a few services you can acquire from the professionals. As mentioned, you’d most commonly contact them to prune or fell a tree. They can also remove a stump. Additionally, they can consult you on the health of your trees, and check if a tree is protected. You can also consult with such an expert on legal matters regarding your tree.

• Where do you hire such experts from? – A quick search on the Internet will provide you with plenty of options. Simply search for ‘tree work’, and you will get many candidates in your area. You can also check out lists on the Arboricultural Association, which provide contact information, as well as a price quote on their services. Before you hire any of them, make sure you browse several companies and get a quote from all of them. Keep in mind that to get a precise quote, you should ask for an on-site visit. You may have to pay for such a visit, so make sure you ask before you arrange it.

• How do you choose a consultant/contractor? – There may be no list of approved contractors, although if you browse the Arboricultural Association online website. If you want to be sure you have qualified staff on the case, ask for insurance cover, membership in certain trade associations and job references. Never trust a company that doesn’t follow the strict safety guidelines of the industry.
• What companies should you employ? – Do not trust people who knock on your door and leave flyers by the mailbox. If you don’t know anything about their address, work qualification, insurance and so on, it is best to seek another established company for the task.

There is no doubt that by now you know more about arboriculture. Knowing who to hire when you have a problem tree will prove quite valuable.

At Treework Environmental Practice we can explain these matters to you in further detail. Be sure to contact us on 0117 244 0012.

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