America was hit by Hurricane Sandy. The storm devoured treetops and houses and left residents knee deep. Little matter if you live in the British west country or New Jersey. Or that while the Met Office tell us global warming is over, environmentalists prepare for the day after tomorrow. Regardless, the climate is shifting while trees somehow abide. 

As the climate rages, trees stand on the front line. At once the first responders and casualties, trees provide the planet with protection from the elements. While it was lost during Sandy’s newsfeed, trees release oxygen and clean air into the atmosphere and act as windbreaks during storms.  

Besides the obvious functions of aesthetics and shade, trees also stabilize soil and reduce erosion, increase soil fertility, enhance the land’s ability to store water, provide wildlife habitat, moderate air and soil temperatures, and help to reduce salinization. Trees are therefore essential in protecting our homes and communities. This may seem counterintuitive in the wake of so many large trees being snapped like twigs during Hurricane Sandy, but bare with me …

Todd Heft, Big Blog Of Gardening

Following hurricanes and natural disasters national and social media is punctuated with the carnage of treefall. Little wonder the cries of “Oh My God” rise above a cerebral reiteration of garden design. That a blend of deciduous trees strategically positioned can actually protect your home from natures wrath and save you thousands in the process. Read Todd’s blog for more. 

Fortunately, the British Isles cast on the far reaches of northern Europe, rarely experience the weather conditions visited upon the US and South East Asia in recent months. The weather report leaves little doubt, however, there is more to come.  Maybe it’s time to get our gardens in order?

They were warnings he didn’t heed. Known among his friends and family for a lifetime of misadventures, accident prone Tom Connelly dreamed of becoming a tree surgeon. One day, after scaling 50 feet into a Horse Chesnut tree, Connelly slipped and lost control of his chainsaw. The 12 inch blade tore through his arm and neck, narrowly missing his carotid artery by just a millimeter. His life spared by a fraction as 40 stitches punctuate his skin.   

Remarkably however, Tom is eager to return. His Mother, Debbie said ‘He has always been accident-prone. He broke his leg when he was one and was always in and out of A&E. He has scars under his chin and on his forehead from childhood accidents. I’m frightened about him going back to work as a tree surgeon but I know it’s a job he loves.’

And so it is with your local tree surgeon — This job is a passion. Tree surgery is a clinical art, cowboys will be exposed and dishonourably discharged. The experts will not retire unscathed either. A lifetime of service in the industry doesn’t come without its risks — But like us, they’ll do it right, or not at all. 

Suited and booted, Tree Top Services are your local tree surgeon specialists. We offer hedge-trimming, tree felling, lopping and garden clearance at competitive prices — No bloodletting required. Call us on 01793 340000 for your risk free quote. 

For Neil Davey, based in Poole, the beautiful vista of Poole Harbour was priceless. For Davey the view was a honeymoon gift to his new wife as they prepared for life together. But there was just one problem; Their view was obscured by a 55 year old Pine Tree. 

Little matter the majestic 40ft Pine was subject of a Tree Preservation Order or that the tree was on neighboring property, Davey had different priorities. In the early hours of June 20th 2010 neighbours were awoken by a chainsaw revving, a tree splintering and a loud crash. The tree fell on a neighbouring wall, the saboteur had fled and a lengthy court case followed.  

“The house shook, everything shook. It was as if something had hit the house.” — Steve Bransgrove

In court Davey and Tree Surgeon Thomas Mcguire were found guilty of the wilful destruction of a protected tree. Davey was fined £125,000 for the act, the largest fine of its nature in British judicial history. £50,000 was reserved for the estimated rise in property value. If property value was indeed a motive, Davey would be left to reflect on the false economy of this act. 

The following video illustrates the role TPO’s play in the West:[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnEdpO16lTM[/youtube]

Tree Presevation Orders Defined

Tree Preservation Orders are subject to the Town & Country Planning Act, 1990. TPO’s are usually filed in instances the tree is in immediate danger of being felled or damaged. This act can apply to trees, hedges and shrubs. Irrespective of your location in the UK, be that Swindon or further afield, you’ll need to contact your local planning authority to establish your rights. 

Swindon, a town that is ever developing and expanding, has witnessed its own tree preservation controversies.  A number of local companies have been found wanting in the eyes of the law. Ignorance is no defense, but a simple online search can be. Do your homework, lest your local tree surgeon doesn’t.

Perhaps you’re in the hunt for a new career. Perhaps you have a passion for landscape gardening or aboriculture — The cultivation of trees and shrubs — and you enjoy manual labour. If you meet these criteria, read on. For this is your opportunity to branch out, as we discover how to become a tree surgeon.

The science of tree surgery was ordained and developed by John Davey. Davey, born in Stawley, Somerset, is widely considered the father of modern tree-surgery. Davey began sharing his insights in 1878 in a monthly newsletter called, ‘Davey’s Floral & Landscape Editor’. In 1901, Davey published ‘The Tree Doctor’. This work was the foundation for modern-day Tree Surgery.

Contemporary Tree Surgery Requirements

Familiarize yourself with the history of tree-surgery, before taking your first steps. While Davey’s insights were ahead of his time, contemporary tree-surgery continues to evolve and you’ll need acquaint yourself with the fundamentals before taking those first tentative steps towards a new career.

Becoming a tree-surgeon in the UK, is different from becoming a tree surgeon in Australia, for example. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the regulatory bodies that govern your region. Tree surgery is a dangerous industry and the potential for injury and damage to property are substantial. As a qualified tree surgeon you’ll need to educate and protect yourself from these risks.

Industry Standard Qualifications

Becoming a tree surgeon in the UK demands that you meet industry standard baselines of competence. The NPTC offer an entry point qualification for chainsaw operations. If you’re serious about developing your competence and insights however, go further. We’d recommend developing a ‘Conservation Mindset’ and engaging with peers and authorities in the community. The International Society of Aboriculture is a good starting point for engagement.

Above and beyond these recommendations, the age-old practise of the apprenticeship is vital. Reach out and offer your time with an experienced mentor as you earn ‘hands on’ experience.

Becoming a tree surgeon isn’t easy. The job is physically demanding and the learning never stops. However, the rewards for those who master the craft are substantial, financially and emotionally.