Understanding the Role of Tree Surgeons And Their Work
Taking care of trees requires specialist skills – unlike the rest of your garden, trees need more tailored support and can greatly benefit from an expert eye. Trained tree surgeons understand the unique requirements of trees, what it takes to support their health and growth, as well as how to keep them stable.
While trees can be an attractive addition to any outdoor space, they need to be well-maintained to ensure they are healthy and safe. This usually requires more than the standard gardening of any other plant, and is the reason why professional help is needed.
At Kneebone Trees, we are not just passionate about trees but highly skilled in this area. Our team of tree surgeons are experienced, qualified, and knowledgeable about tree care, allowing
us to provide a range of services to clients across the region.
In this post, we are sharing an insight into the work we do and how you can decide whether you require the support of professional tree surgeons like us.
What Is A Tree Surgeon?
A tree surgeon is a highly trained professional who works with trees throughout the entire life cycle. While some of their work may seem similar, tree surgeons operate differently from traditional gardeners because their skills are more specialised and precise.
Whereas traditional gardeners can provide care and maintenance to a range of outdoor features, such as lawns and plants, tree surgeons are primarily focused on trees. In this role, they offer support, treatment and maintenance to trees to ensure they grow healthily, remain
stable, and continue to be an attractive feature in your outdoor space.
Overall, the work of tree surgeons is much more technical than gardeners or landscapers. Tree surgeons take things a step further, as they have biological insight into various tree species, which is then used to inform their actions, as well as offering more complex services.
The work of tree surgeons goes beyond simple pruning and trimming, which are services typically offered by gardeners and landscapers. While pruning may be involved in their work, tree surgeons also assess the health, condition and stability of trees for long-term assurance.
This kind of work is not just physically demanding, but also requires technical and scientific skills to ensure that all trees are protected, healthy and attractive.
Qualifications And Experience
Another area that sets tree surgeons apart from gardeners and landscapers is their educational background. Tree surgeons are skilled and uniquely trained professionals who have undergone various assessments to get them ready for their role.
As a tree surgeon, they have to do more than simply use a saw to cut off some branches, but instead require a whole host of equipment, machinery and education. The best tree surgeons will hold multiple qualifications and have experience from across the industry, such as:
- City and Guilds NPTC (National Proficiency Test Council) Certifications: These certifications cover a wide range of tools and machinery used by tree surgeons, including the safe use of chainsaws, aerial rescue and safe tree felling practices.
- Arboriculture Training: This is the in-depth education required by tree surgeons to understand tree biology, tree diseases, and the long-term management of all trees.
- Health and Safety Training: Essential for all forms of manual labour, tree surgeons must also undergo strict health and safety training. This is usually an ongoing process for professionals in this field to ensure they remain in line with current regulations and can cover a range of areas within their work, such as the handling of hazardous equipment and working at height.
- Memberships with Professional Bodies: Industry-specific certifications, such as with the Arboricultural Association, demonstrate the high quality of work offered by tree surgeons as well as their commitment to ongoing learning within their field.
What Does A Tree Surgeon Do? The Main Roles And Responsibilities
As we have mentioned, tree surgeons are responsible for the care and management of trees. This requires a lot of skills and experience in various areas, and many tree surgeons offer multiple services such as:
- Tree Health Assessments: An in-depth assessment of trees to indicate any health issues, such as decay, disease or structural problems.
- Tree Pruning and Trimming: A common part of tree surgery services, pruning is done to maintain the structure and visual appeal of trees over time. It can also be done to keep the tree secure and safe.
- Tree Removal And Felling: The process of safely cutting down trees that may be dead, hazardous or simply an eyesore.
- Stump Removal: The grinding or manual removal of tree stumps which remain after removal and felling. Stump removal is done to create safer, more attractive environments.
- Emergency Tree Care: Treatment and maintenance of storm-damaged trees, fallen branches or hazardous trees can be done within 24 hours.
- Tree Planting: Adding new growth in key areas and ensuring long-term health of young trees.
Why Are Tree Surgeons Important?
When it comes to caring for your trees, the best person to help is a professional tree surgeon. While some of the services offered by these professionals mirror landscape gardeners, such as tree pruning, tree surgeons take things a step further.
These qualified and certified experts can handle a wider range of requirements when it comes to the management and maintenance of trees. Whether you have a damaged, overgrown or unstable tree on your property, working with tree surgeons provides benefits such as:
Enhanced Safety
In their certifications and experience, tree surgeons are trained in the safety of tree management. This means that no matter your issue, the kind of tree you’re dealing with or its location, tree surgeons will guarantee that all services are compliant with current safety regulations.
From the removal of dead branches to the felling of mature trees, all processes are done to ensure the safety of the workers as well as the surrounding people and properties.
Preserving Tree Health And Beauty
Trees play an integral role in our environments, and working with tree surgeons ensures they continue to do so. Not only do tree surgeons ensure that trees remain attractive, but they also support their ongoing health in everything they do.
Tree surgeons work to preserve the health and longevity of all trees during their services. Whether it is simple pruning or more complex jobs such as tree removal, you can rest assured that the health of your landscape and trees will be maintained when working with professionals.
Legal Responsibilities
With their certifications and accreditations, tree surgeons understand their legal responsibilities across all services offered. There are various rules in place regarding trees, and tree surgeons understand the impact these can have on their work.
Not only will they follow these regulations, such as handling trees in conservation areas or understanding Tree Preservation Orders, but they usually have connections to local authorities. This means if permissions or approval are needed for certain tree services, tree surgeons can support your application with their connections and contacts.
When Should I Call The Professionals? Top Signs It Is Time To Hire A Tree Surgeon
Most forms of tree care should not be performed by anyone other than a professional tree surgeon. However, there are some cases when their expertise is needed more than others, and in these circumstances, you can no longer avoid calling in the professionals:
- Diseased or Unhealthy Trees: If you notice signs of disease, such as wilting or browning leaves, poor growth, and spores on the trunk, you need to work with tree surgeons to protect your trees. Tree surgeons will perform a tree health assessment to determine the issue and provide the precise treatment needed for recovery or removal.
- Extreme Weather Conditions: Whether you are dealing with an unstable tree before or after extreme weather conditions, such as storms and high winds, this cannot be handled alone. Tree surgeons can provide pruning, removal or cabling to keep your trees secure when you need it most.
- Trees In Close Proximity: Trees that are located close to properties, structures or power lines can only be handled by professionals. These areas are often at high risk of tree root damage and may require complete tree felling to remedy. Tree surgeons have the skills and equipment necessary to ensure safe handling of trees, no matter their location.
- Large Tree Removal: If a tree has become too large and difficult to manage, it is time to call tree surgeons. They can provide pruning, pollarding or complete removal to keep your landscape safe and accessible.
Conclusion
Tree surgeons are specialised professionals who can offer a range of services to manage, maintain and support trees. These professionals deliver care to both private and public areas, keeping all landscapes safe and attractive over the years.
From dangerous and emergency tree services to ongoing maintenance and support, tree surgeons always do what is best for our trees. They provide the care needed to ensure safe, attractive landscapes and operate all year round.
Kneebone Trees is a leading team of tree surgeons who operate across Dorset and the surrounding areas. We are fully certified and accredited to provide a range of tree care services, making us a great solution for all requirements.
Contact Us Today
To learn more about our services or request a consultation, please contact the team today.
FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a tree surgeon?
Costs can vary based on the size and complexity of the job, as well as the services required. This is why it is recommended to get a quote from tree surgeons first.
Do I need permission to cut down a tree?
In some cases, permission will be needed before a tree can be removed. This is especially the case in conversation areas or those protected by a TPO. Tree surgeons can help with this process and support any applications.
How often should trees be inspected?
It is recommended for trees to be inspected every 1 to 3 years to keep track of health and stability issues.
