About Watchoak Tree Surgery
Watchoak Tree Surgery has been established for over five years. During this time we have carried out work within the private and commercial sectors, from jobs in town gardens where tree surgery requires great care, tidiness and precision, to work on remote veteran trees where the primary aim is to intervene as little as possible; to preserve the life of the tree without meddling too much!
Arboriculture - the management of trees for amenity rather than for commercial purposes is about understanding the needs of the tree, and the customer equally.
In certain cases the visual or cultural importance of a tree may outweigh the requirements of the client, and a tree is worked upon minimally; any potential hazards are dealt with, and remedial pruning is employed to increase light or to open up views for example. In other cases, it is quite clear that a tree has outgrown its situation, has become oppressive and unwieldy, or ugly to the point where it would be better to remove it and replant with something more appropriate. Equally, trees are often in the way of development, and have to be removed. In these cases, you would hope that new trees are planted to compensate for the loss of the old ones. Trees whose limbs branch out over houses or roads can be skillfully removed so as to prevent the risk of posible branch faliure, and deadwood within the crown of a tree can be cut out so as to avoid falling wood at unexpected times...
The size of a tree can usually be successfully managed through tree surgery. A ‘crown reduction’ aims to reshape the tree as a smaller version of its original form, and can often be the best form of management for trees situated in gardens where space and light are at a premium. A more extreme form of pruning is ‘pollarding’, whereby a mature or semi-mature tree is cut back to a trunk of about eight feet, and when regrowth occurs, a more compact ‘bushy’ top is achieved, making for a more easily manageable tree which can be cut back every few years depending on the requirements of light, size and safety. The lifespan of a tree is invariably extended as a result of pruning and pollarding, so long as work is carried out on the right types of trees, at the correct time of year, and in a manner which is appropriate to the characteristics of that particular tree.
Pruning can also help to encourage greater flowering or fruit production. In the case of fruit trees for instance, a regime of annual pruning promotes the development of fruit over leaf production by creating a strong healthy framework of branches, with plenty of fruiting spurs and ample light and room to nourish quality fruit. We carry out winter pruning of Apples and Pears, late spring pruning of stone fruits (cherries, plums, apricots, damsons, greengage, almond etc), as well as more obscure pruning and training of fruits such as figs, medlar and quince.
We also provide a hedgetrimming service for all types of garden hedges, a task that is generally carried out twice a year – early summer and in late autumn. This way, the hedge’s size is controlled and its visual sharpness is maintained throughout the course of a year. Hedges which have become ‘high hedges’ – i.e. over the current recommended height of 2 metres , and are beginning to block out light and moisture from a garden – can be reduced or restored to a lower height, or cut back annually to maintain acceptable dimensions. Hedges consisting of deciduous species which may have become overgrown, ‘leggy’ or full of gaps can be ‘laid’ in the traditional manner, whereby the stems of the trees are partially cut and ‘laid’ over at an angle to provide an impenetrable barrier, and a restored hedge which is more practical to manage, has a greater habitat value and a longer life. Hedgelaying is carried out in the autumn and winter months when the plants are in dormancy.
Whatever aspect of management is required, Watchoak Tree Surgery seeks to provide a high quality of workmanship in every job which is undertaken. Work is carried out in full compliance with the recognised guidelines for professional treework BS3998, and all staff hold professional qualifications in arboriculture, experience within the industry, and have attained the relevant N.P.T.C certificates. Our Public Liability insurance policy has a limit of indemnity of £2 million.
Work sites are left tidy and safe from any potential hazards, and all branches, logs, clippings etc are taken away unless otherwise stated. The logwood and woodchippings are then utilized for firewood, occasional woodworking and mulch/ compost purposes. Call Sam at Watchoak Tree Surgery for free quotations, advice or any questions which you may have about the service that we provide.
