Pruning Pruning of trees is
infinitely more complex and skill dependent than almost anyone, including most
self professed arborists realises. Work standards within the United
Kingdom are controlled in the first instance by the governmental National
Occupation Standards, which require that works in any trade are carried out to
acceptable standards.
In order to prune
trees to an acceptable standard and avoid the type of arboricultural
destruction that I witness on a daily basis, arborists require extensive formal
training and ideally extended professional mentoring.
Bristish Standard
3998:2010 Tree Work Recommendations, takes the form of guidance and recommendations
in respect of all tree work operations. It does provide useful guidance
but does not claim to be nor is it a specification. The standard
identifies that the 'execution of its provisions will be entrusted to
appropriately qualified and experienced people. For whose use it has been
produced. Additional guidance is provided by the American National
Standards Institution A.300 guide with associated best management practice
notes and closer to home the European Arboricultural Council Tree Pruning
Guide.
There are no standard
pruning methodologies. Each and every operation relies on assessment and
evaluation by a competent and qualified arborist. An arborist of good
standing will provide ethical recommendations that will fulfil the requirements
of the client whilst causing as little harm to the tree(s) as possible.
Clients should never
instruct a tree works company without first receiving a written quotation (not
estimate), and checking both their insurance level and cover provided and that the
operators are adequately qualified to do the works.