About Trees Ltd – Kent Tree Surgeon

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The Imperative of Autumnal Tree Maintenance: Your Comprehensive Homeowner’s Guide

Posted on by About Trees

As the vibrant colours and warm days of summer yield to the cool crispness of autumn, it’s easy to overlook one of the most essential seasonal tasks for homeowners—tree maintenance. While many are preoccupied with their autumn wardrobe and festive preparations, as the owner of a tree care company, I’m here to stress that now is the opportune time to shift your focus to your garden’s tall, leafy residents.

Caring for your trees is not simply about aesthetics; it’s a vital proactive strategy that contributes to their long-term health, safety, and structural integrity. With guidance from leading UK horticultural groups like the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), this comprehensive blog will clarify why tree maintenance should top your list of autumnal tasks. The classic English adage, “Prevention is better than cure,” holds especially true in the realm of arboriculture.

Understanding the Importance of Pre-Autumn Tree Maintenance
The Unforgiving Nature of Autumn Weather

Meteorological data from the UK’s Met Office confirms that the frequency of storms, gales, and strong winds increases notably during the autumn months. These elements can wreak havoc on weakened or neglected trees. In extreme cases, like the Great Storm of 1987 that resulted in the loss of 15 million trees in England alone, the consequences of neglect can be downright devastating.

The Value Proposition of Preventative Measures

“Prevention is better than cure.” This well-worn phrase captures the essence of why pre-emptive action in tree maintenance is so crucial. Preventative care not only saves you the emotional and financial toll of losing a tree but also preserves the structural integrity of the other trees and even your property.

The Comprehensive Pre-Autumn Tree Maintenance Checklist
Professional Services to Consider:

  1. Tree Health Assessment: The first step should always be a thorough assessment by a qualified arborist. This provides invaluable insights into the tree’s health, revealing any diseases or structural weaknesses that require immediate attention.
  2. Strategic Pruning: Beyond eliminating dead or dangerous branches, professional pruning can be tailored to the tree’s specific needs, fostering healthy growth patterns and increasing resilience against environmental stressors.
  3. Deep Root Fertilisation: This is an advanced treatment designed to fortify the tree’s root system, enhancing its natural defences.
  4. Pest and Disease Management: Employ an expert to identify, treat, and control any insect infestations or diseases, thereby protecting your trees through the winter months.
  5. Soil Analysis and Testing: Understanding your soil’s pH and nutrient levels can be crucial in developing a tailored care regimen for your trees.
Tasks Homeowners Can Undertake:
  1. Mulching: Mulch serves as an insulating layer for the soil, helping to maintain consistent moisture and temperature levels around the tree.
  2. Watering Regimen: Pay special attention to younger trees, providing ample water before the ground starts to freeze.
  3. Leaf and Debris Removal: Keeping your garden clean can mitigate the risk of fungal infections and deter harmful pests.
  4. Regular Visual Inspection: Make a habit of inspecting your trees for visual cues of health issues, such as unusual leaf discolouration or bark texture.
  5. Planting New Trees: Late summer and early autumn offer the perfect soil conditions for planting new trees, allowing time for root establishment before winter.
It’s Time to Act: Don’t Delay Your Tree Maintenance

Given the erratic and sometimes severe weather conditions of the UK’s autumn months, taking early action is imperative. A proactive approach now can prevent potential disasters later, be they financial, aesthetic, or even sentimental in nature.

To secure the long-term health and beauty of your trees, we invite you to book a quote online at Book an Appointment, our preferred method for efficient scheduling. For those who have specific questions or need additional information, feel free to email us at info@abouttrees.co.uk

By taking proactive steps today, you can ensure the long-term health and aesthetic appeal of your domestic landscape. Trust About Trees to provide expert care that will keep your trees thriving through this autumn and many more to come.

Working at Height

Posted on by About Trees

This policy is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees engaged in tree work at height. It applies to all tree surgery operations carried out by About Trees Ltd.

- Adhere to the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and other relevant HSE guidelines.

- Stay updated with any changes in legislation or best practices in arboriculture and tree surgery.

- Conduct thorough risk assessments for every project, as recommended by both HSE and the Arboricultural Association’s Code of Practice.

- Implement a systematic approach to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks associated with working at height.

- Ensure all staff are adequately trained and competent in line with HSE requirements, including specific training for working at height.

- Provide regular training updates and refresher courses to maintain high safety standards.

- Comply with HSE guidance on the selection, use, and maintenance of equipment for working at height, including personal protective equipment (PPE).

- Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment used for tree work at height.

 

- Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various tree work activities, including those highlighted in the Industry Code of Practice.

- Review and update SOPs regularly to incorporate new techniques and safety guidelines.

- Establish and regularly update emergency response plans, including aerial rescue protocols.

- Ensure easy access to first aid equipment and trained personnel on every site.

- Prioritise physical and mental health by providing support for work-related stress and physical strain associated with tree work at height.

- Integrate environmental considerations into operational planning, ensuring minimal ecological impact and compliance with environmental laws.

- Implement a robust incident reporting system and conduct thorough investigations into any incidents to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

- Maintain high standards of quality in all tree work at height.

- Engage with customers to provide transparent information about operational procedures and safety measures.

- Regularly review the effectiveness of the working at height policy and practices.

- Encourage feedback from employees to continuously improve safety standards.

Wildlife and Ecology

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About Trees Ltd is committed to sustainable Arboricultural practices, environmental responsibility, and the protection of wildlife and ecology in all our tree care operations. This policy reflects our dedication to these principles, aligning with current directives and best practices in the United Kingdom.

This policy applies to all tree care operations carried out by About Trees Ltd within the United Kingdom.

About Trees Ltd is dedicated to preventing harm to wildlife and the environment as a result of our tree care activities. We will proactively safeguard European protected species, bats, nesting birds, and other local wildlife.

Before commencing tree care work on any site where there is a potential risk to protected species or local wildlife, we will conduct comprehensive wildlife assessments.

Our tree care methods will be meticulously planned and executed to minimise environmental risks to the lowest practicable level, incorporating current best practices.

About Trees Ltd is committed to fostering a working culture that encourages responsible conservation practices among our tree care professionals and partners.

When specific environmental interface issues are identified before, during, or after our tree care operations, we will actively seek guidance from qualified ecologists or other specialists.

Our company is dedicated to adhering to not only legal requirements but also industry best practices related to wildlife and ecology protection in the UK.

To fulfil our commitment to wildlife and ecology protection, About Trees Ltd sets the following objectives:

- Strictly adhere to all relevant wildlife and ecological legislation, guidance, and best practices in the UK.

- Remain proactive in staying updated on and implementing current directives related to wildlife and ecology protection.

- Continually promote a working culture that champions responsible conservation practices in the Arboricultural industry.

- Contribute to the responsible management of local ecology.

- Identify and safeguard wildlife populations in areas where tree care operations are conducted.

We will provide ongoing training and education to our employees on wildlife and ecological best practices in the field. We actively encourage our clients to participate in our efforts to protect local wildlife and ecology during tree care operations.

This policy will be communicated to all individuals working for or on behalf of About Trees Ltd, ensuring broad awareness and adherence to our commitment to wildlife and ecology protection. We will regularly review and update this policy to remain aligned with the latest directives and best practices.

Health and Safety Policy

Posted on by About Trees

About Trees Ltd is a tree surgeon carrying a full Health & Safety Policy for all projects covering Kent.

Tree surgery often means working at heights with ropes and chainsaws, this can be a very dangerous job; we take this extremely seriously and have measures in place to reduce these risks as much as possible.

All of About Trees Ltd staff are fully trained and qualified in the arboricultural sector, on any given contract we will have at least one member of ground-staff who can perform an aerial rescue in case the climber gets in to trouble. A rescue kit is carried at all times.

We will carry out a thorough Risk assessment prior to works commencing and have method statements detailing how we will approach the job in hand.

Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) is issued to all staff; this includes chainsaw protective boots, trousers, and helmets with ear defenders and eye protection.

An ethos of methodical practice is encouraged.

About Trees Ltd - Health and Safety Policy

Date: JAN 2024

About Trees Ltd is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of its employees, contractors, clients, and the public. We recognise that Arboricultural work involves inherent risks and hazards, and we are dedicated to implementing the latest health and safety directives and guidelines, including PUWER and LOLER, to mitigate these risks. This Health and Safety Policy outlines our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety in all our activities.

About Trees Ltd will adhere to all relevant health and safety legislation, including but not limited to:

- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

- Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.

- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.

We will also stay updated on any new legislation and guidance from authoritative bodies, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Arboricultural Association, Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group (AFAG), and Forestry Industry Safety Accord (FISA), and incorporate them into our practices.

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3.1. Management Commitment

The management of About Trees Ltd is committed to providing leadership, resources, and support for the implementation of this Health and Safety Policy. They will ensure that adequate resources are available to meet our health and safety objectives.

3.2. Employees and Contractors

All employees and contractors are responsible for their health and safety, as well as the safety of others affected by their work. They must comply with the company's health and safety procedures, including PUWER and LOLER compliance, report hazards, and actively participate in training programs.

About Trees Ltd will identify, assess, and manage risks associated with our activities, including equipment-related risks in compliance with PUWER and LOLER. This includes conducting regular risk assessments and implementing control measures to eliminate or reduce risks. Risk assessments will be reviewed and updated as necessary.

We will ensure that all employees and contractors have the necessary skills and competence to perform their tasks safely, especially when it comes to using equipment covered by PUWER and LOLER. Training will be provided, and records of training and qualifications will be maintained.

Safe working procedures will be established for all activities, considering guidance from HSE, AFAG, FISA, and the Arboricultural Association, including specific procedures related to the use and maintenance of equipment in compliance with PUWER and LOLER. These procedures will be communicated to all employees and contractors.

Appropriate PPE, including equipment-specific PPE, will be provided and maintained for all tasks where necessary. Employees and contractors will be required to wear PPE as specified in our procedures and guidelines.

All incidents, accidents, near misses, and potential hazards must be reported immediately to management. We will investigate incidents thoroughly to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

About Trees Ltd will have emergency procedures in place for responding to accidents, fires, and other emergencies. Employees and contractors will be familiar with these procedures.

We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance, including PUWER and LOLER compliance. We will regularly review our policies, procedures, and practices to identify areas for improvement.

This Health and Safety Policy will be communicated to all employees, contractors, clients, and relevant stakeholders. It will be displayed prominently on our premises and website.

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, and best practices.

Authorised by Management

Wayne Elwell (Director)

JAN 2024

Insurance

Posted on by About Trees
At about…trees we are a professional, insured tree surgeons Kent. This means we take our responsibilities seriously, we carry full Arboricultural public liability insurance of £5million, employers liability of £10milliion (certificates available upon request). We are members of both the Arboricultural Association and the International Society of Arboriculture, and we follow all the relevant British Standards guidelines and follow advice from industry bodies such as AFAG/FISA and LANTRA.
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