Expertise & Experience
you can count on
At MGS tree services we pride ourselves in our work. We aren't just tree surgeons who can only remove trees, we work as Arborists who actually care about the trees, the work we do and the impact we make.
Tree Pruning
We specialise in very small to large specimen trees that need specific/general pruning within the canopies, specific locations on the extremities (i.e. pruning away from structures) or full canopy reductions.
Pruning should generally be done in moderation, at the right time and the correct way. We will advise this during a quote visit and are always happy to explain this in as much detail as necessary, even the ins and outs of how pruning should be done. Where to make the cuts and how, is most important.
Tree Removal
We are experts in tree removal, from small tree felling or dismantles, through to large tree dismantling in the most awkward positions, with lots of risk that require extremely technical rigging operations. We are here to do the safest job when it comes to removing your trees.
As Arborists rather than simply tree surgeons, we are essentially here as a compromise between trees and our clients. We will always first try to persuade alternatives to removal, especially if there isn't any reason for a removal, in our professional opinion.
If a removal seems to be the only option because of its location or the health of the tree and so local safety of the area, we will make sure to do the best job possible. We can advise the option of stump poisoning (with eco plugs) or stump removal if necessary and also help with ideas for replacement and supplying a quote for these.
The removal of any tree, small or large, will be carried out in the safest manner, whether we are able to mitigate the need to climb by felling, whether we have a drop zone that can handle a degree of impact and so using free fall techniques with sections. Last but not least, if there are any obstacles to avoid we will need to utilise our specialist rigging techniques for either some or all of the tree or trees.
Stump Poisoning - Eco Plugs
We offer a simple, clean & cheaper alternative if there is no requirement for stump removal but you don't want the tree to grow back. This process is called Eco plugging, they are small plastic capsules that retain a small dose of stump poison, holes are drilled around the perimeter of the remaining stump at intervals, the eco plugs inserted and then they are finally hammered in. The last process activates the poison and permanently installs them into the stump.
It is a highly effective poison but also very importantly does not require any special considerations after installation to protect the wildlife, pets or children. Also, they are contained and are not believed to affect even very nearby neighbouring plants or trees etc.
Stump Removal
Some small stumps we are able to quote for and remove with hand tools, this is a favoured option and actually a cheaper way, if it is possible. Otherwise we are able to supply a quote for remove stumps through use of a stump grinder - a pricey but very affect way to remove any larger stumps remaining from trees we remove or stumps that were left from previous removals. Access is the main issue for getting to stumps with a stump grinding machine.
Storm Damage & Emergency work
When trees have been damaged we are here to help, be it pruning or removal, which ever is necessary.
We are also here if you need us out of hours or with little notice be it a sudden failure or a storm that is about to happen, during or has just happened. Whether it is emergency preventative work, work during a storm if there is an immediate safety hazard or clearing up after a storm.
Gaining Permission When Trees Are Under Conservation Rules
Your trees may be within a Tree Conservation Area (TCA), Tree Preservation Order (TPO) area or specific individual trees having a TPO on them.
We will talk you further through the process if you make a request and are already aware or let you know once we have done our own checks, this will involve talking you through how it works and how we get past this minor hurdle before being able to complete any of the tree work itself.
We always suggest the possibility of doing the applications yourselves, this is to save the admin time we have to charge for on top of any tree work quote we supply. There is quite a lot involved in the process, which we again are always willing to talk through, because of that we only suggest doing it if you have quite a bit of computer and editing skills.
The submitting of the application itself is totally free.
Regarding our admin fees for doing these applications, it all depends on the small details, the amount of individual trees and how much detail is required. The more of the above, the long is will take and so the quote will reflect this. Rest assured our prices are very competitive and are as cheap as we can possibly charge for out time.
TCA's, TPO's & what they mean for all of us
In a conservation area you need permission from the council to do even the lightest pruning let alone removing a tree. With that said, it will be obvious that there needs to be a good reason to remove said tree.
We will explain the process in the first instance during a quote visit (if we are already aware the location falls within) and then go through the motions making it as easy as possible. The fines for not getting approval but also and more importantly the bad reputation could land on the party doing the cutting if caught doing any unapproved tree works in the conservation area or any TPO trees. As you can imagine, this makes it especially important for us to make sure there is permission in place.
When applying to remove a tree in a conservation area we must also supply a replacement plan, this can be directly where the tree was is the stump is removed, in close proximity or in a totally different but more preferred & suited location on your property.
What exactly are they?
A Tree Conservation Area protects trees for the environment most importantly but also to an area's special architectural or historic character, meaning you need special permission (6 weeks notice) from the local council before cutting or working on trees over a certain size (7.5cm main stem diameter).
A Tree Preservation Order area or singular TPO on a tree has very similar meaning and process. Simply put, it is a more stringent tree conservation that the council puts in a higher regard. The process for making a decision to allow any requested works is longer (8 weeks notice), it is any green/organic and wooded structure that lands in the area rather than over a certain size.
Your address/property could fall within these specific and what would seem generally random locations where the conservation areas are in place. There are huge potential fines for unauthorised work, ensuring these trees remain part of the area for all the above reasons and more.
What is governed in a conservation area?
Trees & Shrubs - any wooded tree or even shrub that has a single stem diameter of 7.5cm or above. If the tree or shrub is multi-stemmed, this measurement is taken from below the union/base at the average widest point.
Exemptions - Fruit trees are exempt as long as the pruning is maintenance only. This includes the ongoing reshaping and reduction of the new growth when necessary. Hedges are exempt, within reason hedges are classed as the same or very similar species planted closely in a row clearly forming and originally intended as a hedge. This is any works including removal, so a complete exemption.
What is governed in a TPO area?
There are no exemptions or below sizes where something is except. Any wooded structure in a TPO area needs specific permission.
