Trees are an integral part of the landscape, and they can make a beautiful focal point for a garden. However, there are times when things can go wrong with a tree, and professional assistance is needed.
Take the recent storms in the UK. When Storm Arwen tore through the countryside of Scotland and England, it was estimated that 8 million trees were lost according to the BBC.
Many trees would have been damaged also, and storm damage is a typical reason for a homeowner to require a tree surgeon. How do you choose a quality tree surgeon though, and what do they actually do?
What Does a Tree Surgeon Do?
To remain healthy, trees need many things such as pruning and pest control. These are two areas that tree surgeons can help with.
Tree surgeons can carry out maintenance work on a tree, they can assess whether a tree has become a hazard, possibly after a storm. They can plant, and relocate trees. They can feel them, and they can spot the signs of disease.
If a tree was damaged in a storm, for instance, a tree surgeon could assess whether the tree posed a hazard in its current state, whether it could be saved, or whether it needed to be felled. They could remove dangerous or damaged limbs safely while saving the tree.
They may also perform stump removal, or stump grinding if they need to completely fell a tree.
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Why Would You Need a Tree Surgeon?
As you have just read, they are often called in to assess damaged trees. Broken or damaged limbs can present a danger to anyone around the tree. Damaged limbs may need to be removed, and this is work that should only be undertaken by someone qualified.
According to OSHA, there are over 100 fatalities a year involving tree and landscape work. Often these involve falls or chainsaw work. Maintenance of trees should be carried out by professionals.
If you are wondering how to get rid of a tree in your garden, then the answer is to call a tree surgeon. Tree felling, and pruning of anything but very small trees, should be done by a professional.
How Do You Select a Quality Tree Surgeon?
There are several criteria when choosing a tree surgeon. Experience counts, locality might be important to you, and online reviews too. Listed below are a number of things to consider when choosing a tree surgeon.
Are They Qualified?
Many people will tell you that you should look for qualifications but in the UK there aren’t any specific qualifications that you need.
Instead, a tree surgeon should have a license for tree felling, certificates from the National Proficiency Tests Council, and perhaps other qualifications in arboriculture.
They may also have other qualifications incompatible areas including forestry and landscaping. They may also have some form of accreditation. Check their website or ask about their qualifications.
What Experience Do They Have?
Apart from being qualified in relevant areas, you should look for a tree surgeon with experience.
Ideally, you would like to see that the tree surgeon is experienced and has been operating for several years. An established firm often shows that they are meeting an impressive level of client satisfaction. Poor services will usually fail quickly.
Look For Testimonials and Reviews
Testimonials and reviews are a good measure of a company too. Ideally, there will be some form of evidence for their testimonials. Photographic or the actual original testimonial would be desirable.
However, by reading online reviews you should be able to get a feel for whether they are genuine or not.
Are They Local?
A local firm may be desirable too. For instance, you can click here for the Derby and Nottingham area for tree surgeons, or you could Google other regions yourself.
Do They Have Insurance?
But, there are other areas to consider. Insurance and liability coverage is something to consider. Check that the tree surgeon in question is fully covered. Tree surgery can be hazardous work, and if your property is damaged in the process, then you will want to know that you are covered.
Can They Carry Out the Services You Require?
If you need a stump grinding, can they do it? Not all tree surgeons offer the same services, so you make sure you are aware of what they can do before you ask them to visit.
Ask For Quotations
Get estimates and quotes from several local companies and compare them. Check for hidden charges.
When Do You Need an Arborist Instead of a Tree Surgeon?
You may be wondering whether you need to call in an arborist or a tree surgeon. And, what the differences are. You may find that when you hire a tree surgeon, they are also a qualified arborist, but this won’t always be the case.
It has been said before that an arborist is more like a doctor, and a tree surgeon is more like, well, a surgeon. An arborist will identify diseases in trees and recommend treatments.
They also understand ecosystems and what trees will grow well in different types of soil, and what trees will mix with others well.
Another way to choose a quality tree surgeon is to look at the ARB Approved Contractor Directory where you will find both arborists and tree surgeons.
You may want to call an arborist if you are planning to plant trees but are unsure of what species would thrive in your particular environment. You may also want to call one if you suspect your tree has a disease.
Summary
Tree surgeons carry out heavy, dangerous work, so it is critical that a professional is used when needed. Many people attempt their own tree maintenance, and in some instances this is ok.
But, when a tree starts to grow, and its branches are getting bigger and heavier, tree surgery should be left to the professionals.
Choosing a quality tree surgery is much like selecting any other service. Recommendations would be the ideal way to go, but when that isn’t possible, look for reviews and testimonials.
Make sure they are insured and have suitable qualifications and accreditation. Perhaps, most of all, look for experience and the length of time they have been in existence for.
