Some Answers to Some Questions

Q: What is arboriculture?
A: Arboriculture is the management of individual trees or groups of trees primarily for their amenity value whether they’re in a garden or park setting. This obviously includes hedges as they are very much trees, but with their growth more regularly controlled.

Q: We have a tree that is out-growing our garden – what can be done?
A: Quite commonly a tree does become too big for the space it was originally planted in, but this does not automatically mean the tree must be removed altogether. It may be possible to reduce the size of the crown (a crown reduction) or perhaps more drastically pollard the tree. However it may be that just by lifting the base of the canopy or thinning the canopy the tree can be brought back into keeping with the garden in which it sits.

Q: The hedge is now too big for us to manage – what can you do?
A: All too easily hedges can become too tall to manage safely with minimal equipment on ones own, so it is really important to recognise when it is necessary to call in additional assistance. With the equipment we have and the techniques we use we are able to trim any hedge, no matter what the size, and able to do it safely.

Q: What happens to all the waste?
A: All the waste generated will be taken away for conversion at our own facilities. All the large wood is cut up and split for logs for fuel, which are always available. Where possible all the smaller woody material is chipped up and recycled for mulch, whilst all other green material is taken to the local composting facility at Padworth for processing into Soil Improvers and Compost. Alternatively, if appropriate but to help keep your costs down we can process the arisings in your garden for you to recycle and re-use.
Whatever happens nothing is wasted - total recycling!

Q: My tree has a TPO so surely I can’t doing anything?
A: A TPO or Tree Preservation Order is there to protect the tree and, indeed, any work on a tree is strictly controlled by your local authority. However the council will review all applications for tree works on their own merits, and will invariably agree with the work if it is appropriate for the tree. If it is not they will not approve the work and it must not be done. Remember – prosecution could result if it still does. But don’t’ worry – we can help with all this to ease the process for you, and invariably we can do it free of charge.

Q: But what if I live in a Conservation Area?
A: Same applies to a certain extent, but usually only applies to trees over a given diameter. Here too we can invariably carry out the applications on your behalf free of charge.