Understanding Tree Work

Contractors listed in our directory listing have submitted their businesses and their tree work to the Arboricultural Association for assessment and have been found competent to provide arboricultural contracting services to clients. The Arboricultural Association’s assessment of Approved Contractors is not limited to their knowledge of trees and tree maintenance [...]

Services typically required of an arboricultural contractor are: Tree maintenance operations including pruning, and related works to relevant British Standards (see our Tree Work Terminology page) Tree planting operations and aftercare/establishment programmes Tree felling, including dismantling of dangerous trees or trees in confined spaces Advice and guidance on the above. In addition [...]

It is important that clients understand the basic terms commonly used to describe tree work operations so that they can ask for what they want or understand what the arboriculturist is recommending.

Legal Requirements The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 place general duties on employers and the self-employed to provide health and safety information and training.  Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 place more specific duties on employers and the [...]

Ideally, tree works should not be undertaken during the spring time period, when the 'sap is rising' to enable the leaves to flush (come out) and photosynthesis to begin, and during the autumn, when the tree is drawing nutrients back into itself from the leaves as they go brown.

We strongly advise that tree work contractors undertake appropriate training for all activities they carry out in order to comply with legislation