Most trees give some indication of potential failure before it happens.
Spotting the Warning Signs
This may mean that there are some dead branches or parts of the trunk and branches showing signs of decay such as cracks in the bark and/or signs of fungal growth at the base of the tree. In addition the tree may start to lean.
Pruning or Full Removal
Pruning trees is the ideal form of work for trees that are structurally sound but require some dead wood, crossing branches or branch contact with buildings to be removed. Trees where the main trunk is rotten or the root system is failing are generally safer to remove.
Check for a Tree Preservation Order
Confirm with your local council whether a Tree Preservation Order has been put in place. Cutting down a tree with a Tree Preservation Order in place without permission can result in a very large fine.
Choosing a Qualified Contractor
See if they are a member of Arboricultural Association or the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) – the 2 main Arboricultural bodies and they set out a minimum level of training for their members. Make sure they carry Full Public Liability Insurance – ask to see the policy and make sure it is fully paid up.
What to Expect on the Day
Access for tree surgeons on the day of work for tree pruning or removal would typically require a clear path to the tree(s) and a place for the wood chippings or cut tree to be stacked (removed by waste trucks as required). A separate quote is typically provided for the stump grinding (after tree felling) and whether the stumps are to be removed entirely or left to decay as ‘stump holes’ (cut flush to ground level) would need to be confirmed in advance of the work.
Tree Surgeon in Cheltenham is covered in more detail at https://jemaintenance.co.uk/tree-surgeon/cheltenham/.
Getting professional advice early nearly always saves money compared with dealing with storm damage or structural failure later.
Dealing with the stump afterwards
Once a dead or dying tree has been taken down, the stump left behind deserves attention too. A rotting stump is more than unsightly. Removing it can save time, money and frustration later, and it protects the surrounding grass and plants from damage.
A good tree service will look at the site carefully and advise whether the stump needs to come out. Where it does, the stump should be removed and the area put right afterwards. Stump removal is a routine job that experienced tree services carry out regularly.
If you live somewhere exposed to storms, or know a tree is vulnerable to severe weather, it is sensible to deal with the tree and its stump before it causes damage. Leaving the work to professionals also means you do not have to work out what to do with the stump yourself, and your garden will look tidier much sooner.
The work a tree surgeon carries out
Tree surgeons do far more than cut trees down. Their work includes planting, pruning, felling and checking trees for disease and pests, and an experienced tree surgeon will know many species well. Some are also called on for specialist cases, such as trees protected by a preservation order.
Every job starts with a thorough inspection. The tree surgeon identifies any hazards, both to themselves while working and from the tree itself if it is left as it is. If branches need to come off, they will talk this through with the owner and plan the work. Where a tree is diseased, they may need to remove some healthy branches too, to stop the disease spreading further.
When a tree poses a danger to the public, it may have to be removed entirely. This takes careful planning and a full risk assessment, and specialist equipment may be brought in so the tree can be taken down safely.
