Tree surgeons can perform any tree work operations, from crown reduction, crown lifting and dead wooding to tree removal or pollarding. Anyone who owns or manages land in which there are trees has a duty of care to ensure their trees are safe and don’t pose a danger to themselves or other land users. If you have a tree in your garden, it is probably worth seeking advice on its condition and whether it needs any tree care.
What is a Tree Surgeon?
A tree surgeon or “arboriculturist” is a trained specialist who can advise on and carry out pruning or tree felling using advanced specialist techniques.
What Does a Tree Surgeon Do?
- Crown reductions
- Crown lifting
- Tree pollarding
- Dead wooding
- Tree removal
- Tree stump and root grinding
Check out the full range of services Forbes Tree Care offers here.
Crown reduction
Sometimes, a tree may have outgrown the space, be growing too near a building, or have a “defect, ” meaning it needs to be pruned to make it safer. Crown reduction reduces the overall size of the tree, shortening the branch lengths on the top and sides. Tree surgeons often use a rope and harness to climb the tree and use chainsaws to cut the branches. This requires specialist training, so the homeowner or layperson should not attempt it.
Crown lifting
Crown lifting entails removing some low branches on the tree. This technique is useful for letting more light into a garden, getting clearance from the pavement or road or improving the aesthetics of the tree.
Pollarding
Learn more about our tree pollarding services here.
Tree removal
Learn more about our tree felling services here.
Signs You Should Hire a Tree Surgeon
- You have a dying or dead tree (indicated by brown or no leaves)
- You have a diseased tree (indicated by exudations from the bark, fungus growing from the tree or cracks in the tree)
- The tree has outgrown the space and needs to be pruned or made smaller
- You have a tree that overhangs a public space, and you are concerned about it’s safety
Should I Perform DIY Tree Surgery?
The short answer is no. Tree surgery should always be carried out by a trained professional with the correct level of public liability insurance. Tree surgery is a dangerous operation and, if done incorrectly, can cause serious injury or damage to property.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Tree Surgeon
A professional tree surgeon will be properly insured and correctly trained in all aspects of tree surgery necessary to perform tree work operations. They can also inspect your tree and advise an appropriate course of action. The consequences of hiring a tree surgeon that is not appropriately insured or trained could be serious. Potential damage to property or serious injury are the two obvious reasons to hire a professional.
Appropriate public liability insurance
Tree surgeons or “arboriculturists” need appropriate public liability insurance. It takes years of training to be qualified as a professional tree surgeon, and any reputable company should be able to show you their insurance certificate. The consequences of it going wrong are huge.
Serious injury
Tree surgery is a dangerous business. Tree surgeons use chainsaws, which can potentially cause serious injury to themselves or others. It’s crucial the tree surgeon you use has the relevant NPTC or Lantra qualifications required to do the job. This will ensure they use best practice and reduce the chance of injury.
How To Hire a Reputable Tree Surgeon?
- Good reviews on the internet
- A good website (including photos of the staff so you know who you’re hiring)
- A member of the Arboricultural Association
- Appropriate insurance and NPTC or Lantra training
Forbes Tree Care - Trusted Tree Surgeons in North London
Forbes Tree Care are the top tree surgeon specialists in North London. Operating since 2010, Forbes Tree Care has a committed, experienced staff group who really care about trees. Forbes Tree Care offers free, no-obligation quotes, professional advice and quality customer service. Sustainability is at the heart of everything Forbes Tree Care does and, where possible, we retain and maintain trees for the future. Check out our online reviews and visit forbestreecare.com for more information.
