Tree surgeons complete the practical pruning, felling and planting work to, in and with trees, and there are a number of different routes to becoming a tree surgeon.
At Primary Tree Surgeons, we have a long track record of training young starters in the industry. Some choose to begin with a formal course and local college Sparsholt offers courses at Level 2 and 3 in Arboriculture which cover knowledge and some basic skills.
Other training providers offer a short practical course (between 4 – 12 weeks on average), to learn the practical skills of arboriculture and use of the powered tools required to work safely on the ground and at height.
In both cases, it’s our contention that it takes around two years for a newly trained and qualified tree surgeon to be able to risk asses, method plan and complete the full range of typical works that he or she might see at any given time; learning to prune a large tree thoughtfully and in line with British standards from within the crown takes a great deal of practice…removing a large failed tree which has gone over in the storms and through a domestic roof, though thankfully rare, requires a level of skill and experience that we don’t learn at college.
We’re always looking for what we might call “training trees”…the ones that we can use to introduce our trainees to aspects of the work, and to build their confidence and skills in working from a rope and harness safely and appropriately.
Here’s James, ably supported by experienced team member Jay, as he negotiates his way around this large crown.
If you’d like a professional opinion for work to your trees and would like advice, or a quote, call Andrew on 07771 883061 or email: Andrew@primarytreesurgeons.co.uk