Trees are usually felled or systematically removed if they are dead, diseased, dangerous or in close proximity to buildings. If appropriate, trees can be felled from the base, but more often the tree will need to be section felled by our highly skilled climbers using rigging and lowering techniques. In some circumstances mobile platforms may be used.

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Tree pruning is usually necessary where part of a tree is in close proximity to buildings, pathways or roads for instance and would involve reducing certain limbs at the trunk or back to specific growth points.

eg – “reduce branches 1.5m away from school building”

Crown reduction is usually undertaken to reduce the height and spread of the crown. The main framework of the crown is retained but may not be symmetrical. Crown reduction is not suitable for all species.

Crown reductions are specified with measurements eg ‘reduce crown height by 1.5m and spread by 0.5m with finished dimensions being 15m in height and 9m spread’.

Crown thinning is usually undertaken to allow more light to pass through the tree, reduce wind resistance or reduce weight. Thinning involves the systematic removal of smaller branches (up to 30% overall) to give a uniform density, but does not change the size and shape of the tree.

Crown thinning work will be stated by a percentage eg “thin by 20% throughout”.

Crown lifting is usually undertaken for access reasons or to increase light under the tree and involves removing the lowest branches of the tree (not exceeding more than 15%). Large branches growing directly from the trunk are not normally removed, however, as this may create wounds which could lead to potential decay.

Crown lifting work will be referenced to a particular point eg “4m clearance from the ground”

Pollarding and coppicing are undertaken to allow people to grow trees and shrubs that would be too large if left unmanaged. Coppicing is a technique used to cut a tree to near ground level in early spring to encourage young shoots. Pollarding, however, is where the tree is pruned to a higher point from where it will regenerate.

Deadwood is often removed when it poses a risk to the tree or its surroundings (including people and property). It may not always be necessary to remove deadwood, particularly in mature trees where it provides a valuable habitat for the ecosystem.

We can source and plant many species of trees and hedgerow. The species and sizes available will be dependent on the time of year.

Stump grinding is used to completely remove the root ball of the tree, which usually involves grinding 1-2ft deep depending on the tree.

Seasoned logs available whilst stocks last – softwood and hardwood

Sold by the cubic metre and can be delivered split ready to burn.

Where space permits, we would recommend storing logs at home for a year prior to burning to ensure logs are well seasoned.

We respond to out of hours calls regarding tree emergencies or incidents.

Please call 07855911046.

We liaise with local tree officers where trees are in conservation areas or have Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) in place, so you don’t have to!

For  more information about TPOs and Conservation please see the section on the website dedicated to this, or please get in touch.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 2017-18

WRITTEN QUOTATIONS

Quotations are valid for one month from date of issue, after which time a new quotation will be drawn up or costs may be amended. Drinkwater Tree Services Ltd reserves the right to refuse or decline work at its own discretion.

YOUR RIGHT TO CANCEL

You have 14 days from entering into the service contract in which you can cancel it. Drinkwater Tree Services Ltd will not start providing the service before the 14 day cancellation period has ended, unless this has been agreed.

• If you requested for a service to start straightaway – In this instance you will still have the right to cancel, but you must pay for the value of the service that is provided up to the point you cancel.
• If the service is provided in full within 14 days – The right to cancel will be lost during the cancellation period if the service is provided in full before the 14 days elapses.
• Exemptions – where urgent work is being carried out.

If you wish to cancel, please detail by post or email within 14 days to Tree Services, 5, The Crescent, Lympsham, Somerset. BS24 0BH or rob@tree-services.org.uk

WORK CARRIED OUT

All works will be in accordance with the current British Standard 3998 ‘Tree Work Recommendations’ where possible unless specified otherwise. Dimensions specified are approximate and, wherever possible, will be to the nearest appropriate pruning point.

Stump-grinding will be to a specified depth below the immediately adjacent ground level and will include the removal of the stump and buttress roots but will not include lateral roots unless otherwise specified. The client will advise the contractor of any underground services in the vicinity of the stump prior to starting the job.

All arisings (inc. twigs / branches / woodchips / logs / trunks / foliage etc) will be removed from site and become the property of the contractor unless specifically stated otherwise in the quotation.

Drinkwater Tree Services Ltd will check with the Local Planning Authority:

• Whether the tree(s) are the subject of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
• Whether the trees are located within a Conservation Area
• The contractor will also consider whether a Felling Licence is required from the Forestry Commission or if any other permissions are required i.e. Natural England / Environment Agency.

Drinkwater Tree Services Ltd has £5 million Public Liability Insurance and a copy of the certificate is available on request. Drinkwater Tree Services Ltd will operate in accordance with good industry practice, the Health & Safety Policy and Procedures and undertake Site Specific Risk Assessments (the outcomes of which may place constraints on the site whilst works are in progress i.e. the client can’t access their shed without prior agreement from ground staff).

The site will be left ‘clean, tidy and safe’ but because of the very nature of the works including the production of wood dust, chainsaw / wood chippings / twigs / leaves and needles etc. and the traversing of site personnel it may not be as it was prior to commencement of works. If the works spread over multiple days, the site will be left appropriately and safe and as agreed with the client beforehand.

Drinkwater Tree Services Ltd will undertake the works as scheduled but is aware of / may be constrained by ecological and wildlife legislation including:

1. 1. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
   2. Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
   3. Conservation of Habitats and Species Regs. 2010

This legislation requires the contractor to assess the impact of the works which may result in works being delayed as a result of nesting birds, roosting bats or similar being present.

We will also carry out work in line with the company Biosecurity Policy, undertaking necessary risk assessments and taking measures to mitigate any risks to biosecurity.

DEBT COLLECTION PROCEDURE

If payment has not been made within 14 days a follow up call will be made. If payment has not been made within 28 days a follow up letter will be sent. After 42 days has passed small claims will be implemented.

PAYMENT TERMS

Invoices are due for payment upon completion of work within 7 days of delivery to the customer (unless otherwise agreed in writing prior to works beginning).