Q How can I decide which tree surgeon to use.
A Recomendation from a trusted source is useualy the best route to take. A good tree surgeon (or any other tradesman) will always have a pemanent address, a fixed telephone line number, and be willing to show you a current third party insurance policy document.
In general terms it is never a good idea to allow people who make un-solicited calls onto the premises. Never, ever, pay any money until the work is successfuly carried out and you are completely happy with the finished Job.
Q My neighbours hedge is taking the light from my house/garden. What can I do about it?
A See the article in the news section.
Q All oak trees are preserved, what can I do about mine?
A It is a misconception that all oak trees are protected. Any tree can be protected, but it has to be imposed by the local authority. To qualify, it must be of "amenity value", i.e. It must be able to be seen, in part at least, from a public area. It need not be the best example of its kind to have amenity value. A protected tree in this situation will have had a "Tree Preservation Order" placed upon it by the local authority. Another form of tree protection is a conservation area in which all shrubs and trees are given protection. If either of these forms of protection exist, you may not carry out any work on the tree/s, untill permission from the local authority has been granted in writing. Failure to obtain the necessary permission could lead to prosecution.
The main exception to this rule is when the tree/s is deemed to be "dead, dying or dangerous"
In this case you may take immediate action but you should always be able to justify that action (photographs can be very usefull).
A telephone call to the local authority will be helpfull to all concerned and could easily resolve any possible problems.
Q Does Ivy kill trees?
A Not directly. Ivy is not parasitic as is mistletoe, but uses trees simply as a framework to climb up. It can damage trees by adding extra weight, which can in extreme cases snap off limbs, or pull over weakend trees particularly in high winds. It can also smother the foliage when it reaches the upper crown, cutting off light, and preventing photosynthesis. Another problem caused by Ivy is its ability to cover the trunk and branches, which can hide damage or weaknesses, with possible serious consequences.
To kill ivy in trees it is necessary to cut through ALL of its stems twice, removing a section of about an inch (25mm) to prevent it sealing itself.
A note of caution though, Ivy is a major natural habitat for many insects and birds, feeding many at times when very little else is available and providing nest,roost and hibernation sites.
Q What is Crown thinning/lifting, coppicing, pollarding, reshaping etc.
A See our Glossary of Terms page.
Q Why is my Horse Chestnut going brown? Is it going to die?
A What you can see are the tunnels of a leaf miner moth. The moth recently arrived in this country, feeds on the internal parts of the leaf before pupating in the ground and emerging as a free flying moth' to lay its eggs on another Horse chestnut tree. It has rapidly reached epidemic numbers often affecting every tree in the area. In itself it does not seriously harm a tree.
The problem arises when the tree is seriously damaged over a number of years. This can affect the trees ability to function, slowly weakening and making it more succeptable to other damaging organisms. The best practicable form of control is to gather up the fallen leaves and burn them as soon as possible. Based on personal observation the red flowered species, Aesculus x carnea appears to suffer less from this pest.
More importantly, another disease currently affecting Horse Chestnut trees is bleeding canker with 50% of all trees thought to be infected in the south east.
If present this can be seen by reddish purple exudation comming from the bark. It is a bacterial infection and can rapidly kill the tree. In serious cases there is no cure available. The tree should be removed and burnt.
Q My conifer hedge has large brown patches, what is happening to it?
A Over zealous cutting can leave a conifer hedge brown, the live foliage is on the tips of the branches, once cut off the dead brown folige behind is exposed. In this case the foliage will never recover. Another possible cause is an infestation of the cypress aphid, Cinara cupressi.
This insect is a sap sucking pest that has been spreading rapidly over recent years it is thought due to the mild winters. Caught early the best form of control is to give the hedge plenty of water, avoid trimming in thre autumn and check carefully between January and March. The hedge can also be sprayed with insecticide such as "Aphox". This is a commercial control, not available to the public but at Forest and Garden Timber Services we have 2 certificated sprayers among our staff.
Usefull sites to visit for other information are
