Our Environmental Policy – Dave Ford Tree Care
The Dave Ford Tree Care, Biosecurity Policy and Wildlife and Ecology Policy look at every aspect of the work we do as tree surgeons and find the best way to mitigate damage and protect and enhance the areas that we work in. Our aim is to tackle every job in the most environmentally healthy way possible. We even supply insulated mugs to all our staff members, so that they don’t have to use single-use plastic cups or bottles.
Our fully qualified teams of arborists have a good understanding of tree biology and years of experience and will find the best solution for the tree and the customer.
Work specified by an arborist will ensure that the tree is worked on at the correct time of year and will be appropriate for that tree species.
If we can retain a tree rather than fell it, we will. If felling is the best option for the situation, then we offer options for professionally replanting to replace the felled tree with a species that will thrive in the environment.
Conservation of habitat
Did you know that over 1,000 species of invertebrates, a dozen species of birds and some bat species rely on dead wood for their survival?
Because of this, we aim to retain dead wood habitats in as many of our jobs as we can by leaving standing deadwood and habitat piles. We can also advise you on the creation of new ‘habitat piles’ containing dead wood which will invite insectivores like hedgehogs to the area. Deadwood retention can also reduce the chances of decay fungi such as Honey Fungus (armillaria spp.) developing by introducing competing fungi species that are not damaging to trees.
Our expert arborists and tree surgeons also advise on new tree planting and we encourage clients to consider native British tree species which will offer the best habitats for our local birds, insects, butterflies and wildlife.
Energy and Recycling
Our investment in new technology means that we now use zero emission, Lithium-ion battery powered chainsaws and hedge-trimmers wherever we can.
They are quieter than traditional chainsaws, have lower vibrations and are lighter to use. Of course, for larger work, we still need the more powerful petrol chainsaws, but if we can limit their use with hand saws and battery chainsaws whenever we can, we are keeping harmful emissions to a minimum. We also use fully biodegradable Bio-chain oil in all machinery which is non-water pollutant, so safe to use near ponds and waterways.
Recycling
Pretty much all of our work produces waste and our challenge is to put this waste to good use!
Woodchip is one of the main by-products of tree surgery and we have been able to provide many local community projects with free woodchips for gardening projects or weed suppressants.
Whatever is leftover goes to wood biomass to produce low carbon electricity.
Over the years we have donated logs to projects such as the YMCA’s Sleep Easy event to raise money for homelessness and to local schools such as The Weald Church of England Primary School in Beare Green, who were looking for some wood stools to finish off their outdoor space. If you know of a local community project that could make use of woodchips or logs, please get in contact with us here.
The greenest way of dealing with waste is for the client to use it. Woodchip makes a great mulch, especially around the base of a tree to fertilise the soil, suppress weeds and reduce the compaction of soil. Logs can be cut down to size to make a stumpery or left to season so that you have a supply of zero transport emission fuel through the winter. Speak to us when booking your work and we will advise on the greenest way of utilising the waste on your job.
Planting & Habitat
What could be greener than planting a tree, hedgerow or screening plants on your property?
We can advise you on the best species to plant for the local environment, when to plant them and how to maintain them. Our teams can also advise on replacement trees for any trees that need to be felled. Once we have planted your tree/s we can advise on maintenance, support and watering.
Habitat piles
To protect local wildlife and provide a home for hedgehogs, invertebrates and frogs you could consider providing a Habitat Pile. If space allows, a stack of logs tucked away in the garden can provide a wonderful home for wildlife to thrive. If you are having tree work carried out, talk to us about constructing one for you. It’s a great way to naturally recycle the wood.
