Definition - 'The science and practice of the cultivation, establishment and management of amenity trees for the benifit of society'

Trees are one of the singlemost important organisms on the planet and as such deserve the best care we can offer them!

Arboriculture is a highly skilled job requiring exstensive knowledge and training. Maintaining the health of trees requires knowledge and experience along with a qualified, highly skilled work force.

Both managing director Jason and senior Manager Mark, have been climbing arborists for many years in the utility, commercial and residential sectors, keeping infrastructure and property clear from encroaching vegetation along with pruning and removing large trees in difficult to access residential gardens and commercial premises. 

Arboricultural work is at the heart of PLS Group UK’s expertise, offering a range of tree services across the north of England and beyond.

All our work is carried out to current industry standard, BS5837:2010 Tree work recommendations.

Know the service you require?

Tree removal - dismantling

A method used where space is limited and to avoid damage to surrounding property. Carried out either using a fully trained climber utilising ropes access or using a MEWP (mobile elevated work platform) or even a crane. The tree is removed in pieces using chainsaws so they fit into the small space on the ground.

When do your trees need dismantling?

Basically, where access is tight and the risk of damage to surrounding propertyis high!!

There are two basic methods:

Dropping the small cut sections into specific drop zone

Using ropes or a crane to lower branches and timber to the ground

There are other methods which may be a better fit for the tree position.

A site visit is essential to evaluate all these factors to ensure we can make a decision on the safest and most efficient way of removing the tree or trees in question.

Crown reduction

Crown reduction is where all or a portion of the crown of the tree is reduced to natural growing points. This must be undertaken so as to not remove too many branches and cause the tree to die back. 

When is crown reduction needed?

Crown reduction is more effective on small trees in small gardens and confined areas!

Where a large tree is positioned in a small garden or directly next to the property, little effect will be gained from a crown reduction. In this case it would be better to look at crown lifting the tree (see below). Crown reduction is also effective at reducing the weight of the upper crown and in turn the wind loading effect.

Crown Lifting

Crown lifting is the removal of the lower branches without touching the upper crown. The act of crown lifting creates a higher tree canopy which naturally allows for more light to pass through as well as making an area more accessible, whether that be for people, vehicles or anything else that a tree with low branches could be obstructing. 

When is Crown Lifting needed?

If you’re finding that you have trees that are becoming an obstacle whilst conducting day-to-day tasks, it may be that those trees need crown lifting. We would also recommend crown lifting for more cosmetic reasons too, a tree might be shading a building too much or preventing desirable views to be seen. Crown lifting a large tree to gain more light is a more effective solution than crown reduction. 

Removal of dangerous trees

Storms and very windy conditions are usually the main factor in causing trees to become an immediate danger. 

Hazardous trees arising from such conditions include:

• Damage caused to the crown resulting in torn, hanging branches. Cracks developing in branch unions and forks resulting in an unstable branch connection.
• Snapped roots caused by high winds causing the whole tree to become unstable and at risk from falling over. 
• Trees that have completely collapsed and fallen over. Woodland areas where many trees have blown over and become intertwined are some of the most dangerous sites found in arboriculture and forestry!  

Fungi and decay and other issues

Tree structure can also be compromised by decay fungi and pests/diseases. These pathogens can cause the trees structure to decay and become weak leading to an increased risk of limb or whole tree failure.

In severe cases the tree may be in a position (near to people!) where the risk of it falling over may require the it to be removed completely.

Carrying out work on damaged or dangerous trees requires an extra level of expertise and experience. Safety is our number one priority and at PLS that begins with carrying out a thorough risk assessment first as part of that process to allow us to ustilise the safest method  when dealing with such hazerdous trees.