FAQS

Conservation Areas are places of special architectural and historic interest, which are worthy of having restraints put in place to preserve or enhance the area. Most Conservation Areas are designated by the Local Planning Authority (LPA). Trees that measure less than 75mm in dbh when measured at 1.5m above ground level do not require permission.

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is an order made by the LPA to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interest of Amenity.

Before commencing work on tree/s in a CA or Trees Subject to a TPO you must specify all proposed works to your LPA by completing and submitting a Tree Woks Application Form, this process can take up to 6 weeks for trees within a CA and 8 weeks for TPO`s.

Risk assessment: A site specific risk assessment and basic Wildlife assessment will be performed prior to commencing any work. This will be done in conjunction with a Visual Tree Assessment (VTA), this is a ground based examination looking for defects, evidence symptoms and overall vitality of the tree.

We hold £5 million public liability insurance and the mandatory £10 million Employers liability, we adhere to all latest best industry practices and Health & Safety.

Trees in close proximity to the highway may require the use of the highways, liaison with the highway authorities or statutory bodies will be vital in planning the works to obtain any necessary licences, approvals and temporary traffic regulation orders/notices in advance of the works commencing.

For this reason I believe it is in your interest to note that we hold the New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) supervisor

All operatives have relevant National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC) certification. Tasks will be responsibly delegated to operatives ensuring that the services are within their competence.

The most idyllic time to undertake tree work is in summer, because the tree is photosynthesising thus the overall effect on its energy levels is thereby kept to a minimum. energy being produced can be allocated to all the trees desired needs to stabilise the wellbeing of the tree, the tree is therefore in a less vulnerable position as if it were to be pruned at times of dormancy or higher energy demands.

The nesting season is generally considered to be from early March to late August. Even then there will still be many birds tending to chicks in nests well in to September. As contractors we must aim to avoid impact to nesting birds and violation of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

It is crucial trees are thoroughly examined by a Visual Tree Inspection (VTA) or Arial tree inspection if appropriate and reasonably practicable, any finding will be noted in either the basic wildlife assessment or site specific risk assessment both of which will be digested by contractors onsite before the start of every job, if nesting birds are found then work must not commence until an appropriate time or if work starts and nesting birds are discovered work will stop immediately and be rescheduled.

Measuring the diameter of a trees stem is done at chest height; conventionally, the diameter at breast height (or DBH) is 1.5m above ground level.

A measuring tape can be used to measure the circumference which is then converted to diameter using the following calculation: diameter = circumference ÷ π, where π (Pi) is a constant (3.14).

So, to find the tree diameter you simply divide your circumference by 3.14.

Typical bandings for size categorisation

Not exceeding 30cms DBH height
Exceeding 30cms but not exceeding 50cms DBH
Exceeding 50cms but not exceeding 80cms DBH
Exceeding 80cms DBH

Always measure at 1.5m from the ground on the upper side of any slope or the highest part of ground if uneven. Make a note if there appears to be unusual ground disturbance which may artificially have raised soil levels or if erosion has taken place.

A leaning tree should always be recorded by measuring 1.5m up the underneath side.

If the tree forks or abnormally swells at or below 1.5m, then the smallest measurement below 1.5m must be recorded and the height from ground noted.

With small or very low branches it may be possible to still record at 1.5m, measuring above the branch. Try to record the girth where it would compare best if it had a clean unbranched trunk. Remember to record the height at which you measured.

Trees growing without a clearly defined single stem at ground level may be considered as a multiple stem or arising from a coppice stool. Trees arising either naturally or deliberately planted in this way are not always easy to identify. Trees planted deliberately as a bundle are included here. Where stems appear to arise from a single tree, rather than from a coppice stool (see top right), treat it as though measuring a single stem by finding and recording the smallest girth around all stems between ground and 1.5m.

Measure and record the height above ground you have done this. Add comments on the recording form to describe what you have done. If multiple stems arise close to the ground and it appears as though the stems may not all be part of the same tree, each stem should be treated and recorded as an individual tree. Where stems are close together this may not be possible and you must treat them as though measuring a single stem by finding and recording the smallest girth around all stems between ground and 1.5m.

Measure and record the height above ground where you have done this. Add comments on the recording form to describe what you have done. The tree will be recorded as a multiple stemmed or coppice.