HEC Arboriculture Services in Herefordshire. Tree surgery, tree mortgage report, tree preservation

Anyone who owns, manages or rents a piece of land containing trees has a legal duty to ensure that they are in a safe condition so that foreseeable damage to people or property does not occur due to tree failure. (Occupiers Liability Act 1954/1980). (Occupiers Liability Act 1954/1980). Commercial premises have a further obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure that trees do not cause foreseeable damage. Failure to do so may leave those responsible for trees liable for negligence should an accident happen.

HEC can provide expert arboricultural services to conduct regular inspections to identify any potentially dangerous trees and apply remedial action to rectify the problem. Our range of arboreal services includes:

Tree Preservation Order (TPO)	Before removing or commencing any work to protected trees, permission must be obtained. This process usually takes 6-8 weeks from the date of submission of a "Formal Application to Carry Out Works to Protected Trees". An arboricultural description of the proposed works is required along with a map indicating the position of the tree. All tree works will be required to conform to BS:3998(1987) Tree Works.
Tree Survey to BS:5837 (2005)	The main purpose of this type of survey is to identify which trees could be retained and which could be removed. When building near trees, Local Authorities insist upon a professional tree survey .Our tree reports are tailored to meet the needs of your local Planning Department and Tree Officer.
Arboricultural Impact Assessment	This examines the effect that proposals could have, on retained trees. The future growth of the trees and any shading issues are also discussed. Conducting as arboricultural impact assessment will save time and money by identifying any potential conflicts at the early planning stage.
Arboricultural Method Statement	Once the design proposals are finalised this type of report advises how to protect trees during construction.
Ecological Surveys	The main purpose of this type of survey is to examine existing habitats, the impact of development and offer appropriate mitigation solutions.

Tree Surgery Services from HEC

Crown Reduction:	Reducing the canopy of the tree by a measured amount to create a symmetrical and natural looking outline.
Dead Wooding:	Removal of major dead and diseased wood from the canopy to minimise any potential hazards.
Crown Thinning:	Removal of some secondary branches to incrrease light penetration. The resulting tree should be symmetrical and natural looking.
Crown Lifting:	Removal of the low branches to increase light levels to the ground. Health and Safety issues, involving obstruction of public footpaths and highways, are also addressed
Tree Removals:	Our tree surgeons can safely dismantle any tree using proven lowering techniques. Where possible, we try and convert the resulting wood into usable logs. Wood chips are composted and used as mulch .
Stump Grinding:	Tree stump grinding ensures the surrounding soil remains healty and disease free. The main root ball of the stump is removed to a depth of approximately 150mm below ground level.