Today was a bit of a drag! To say the least. We were asked by a local Bath property management company to carry out tree work to a large Goat Willow in a rear garden of a property in Gay Street. After submitting the relevent paperwork and getting approval from BANES council to carry out tree work in a Conservation Area we contacted BANES to reserve parking spaces for our equipment. The nearest we could get the truck and wood chipper was Alfred Street. Its all uphill! not that steep but when you’re dragging branches all round the houses you start to ‘feel the burn’. We left the streets cleaner than when we started so all in all a good job done.
Tree work in Bath
January 18th, 2012Tree Surgeon in Wiltshire
January 17th, 2012
Well its not every day you get asked to climb a tree to mend a hole in the netting over a flamingo enclosure!
As tree surgeons in Wiltshire we received an urgent call from Longleat Safari Park asking if we could help mend a hole in the netting which was caused by the recent high winds.
The safari park had hired in a cherry picker to mend three holes but found the machine was not tall enough to reach the largest hole on the edge of the pool.
We used the picker to access the tree and with a bit of teamwork between Jon in the basket and Chris in the tree they were able to insert a new piece of netting and tie it all together with zip ties. (Is there anything zip ties can’t do?) Thankfully there were no such problems in the Lion enclosure!!
Tree Felling Near Electricity Lines
January 16th, 2012We were asked to fell a large Leyland Cypress that had out grown its position. The tree was overhanging a garage, a greenhouse, two mature Beech hedges, a gate and impressively over 3 sets of electricity cables in 3 different directions. The electricity pole was situated 3 feet away from the tree and encompassed in the trees crown. We had previously arranged for Scottish and Southern electricity to come and turn off the cables on the day so we could proceed. With the right rigging kit and a little ingenuity we were able to dismantle the tree bit by bit and safely lower the sections to the ground. All we have to do now is grind the stump out!
Veteran tree pruning
December 8th, 2011One of our recent jobs was to crown reduce a magnificent mature Copper Beech. The tree, which is showing signs of decline in the form of dieback from the branch tips and Ganoderma sp. fungal fruiting bodies at the base of the trunk, is situated close to the house and owners were keen to retain the tree if possible. The first challange was to; worst case senario the tree fails due to basal decay, reduce the potential damage, this was done by crown reducing the tree and removal of the major dead wood within the crown. The second challange is to see if we can improve the trees’ vitality. With all living structures this cannot be guaranteed but by improving the condition of the soil it will give the tree its’ best chance.
Where pruning to reduce the size of the crown will reduce the windloading on the tree it does not address the heart of the matter the ‘roots’.The roots not only provide anchorage they are required for storage of sugars and starch and the uptake of water and nutrients. Mulching the ground beneath the tree out past the ‘dripline’ with well composted organic matter does wounders for soil structure. The organic matter encourages earth worm action! The worms digest the organic matter improving the soil nutrient content as well as decompacting soil horizons, improving drainage and the availability of soil oxygen. All of this is good for trees.
So far we have completed stage one the crown reduction (just as well with the winds at present!) and we will be returning in February for stage two. Measurements and photographs will be taken to see if there is an improvement of the branch ‘extension growth’ from previous years to provide the basis from which to compare the new growth in years to come. We will keep you informed……..
Tree Stump Removal, Stump grinding.
December 8th, 2011We have the equipment to remove tree stumps with minimal disturbance to your garden. If you have a unsightly stump that you are always mowing around or even worse damaging you lawnmower on then we have the solution. With our stump grinding machines we can access any size stump in any area. Stump grinding is to a depth of up to 16″ below ground level. Give Downlands a call for a quotation.
Time to Prune?
October 5th, 2011We are often asked when is the correct time to prune a tree. Much of this can depend on tree species and on how much you want to remove.
For hard pruning, in other words pollarding and coppicing where the tree would be left without any foliage then the best time is once the leaf is fully off.
For light pruning such as crown thinning, light crown reductions of no more than 30% then providing you avoid bud burst and leaf fall then anytime is okay.
Certain species of trees, Birch, Walnut and Maples can ‘bleed’ heavily when pruned and should only be done at certain times of the year and other species such as Plums and cherries, (Prunus species) should only be done with the tree in full leaf as it is thought to give a greater resistance to Silver Leaf disease.
The time NOT to prune is bud burst in SPRING when the trees are expending alot of their stored energy and AUTUMN when the trees are breaking down the chlorophyl in the leaves and storing these starches and sugars.
Trees in a Conservation Area
May 20th, 2011If you want to prune or fell your tree/s and you live in a Conservation Area then please be aware you may need to notify your local authority.
Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 any tree work that is planned for trees with a stem (trunk) diameter of 7.5 centimeters or more at a height of 1.5 metres from the ground must be notified to your local council. This applies to all tree species regardless of who planted them. This does not necessarily mean that tree pruning or felling will not be permitted but is a necessary procedure to follow to avoid legal action and fines. Here at Downlands we can advise you on the best action to take regarding your trees and we will submit the application to your council on your behalf at no additional charge.
Tree Surveys
April 14th, 2011If you own or are responsible for trees that are adjacent to a road or footpath and you live in Wiltshire or Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) then call Downlands Tree Surgery to arrange a FREE site visit to survey your trees.
As experienced and qualified tree surgeons we are able to advise you on the condition of and any potential hazards your trees may pose to third parties. It is not our desire to condem and fell trees just because they are on a boundary as our ethos is to preserve the longevity of trees through correct management so they can be enjoyed for many years to come.
We would like the opportunity to offer you access to professional advice that is honest and could be beneficial to you and your trees. So if you have any concerns call Jon Burgess on 01985 214320.
Are you in need of a Tree Surgeon in Wiltshire or Somerset area?
February 10th, 2011If you require the services of a professional tree surgery companyin the Wiltshire, Somerset or Dorset area then call or email to arrange a free no obligation quotation.
If your trees are situated in a Conservation Area or your tree is subject to a Tree Preservation Order we will deal with all the paperwork and liaise with the relevant local authority all as part of our service.
All of our staff are qualified and trained tree surgeons experienced in all tree pruning and tree felling operations.
As a TrustMark registered company we will give you a professional and couteous service that has been approved by ‘Tree Care Approved’ giving you peace of mind that you are employing a reputable contractor.
January is the time for hedge and tree work…
January 5th, 2011If you live in the Wiltshire, Somerset or Dorset area and are thinking about having hedge work and/or tree pruning carried out, then now is the time to contact us!
The bird nesting season will soon be upon us again and disturbing or damaging nesting birds is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
For tree work, or more specifically tree pruning, should ideally be carried out before spring, this is when the tree begins to expend alot of its stored energy bursting its buds and forming new leaves. Once the tree has come into full leaf and the leaves have hardened off it is acceptable that pruning can proceed providing the pruning is not too hard. Ideally no more than 30% of the leaf area is removed if you are having your trees’ crown reduced, more than this could prove to be detrimental to the trees health.
For further advice give Downlands Tree Surgery a call!
