Environmental, Sustainability & Responsibility
We are passionate about the environment and have staff trained in the detection of bats and other protected species’ habitats, and have excellent experience working hand in hand with ecologists, especially on sensitive sites.
This will ensure the areas in which we work to retain their beauty. All sites are checked for the presence of Tree Preservation orders and other legislative constraints before work starts. If there are constraints on a site we are happy to make the relevant planning application on your behalf.
How we benefit the environment
All of our chainsaws run on Aspen green fuels, which contain no lead, benzene, sulphur or aromatics, which can cause leukaemia, nervous disorders, irritation to breathing and other health problems. This is a significant benefit considering the importance of preserving the environment and ecosystem for generations to come. The use of Aspen benefits the health of our employees and any bystanders on site who breathe in less toxic fumes, and we are also an authorised dealer of Aspen fuels, so we can supply the local community so they can also benefit from using cleaner fuels.
This benefits the environment as it significantly cuts emissions, minimising sulphur emissions which damage the environment by polluting waterways with acidification and reducing other emissions, therefore, decreasing ground-level ozone (smog) and improving air quality.
How we use Herbicides
We use ‘Eco plug Max’ sealed glyphosate unit as opposed to liquid wherever possible where it is necessary to apply herbicide. As they are a sealed units there is no risk of damage to surrounding trees, vegetation and waterways.
They also meet the requirements of the Sustainable Use Directive to minimise herbicide use and the Water Framework Directive to prevent contamination of waterways with Pesticides.
They are far safer to use where there are children and animals about, and especially in AONB’s this would ensure minimum disruption. When watering newly planted trees, we use our own harvested rainwater wherever possible. Not only is this better for the tree, but it also means we don’t exacerbate the depletion of local water reserves.
Environmental projects with schools and colleges
We regularly partner with local schools and colleges, not only to provide work experience but also to assist in environmental projects. We encourage further such projects, especially with local charities.
We minimise fuel usage
Our vehicles are tracked, which enables us to plan routes to minimise fuel usage and emissions and also identify non-efficient driving practices.
We have a ‘zero to landfill’ policy for our arboricultural arisings
All brushwood is chipped (which can be left on-site at clients’ request) and either used for biomass in the electricity-generating industry or stored for use as mulch for planting. Also, at the clients’ request, some debris can be stacked on site as habitat piles.
We remove all waste from the site
It is our policy to remove all waste from the site and return it to our base for recycling unless instructed otherwise. We have invested heavily in the past few years to improve our waste management in line with our ISO14001:2004 certification.
We make a better use of the waste
We installed our own sawmill and wood workshop and built storage for timber, logs and chip in order to make better use of the ‘waste’ we produce. For our efforts, in 2012, we were a finalist in the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards (Green Champion Category).
Wood & Plants Waste
We hold Environment Agency exemptions (T4, T6 and D7) for preparatory treatments, treatment of wood waste and waste plant matter and burning waste in the open. Our current waste management plan adheres strictly to the Waste England and Wales Regulations 2011 and as our EA Registration as an Upper Tier Carrier Dealer. It is as follows:
When working no debris will obstruct pathways, access or egress and none will be allowed to enter waterways.
- Works will be undertaken in accordance with BS3998:2010 Recommendations for Tree Works ensuring no excessive or unnecessary waste is produced (WEW priority1 – prevention).
- Sites will be left clear of debris and waste and returned to our base for processing apart from in the following exceptional circumstances:
- Where waste must be processed on site to prevent the spread of disease, where waste must be transported to licensed burning sites to prevent the spread of disease or if the customer requests that debris is left on site for use e.g. woodchip for use in domestic gardens or as habitat piles.
Large timber waste will be removed using a timber crane so it can be transported whole to our base to be prepared for re-use (WEW priority2).
- It is then milled and turned into posts and timber for local use (WEW priority3 – recycling).
- Only if the aforementioned WEW priorities are not possible will the debris be turned into chip to be used as biomass and firewood (WEW priority 4 – other recovery e.g. energy recovery).
- If any other waste is retrieved from site e.g. metal fencing, gates etc., they are sorted at our premises and taken to a licensed metal recycling facility for recycling. No arboricultural waste is disposed of in landfill (WEW priority5).
General Waste
General waste from our teams such as food and drink waste is returned and deposited in recycling banks at our base, separated into dry mixed recycling and collected on a fortnightly basis by a licensed waste carrier to be recycled..
All food waste is put into a food digester at our base where the digestate fertilises the ground– again reducing landfill and enhancing our working environment. We are acutely aware of current biosecurity risks and carry stocks of disinfectant to ensure no inadvertent spread of disease whilst transporting.
Loads are covered and vehicles thoroughly cleansed before using again to reduce any risk of contamination.
Where trees and shrubs are requested to be removed by the client but can be salvaged, with the client’s permission (and time and cost permitting) we will remove carefully and donate to community projects so they are not destroyed unnecessarily.
Plant investment
We invested in plant such as a timber crane, telehandler and large tractors to enabling us to extract large timbers from site whole which allows us to spend less time on site therefore less disruption.
Noise reduced
This helps to minimise the use of chainsaws on site so reduces noise and dust inconvenience, overall enabling us to provide a more professional and more efficient service for our clients.
Fully equipped workshop
With our fully equipped workshop and qualified engineers also adds to the efficiency and reliability of our services. Our equipment is well maintained and any breakdowns on site are swiftly addressed minimising any ‘down time’.
Supporting other companies
We support other local arboricultural companies by offering workshop services, LOLER inspections and training courses such as arboricultural specific 1st aid and ROLO Health & Safety Awareness Course.