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What does a Tree Surgeon do?

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Mika, Staff Writer

Monday, 25 January 2021

What is a Tree Surgeon?

Some jobs are best left to the experts, and we can all safely agree that using a chainsaw at height - as a tree surgeon does - requires a lot of expertise! Tree surgeons, also known as arborists, remove and prune trees and other foliage that is obstructing your property. They can also remove diseased trees or scale back branches that are getting difficult to manage. 

Before hiring a tree surgeon, you might be interested to learn more about the services they provide. Despite their job title, cutting trees down isn’t all they can assist you with! 

Tree felling and removal

The nature of trees is that they continue to grow, getting taller and wider every year. Depending on where you live, this could pose a huge problem. For example, if the tree is leaning to one side. Or if a tree is so close to your home it’s causing structural problems. Using a chainsaw, a tree surgeon will safely tackle the problem for you. 

Tree surgeons use a range of equipment including cherry pickers and abseils to scale the height needed to cut down the tree safely. They’ll ensure the tree falls in a way which will not injure anyone or damage your property. They’ll also remove the pieces of tree and clean up any of the mess created, leaving you with a neat and tidy finish. 

Tree pruning

Sometimes, you might not want to cut a tree down to the roots but have it pruned instead. An example would be if the tree branches are obscuring the light in your property. Or, if you are worried some of the branches have become unstable and pose a hazard to people on the ground. 

Tree pruning can also be used to reduce the number of leaves that fall either completely or on one side. Leaves block gutters and can be slippery in the wintertime. Plus, they are a hassle to clean up! Therefore, removing the leaves with pruning before autumn hits is advisable. 

Hedge cutting

Tree surgeons also offer hedge cutting services. If you’ve ever tried to trim a hedge, you’ll know that due to its thickness it can be really difficult to get the blade all the way through. It’s also extremely tricky to keep the blade level, often leading to an uneven result. Hedge topiary is also something that can go badly wrong if you’re not an expert! 

Tree surgeons will make light work of even the most unruly of hedges. They’ll even out the tops and sides, which will make your property look far more presentable. You may also wish to consult with your neighbour if you share a hedge, as ideally it should be cut on both sides at the same time. 

Garden maintenance

Tree surgeons carry a range of specialist tools and equipment that can be used for much more than cutting down trees. Gardens aren’t easy to maintain, especially if you have a lot of greenery or aren’t physically able. Garden maintenance can include the cutting or trimming of grass, garden clearance and in some cases garden landscaping. 

Traffic management

Most roads have trees dotted alongside them in various shapes and sizes. If a tree is causing a hazard for motorists, then it will need to either be pruned or removed. This needs to be done in a way that doesn’t put anyone else in harm’s way and is minimally disruptive to passing traffic. 

Tree surgeons who specialise in traffic management will use safety measures to make sure they are visible to road users. They’ll also set up signage or cones around the area where the tree is expected to fall. 

FAQ: How much does a Tree Surgeon cost?

Wondering how much a tree surgeon costs? Check out our handy price guide for a detailed overview of how much you'll pay for a tree surgeon.

Points to note

Sometimes the offending tree might not be in your garden but the neighbours instead. Legally, you have the right to cut any branches that are coming into your garden. But, you must take care not to remove branches past the boundary point. If the tree were to fall because of an incompetent job, then you’d be liable for the damage. That’s why it’s always good to work with your neighbour if possible to achieve the best result. 

If you’re worried about the stability of a tree (particularly after a storm) don’t delay in seeking the opinion of a professional tree surgeon. There’s no guarantee which way the tree will fall if it does break off, which could cause serious injury to other people or property.

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