Pedal powered!
I love living in Bristol, but I don’t love the amount of cars on the road. So I carry all my tools on a cargo bike: hand tools, a battery chainsaw and a long-pole pruner. I can also transport things like stakes, tree ties and a good amount of potted plants or small trees. What I can’t fit in my crate however is a ladder or a chipper!
How this minimal setup benefits you:
- Quality tree care at an affordable price: Low overheads mean I only charge for my time, and small optional extras such as garden waste bags if you request them – no need to shell out hundreds on a bells-and-whistles tree surgeon if that’s not what you need!
- I can work on most back-garden trees: My pole pruner allows me to work from the ground on anything up to 5m. Where trees are taller, I can often climb them. I will always tell you honestly if there is something I can’t do, and am able to recommend companies you can approach instead.
- Peace of mind about the prunings: Everything that gets pruned off is processed in a way agreed with you – either cut up very small for your green bin, cut to firewood size if you would like to use it for burning, or used in your garden for habitat piles, helping out the local population of insects, beetles and hedgehogs! I can also supply garden waste bags at a small cost, which the Council will pick up from your house at no extra charge.
I usually charge an hourly rate, but am also happy to agree a lump sum or work to a budget, especially for larger projects.
Some of my most popular services:
Every tree is different and every issue is slightly unique, so do get in touch even if you’re not quite sure what you require.
Pruning & Maintenance
I offer formative pruning for newly planted trees, and maintenance pruning for established trees. My focus is on considered pruning choices and phased pruning regimes – this ensures the health and longevity of your tree, and avoids overpruning in any one year – so that your tree doesn’t end up up looking like this hedgehog tree!
Other maintenance tasks could include mulching or fruit thinning. I can also draw up seasonal maintenance plans for you.
Planting & Aftercare
Planting a tree is easy; helping it survive and thrive, however, is the slightly harder and no less important part. I can help with choosing the right species and rootstock to ensure your tree is appropriate for your space and will grow to be a healthy specimen. Other things to consider when planting is how to stake and protect your tree. After planting, I can advise on crucial aspects of aftercare such as watering and mulching.
Tree Health Assessment
Whether it’s evidence of pests and diseases or fungal fruiting bodies on your trees, I can help determine what we are dealing with and advise on appropriate interventions. My focus will be on natural control methods, unless of course more drastic action is required due to the tree or pest presenting a safety risk.
Habitat Design
Nothing exists in isolation, and the same is true for trees. I can help you design wildlife-friendly habitats which benefit the tree ecosystem and the people who enjoy it. This involves surveying the space and taking into account elements such as light/shade, water availability and soil type, in order to decide on appropriate plants and features. I can also assist with procuring the plants and implementing your design.
Workshops and Courses
One of my main drivers is to share skills and knowledge, and to give everyone the confidence to look after their plants and trees. In a world of climate breakdown, I believe that building a relationship with the living environment around us (both plants and people!) is key to building resilience. I run forest gardening and pruning workshops in the community. Get in touch if you would like to organise a workshop for your group!
