Our Services
We provide a wide range of expert arboricultural services for both commerical and private sector clients. See a full list of services below and click through for more information.
Tree Care
Pruning is the practice of selectively removing certain parts of a tree or plant.
Over time certain factors may necessitate the pruning of a tree, these include natural growth and dieback, storm damage, pests and diseases. In a town or city setting, trees may be pruned to facilitate traffic flow, the construction of buildings, to allow more light to enter an area or to improve the visual appearance of a tree-lined road.
All tree works are carried out to British Standard BS3998: 2010 Recommendations for Tree Work.
Types of Pruning
Crown Reduction
This is the removal of the extremities of the branches of a tree in order to reduce the height and/or spread of the crown of the tree whilst maintaining the tree’s natural shape as far as possible. Crown reduction is used to reduce stress on the tree, make the tree more suited to its immediate environment or to reduce the effects of shading and light loss.
Crown Lift or Crown Raise
Crown lifting is the removal of the lowest branches of the tree. This is carried out to increase light to areas closest to the tree or to give more access under the crown.
Crown Thinning
Crown thinning is the removal of a section of smaller branches, usually at the outer crown, to produce an even density of foliage throughout the crown around a balanced and attractive structure to the tree. This process is carried out to allow more light to pass through the tree and to reduce wind resistance.
Dead Wooding
Dead wooding is the dying off of branches or limbs within the crown of the tree. These branches or limbs may break off and remain in the tree or else fall to the ground, especially during storms or times of high winds. When carrying out deadwooding on a tree we remove the loose branch or limb from within the crown, thus leaving the tree in a more stable condition.
Pollarding
Pollarding is carried out to create a small, compact canopy. Pollarding is first carried out on a tree when it is young and should be repeated at regular intervals to maintain the shape and health of the tree. Subsequent pruning should be carried out at the original pollarding point.
Tree Felling
Despite best efforts, unfortunately there are a variety of reasons why a tree may need to be removed; the specimen has naturally declined to a point where it must be felled due to safety concerns, rot or infection is present, extensive root damage has occured, the tree has outgrown its location or storm damage.
Whatever the reason it is vitally important that the work is carried out by a team of qualified and experienced arborists. At Redwood Tree Services our team of skilled operatives have the experience and technical knowledge to undertake any tree felling operation regardless of size, location and condition.
We have extensive experience in the use of cranes. We have been carrying out large scale felling programmes for Dublin City Council and many other commercial clients for over 20 years. Some of these felling projects have been carried out in the busiest locations in the capital city. We are qualified to carry out our own traffic management solutions thus reducing the cost for our client.
Project Process
Hazard Identification
Site specific risk assessment is being carried out by one of our team of arborists. This will identify all the hazards and risks that have the potential to cause harm.
Site Specific Method Statment
A site specific method statement is carried out. This document contains details of the company, safe systems of work and describes the way in which tree works will be carried out and completed in a safe and orderly manner. It will also outline hazards for that specific job (electrical cable, underground services, traffic/pedestrians, buildings) as well as detailing the control measures to be introduced to ensure the safety of anyone who is affected by the tree works.
Wildlife Survey
A wildlife survey is undertaken where it is deemed necessary. Redwood Tree Services work with a variety of ecologists who work throughout the island of Ireland. They can provide a wide range of ecological services along with providing the design, management and reporting of ecological surveys and are, in particular, experts in bird and mammal surveys ( bats, badgers etc.).
Traffic Management
Several staff members have the FAS Sign, Lighting and Guarding qualification which allows us to carry out our own traffic management solutions.
Tree Planting
Redwood Tree Services offers a range of tree planting services. Trees are the most striking living features in any urban environment, providing a wide range of environmental and ecological benefits to both people and landscapes. At Redwood, we plant large numbers of trees for both the commercial and private sectors. If you are interested in enhancing the appearance of your garden or property with the addition of trees, our experienced team are highly knowledgeable and will advise you on the correct species appropriate for the space and soil type.
Considerations
Before any tree or trees are planted the following considerations should be taken into account.
Suitability
Soil Type
Size
Climate
Light/Nuisance
Maintanence/Aftercare
Cost
Use
Our Promise
We can plant trees, hedging and shrubs of all sizes. We buy/source all our plants only from reputable nurseries. We endeavour to ensure that all trees are grown in Ireland. Biosecurity is of utmost importance, limiting the spread of pests and disease from other countries is a priority. If a tree has to be imported, we ensure that all correct procedures are adhered to (plant passport etc.)
We follow British standards (BS8545:2014) when planting trees to ensure that they are planted in the correct manner. This entails planting them at the correct depth, mulching the surrounding area, staking and supporting them, protecting them against grazing animals, watering and after care management.
Consultancy
Redwood Tree Services can provide a wide range of arboricultural consultancy services. Our tree consultancy services provide peace of mind to our clients surrounding the safety and correct management of their trees. We can offer tailor made consultancy services for your specific requirements. We provide expert advice in relation to tree safety risk assessment, local authority planning recommendations and general tree management, working closely to the latest industry guidelines and arboricultural best practices at all times.
Types of Survey
Walk through tree survey
Clients with a large amount of trees and a limited budget tend to favour this type of tree survey. All trees will be visually inspected but only details of those trees which are potentially hazardous or are in need of remedial work are recorded within the tree report.
Climbed tree survey
In certain cases the extent of any defects cannot be determined from the ground level. We can inspect the upper canopy or crown of a tree by either one of our aerial platforms or by carrying out an aerial inspection. A report detailing the findings with photos and recommendations is produced.
Full Tree Surveys
BS583: 2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction recommendations
This is the most detailed level of tree survey and may involve a single tree, a group of trees or each individual tree on a specific site. Each tree is recorded on a tree survey schedule and plotted on a tree location plan. All relative details of each tree are recorded, the trees are individually tagged and management recommendations are detailed and compiled in a comprehensive arboricultural report.
Site Clearance
Redwood Tree Services offer a range of commercial site clearance solutions and services from a complete package of works to prepare your site for development or individual project specific treatments. We have the equipment, machinery and a highly skilled workforce that can tackle any vegetation site clearance project in a range of environments on both brown and green fields. We work with a number of high profile clients including construction companies, local authorities and various government departments.
Having a background in ecological contracting works, Redwood carry out all works with a sensitive approach to all flora and fauna.
Our aim is to offer a complete package of vegetation removal works from felling, cutting, stump removal/treatment and treating of vegetation material to removal and chipping of arisings.
At Redwood we have consciously developed a high level of compliance to meet the demanding needs of the construction sector, resulting in full certification and a positive staff culture which is constantly evolving. Maximising efficiency and offering a high level of health, safety and environmental compliance are the two main priorities in our mission to impress and retain commercial clients.
We take our recycling responsibilities seriously and recycle 100% of all green waste from sites we clear. All branch and vegetation material is chipped and then transported from our yard where it is screened and delivered to Bord na Mona where it is used as biofuel for energy generation in their power stations. Any quality timber, if suitable, is returned to the yard where we have our own facility for milling timber into usable planks. For some projects we have previously felled and removed the timber, milled the timber into usable planks and then had the timber turned into various pieces of furniture. These items included chairs, tables, cladding, fencing and items for children’s playgrounds. These have then been returned to the site from where they came.
Stump Grinding
In an urban environment, once a tree has been felled, it is often necessary to have the remaining stump removed. Not only can stumps detract from the appearance of their location but they can also pose a danger. To remove the remaining tree stumps requires qualified staff with specialist machinery. At Redwood Tree Services we have two stump grinders which enable us to work on any site and on any ground conditions. A stump grinder grinds down the main body of the stump producing grindings in the process. We leave the grinding in situ to rot down. Initially the grindings will sit proud of the hole but as the organic matter decomposes, they will sink and typically leave a level surface. Tree stumps can be removed from most locations, from motorways through to forest plantations and small back gardens.
In some cases people opt to keep the stumps as it can be retained for habitat or a sculpture feature. We can also treat the stumps which is a process of applying a glyphosphate based weedkiller to kill a stump. This stops any future growth and the stump will decompose over a long period of time. Some species will not need this treatment at they will not regrow from a stump anyway.
Redwood Tree Services uses a CAT scan to try and detect any underground utilities before any stump grinding takes place as part of its risk management systems. In areas where ground disturbance can be an issue we have low impact machines with low ground pressure. Redwood also have a large stock of temporary roadway matts which are easy to install and leave the ground in perfect condition once the works have been completed.
We also offer an additional service of grinding removal. We can then back fill with screened soil and reseed or replant a suitable tree or shrub.
Timber Milling
Redwood Tree Services offers a timber milling service. When a tree, unfortunately, has to be felled we believe in recycling every part of it. One element of this is to use the trunk wood in the production of bespoke furniture. All furniture is individually crafted according to the pieces of wood and custom designed for the client.
We use a Lucas Mill 8-30 model designed and manufactured in Australia. It is a circular swing blade portable saw mill. This machine is designed to suit the harvesting of both hard and soft timber species and can be operated on any terrain. The versatility of this mill provides the operator with the ability to cut both small and large boards to specific dimensions.
We also have a slabbing attachment, allowing boards to be cut up to 1.5 meters wide. We also have a weather board attachment allowing us to cut dimensional boards for cladding.
Air Spade
Air spade is an air powered soil excavation tool used by arborist companies worldwide. It is ideal for sensitive arboreal work including vertical mulching, bare rooting, radial trenching and soil aeration. Air spade proprietary sonic nozzle turns compressed air into a high speed lazer like jet that dislodges soil, creating holes or trenches with minimal damage to roots.
Conventional mechanical diggers and hand digging near trees are time consuming and these methods always damage tree roots. Air excavation is quicker and safer than manual excavation and it leaves fine roots in place. All of our operatives are qualified arboriculturalists and experienced in supervising excavating works near trees.
Air Spade Applications
Installing underground services near trees
Trenches for underground services can be dug near trees causing minimal root damage
Soil de-compaction and mulching
Compacted soils can be broken up by an air spade. The soil can then be blended with suitable organic matter and used to replenish the root zone
Root Investigation
Excavating soil around trees can tell us where the roots of a tree are located and this can inform foundation designs for new structures. This technique can also be used to excavate post holes or the installation of new fence lines near trees.
Biochar
Redwood also uses biochar (produced in ireland) to enhance the material in the root zone.
Benefits of Biochar
Increase gaseous exchange capacity
Increase the buffering capacity
Increasing microbial and fungal activity
Increasing earthworm numbers following agitation
Acting as a soil buffer
Invasive Plant Management
Pests & Disease
A pest is any animal or plant detrimental to humans or human concerns, including crops, livestock, and forestry.
A disease is a micro-organism and parasite that causes the cellular and structural break down of a cell.
Japanese knotweed is a non-native alien invasive plant species that is rated among the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world.
Common in urban areas, particularly on waste land, railways, road sides and river banks.
Depending on the type of pest or disease that is required to be controlled we have many methods to deal with such problems. All our staff are highly trained and can give advice to our clients on the best suitable approach.
Pest Control Methods
Prevention
Prevention, early detection and eradication of weed species is the most economical and effective means of invasive plant management.
Mechanical Control
Mechanical control usually refers to the mowing or mechanical cutting of an invasive plant infestation to limit seed production.
Manual Control
Manual invasive plant control usually refers to hand-pulling or digging.
Cultural Control / Competition
Cultural control and competition includes re-vegetating, irrigating or fertilizing to encourage the establishment of a healthy ground or crop cover to resist invasive plants.
Chemical Control
Various herbicides are approved for treatment of invasive plants and, used properly, can be the most effective option for certain persistent invasive plants.
Biological Control
Biological control involves using living organisms to reduce seed production and vigor of an invasive plant species.
Emergency Call Out
24 hour emergency call out service for hazardous trees requiring urgent attention or for trees affected by extreme weather. We have a large range of industry specific equipment available to deal with any emergency call out. We have vast experience in dealing with emergency tree work and all Redwood staff are qualified in windblown trees and emergency tree work operations.
Contact
MEMBERSHIP NO. AS49
Copyright Redwood Tree Services 2019 © Lucie Caffrey Web Design