With so much competition out there selecting the best tree surgeon for you can be a daunting task. ‘Tree Surgeon’ is not a protected term which unfortunately means that just about anyone with a saw can claim to be a professional arborist. 
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So when so many local tree care businesses are fighting for your attention what research should you do and what do you ask when you call for a quote? This guide aims to tell you just that, but first of all it will explain the potential problems with attempting tree surgery yourself.
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Have you noticed something wrong with your tree? Do you think there might not be well? Here is a quick guide on how to visually check your tree.

Base of the tree
Start by examining the roots. Are there signs of the ground heaving up, severed roots or signs of decay or fungi, such as mushrooms?

Tree Trunk
Then move up towards the tree trunk - just above the soil. Can you see any loose bark, cracks or deep slits or peeling? Inspect the rest of the trunk for signs of decay, such as signs of swelling, cavities, soft or decaying wood or small holes.

Canopy
Finally, look up at the canopy, the upper layer of branches and leaves. Can you see any signs of:

• Dead or dying branches. Do they hang low, is there bark missing and is it missing leaves?
• Leaning limbs or branches
• Weak, V-shaped branch unions, where two branches have grown together
• Excessively thick, dense canopies that could easily break
• Leaf problems – such as spotting or holes to odd coloured or deformed leaves
• Cankers, a dead section of bark on branches or limbs

Does the structure of your tree seem unstable? Perhaps it is time to remove your tree.

If you have any concerns about your tree and would like one of our qualified arborists to come and inspect your tree, just give us a call. We will advise you on what we think is the best treatment for the tree, or whether it would be better to have the tree removed.

Let us help you ensure the best care for your trees. Chelmsford Tree Surgeon is made up of a team of professional arborists that love working with trees all year round across Essex covering: Billericay, Chelmsford, Hatfield Peveral, Ingatestone, Maldon, Margaretting, Stock and surrounding areas.
Give us a call today on 01245 527 053.
 
If you are in need of any of the following services, please give us a call:
​Emergency Tree Services
Tree Pruning
Tree Removal
Stump Removal
Site Clearance
Crown Reduction
Crown Lifting
Crown Thinning
Hedge Trimming

From spring through to late autumn the hedges are active and now in May, you will see that many hedges have grown quite considerably in the past few weeks, especially this year with all the sunshine we have had in March and April.

Hedges can be made from a variety of different shrubs and trees, ranging from conifers to holly and hawthorn hedges.

Here is a list of common hedges that we trim and the best time to do this.
Trimming Yew Hedges
When to trim: In August/September
How often: Once per year
 
Trimming Privet Hedges
When to trim: During April - September
How often: At least twice per year. The more it is trimmed this thicker it can get.
 
Trimming Laurel Hedges
When to trim: June - September
How often: Once per year
 
Trimming Berberis Hedge
When to trim: After it has flowered
How often: Once per year
 
Trimming Leylandii Hedging
When to trim: April to September
How often: At least twice per year. The more it is trimmed this thicker it can get.
 
This is just a short list of some of the hedges we trim. If you have any questions, please get in touch. If you would like your hedges trimmed or require tree cutting services in Chelmsford call us to get a quote today. 
 
Some tips when cutting hedges

• Try to trim the hedge so that it’s slightly 'A' shaped. This way it improves the stability of the hedge and allows rainfall and sunshine to get to all parts of the plant
• Start by pruning the top flat. If you want help to get it straight, try putting up canes and a string as a cutting guide
• Make sure you brush off the trimmings to prevent fungal diseases
• Use sharp shears – we recommend that you regularly get them sharpened.
• If you’re using electric trimmers, make sure they’re plugged into to a socket with a circuit breaker Keep the cable well away from the blade and wear googles and tough gloves
• After pruning, water the hedge, on both sides if you can

If it sounds like too much work, then give us a call. We are more than happy doing this work. We love being outdoors, in all weathers…though we do prefer it when it is not raining!
 
If you are in the Chelmsford area of Essex, or nearby and need your hedges pruned, call Chelmsford Tree Surgeon on 01245 527 053.

Trees can make the outside of your property look beautiful. Having trees in your garden can create areas for shade or can be there as a feature. As much as trees are easy to plant and grow, maintaining them is an important step to helping them stay healthy, grow stronger and protect your property for accidental damage.
 
Do you need to prune trees?
Yes. Trees should be trimmed or pruned periodically, and sometimes branches need to be cut off to help ensure the health of the tree and your safety. Here is why tree pruning must be a part of your ongoing garden maintenance:

1. Regular pruning provides the opportunity to remove dead or diseased branches  which will improve the overall health of the tree. Pruning also strengthens the trees, when the sunlight and nutrients are distributed to fewer branches. Pruning also helps the tree flower or bear fruit better in the subsequent year.
2. Pruning allows you to detect and remove any weaker branches that could cause damage to the property or people if they fall.
3. Trimming and shaping a tree can improve its physical appearance.

 
How often should you trim your trees?
We suggest pruning or trimming trees once per year during the dormant season, which can vary depending on the species of your tree. For major tree cutting, like crown thinning, we suggest every 3-5 years.

The dormant season is classed as the period when the fruit or flowering season has passed. This is usually between late autumn and before the start of spring.

Other times when tree pruning may be necessary are:

• After high winds and a tree has suffered damage
• When trees grow too much during the active season and cause obstructions
• When trees grow into something, such as a power line (on these occasions let the utility company know)

Can you trim, prune or cut a tree yourself?
The quick answer is maybe. It depends on the type of tree, how big it is and where it is located. Before embarking on this yourself, think about your safely. This is a dangerous job, especially when you are dealing with older and larger trees. Check your tree and use our rule of thumb to help you decide:

• Branches smaller than 5cm in diameter: You can do yourself
• Branches between 5-10cm in diameter: Think twice whether you really should do it yourself
• Branches wider than 10cm in diameter: Call a Tree Surgeon

​If you have any doubt, then it’s probably likely that you should call in an expert arborist. They will be able to complete the job in a timely and safe manner and they will be able to dispose of your branches too. 

Contact us for the following tree services in Chelmsford:
​Emergency Tree Services |  Tree Pruning |  Tree Removal | Stump Removal | ​Stump Grinding | ​Crown Lifting | Crown Thinning | Hedge Trimming

We cover:
Billericay, Blackmore, Boreham, Broomfield, Chelmsford, Danbury, East Hanningfield, Hatfield Peveral Ingatestone, ​Little Baddow, Maldon, Margaretting,  Mountnessing, Newney Green, Radley Green, Roxwell, Stock, West Hanningfield, Writtle.

Only a tiny minority of trees in England are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO). These are made and managed by local authorities. Some of them are protected because they are within a conservation area. Unauthorised work to trees of this nature could lead to prosecution, so it is in your best interest to do your research before undertaking any tree work. 
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Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are administered by Local Planning Authorities (LPA) and are made to protect trees that bring significant benefit to the local area. This protection is particularly important where trees are under threat. 

All types of tree can be protected, and a TPO can protect anything from a single tree to all trees within a defined area or woodland. Any species can be protected, but no species is automatically protected by a Tree Preservation Order.

When a tree has a TPO it becomes a criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy the tree(s). Serious cases will be dealt with by the Crown Court where an unlimited fine can be imposed.

Many local authorities now have online maps to help you investigate if a tree is protected by a TPO or is in a conservation area. Try looking at Chelmsford City Councils website for more information. 

You might also find it helpful to seek the advice of a tree surgeon prior to making an application. If you would like to contact Chelmsford Tree Surgeon, call us on 01245 527 053.

Contact us for the following tree services:
​Emergency Tree Services |  Tree Pruning |  Tree Removal | Stump Removal | ​Stump Grinding | ​Crown Lifting | 
Crown Thinning | Hedge Trimming

It is always good to have trees in your back garden. Not only do they make your garden look beautiful, but they also provide various benefits such as reducing heat by cooling your home with its shade and lessen air pollution. It also adds value to properties.

However, neglected trees can die and become hazardous; keep reading to learn what the warnings signs are...