Who Carries Out Tree Removal?
Tree removal, also known as felling, should be carried out by a qualified arboriculturalist, preferably a member of the Arboricultural Association. Reeves Arboricultural Services are an experienced provider of a wide range of tree services, including tree surgery – which tree removal falls under.
In order to ensure tree removal is done properly, safely and efficiently, it needs the right tools and equipment as well as an understanding of the requirements. There are many factors involved when removing a tree and arboriculturalists are the best suited to do it; otherwise you could end up with a more costly issue or create a dangerous situation.
Tree Removal Stages
There are a number of stages involved in felling a tree. These are the main steps you can expect for tree removal with Reeves:
- Site Visit – When you first get in touch with us, we will arrange a (free of charge) site visit in order to assess the work needed and provide a quotation.
- Quotation – Your quote will lay out the recommended works and the process in which we will carry these out, for example: using rigging techniques, whether the timber will be left on site, whether the stump will be ground out or poisoned. It will also detail any additional items required to complete the works such as plant hire or parking suspensions.
- Conservation Status – Once instructed, we will check whether you are in a Conservation area or if the tree in question is covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). If so, we will make the necessary application to the council on your behalf. This process takes around six weeks for a Conservation area and eight weeks for a TPO.
- Tree Removal – On the day of the works, the team will arrive and set up a work site. This process varies depending on the type of site and scope of works. All our team members are highly skilled and work efficiently and safely. Works will be carried out as specified in the quotation.
- Cleanup – Lastly, a thorough cleanup of the site will take place at the end of works.
Who Is Responsible For Tree Removal?
A tree that you want or need removed is the responsibility of the owner of the land on which it resides. If you are the landowner, whether you live on the land or not, you have a ‘common law’ duty of care. This means that ensuring the safety of any trees on your land, with regards to the health and safety of any people or property around them, is your responsibility.
You will also be liable for any damage caused if you do not maintain these trees and they cause damage. For example, if a tree falls in high winds or a branch breaks off and falls on a person or property, you would be responsible for arranging to make it safe. It is important an arboriculturalist regularly checks your trees to make sure there are no potential, foreseeable dangers. If you have a large amount of trees, it is advisable to get a bi-annual health and safety tree survey.
If you are not the landowner, you could still be responsible for tree removal if it is specifically stipulated in your rental agreement. As part of some contracts, tenants are required to manage gardens and plants, etc, and that can include trees.
If you are not the landowner but perhaps live in a neighbouring property and would like a tree removed (it may be blocking light or causing damage to your property), you will not be able to do so without the tree owner’s consent.
Will The Local Council Pay For My Tree Removal?
If you are responsible for tree removal, then you will need to instruct a tree surgeon to remove the tree properly. Your local council will be responsible for trees on public land but will rarely pay to have a tree removed on private land. There are some instances where they may offer reimbursement via Countryside Stewardship grants but the situations are quite unique and have a number of requirements, such as if removing trees has a positive environmental impact (removing dangerous trees) or improves area conservation (creating space for other plants/animals to thrive).
Tree Removal Costs: What Factors Affect The Quote?
The cost of tree removal covers the specialist equipment required to carry out the work safely and the skill and expertise of the arboriculturalists who will carry out the work. There are a number of other factors that also impact tree removal costs, which we outline here.
Number Of Trees
The more trees you are having removed, the more it will cost, as it will take longer to complete the job. If you have a large number of trees to remove, we can often offer a day rate which can make things more economical.
Tree Size, Maturity & Species
Trees vary hugely in size, depending on species and maturity. For some trees, such as larger mature trees, additional equipment may be required in order to carry out the job.
Similarly, the species of tree can affect how difficult it is to remove. Some trees have trunks with a greater diameter, or might be in more inaccessible areas, resulting in a more time consuming job.
Stump Removal
For some tree removals it is possible or desirable to grind out the stump to around 250mm below ground level, using a stump grinder. This can be particularly useful if you wish to replant in the same area. Otherwise, we will fell the tree to ground level and can then use eco-plugs to safely poison the stump which will eventually die and rot away.
Accessibility
Travel to the site of the tree removal and accessing the tree itself, which could be near to other trees or buildings, will affect the logistics of getting the tree safely removed. Dealing with obstructions and making sure that no people, buildings or other plants are damaged will all require consideration and could mean extra time and equipment is needed, which can increase the quote for tree removal.
Waste Removal
Removing a tree creates a fair amount of waste. Depending on the reason for the tree removal, some parts of the tree could be reused. If the tree is being removed due to disease or damage, then most of the tree will need to be removed from the site. In some instances, timber can be left on site and used for logs while chipped branches can be used for mulching purposes. You will need to request this at the quotation stage. Unless specified, we will remove all arisings from the site, which are then picked up from our yard to be used for biomass fuel.
Additional Work Can Be Done Alongside Tree Removal
When a tree is being removed, it can make sense for the arboriculturalist to carry out maintenance on other trees on site at the same time, for example pruning and carrying out checks for diseases and pests. You may also want to consider soil remediation, if you plan to reuse the spot where the tree is being removed.
To get a quote for tree removal, please enquire today.
