GREENFINGERS NI - Frequently Asked Questions...

1. What are my responsibilities as a Tree Owner?
2. What is a Tree Preservation Order?
3. Can I get a price for tree work over the telephone?
4. I need tree work done, but I am concerned about safety?
5. What equipment do you use?
6. What range of services do Greenfingers NI offer?
7. What happens to the arisings?

 

1. What are my responsibilities as a Tree Owner?

Generally speaking the person who owns the land that a tree is growing on also owns the tree. If the tree grows straddling a boundary then ownership is considered to be joint. As a tree owner you have a responsibility that your tree does not cause damage or injury to others. A tree owner is responsible for the health, safety and maintenance of their trees and are expected to ensure with reasonable foresight that any health and safety implications that may cause damage to another person or property are rectified. While it is not expected that owner is able to competently inspect a tree, it is expected that competent suitably qualified professional is employed to make an assessment on the trees in the owners care at regular intervals based on the trees location, size and potential to cause damage or harm.

2. What is a Tree Preservation Order?
Planning authorities have powers to protect trees by making Tree Preservation Orders. The issuing of a TPO makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, willfully damage or destroy any protected tree(s) without first having obtained permission from the Local Authority.

3. Can I get a price for tree work over the telephone?

In a word, no. Every tree is different and every site has it's own special features that need to be taken into consideration before a price can be given. Our estimates are free of charge and can be arranged at a convenient time to suit our customers.

 

When pricing tree work we take in the following factors:

1. Our customers requirements.

2. The size, species and condition of the tree.

3. Whether the customers request will severely damage the tree, have an adverse effect to its surroundings or be unpractical. If the tree is protected by a "Tree Preservation Order" or within a "Conservation Area" and whether the clients request will be accepted by the local authority.

4. Access to the tree for carrying out the works and for clearing the debris.

5. Health and safety, when producing an estimate by law we are required to carry out a site specific risk assessment to protect our staff and the public from danger.

6. Surrounding features on the site that may effect the works.

7. Parking requirements to carry out the works, in many areas parking control is in place and we need to apply for parking restrictions.

8. The specific tools, plant and machinery that will be required to carry out the work.

 

We believe that giving prices over the phone is unprofessional and unfair to our customers.

 

4. I need tree work done, but I am concerned about safety?
The company has an excellent Health and Safety record in an industry with potential for accidents. This has been achieved through constant attention to detail, training of all staff and monitoring and improvement when necessary of all work procedures. Risk Assessment is obligatory and is always carried out prior to starting work. Greenfingers NI Ltd adhere to: All AFAG Safety Guidelines Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 LOLER: Regulations PUWER 98: Regulations RIDDOR: Reporting

 

5. I am considering using Greenfingers NI, what equipment do you use?
The company provides a complete range of arboricultural plant, machinery and equipment ensuring a cost-effective service. Our Plant, machinery and equipment is regularly inspected and meticulously maintained to a high operational standard providing optimal performance. Click Here to see some of the equipment we use.

 

6. What range of services do Greenfingers NI offer?

We offer the following Services:

1. Complete tree management service from data collection to after-care.

2. Site surveying and Planning. Diagnosis of ill health and hazard evaluation.

3. All aspects of tree surgery.

4. Cable bracing.

5. Brushwood chipping.

6. Stump removal and grinding.

7. Planting.

8. Emergency call out.

9. Supply of logs and chippings.

10. Environmental information in relation to arboriculture.

11. Method statements and codes of practice.

12. Free estimates and client consultation.

 

Greenfingers NI Ltd. have the solution to all your arboricultural requirements. All works are carried out to a minimum of British Standard BS3998. Also our full public liability and professional indemnity insurance cover gives you total peace of mind.

 

7. What Happens to the arisings?
All arisings will be cut into manageable lengths to facilitate their removal and so as not to cause damage to property. Branches will be chipped into a lorry and heavy timber will either be removed by hand or by a lorry mounted crane.