Tree Surgery Services

Tree Removal

Trees which have outgrown the garden they occupy and/or dead, diseased or dangerous trees sometimes need to be removed entirely. This can be achieved by straight felling or using a sectional fell:

Straight Felling

When there is enough space, a straight fell is the quickest and most straight-forward way to remove a tree. It involves cutting the tree at the base and allowing it fall to the ground before processing.

Using a system of precise chainsaw cuts, as well as ropes, pulleys and winches where necessary, we can control the angle and rate of fall so that the tree lands where we want it to.

Once on the ground, the branches and trunk are cut into smaller sections which are either converted into woodchip or wood logs.

Sectional felling / dismantling

When there is not sufficient space to fell a tree intact, we carry out a controlled 'sectional fell' where the tree is dismantled in sections from the top down.

The sectional felling process is undertaken using lowering ropes, pulleys and friction brakes to safely control every stage of the operation.

When each section reaches the ground, our team process the section for removal. Smaller branches and leaves are turned into woodchip for easy transportation while the larger branches and trunk are cut into more manageable sections to be removed from site.

All waste is then removed from site and disposed of responsibly.

Tree Pruning

Tree pruning involves removal or shortening of individual problem limbs or branches, for example those reaching a house or telephone line, or removal of any dead, diseased or rubbing branches which may either prove dangerous should they fall or damage otherwise healthy limbs.

For smaller trees this might involve the use of a pole-saw which can tackle hard-to-reach branches from ground level. Larger trees may require the use of ropes to gain access to the tree crown or in the case of very large, dense trees such as a mature Leyland Cypress (Leylandii) it might be necessary to use a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP).

Done correctly, far from damaging the tree, this process has the benefit of improving air circulation and often proves beneficial to the tree's well being.

We have been doing all types of pruning for nearly 20 years so you can trust us to carry out any work safely and with the minimum of disruption to your property. We are happy to offer advice on a sensible course of action to any concerned tree owner.

Dead-Wooding

Trees react dynamically to their environment and will from time to time ‘abandon’ a branch or limb meaning that nutrients are no linger sent there. This process can be accelerated in the case of disease, old age or adverse conditions. These ‘dead’ limbs can present a hazard both to people and property but also the tree itself as they are less strong than other limbs and prone to unexpected failure. Dead wood can be removed from the ground using pruning saws or from within the tree canopy once a suitable rope access system has been created.

Coppicing

Coppicing is an ancient pruning technique that can be used to produce long straight branches for a variety of purposes. It involves a very intense prune leaving not much more than a stump! Despite the apparently harsh nature of the treatment, the process is actually beneficial to the tree as it reduces wind-sail and encourages vigorous growth indefinitely.

Pollarding

Pollarding is similar to coppicing but the tree is cut back to a taller stem. The effect is often not very aesthetically appealing (and is unlikely to be approved in a conservation area) but, as with coppicing, is beneficial to the tree and has the advantage of preventing grazing animals from eating the fresh growth.

Crown Reduction

A more intense form of pruning known as crown reduction involves reduction in the density of a trees crown by up to one third. This process allows improved light penetration, reduces crown sail (due to wind resistance) and lessens the risks of major failure.

Crown Lifting

Crown lifting involves removing the lower branches of a tree which gives the impression of lengthening the trunk. This creates more space around the lower part of the tree and allows more light to reach other plants and shrubs around the base.

Tree Inspection / Survey

Our team regularly undertake full tree surveys. This includes identifying tree disease, dead limbs or anything that presents a risk of failure. Results are provided in a spreadsheet format with risk assessments against each line item.

Emergency Tree Work

Fallen trees or even large branches can store enormous amounts of energy and present a serious risk to life. These should only be tackled by an expert. If you have any doubts, please contact us for a no-obligation quote. In the case of an emergency we can rearrange work at short notice.

Tree Planting

We offer a full planting service, from small woodland planning to individual trees and can offer advice on:

  • Choice of species to suit different soil types

  • Rate of growth if for example you want a fast-growing species for privacy

  • Creating habitat to attract wildlife to your garden

  • The potential impact of water use

  • The best choices for protection from the weather

Hedge Cutting

We are able to cut virtually any hedge from small privet hedges in domestic gardens to mighty fifty-footers!

We have the tools and the training, from our mobile platform to our long reach hedge cutters to tackle the most awkward of hedges.

If your hedge is looking the worse for wear, a skillful prune can improve it's appearance and give it a new lease of life.

Stump Treatment

Stump Grinding

When a tree has been felled, it will of course leave a stump behind. Our powerful stump grinding equipment uses spinning metal teeth to turn the stump into small wood chippings. The remaining roots will then rot naturally allowing the space to be used again.

Stump Poisoning (ecoplugs)

Ecoplugs are a plastic plug designed to slowly release crystalline glyphosate into a cut tree stump. They are a quick and safe method of ensuring that the tree doesn't grow back and that the stump slowly breaks down over time.

Tree Disease - Diagnosis and Management

Dutch Elm Disease

This beetle-borne fungus has sadly already killed millions of trees. Our team are trained to recognise the signs and symptoms and can recommend an appropriate course of action.

Ash Dieback

Another disease caused by a fungus, ash dieback is relatively new to the UK but is predicted to kill more than 80% of our ash trees. It is, sadly, well-established in the Edinburgh area and we regularly receive calls regarding infected trees. Diseased or dying trees can present a serious risk due to the possibility of failing limbs or indeed the whole tree. If you have any concerns about your ash trees please contact us for a no obligation quotation.