Common Tree Treatments
Understanding and selecting the right treatment for your tree and then being confident it can be done safely and accurately is important. We take pride in the quality of our work and prefer to let the trees natural shape be maintained.

Crown Thinning – The removal of a proportion of secondary live branches evenly throughout the crown. The overall outline or shape remains unaltered. This treatment can increase the amount of light passing through, reduce wind resistance and also reduce the weight of heavy branches. Excessive thinning and individual responses of different species can result in rapid growth of new material.

Crown reduction – This is where the overall height or spread of the tree is reduced by the removal of the ends of branches, whilst maintaining the trees natural shape as far as possible. Ideally the reducing cuts should result in pruning wounds o greater than 1/3 of the diameter of the branch remaining. Excessive reductions can stress trees and weaken them making failure and decline more likely or rapid than if no pruning had been done.

Pollarding – This is the removal of new growth from a particular point on a regular basis (every 1-2 years). The term is also commonly but incorrectly used to describe the removal of all branches leaving a stem on a previously unpollarded tree.

Crown Lifting – Removal of the lowest branches and preparation of lower branches for future removal. Ideally large pruning wounds directly on the stem should be avoided as these may reduce the life of the tree. This treatment can also increase the amount of light (under the main crown) but it is also often necessary to provide adequate clearance for traffic and pedestrians on roadside trees, (5.2 and 2.5m respectively)

Felling/Dismantling – In some circumstances trees may need to be removed completely. Where conditions allow it may be felled (perhaps witht the aid of pull line) or it may need to be removed in sections in tighter spaces or where no ground disturbance is allowed. Cranes may also be an option depending on access and ground stability.

Planting – Trees can be recommended, supplied and planted in a wide variety of sizes, from bare root transplants through to container grown specimens. Care is needed in the sitting, protection and aftercare of new planting.

Other Services
Stump removal – For smaller trees and shrubs stumps or roots can be dug or winched out by hand. For larger stumps or where there are many a stump grinder can make the job much easier. Ground disturbance is minimal and as much or as little of the stump removed as desired. Our standard is to go to around 300mm below ground level, (this is usually sufficient) and then follow any radial roots near or on the surface – hence a small cherry may be a more involved job than a larger oak. The arisings are a mixture of soil and stump chips or shreds and can be re-compacted back into the hole. This is an ideal planting medium for replacement trees, but may settle over a few months.

What happens to all the debris? – Branches are usually reduced in volume by chipping – this material can be left on site for use as a mulch to retail moisture and suppress weeds or removed to a composting site for recyling. Larger logwood can be left on site for use as wood fuel or to make garden features, or removed to be recyled as logs. Higher value material can be removed in lengths and milled where access allows.

Bracing – Support for trees with weak branch unions, or damage in the form of either a dynamic or static systems. Non invasive systems that allow trees to build up material in response to moderate loading yet support under higher loads.

Legal protection for trees – Tree preservation Orders, trees in conservation areas, trees covered by planning conditions and felling licence requirements (for larger volumes) may all restrict work, and consent is normally required from the relevant body – The Local Authority or Forestry Commission. We are happy to apply on behalf of clients and this is normally included in our prices.

Insurance – We hold public and employers liability insurance together with professional Indemnity cover. These policies are specific to the Arboricultural and Forestry sectors. Evidence of insurance is usually provided either with quotations or before work commences.

The Procedure

Site Survey

One of our arboricultural consultants will visit you to discuss your needs and requirements.

From there they will recommend a course of action, which takes into account:

• The type of trees and their specific requirements.
• The health of the trees.
• Any restrictions that should be considered, (e.g. light, aspect and size of the trees).
• The position of the trees in relation to drains, houses etc.
• Any safety factors.

The Quotation

Closely followed by the consultation you will then receive a free no obligation quote with a detailed specification of the work we recommend. Our price will reflect value for money for professional work.

Your Acceptance

Acceptance of a quotation can be made by either telephone, email or by post. This can be done quickly and efficiently by stating the individual quotation reference number.

As soon as we have received your acceptance, we can carry out an enquiry with your local authority, to check whether any Tree Preservation or Conservation Orders exist. We will then book the accepted work to be done at a time that best suits you.

The Work

On the date agreed for work to commence, our teams will arrive at a time which can be specified by you if necessary. If they are delayed for any reason they will telephone to inform you. All our employees are skilled, courteous professionals, who have a genuine interest in the preservation and future of trees. Leading each team is a foreman. It is his responsibility to liaise closely with you whilst the works are carried out, ensuring that everything is completed correctly and to your satisfaction.

Our team always aim:

• To contact you on arrival and discuss the work with you.
• To move any breakables or any other items to a position of safety.
• To carry out works as detailed in the written specification.
• To take care of surrounding areas/features.
• To ensure debris is removed and the site is left clean and tidy.
• To check with you that you are completely satisfied before leaving the site.

Stump grinding may be carried out the following day. Our invoice will be sent following satisfactory completion of the works.

Customer Satisfaction

Customer Satisfaction is recorded with a survey so we can monitor our services and allows us to see how we can improve the service further.

We hope you use our service year after year and that you will recommend us to friends and neighbours.

If at any time you have queries or concerns, our office staff will be happy to assist. If for any reason you feel that our service does not meet acceptable standards, we would like to know so that we can improve.

Peace of Mind

For total peace of mind, we are members of the Arboricultural Association. We adopt best working practice and keep abreast of new developments in working methods.

Glossary of Terms

Arboriculture – The professional care and management of trees.

Bracing – A method used to support a weak area of a tree using rods, cables or straps without having to significantly reduce or remove the weaker area of the tree.

British Standard – Institute which provides a code of practice for all types of industries. Relevant British Standards for tree work include BS5837 & BS3998.

BS3998 – Recommendations for Tree Work.

BS4043 - Recommendations for Transplanting Root-Balled Trees.

BS5837 – Trees in Relation to Construction.

Co-dominant Stems – When two or more main stems of equal size and vigour compete for dominance. Such stems tend to fail much more often than others.

Conservation Area –Notice must be given to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) at least six weeks prior to any proposed tree works being carried out.

Coppicing – A traditional method carried out on a rotation basis, whereby tree stems are cut down to the stump to stimulate new growth.

Crown – The collective area of the tree formed by the branches and foliage above the stem (the trunk up to the first branch).

Crown Clean - The removal of dead, dying, damaged or diseased wood. It also includes removal of crossing branches, dangerous branches, epicormic growth and climbing plants such as Ivy from the crown of a tree.

Deadwood Removal – Refers to the removal of deadwood which naturally occurs within tree canopy. This has a liability of falling and can pose a risk to the public depending on the tree's location. Extensive deadwood could suggest the tree is in decline.

Dead/Dying/Diseased/Dangerous – Any trees which are dead dyeing, diseased or dangerous legally permit work to be carried out on them even if they are covered by a Tree Preservation Order or are in a Conservation Area.

Decay – Damage of internal living tissues in a tree caused by fungi which affects its strength and stability.

Decline – A term used to describe the appearance of a tree showing signs of stress, lack of vigour or is dying. This could be due to disease, infection or environmental factors.

Dieback – Decline that proceeds slowly from the tips of branches in towards the trunk.

Dismantling – Is the procedure used to fell a tree piece by piece when there is a lack of safe space to fell it whole.

Emergency 24 hour call out service – Providing support and assistance to any storm damaged or fallen trees when you need it most, 24/7.

Epicormic Growth – Small shoots which grow from the base of a tree, on the main stem, on branches and from buds. Can be a sign of stress, damage or is stimulated by pruning.

Formative Pruning – Pruning of a tree while it is still young to maintain a particular shape and reduce likelihood of future problems.

Fruiting Bodies – The spore bearing body of a fungus infecting a tree.

Habitat – The natural environment of an animal or plant.

Hedge Trimming – N,C.F.can maintain your hedging any size, any where, our maintenance which can be arranged to be carried out yearly for effective long term management including trimming back to create a neat and tidy form to reducing in height and width. We can also shape your hedging as requested.

High Hedge – Hedges deemed to be too high and cause a nuisance to the enjoyment of a neighbouring property.

Included Bark – The bark of close parts of a tree which are in face-to-face contact, these areas are commonly weak.

Mulch – The woody material which after being processed into chips can be laid down over the rooting area of a plant to reduce weed growth and retain moisture.

Pathogen – A micro-organism which causes disease.

Photosynthesis – The process whereby plants use the sun as energy to produce carbohydrates required for its growth.

Planting – N.C.F. can also supply and plant a huge range of trees, shrubs and hedging plants. We can also give professional advice on what to plant and where to plant with creation of plating schemes from simple replacement trees up to garden tree and shrub landscaping and up to large-scale commercial planting projects. We can even provide the valued after care maintenance advice and plan formative pruning schedules.

Pollarding – The complete or partial removal of the crown back to the main stem, this is carried out to encourage new healthy growth and can be carried out on a rotational basis.

Pruning – This involves the removal of twigs, branches or roots by cutting them off with a saw. All cuts wound the tree. Therefore care must be taken, it is also important to ensure pruning takes place at the right time of year for the species.

Remedial Action – This involves tree works which are carried out to remove the risk of injury to people or damage to property.

Ring Barking – Also called Girdling, involves physical damage to the bark on the stem which destroys the internal tissues that transport water and food. This results in the death of the tree.

Root Pruning - Often necessary for the installation of Root Barriers, root pruning is also often required on development sites where digging is essential within the designated Root Protection Area. In these cases it is advisable to use a professional arborist who has been trained, and is experienced in these techniques.

Site Clearance – N.C.F. are Specialists in site clearance for the construction industry, this includes vegetation clearance of all types, with the machinery capable for large or small scale contracts. We are also able to provide a mulching service, allowing to compact all vegetation on site to woodchip mulch.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's) – These are areas which under UK law are protected for conservation purposes. Specified activities such as tree works are prohibited without prior consent.

Stem – The supporting structure of a tree from ground level up to the first branch which slowly expands are the tree grows older. It also transports water and food around the plant.

Stump grinding/removal – With our range of stump grinder sizes we are able to remove any size of tree stump in most locations. This method causes little disturbance and allows the client to be able to use the site straight away for replacement planting or for other work the client may require.

Timber Extraction – N.C.F.have the use of machinery such as a timber trailer and grab for the removal of heavy timber from the site resulting in less manual labour, less mess and saving time and costs.

Tree Condition Surveys – We are able to provide Tree Condition Surveys to the standards of BS5837 for trees in relation to construction as well as for mortgage and insurance reports, health and safety purposes and for subsidence issues.

Tree Preservation Order (TPO) – An order made by the Local Planning Authority. Consent is required for any works to be carried out.

Tree Removal – N.C.F. carry out all aspects of tree care including tree cutting and felling. Capable of dealing with trees of any size for both commercial and domestic customers.

Veteran Tree – Means a tree which, because of its great age, size or condition is of exceptional value culturally and for conservation. Usually measure above 3m in diameter to be distinguished as veteran.