tree surgeon devizes tree surgery ~ tree care andover tree removal ~ tree care amesbury tree removal

Tree Surgery/Arboricultural care (prune first for safety, then health, then aesthetics).

Crown raising/lifting :
Crown raising is removing and reducing selective branches to create space under the tree for vehicles, people, buildings etc. It is important to note that this type of pruning is done with a view to keeping as many low branches as possible to allow good trunk growth - removing too many can lead to trunk crown inbalance resulting in the tree becoming top heavy. When possible we advise on reducing branches instead of completely removing them. This benefits the tree by reducing the number of wounds around the main trunk which could allow the development of decay.

Crown thinning :
Crown thinning is the removal of small branches throughout the trees crown. The aim is to reduce the density primarily to allow in light and air, reduce wind resistance and the weight of the crown. Overall there is no major change to the trees shape because internal branches are removed. The general rule is that no more than 25% of the leaf area should be thinned, mainly from the outside third of the tree crown. If too many branches are removed from the lower two thirds (resulting in lions-tailing), it could effect the structural integrity and cause branches to break in the long term. The size of branches removed should also be limited to around 3-4cm in diameter.

Crown reduction :
Crown reduction involves only the outer part of the crown and therefore provides only a modest reduction overall height. This, combined with the accompanying decrease in sail area is often sufficient to mitigate all but the most severe types of hazard. The resulting wounds are usually quite near the tips of the branches and are therefore comparatively small. Crown reduction usually allows a high proportion of the foliage bearing structure to be retained. A maximum of 30% is advised for the allowable reduction in any one year. In drought years it maybe advisable to leave any further reductions for a further season.

Clearing out/deadwooding :
The removal of deadwood, diseased, detached (but still hung up within the canopy) or broken branches is not only done to improve crown appearance but also when they represent a risk to people or property. When no risks are present we recommend leaving deadwood because it forms an important part of tree ecology.

Tree removal :
In a crowded Island like the UK trees have to live with humans and humans with trees. Although our policy is to retain as many trees as possible, its a fact of modern life that sometimes they require removing. From felling to sectional dismantling, all work is undertaken safely and in accordance with the latest Arboriculture industry recommendations.

Windblown/fallen tree clearance :
Removing fallen trees can prove to be a large and can be a dangerous task to undertake even for professionals. We can ensure the area is made safe and then remove the tree quickly and efficiently.

Pollarding :
Traditionally pollarding was used as a way of growing timber with a view to periodically harvesting it and is basically a form of coppicing, the difference being with pollarded coppice the harvested timber is kept out of the reach of browsing animals. Regular pollarding can prolong a trees life, but it means that a strict management regime is started when the tree is young and most importantly adhered to, whereby it is re-pollarded periodically. The tree will, in time, form what are called "pollard heads". A word of note - mature trees should not be pollarded as a crude means of size control. This is termed lopping & topping and goes against current best practice and will ultimately make the tree more hazardous and costly to maintain long-term. In this instance, it is probably better to remove the tree and re-plant with a more suitable species that will not require such drastic action.

Ivy Removal :
Ivy provides an ideal environment for both birds and insects and if possible is best left alone, but due to its weight can cause wind throw due to the increased sail area it creates (the tree would also be in a weakened state for this to happen). Generally speaking Ivy doesnt cause the tree a great deal of concern and would need to be very prolific to inhibit photosynthesis or cause windthrow . It can be unsightly covering a tree in a well maintained garden though and we can remove this for you. We can also remove Ivy from the sides of buildings etc.

Cable Bracing :
We cable brace your trees to BS3998:1989 guidelines, however, we feel that bracing is a last resort option and not something that is done light heartedly. Cable bracing is a long-term commitment on the part of the owner and the contractor ; ensuring tree health is paramount whilst taking into account the reason for bracing in the first place. When advising on cable bracing we will endevour to list all other possible management plans ; why we think they wont work and the pros and cons of bracing on a per tree basis.

Clearance for further works :
We can clear areas of trees and shrub (eg for a new fence or to ensure there is a clear line of sight for CCTV cameras). This service is primarily provided for our commercial customers but we also clear areas for homeowners.

TPO/Conservation Area/SSSI Restrictions :
If there are any preservation orders or restrictions in place on any trees on your property we can contact the Local Planning Authority, completing paperwork and liasing with the Council on your behalf. You will be sent copies of any forms or correspondence so you will be kept fully up to date. This is a free service provided to clients we undertake tree work for. Please note we will not carry out works to trees subject to any restrictions without prior approval from the LPA in writing.

Tree stump removal/stump grinding.
We use stump grinders that quickly remove the stumps and are able to gain access to places where bigger machines cant (such as town gardens, close proximity to buildings, slopes and delicate landscapes - such as flower borders). Costs will vary according to the diameter, species of tree and location of the stump being removed.

Hedge care (cutting, reduction, renovation and removal).
A properly cared for and cut hedge is an asset to a property providing both privacy and security. Whether its an on-going maintenance regime or a reduction in height, no hedge is too large or too small.

Contract Climbing (Business customers only)
We can provide climbers to either cover staff shortages or to complement your Team when needed. Please contact us for relevant NPTC and Insurance information.

Traditional Hedgelaying
We primarily lay hedges in the Southern Counties style, which offers both a livestock barrier and an ideal habitat for small birds, mammals and insects. Many landowners and estates are taking a re-newed interest in the tried and tested techniques of hedgerow management, not only to contain animals but also enhance the countryside, wildlife and environment as a whole. A properly laid and maintained hedge is an asset to an estate and can last 20 years, in which time a fence could be expected to be replaced up to 3 times. They can be used simply to contain livestock or as a boundary marker, which because there are no animals nearby can contain plants that are attractive to us. Traditionally laid hedges are an ideal habitat for small birds, mammals and insects because they are dense and well maintained which keeps out predators that prey upon them.

Woodland management
We provide a number of woodland management services ; ride establishment ; thinning ; coppicing ; dangerous and windblown tree clearance ; scrub clearance to name a few. Site visits are essential and we tailor requirements on a case by case basis with the customer. Any contact with the Forestry Commission can be done by ourselves if landowners prefer.

Office - Netheravon, Salisbury
01980 670 491

Yard - Finkley, Andover
please call one of the mobiles below to get in touch.

Mobile
07850 849 960

Mobile
07594 592 343