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Simple garden upgrades that make a big difference

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:23:09 GMT

One of the most lavish benefits of home ownership is having a beautiful outdoor space to call your own.

From relaxing with a book in the fresh air to inviting guests for a celebration in the sun, a beautiful and tidy garden is a constant source of joy.

That doesn’t mean you need to take on a major landscaping project just to get the most from your green space.

In fact, it’s often the smaller and more strategic upgrades that have the biggest impact.

Subtle changes like trimming overgrown hedges, removing tired shrubs and shaping small trees can dramatically enhance the look and feel of your garden.

But even these simple efforts take time out of your busy schedule. And unless you have the tools and experience for garden DIY, you can actually do more harm than good – to your plants and to yourself.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to call in the professionals.

With expert knowledge, thorough training and an eye for detail, the skilled tree surgeons at Chris Arnold Tree Surgery make cultivating a stunning garden effortless.

Get in touch with us today for a free no-obligation quote!

The transformative power of hedge maintenance

Without regular maintenance and attention, it’s easy to let your hedges become overgrown.

This can make a once-tranquil garden feel uninviting and chaotic.

Overgrown hedges can also obstruct pathways and trip people up, and spill over into flowerbeds to steal light and nutrients from other plants.

By trimming your hedges before they get out of control, you can:

Improve sightlines to better appreciate focal points like flower borders, garden ornaments and sculptural trees
Welcome more natural light into your garden, which boosts plant health and makes your space seem more open and vibrant
Remove dead or diseased branches as well as areas of infestation to promote robust hedge growth
Clearly define garden boundaries, giving the landscape a neat and well-planned appearance
Prepare your hedges for seasonal changes, strengthening them for winter or encouraging vigorous growth in spring

This kind of hedge maintenance might seem like an easy task.

But achieving clean, even hedges is surprisingly difficult without experience and the right equipment.

For homeowners who value safety and precision, professional hedge trimming can make all the difference.

With a skilled arborist by your side, you can preserve your hedge’s long-term health and improve the overall design of your garden.

Pruning small trees and shrubs for healthy growth

Removing certain sections of small trees and shrubs is an essential aspect of garden care.

It helps you:

Encourage fuller foliage with more abundant blossoms
Give your garden a tidier, more intentional appearance
Prevent pests and disease for long-term plant health
Reduce risk of damage from weak branches collapsing in storms

But there’s a lot more to pruning than just cutting back your plants.

It involves selectively removing specific parts of a tree or shrub to improve plant health and aesthetic appeal.

Knowing where to cut – such as trimming at the correct angles, distances and lengths – is vital for maximising plant health.

Each plant also has its own growth habits. And you need to know when and when not to prune trees and shrubs to help them flourish.

Incorrect pruning can lead to stunted growth, poor flowering and even long-term damage.

That’s why hiring a professional arborist to prune your larger garden plants matters.

Comprehensive shrub and tree services like crown thinning, topping, raising and reduction keep your plants healthy and strong.

That means you can enjoy a beautiful garden season after season.

Clear the clutter with small tree and hedge removal

Older or poorly positioned plants don’t just disrupt the beauty and flow of your garden. They also crowd out other plants and block incoming light.

Removing small trees and hedges that no longer serve your garden is a powerful way to refresh the look and feel of your outdoor space.

Modern garden design often embraces a “less is more” philosophy, favouring clean lines, open spaces and intentional planting.

Getting rid of overgrown or unnecessary greenery helps you achieve an elegant minimalist style.

But safe and effective removal is more complex than simply cutting things down.

As well as the risk of ruining your outdoor aesthetic, hapless removal can also lead to serious accidents.

Fully removing small trees and hedges requires specialist tools like pruning saws, loppers, chainsaws and for some work, even heavy duty machines.

Even if you have some of this equipment, there’s a risk that the stumps won’t be fully removed.

This can cause old plants to compete with new ones, stealing away the water and nutrients needed for healthy growth.

At Chris Arnold Tree Surgery, we use a variety of high-speed stump grinders to completely remove leftover stumps.

Our smallest grinder only needs a 29-inch access to reach and resolve your stump problem. So it’s highly effective even in tight spaces.

Without the right equipment and knowledge, there’s a real risk of damaging surrounding plants, digging into underground utilities and even injuring yourself.

Hiring a trusted and experienced tree surgeon means your garden benefits from state-of-the-art tools being used in the right way.

Our team is also fully trained to ensure the job is done cleanly and safely.

And when we’re done, we clear away all the debris to leave your garden looking pristine.

Creative landscaping for space and flow

Strategic cutting and tidying of trees, hedges and shrubs makes your garden more beautiful and easier to use as a leisure space.

By thoughtfully trimming and shaping plants, you can open up sightlines, introduce more light and establish clearly defined pathways and open spaces for relaxing, entertaining and planting.

This also creates a sense of flow through the space, effortlessly guiding visitors through your garden.

Even small adjustments like lifting the canopy of a tree or reshaping a hedge can make your garden feel much larger and more welcoming.

While you could spend hours researching the best garden layouts, it’s much quicker and more effective to bring in a professional.

Where a homeowner might see only what’s overgrown or untidy, an expert sees potential.

A trimmed hedge could frame a view. Opening a space under a tree might be ideal for a seating area. Or perhaps redirecting growth would balance the entire layout.

With many years of professional experience, we know how to work with the natural characteristics of your plants to enhance your garden’s overall structure.

That means we can help you create an outdoor space that’s not just beautiful but also intelligently designed for how you plan to enjoy it.

Professional eyes ensure a professional finish

Bringing in a garden specialist helps you achieve a level of elegance and finesse that DIY efforts alone can’t match.

When experienced tree surgeons and arborists tend your garden, the results go far beyond simple maintenance.

Whether it’s the precision of a well-shaped hedge, a balanced cut of a tree or the careful pruning of shrubs, we deliver a clean, polished look that elevates your entire outdoor space.

But it’s not just about cultivating a spectacular garden. Hiring a professional also keeps you safe.

Tree and hedge care often involves working at height, using power tools and managing heavy branches – all of which come with risk.

That’s why around 8,500 people are admitted to hospital every year for gardening- and DIY-related accidents.

At Chris Arnold Tree Surgery, we train our teams to handle these challenges safely.

We always use harnesses and climbing gear when necessary. And we have specialised saws and other tools tailored to each specific job.

With our help, you can achieve a stunning garden safely and effortlessly, and reduce the risk of accidental damage to nearby plants, fences and garden structures.

(And we clear away all the waste, saving you a few trips to the tip!)

Ready for a garden refresh? Let’s talk

Cultivating a fresh, functional and inviting garden full of healthy plants doesn’t require a huge landscaping project.

Instead, you can achieve your vision much more easily with a few simple upgrades.

But even smaller jobs take time you might not have. And without the right training, tools and safety procedures, you risk doing more harm than good.

That’s why homeowners throughout the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire rely on Chris Arnold Tree Surgery.

We have more than 15 years’ experience in maintaining, pruning and removing all types of garden trees, large shrubs and hedges, and offer a professional eye to enhance your outdoor space.

All jobs are welcome, big or small – so contact us today for your free no-obligation quote or consultation!

The Pros and Cons of DIY Tree Surgery: When to Call in The Experts

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:20:58 GMT

When It's Time to Call A Professional Tree Surgeon

Growth is part and parcel of nature and should be celebrated. But there are reasons we need to cut trees, whether for their own health or the safety of the people and property surrounding them.

Pruning small branches or sawing at ground level are garden jobs anyone comfortable with a saw or loppers can handle. Once the job becomes larger though DIY tree surgery comes with a host of challenges.

Operating above ground level with sharp, heavy tools is inherently dangerous - risky for both the ‘surgeon’ and to those present around the workspace. You need expertise and experience to comfortably and competently operate like this.
You can do more harm than good. Pruning your tree incorrectly could do long-term damage, or even kill it off entirely. It could also allow for the invasion of disease, or create structural weakness. Expert tree surgeons have this knowledge and ensure their techniques are suitable for the job.
Legality. If you damage a person or property when navigating the difficulties of DIY tree surgery, are you covered? Does your insurance cover you?

In the blog post below, we’ll explore the topics above and explain why making the decision between DIY tree surgery and hiring a professional tree surgeon really matters.

What is DIY Tree Surgery?

Tree surgery is the practice of cutting, treating, or removing trees. It might entail trimming, felling, or planting. It is a job undertaken by a professional - hence the description ‘DIY tree surgery’ for any non-professional who wants to undertake similar management of their tree or trees.

Typically, someone undertaking DIY tree surgery has decided that they have a problem tree - whether it has suffered storm damage, grown in a way to cause potential harm to their property, or just needs trimming at the top to allow for more light into their space.

Basic DIY Tree Surgery How-To

If you’re looking to remove a tree, there’s a basic technique. First, you’ll want to saw or trim off the small branches. Second, utilising a second pair of hands at ground level, securely tie off larger branches to be removed, and loop the rope over an adjacent strong branch, before passing the rope end down to your helper on the ground. Then saw until the branch breaks loose, and your helper on the ground should be able to lower it safely down to ground level. Safety concerns here are biggest surrounding tying off the branch which is being severed - if the branch isn’t secure it will plummet to the ground uncontrolled, putting your helper and any person or property in the vicinity at risk.

Useful DIY tree surgery tools

The basic tools of tree surgery include a good quality chainsaw, hand saws and an axe - as well as a stump grinder for making the tree offcuts manageable. You could then add to this kit list with pole saws and other equipment. But, absolutely non-negotiable bits of kit are your safety gear - and climbing equipment too, if you’re moving from ground level.

Why choose Professional Tree Surgery?

A professional tree surgeon will assist in all of your tree issues, from pruning to removal - but they can also be called on for planting and for tree surveys, to assess the health of your tree.

Another useful service that experts offer is tree stump grinding. Need work on a smaller scale? Tree surgeons often cut hedges, too!

Specifically, tree surgeons can perform crown reductions and crown lifting as part of pruning. They can complete tree pollarding, deadwooding, planting and transplanting, and even be there for consultation and planning - whether as part of a smaller-scale domestic landscaping job or for a larger corporation or business premises.

You will likely choose professional assistance due to their expertise and equipment, as well as for the time it will save you. Investing in someone with experience and expertise better ensures success and safety for your job, and a tree surgeon with certification and licensing will have insurance too, for any unforeseen outcomes.

Additionally, a tree surgeon will likely come fully equipped with extra tools, techniques and tricks for any unexpected issues that arise, and with the safety and climbing gear they need to undertake the job safely. Tree surgeons often work in teams of 3 or 4 to complete work safely, quickly and efficiently.

As well as seeking a quote before you hire them, it’s always great to check out a professional’s customer reviews and testimonials - it’s a great insight into how they work, and their personality.

Advantages of DIY Tree Surgery

There is the potential for cost saving if your job is small - especially if you already have all of the equipment you’ll need to safely perform your task. There’s also that ‘pat on the back’ sense of personal satisfaction!

On top of these factors, there’s also the fact that you’ll only have your own diary to work around - meaning you’ll likely be able to take action sooner.

Disadvantages of DIY Tree Surgery

There are definite hazards to tree surgery - even for experienced professionals -so the potential for personal injury is not something to discount.

As well as risks to your own safety, you risk hurting others, damaging property, and damaging the tree itself, if you aren’t well-versed in safety protocols and also knowledgeable about trees.

If you should hurt someone else, or damage property, there are definite legal and insurance-based considerations that you should be aware of that you could fall foul of.

Having to call in a professional tree surgeon to help resolve problems caused by DIY tree surgery can cost more than calling in a professional tree surgeon in the first place!

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Arborist, or Tree Surgeon

You’re paying for knowledge and experience, as well as their time. A professional arborist has expertise in handling complex or hazardous situations, so they know how to get your job done as safely and securely as possible.

They also have all the right equipment! Instead of making equipment work for an unsuitable job, they have an extensive tool kit to get the job done most efficiently.

They are accountable to industry standards, and will come with professional insurance and risk mitigation - because, again - they are the experts.

Cost Comparison and Value Analysis

Cost is always a complex conversation, because there’s the upfront cost to consider, but also the long-term value.

If you do it yourself and the outcome isn’t ideal, will it need doing again in a year? Even worse, might you do more damage than good, and need to call an expert in for a more involved job?

You should also factor in your time - learning the best ways to complete the job, the proper ways to use the safety equipment, climbing gear and tools themselves - and then the time to complete the job. Does all this amount to a cost saving?

Decision-Making Factors: When DIY Is Viable and When to Hire Experts

There are plenty of minor tree surgery pruning jobs that are perfectly doable for a keen DIY-er. But be honest with yourself, and know when to call in expert help.

The first step is to assess the tree condition and the extent and complexity of the job.

Secondly, honestly evaluate your skillset, as well as your time availability and your comfort with risk.

Thirdly, set a limit for when you’ll call in expert help.

Attempting DIY tree surgery jobs is a risk to your safety because you’ll be working at heights, using powerful equipment, and dealing with unpredictable, heavy loads. Even if the job seems simple, you could permanently damage or kill a tree if you go in without the correct knowledge.

Our successful professional tree surgery

We’re proud that our clients often leave glowing reviews, and sometimes it’s useful to showcase them to illustrate examples of the sorts of jobs we undertake:

“We needed to remove a cedar that had completely outgrown the garden, as well as prune a couple of others, so reached out to several local tree surgeons. I liked Chris when he visited the site and his quote was competitive, so we went with him, agreeing an appointment six weeks or so later. Chris' team impressed from the moment they arrived - they were polite and confirmed what I wanted doing, then quickly set to work. The work was completed much faster than I expected and they did a really good job of clearing up, leaving things as they found them. They even offered views on what we might do with the space created by the tree's removal - we wanted a hedge - including recommending a supplier, which was really useful. I thoroughly recommend these guys!”

- T Eckersley

As you can see, a tree surgeon can offer value beyond what you’d expected, such as further advice and expert insight, as well as delivering a polite, personable and thoughtful service.

Still wondering whether to go for DIY Tree Surgery or hire a professional Arborist?

We explained above that hiring professional tree surgeons ensures safety, security, insurance cover and a successful outcome. If you’re prepared to put in the work to research the best pruning methods for your tree, hire or buy all of the correct safety kit, undertake training on all necessary tools (for chainsaws in particular it’s advisable to get some expert instruction), and purchase and learn to correctly use climbing gear, then perhaps you’re still happy to consider minor tree surgery.

But if you don’t have the experience and time, it’s advisable to hire a professional to complete your tree surgery job.

How to work out if your tree needs help:

Healthy trees look healthy, with strong branches, dense bark, and vibrant leaves. An unhealthy tree might have deformed or discoloured leaves.

The branches of a tree needing attention may radiate from the trunk in a ‘wonky’ fashion, looking spindly, misshapen or all protruding in one direction. Bark shouldn’t be breaking off, and roots shouldn’t be exposed or damaged. Keep an eye out for insect invasions, and signs of disease such as cankers or unusual growths on bark and leaf.

Keep your trees as healthy as possible by watering, mulching and fertilising, as well as sticking to a schedule of regular pruning (make sure you know when and how to prune the species of tree in question, as many trees respond better to pruning at certain times of year).

Any doubts about the health of your tree? Get in touch with an expert! Contact us today for a quote, and some expert insight.

5 Signs You Need to Call a Tree Surgeon Right Away

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:51:36 GMT

Signs That It's Time To Call A Tree Surgeon

From providing a beautiful shaded spot on sunny days to supporting a vibrant plant and animal ecosystem, your trees help you get the most value and enjoyment from your land.

But it’s easy to forget that trees are living, breathing organisms. And just like when you get sick, they need immediate attention when they’re facing serious health issues.

In this case, that means calling in a professional local tree surgeon like Chris Arnold Tree Surgery to preserve their health and prevent safety risks.

Unless you can see clear evidence of damage, it can be difficult to tell when your trees need urgent care from a tree surgeon. So to help you protect your trees and maintain a healthy, beautiful landscape, let’s take a look at the top 5 signs that it’s time to give us a call .

5 signs you need to call a tree surgeon right away

1) Unusual growth patterns

Trees typically follow a consistent growth pattern, growing upwards and outwards straight and evenly. This is a sign that your tree is in good health .

But if your tree looks uneven, severely twisted or less vibrant on one side, something’s going wrong.

For example, if only one side of your tree is flourishing, it might be struggling to access essential resources like sunlight, water or soil nutrients. And if the leaves are falling off out of season, your tree might be struggling with pest infestation or disease.

One common sign of unusual growth is excessive sprouting or ‘water shoots’ – thin vertical branches growing from the trunk or main branches.

These can occur following significant pruning or renovation, or when the main branch has been lopped and left with a bare stump, which is perfectly normal. But they can also emerge in response to stress, as the tree is trying desperately to recover from excessive damage.

Any sign of uneven growth can weaken the structural integrity of your tree. And it can even put it at greater risk of disease. Ignoring these symptoms could lead to tree death, possibly causing branches or the whole tree to fall and cause harm to people and nearby structures.

If you spot any signs of unusual growth patterns in your tree, contact Chris Arnold Tree Surgery in Gloucestershire and surrounding areas. Our expert team will diagnose the cause of the uneven growth and take action to restore your tree to full health.

2) Leaning trees

Although unusual growth patterns are one of the top signs your tree needs immediate attention from a tree surgeon, some degree of tilt is perfectly natural. But if your tree is tilting more than usual or seems to be leaning more than 15 degrees, this could indicate a serious underlying problem.

A common cause of tree leaning is root damage or decay. The roots of a tree penetrate deeply in search of water and nutrients. But this quest for sustenance also anchors the tree into the ground, keeping it from falling over even when it grows to a substantial height.

If this root system starts to decay, it can seriously affect the stability of your tree. This puts it at risk of collapse, which could hurt or even kill passersby. And if your tree is tall enough, it could come crashing down through nearby buildings.

Root problems aren’t the only cause of leaning trees, however. There might instead be an issue with the surrounding soil.

Heavy rain can wash away some of the structural soil surrounding your tree. And pooling water from poor drainage can cause the dirt to soften, even deep underground. So if your tree is tilted, you should first check for signs of soil erosion and pooling water.

Another possible cause of tilting is if the tree structure of the tree has severely weakened, which is often caused by pest infestations or disease. This can be particularly problematic, as strong winds or storms could cause your tree to fall without warning.

Since tilted trees are a serious hazard to people and property, you should arrange for any severely tilting tree to be examined by a local tree surgeon. We’ll investigate what’s causing your tree to lean and take measures to restore its integrity. And if this isn’t possible, we can disassemble the tree piece by piece and remove it from your land to help you eliminate risk.

3) Pest infestations

Pests aren’t just unpleasant to have around. Enough of these tiny creatures can also cause significant damage to your tree, which could be fatal if not addressed quickly.

Your tree could be under attack from invasive pests if you notice:

Unusual holes in the bark or leaves
Discoloured leaves, wilting branches or out-of-season shedding
Sawdust-like debris in the trunk or branches
Sticky residue on the leaves
Insects like aphids, beetles or caterpillars

But it’s important to note that not all damage can be seen on the surface. Pests like borers can tunnel into your tree and damage it from the inside. Over time, this can seriously weaken the structural integrity of your tree, putting it at risk of disease or collapse.

An experienced local tree surgeon will be able to identify the types of pests infesting your tree and recommend suitable solutions, such as targeted insecticides, careful pruning or other tree services . These help clear up your pest problem and promote healthy tree growth.

4) Dead or dying branches

Small branches naturally die off and fall as part of a tree’s life cycle. But if your tree is shedding lots of branches, or they’ve turned brown, brittle or bare, it’s a good indicator that your tree needs urgent care.

Dead or dying branches can attract pests and diseases, which can spread throughout the tree and even to nearby plants. They also attract fungi and insects that thrive on decay. So not only can the branches fall and harm people, pets, vehicles and property, but there’s a chance the entire tree could collapse.

A quick way to check the condition of your tree is to pluck a small stick from one of the branches and snap it in two. If the branch is hard to break and is green on the inside then good news, your tree is probably perfectly healthy! But if it breaks easily and the colour inside is dark, it’s best to call your local tree surgeon immediately.

We can prune dying branches to protect your tree from pests and diseases. This prevents further harm and promotes healthier growth, as these lifeless limbs will no longer draw essential nutrients away from the rest of the tree.

If the decay is too widespread to rescue the tree, we can instead remove it and grind away the stump. That way, your surrounding plant life is protected from infection and you can avoid the risks of tree collapse.

5) Root failure

As mentioned previously, strong and deep roots are essential for keeping your tree firmly planted in the ground.

Since roots grow beneath the surface, it can be tough to know when they’re in distress. But there are a few clear signs you can look for above ground that give you an early warning.

One of the most common signs is exposed or uneven surface roots. If the roots are visible above ground, it suggests that the soil is unstable. This puts the tree at greater risk of falling, particularly during harsh weather.

Even if the roots remain underground, fungi or mushrooms growing at the base of the tree could indicate root failure. These organisms flourish in areas of rot and decay. So their presence acts as a visible symptom to an invisible – and much more severe – problem.

Similarly, if you notice wilting leaves, stunted growth discolouration or any other sudden decline in the vibrancy of your tree, it could mean that the roots are struggling to find water and nutrients.

This could be a problem with the health of your soil. But it can also mean that your tree’s roots are dying off, and can no longer penetrate deep enough to find the sustenance they need.

Protect the long-term health of your trees with professional tree surgery

Recognising the signs that your tree needs urgent care is a big part of protecting your land – and the people who use it. So if you think your tree is at risk of failure, speak with the expert arborists at Chris Arnold Tree Surgery immediately.

Our friendly, knowledgeable and certified team is skilled in all areas of tree surgery and maintenance, including pruning, pest management, removal and stump grinding. We use state-of-the-art equipment to manage tree issues quickly and effectively. And we’re available to support homeowners, businesses and local councils throughout the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

Navigating Forestry Regulations with Tailored Management Plans

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:51:27 GMT

Keeping Your Forest Area Compliant with Tailored Forestry

When it comes to managing a forest, you need to comply with government regulations issued by the Forestry Commission (FC).

For newer forest managers and those responsible for sizable plots of land, these regulations can be very tough to figure out and follow. But you can meet these requirements much more easily by developing a tailored woodland management plan.

Forestry regulations

The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) is the technical standard for sustainable forest management. It’s intended for use by forest owners, managers, practitioners, regulators and advisers. And it may also be of interest to other land managers and stakeholders.

This standard is based on internationally agreed sustainable management criteria implemented in a manner suitable to UK forests. It provides a basis for regulation, monitoring and reporting, and covers best practices for forestry management.

The UKFS covers vital aspects of sustainable forest management, including:

Biodiversity
Climate change
Historic environment
Landscape
People
Soil
Water

Creating a woodland management plan

You can comply with the UKFS by following a thoughtful and thorough woodland management plan.

The UK government website offers guidelines and templates for creating a woodland management plan , which we’ve simplified and summarised below.

You can also contact your local FC woodland officer for advice on completing your management plan, and to arrange a pre-draft visit if necessary. Alternatively, you can appoint an agent to develop a plan on your behalf by submitting an agent authority form .

Why create a woodland management plan?

Creating a woodland management plan:

Demonstrates sustainable forest management practices
Supports the planning and implementation of work proposals
Allows for long-term monitoring of those proposals

Some grant schemes also require forest managers to have an approved management plan in place before making an application. The plan of operations, which forms part of the management plan, also lets you obtain a felling licence for up to 10 years.

How to produce your woodland management plan

Complete a management plan template

The FC has produced a series of templates to make planning much easier. These are available on the UK government website, and we’ve linked them in this article for your convenience.

If your woodland is up to three hectares in size, you can use the small woodland plan template .

If it’s over 10 hectares, you can use the full woodland plan template .

For land that’s between three and 10 hectares, however, which plan you use depends on whether or not you want to apply for a grant for woodland management planning through the Countryside Stewardship Scheme .

If you want to use the grant, you need to complete the full plan template. If not, you can use the small plan template. In this case, you’re still able to apply for a felling licence.

For more assistance, the FC offers a very detailed guide for how to create a woodland management plan using the template .

What does the template cover?

As well as detailing the approval criteria used by the FC, these templates cover:

Property details : Your basic information, as well as that of your forest
Your vision and management objectives : The aim and management direction for your woodland, as well as how you plan to achieve sustainable forest management
Prior achievements : How you’ve achieved objectives from your previous management plans
Potential threats : Local plant, animals and environmental conditions that could affect your forest, as well as the likelihood of their presence and their potential impact
Strategy of intent : How you intend to achieve your management objectives
Monitoring : How you plan to identify and monitor your management objectives

The difference between the small and full plan templates is that the latter requires significantly greater detail.

The government website also offers three example woodland management plans to show you how your template could be filled in.

Non-Forestry Commission templates

You don’t necessarily need to use a woodland plan template produced by the FC.

If you don’t, however, you must include the issued cover sheet . This explains the UKFS criteria being assessed and provides a consistent framework for the FC to review your plan.

However, if you intend to apply for funding to prepare a woodland plan template through Countryside Stewardship, you must use the FC template.

Inventory and plan of operations worksheet

Regardless of which woodland plan template you use, you must complete the inventory and plan of operations worksheet .

The inventory sets out the compartments and sub-compartments of your forest. And the plan of operations provides information on felling and restocking, which is necessary for issuing a felling license.

This worksheet covers:

User guidance : Helps you understand and complete the document in full
Customer details : Personal information about the land owner or agent
Sub - compartment record and inventory : Allows you to detail all sub-compartments that make up your total woodland, with an optional inventory section for your own management purposes
Felling and restocking : Information required to allow the FC to offer a 10-year felling/thinning licence
Work programme : Details of how you plan to achieve your management objectives. This is mainly for your own management purposes, though can be used by the FC to inform their plan approval process
Species list : A reference sheet with abbreviations you can use to complete your table of operations more easily

The FC provides this worksheet as an Excel spreadsheet with formulas programmed in. This means the document will highlight any data entry errors you happen to make for easy correction.

They also offer a version of the worksheet without formulas so you can enter data more freely. But this means there are no built-in error corrections. If you complete the worksheet incorrectly, it may be returned to you for correction, which can significantly extend the process.

Produce a map

Maps help you provide information to support your management plan. It’s recommended that you use several maps to show a range of factors affecting your woodland.

You must ensure that each compartment you show on the map is included in your inventory and plan of operations worksheet.

You can create a map by:

Requesting a map through the FC map request service , which is free of charge
Using myForest service , another free service that lets you map your own woodland
Using your own Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

However you obtain a map, you must ensure you have the right to use it for commercial purposes.

Your map must include annotations showing any designated areas or features. If a designation applies to you, you need to provide details.

There are a few search tools you can use to check if your woodland is designated or has special features:

Natural England’s MAGIC map : Short for Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside, this map lets you check if your woodland is designated, for example as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). You can also search for other features such as scheduled monuments, priority habitats and species, as well as information such as Countryside Stewardship Scheme details for your area
Land Information Search : This is an FC map tool for searching land designations or features that might apply to your land, such as previous felling schemes and grant schemes

Some designations require consent before you begin work on your proposed plans. If you don’t disclose them, any work you carry out could be illegal.

For example, SSSIs are protected by law to conserve wildlife or geology. If you own woodland on an SSSI , the FC provides support such as obtaining consent from Natural England on your behalf when processing your application for a grant or felling license.

Further forestry checks

You also need to identify common constraints and designations within your management plan area, as well as how to rectify them. FC literature on performing further checks includes:

Submit your draft woodland management plan

Once you’ve completed your woodland management plan, you can submit it to the Operational Delivery Team Hub covering your area.

This submission should include:

A completed woodland management plan template
An inventory and plan of operations worksheet
Your map(s)
The GIS shapefile data of your map, if possible
A plan submission proforma if you’re receiving funding from the Countryside Stewardship Scheme

Manage a sustainable forest to the highest standards

As qualified tree surgeons with over 15 years’ experience, Chris Arnold Tree Surgery has the skills to help you manage a forest of any size.

For individual trees, we offer services such as pruning, felling and stump removal. And we undertake all types of forestry and vegetation clearance, including small- and large-scale mechanised works.

On a larger scale, we also provide comprehensive tree surveys and inspection reports. These are extremely valuable for accurately completing your woodland management plan, and ensure you’re fully prepared to manage your sustainable forest duties and meet FC regulations.

Contact us today for trusted forest management services covering the whole of the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

How healthy are your trees? | Chris Arnold Tree Surgery

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 09:36:46 GMT

At Chris Arnold Tree Surgery, when we attend a client’s property to remove a diseased tree or manage the spread of a particular disease on their grounds, we are often asked How can I check my trees for disease?

We recently attended a call out to a cemetery in which a beech tree had fallen down in high winds due to an infection of Meripilus giganteus . Meripilus giganteus is a polypore fungus that can cause white rot in broadleaved trees, and beech trees are particularly prone to becoming infected. But it can also affect other broadleaved trees such as fir, pine, spruce, oak and elm.

Once a tree becomes infected by the Meripilus giganteus fungus, it cannot be controlled and, eventually, felling the tree in the interest of safety becomes the only solution, especially in public access areas (such as a cemetery).

How to spot a fungus that is harmful to a tree

In the case of Meripilus giganteus , the fungus, in general, appears shelf-like, with multiple, yellow-brown brackets and a creamy white underside, and can be found in large clusters of approximately 1 metre in diameter. It is often found on the trunk at the base of an infected tree or on the ground where the roots of the tree would be.

What other fungi are harmful to trees? And how can we identify them?

There are over 15,000 species of fungi in the UK and not all of them are harmful to trees – some can even be beneficial! So, it would take a good deal of time (and space on our website) to try to show you how to spot all of them, tell the harmful fungi from the beneficial or non-harmful fungi, and what to do if you find each one. There are many fungi that look very similar to one another too, which makes the job of identification that much harder, and why every reputable fungal or foraging expert will tell you never to consume a mushroom unless you are absolutely certain it is safe to eat.

It would be equally difficult to go into detail on each and every pest or non-fungal disease that poses a threat to the UK tree population, especially native UK species such as ash, oak, beech and pine.

We may cover particularly noteworthy dangers to our homegrown trees, such as ash dieback , in our blogs if they are a current significant concern here in the UK, or there is a risk that they will be.

But it is probably of more benefit to be able to identify an unhealthy tree at first, than to learn spot one of the numerous root causes of the decline in a tree’s health.

So, how do you identify an infected or unhealthy tree, that may become unsafe, before it is too late?

When assessing the health of a tree, one of the key indicators to poor health is a change in the leaves. If your tree’s leaves are discoloured when they should be green outside of autumn, they’ve dried up, curled or your tree is shedding its leaves far earlier in the year than it should, then there is a good chance that your tree is in ill health. If new foliage growth appears to be paler than they should, this can indicate that the tree is unable to get the necessary nutrients to its branches to grow healthy leaves. If you see any of these signs in your trees, give us a call – we will be happy to offer advice.

As discussed with the case of Meripilus giganteus , if fungus has formed around the base or roots of your tree, this can indicate a fungal infection that may be harmful to your tree’s health. The wood around the fungus may appear to be stained darker than the rest, or parts of the tree may start to rot and fall or crumble away, which would indicate that it has suffered significant damage already from the infection and immediate attention is required.

If you spot any damage to the trunk of your tree, such as sawdust or shavings in areas on the trunk, or balls of sap, this can be a sign that your tree has become infested with insects. Insects will normally attack a tree that is already sick, making an existing problem even worse. If you spot this, give us a call – we should be able to tell you whether you tree can be saved or if it will need to be felled.

Take special notice of any cavities and hollow areas in your tree. While hollows in trees don’t necessarily spell disaster, if a hole is too deep in the base or trunk of a tree, the structural integrity may be compromised, and it could collapse or fall down in strong winds.

Equally, check your tree’s branches for signs of ill health such as a lack of leaves when there should be leaves, dead and discoloured leaves, bare patches where bark has fallen off, or cracked or rotten branches. Falling branches present one of the most common and significant dangers when it comes to safety around trees and if you spot any of these signs, it is worth getting someone in to assess the risk.

Keep an eye out for any dead wood on your tree. Bark falling off in a single area can be a good sign that this part of your tree is already dead. Cracks in the mud around the base of your tree, while not symptomatic of any disease or infestation, is a good indicator that the earth around the tree has been lifted and that your tree may be starting to uproot! If there are cracks on only one side, then this could show that your tree is beginning to lean to one side, which is a very dangerous situation and will need immediate assessment by a professional such as one of the Chris Arnold Tree Surgery team.

What can I do if I spot any of these symptoms or signs?

If you spot any of the above signs in any of the trees on your grounds, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01242 621 051. One of our friendly team members will discuss the symptoms, offer advice and arrange an appraisal or survey if required.

What is ash dieback? Is it preventable? Can I stop it?

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 09:58:09 GMT

At Chris Arnold Tree Surgery, we have had a lot of enquiries about ash dieback from clients and members of the public, wanting to know more about it and whether their trees are at risk.

What is ash dieback?

Ash dieback, also known as ‘Chalara ash dieback’ to differentiate it from other forms of ash dieback, is caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus , a type of Ascomycete fungus, and is a chronic fungal disease that affects the European ash ( Fraxinus excelsior) , also known as the common ash .

It originated in Asia and is thought to have been introduced to Europe around 30 years ago.

It has devastated European ash populations ever since because our native ash trees have not evolved with the disease, like their Asian counterparts, and so have no natural defence against it.

Chalara ash dieback has spread to, and been recorded in, most of the UK.

If you’re interested and would like to see how prolific the spread of Chalara ash dieback is, you can view this interactive map from the Forestry Commission. *Bear in mind that the map only shows confirmed Chalara ash dieback cases – the spread may be much more severe than indicated on the map.

Is ash dieback preventable?

The Woodland Trust have said “Ash dieback will kill around 80% of ash trees across the UK. At a cost of billions, the effects will be staggering. It will change the landscape forever and threaten many species which rely on ash.”

It is very difficult to control or limit the spread of the fungus, as it produces its fruiting bodies between July and October and releases spores into the air. The wind then carries these spores for up to tens of miles before they stick to, and then penetrate, the leaves of a tree.

It is very difficult to control the natural spread of an airborne fungus like Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, but we can slow it and do our best to minimise the impact it has on our native ash species.

After you have visited, but before leaving, any forests, parks, woods or gardens you can brush off any mud, leaves, twigs, soil or other debris and plant matter from your footwear and from the wheels of any cars, bikes, buggies and wheelchairs that you may have brought with you. It would be beneficial if you washed these when you got home also, before visiting any other areas.

When visiting any sites that may be affected by Chalara ash dieback, you can try to ensure your vehicle is parked on concrete, gravel, tarmac or any other hard-standing surface as opposed to grassland or dirt, if possible.

Many bike trails in forests have wash-down facilities that visitors can use to wash their bikes before and after using the trails to reduce the risk of spreading diseases.

If you manage any grounds, or have ash trees growing on your own grounds, you can help prevent the spread of Chalara by deep composting, burying or, if permitted, burning any fallen ash leaves. This will help to disrupt the life cycle of the fungus, which overwinters in foliage and leaf litter on the ground, particularly on ash leaf stalks.

How do you spot Chalara ash dieback?

Ash dieback is easiest to spot in the summer months, July to September, before the leaves start to naturally change colour, ready to fall off the tree in autumn. Autumn colour changes in the leaves can sometimes be easily confused with the effects of Chalara ash dieback if you aren’t familiar with the effects of the disease.

The first signs of an ash tree developing an infection of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus that you may spot are the blackening and wilting of the trees leaves and some shoots.

When the ash tree becomes infected, it will shed its leaves prematurely and in some ash trees the fungus can spread to its branches and trunk. When the disease spreads from the leaves further into the tree it can develop dark lesions at the junction of a branch with the trunk and the inner bark of the tree can look brownish-grey underneath these lesions.

Young trees are the most susceptible to ash dieback and less likely to survive. Older ash trees can withstand exposure to the fungus for longer but consistent attacks, year on year, will eventually claim its life or cause it to become vulnerable to the effects of other pests and diseases.

Ash is one of Britain’s most important native, and one of our most abundant, tree species. The common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) makes up around 12% of Great Britain’s broadleaved woodland and grows in a large variety of soil types and different climates.

It is vital that we protect our native ash trees as much as we can from the onslaught of Chalara ash dieback.

It is hoped that over time the species will build up a natural genetic resistance to the fungus but in order to give our native ash trees the best chance of this, which is likely to take over 50 years, we need to reduce the number of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus in the atmosphere. We can do this by following the steps outlined previously in this blog and reducing the spread of the fungus wherever possible, as well as monitoring its spread within the common ash population.

For more information on the disease and what is being done about it you can visit the Woodland Trust’s website , the Forest Research’s website , or the Arboricultural Association’s website , all of which have some valuable information on Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and how to identify and manage it.

If you find the disease amongst your native ash tree population, you can report it using the Forest Research’s Tree Alert service , which will help track the disease and its impact throughout the UK.

If you suspect that any ash trees on your property may be suffering from Chalara ash dieback or if you have any questions relating to the disease, feel free to reach out to Chris Arnolds Tree Surgery – one of our friendly team members will be more than happy to help.

If you need any assistance in managing any ash trees on your grounds to reduce the spread of the fungus, we will also be happy to help – just give us a call on 01242 621051.

Forestry services: What do we do?

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 11:50:34 GMT

What is ‘forestry’?

We often get asked “what is forestry?” by both existing clients and those wishing to learn more about our various tree surgery services.

Forestry services, in general, range from woodland creation and management to harvesting and extracting the wood.

At Chris Arnold Tree Surgery, we focus on the harvesting and extraction side of forestry work, from small extraction projects to manage the spread of disease through to full scale harvesting of woodlands.

But we can also provide a comprehensive range of forestry services such as:

Establishment – where we provide site preparation services, removing existing vegetation and levelling areas in preparation for tree planting, planting agreed upon species of trees with the necessary protective tubing and stakes, and providing fencing for the woodland boundary or other areas to protect against damage from wildlife or animal stock.
Maintenance and management – where we manage the growth of plantations, cleaning the areas to encourage healthy growth, maintaining appropriate spacing between young trees and respacing where necessary, coppicing and re-coppicing to provide a sustainable supply of timber, pest control – including weed management, mulching, pollarding, glade management and more conservation services.
Tree surgery – where we provide our full range of arboriculture services from felling to thinning, harvesting, timber extraction, mulching, vegetation clearance and more.

What is it we do?

We have a large variety of tools to help us complete a wide range of forestry services.

We can undertake any size forestry project that our clients ask us to do using equipment such as compact flail skidsteers or forestry mulchers attached to our diggers. We even offer contract chipping using a crane fed chipper.

We are currently working on felling poplars, which traditionally would have been used to manufacture matchsticks. Many poplar plantations in the British lowlands were created specifically for the purpose of log production for the match making and basket making industries in Britain.

Due to the decline in demand for matches and the switch to plastic materials for basket making, many poplar plantations have been left standing. This has caused the trees to continue to grow, with little to no management, making them much more likely to collapse or fall. Many poplar plantations were seen as a liability, with little commercial value.

When we fell poplars, much of the wood from the trees is now used for making pallets and cladding, which demand for has grown significantly over the years.

Being a rather lightweight wood, poplar lends itself well to use in both the manufacturing processes of pallet and timber cladding, both commercial and residential exterior cladding products.

Another use to make poplar plantations more commercially viable is chipping for bioenergy production.

Outside of poplar plantations, poplar trees can create some risks to property owners and even councils if left to grow unmanaged.

Poplars are a fast-growing tree and can die quickly too, succumbing to rot, pests or disease within 20-30 years. Particularly heavy winds can topple a poplar tree, all of which can create a high-risk situation. This is often when a tree surgeon is required, especially if a poplar tree has grown within reach of a building or pedestrian area.

Many of the poplar plantations we work on, providing our forestry services, have been restocking their sites with conifers and broadleaf trees, creating a more biodiverse woodland.

If you are in need of any of our forestry services, from felling and thinning operations to woodland creation or full site clearance, don’t hesitate to call us on 01242 621051 or request a quote . One of our friendly team will be more than happy to help and discuss your project or answer any queries you may have.

What is Earth Day?

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 10:35:58 GMT

Earth Day happens every year on April 22nd. 2021 marks the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, and the theme is “Restore Our Earth”. 

The main objective of Earth Day is to increase awareness of environmental issues that the world faces as well as encouraging people to take an active role in protecting our planet and helping to combat some of the problems we face. The Earth Day organisation plays an important role in educating people on the issues faced globally, and the actions we can all take on climate change.

How did it start?  

Earth Day began in 1970 in the United States when 20 million Americans protested serious environmental issues such as air pollution, toxic drinking water and the effects of pesticides on the environment. This caused the US President at the time, Richard Nixon, to create the Environmental Protection Agency which then introduced the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act.  

The original concept of Earth Day and the active part that the general population played in politic protests across the US, galvanised by the obvious impact pollution was having on the environment and the lack of action and responsibility governments and companies were taking in response to the danger, helped to solidify the day as an annual event. 

What about the UK?  

Here in the UK, the past 5 years have been marked by protests calling for more institutional action on climate change. The British Government have set a radical target of reducing carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 and intends to achieve it by increasing low-carbon investment, providing business and domestic incentives towards green transport and energy saving methods like insulation. The reasoning behind this 2035 deadline is the scientific advice accepted by the government, which states this as the deadline to keep average temperature rises close to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.  

What about CATS?  

Here at CATS, we aim to do our part for conservation and the environment by using our expertise in tree surgery and forestry to maintain green spaces sustainably.  

As part of this effort, we remove and recycle all the waste from projects we work on and sell Woodsure Ready to Burn firewood. 

Woodsure is an organisation whose aim is to improve both the quality of firewood and reduce the impact of this fuel type on the environment. 

Their Ready to Burn certification scheme is an accreditation approved by the government’s DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) and goes hand in hand with the new Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020.

Find out more about the Woodsure scheme by reading our blog –  What is Woodsure approved firewood and why should you be buying it?   

We are also proud to work in close conjunction with local authorities to ensure both conservation areas and trees with protection orders are handled with the appropriate care.  

What can you do to help protect the planet and the environment on Earth Day? 

There are numerous ways to help contribute to the protection of our environment and, of course, we would encourage everyone to do so throughout the year rather than just on Earth Day. But Earth Day is a great excuse to get started considering the wealth of information that is shared during the event. 

You could introduce flowers and plants into your garden or other outdoor areas that would encourage pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to visit. The  RHS website  is a great resource for learning which plants are great for attracting pollinators to your garden. 

You could try to reduce the amount of plastic that you use and non-recyclable waste you produce at home by trying to purchase brands that use recyclable materials in their packaging and buying more reusable products and less single-use products. 

You could get friends, family and neighbours together with a rubbish bag and some litter pickers (you can pick some up for less than £10 online!) and go out litter picking in your local area. Or you could scour the beach next time you visit and remove as much litter as you can, preventing it from making its way into the sea. 

You could reduce the amount of water you use by putting down the hose and installing a water butt to collect rainwater and using a watering can to water your plants. 

And we think one of the best ways to help the environment – involve children and young people as much as possible in your efforts! The more we teach the next generations about conservation and reducing our impact on the environment, the more likely things will improve in the future too. 

If you’d like to know any more about how we at Chris Arnold Tree Surgery are doing all we can to help the environment through our work or for any questions on how you can help, please feel free to get in touch. One of our friendly team members will be happy to answer your questions. 

To find out more about the Earth Day event, and the activities going on internationally, visit their website at www.earthday.org/  

Look out for the birds nesting while completing any tree or hedge work

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 15:57:10 GMT

Can you carry out tree or hedge work when there is a bird’s nest?

We often get asked how bird nests affect our ability to carry out our work here at Chris Arnold Tree Surgery. Many people assume that we cannot carry out works on trees and hedges that have a nest in them, but this is incorrect.

The key terminology to remember when discussing tree or hedge work and bird nests is “active” and “nesting”.

If there is an active nest or a bird is nesting within a tree or hedge, then we would avoid any work on that area.

As a contractor it is our responsibility to ensure that our work does not impact upon any nesting birds and, as such, we carry out a thorough assessment to confirm that any tree surgery, hedge maintenance, vegetation or grounds clearance, or any forestry work we undertake will not disturb actively nesting birds.

Why you should avoid active bird nests.

In the UK, all wild birds, their nests and their eggs are protected by law, specifically by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 .

Under this Act it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird; intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built; intentionally take or destroy the egg of any wild bird.

There are exceptions to these, but for all intents and purposes the Wildlife and Countryside Act prevents anyone from intentionally causing damage to any active nest, removing any active nest or removing any birds or eggs from any nests.

If we find a nest that is not currently in use or being built by a bird, this nest would not be deemed as being active and, as such, we can safely carry out contracted works.

If, however, we do find an active nest then we would postpone any tree surgery or hedge trimming or maintenance until the fledglings have left the nest and it is no longer considered active.

Most landowners usually have a good idea as to the locations on their property of any possible bird nests and it is always a good idea to check your property for any active bird nests prior to arranging tree surgery services to avoid the chance of works being postponed. Or you could arrange for the works to be carried out at a time when there is much less chance of finding an active bird’s nest if you know that a particular tree or hedge is a favourite nesting spot of birds.

When do birds nest?
The bird nesting season here in the UK typically runs between the beginning of March and the end of August. But there are some species of birds, such as the wood pigeon, that can nest all year round and many others that nest outside of the typical nesting period. With the weather becoming warmer earlier in the year, many birds have also started nesting earlier, so it is worth bearing this in mind.

How to avoid any active bird’s nests.

Before carrying out any work on your trees or hedges it is worth carrying out a visual inspection of them first.

If it is safe to do so, have a look in the trees and hedges to see if you can spot any nests. If you do, observe it for a few days to see if it is occupied. But please stay away from the nest and do not interfere with it. If it is not occupied, it may be an old nesting or roosting site and may not impact on any works.

Keep an eye out on the trees, hedges or areas you want a tree surgeon to perform work on to see if you notice any birds flying in and out of the area, especially with twigs, feathers and other possible nest building materials. This is a good sign that a bird is beginning to build a nest.

Also, do not forget about ground nesting birds where there is plenty of ground vegetation. Any nests found lower down can impact on access to other areas for tree or hedge work or upon vegetation or site clearance works.

If you cannot see into a tree to search for birds’ nests, conifers, for example, have quite a large and compact branch structure which can make it difficult to see into, then you could cut off some lower branches. This will allow you to look up into the tree for nests.

If you are unsure about the impact tree surgery or remedial works may have upon any potential nesting sites on your property, it would be best to have a professional take a look and advise you of the best approach.

In general, it is best to book any major work on your trees and hedges outside of nesting season, to minimise the risk to birds and nests. But if this cannot be done, or you have an urgent requirement for tree surgery or hedge maintenance, such as a dangerous limb or tree that requires immediate attention, then following the guidance above and working with your contractor in a sympathetic manner towards any birds and nests in area is best practice.

Of course, if you have any questions about carrying out tree surgery, hedge maintenance, vegetation clearance or any of our other services in relation to bird welfare, feel free to give us a call on 01242 621051 and one of our friendly team will be happy to answer your questions.

When is the best time of year to prune your trees?

richard@innuo.co.uk (Richard Jaques) — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 15:57:10 GMT

In preparation for spring and summer, and while most deciduous trees are dormant, you may be thinking about pruning your trees to keep new growth under control and your garden or grounds looking attractive. Not only that but often pruning can be necessary to keep your trees healthy by removing defective or dangerous branches. Another reason for pruning your trees could be to reduce the shading in your grounds or to keep the tree clear of a structure or building.

There are numerous reasons why pruning your trees is a good idea or even necessary.

Let’s start by keeping things simple and with a little caveat to pruning.

It is always best to keep the pruning of your trees yourself to a minimum and prune them as little as possible, unless there is a defect that has become hazardous and requires attention. Removing large amounts of the foliage or wood unprofessionally can damage the tree and reduce its ability to photosynthesise, which will negatively affect the long-term health of the tree.

Some trees are protected by law and any work undertaken on them could be illegal and result in prosecution. It is also your responsibility to look after any protected wildlife within the tree to ensure no harm comes to them.

Now, with that out the way, let’s discuss pruning your trees.

When is the best time of year to prune your trees? And should different types of trees be pruned at different times?

As with many garden plants, it is best to prune certain trees when they have finished their most active growth stage, so late spring through to summer.

This rule of thumb applies to most deciduous trees, such as Oak and Beech, as if you wait until mid-late winter or spring, they will bleed sap from any wounds created. This bleeding can continue until mid-spring when the buds have burst, and leaf growth has fully expanded. The sap that seeps from any wounds can damage the bark, which can remain unnoticeable until the bark falls off the tree, leaving a large patch of exposed wood.

There are exceptions to this rule for deciduous trees, however. Birch, walnut, horse chestnut, cherry and maple trees all bleed extensively and will lose valuable nutrients carried by the sap. It is best to leave these until later in the year, after any new growth has had a chance to mature. The best time to prune these trees is during mid-summer or winter.

But what about evergreen trees?

Evergreen trees such as pine, juniper or fir trees, do not lose their leaves during autumn or winter. If you prune evergreens at the same time as most deciduous trees, during late summer or autumn, you can risk them dying out in the cold weather. It is best to prune evergreen trees in the spring, just before they begin their most active growth period and after the risk of frost damage during the colder months. By pruning at this time of the year new shoots will not be damaged by the frost and any scars left from the pruning will be quickly covered by new growth.

If your evergreen is still flowering during spring, then it is best to leave pruning until after it has finished.

Considering the vast array of tree species out there and the differences in pruning times within similar groups of tree types, such as deciduous, it can get confusing when trying to take proper care of your trees. If you are unsure on any aspect of pruning, feel free to reach out to the Chris Arnold Tree Surgery team – we will happily advise and assist with any pruning related queries you may have.

It is important to note that, for your own safety and the long-term health of your tree, any work that requires the use of a chainsaw, any substantial pruning or pruning that is inaccessible, high, or requires a ladder, should be carried out by a registered and qualified expert.

If you require any of the above works or have any questions about pruning your trees, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Chris Arnold Tree Surgery on 01242 621051.

One of our friendly team would be happy to discuss your needs.

What is Woodsure approved firewood and why should you be buying it?

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 15:57:09 GMT

We are now in the middle of winter here in the UK, which means long, cold nights and a desire to stay warm.

If you have an open fire, wood burner (log burner) fireplace, stove (such as an AGA), roomheater, cooker or a freestanding boiler, you will likely require firewood to use as fuel.

But what is the best, most efficient firewood to use as fuel?

If you want to use wood as a fuel to heat a room in your home or even your whole house, or if you need to use it within a stove, ideally you want slow burning wood with a high heat output. Hardwoods are much better for use in wood burning stoves and fireplaces than softwoods.

Hardwood comes from deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves) that grow slowly, such as Ash, Oak and Beech. As a result of the slow growth, hardwoods are much denser than softwoods, which come from evergreen trees that grow much quicker, such as pine, spruce and cedar. Because of their greater density, hardwoods can produce up to 50% more heat output than softwoods and, since they burn slower than softwoods, you’ll need to fill your fire or stove up much more infrequently.

What is Woodsure firewood?

Woodsure is a non-profit organisation that aims to improve the quality of woodfuel.

They have been appointed by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) to take charge of their Ready to Burn certification scheme, which will go hand in hand with The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuel Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 .

These new regulations will launch in May this year and will restrict the sale of coal and wet wood for home burning to cut harmful pollution to the environment and human health.

Woodsure, Ready to Burn firewood is government approved firewood that has been fully seasoned to reduce the moisture content, or even kiln dried for better performance, and will provide a high heat output with far less harmful smoke.

Where can you buy Woodsure firewood?

As tree surgeons, you can imagine that we have a lot of spare wood available from many of our jobs.

We have high quality, seasoned firewood available for purchase at an affordable price.

We sell both good quality seasoned firewood as well as kiln dried logs, which provide better performance.

All of our firewood is a mixture of Ash, Oak and Beech and is Woodsure, Ready to Burn approved, so you can rest assured knowing that it is better for you, the environment and will provide you with a much better burn.

To find out more, view our prices and purchase firewood visit our shop .