At Alt Arb, we take pride in offering tailored, professional tree maintenance solutions that ensure the health and safety of trees while supporting the broader goals of construction and development projects. Recently, we had the opportunity to work on a tree maintenance contract for Vistry Group in Patchway, Bristol, where we tackled a range of critical tasks to maintain both the aesthetics and safety of the site. Here's a closer look at the work we carried out and how we managed to balance environmental responsibility with commercial needs.
A Strategic Approach to Tree Maintenance
When tasked with maintaining the trees on the Vistry Group site, our priority was clear: safety. The trees on the development had become overgrown, with several dead or diseased specimens posing risks to both the public and the surrounding properties. The project involved a comprehensive strategy to manage these concerns, including:
Removal of dead and diseased trees that could have posed a danger to residents and passersby.
Pruning and removal of deadwood from trees around the development, ensuring they were structurally sound and healthy.
Encroaching ivy removal to prevent further damage to tree crowns and to safeguard the future health of the trees.
Prioritizing Wildlife and Environmental Responsibility
One of the key challenges of this project was ensuring that our tree maintenance work didn’t disturb local wildlife. The site was home to a live Badger Set, and we took extra precautions to avoid any disruption to these protected animals. Our team implemented safety measures and worked around the set, carefully following best practices to ensure minimal disturbance to the badgers.
Additionally, we were mindful of the bird nesting season, making sure that the work was planned and executed with due consideration to the nesting birds in the area. In cases like this, timing and careful planning are crucial, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt our approach to meet these environmental concerns.
Innovative Tools for Efficient and Safe Work
To complete the work efficiently and safely, we utilised a Spider Leg MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform), a versatile piece of equipment that allowed us to reach difficult areas in the trees. Some of the trees on the site were too high or precariously positioned for our team to climb safely, so the Spider Leg MEWP provided a stable and secure platform to carry out the necessary pruning and deadwood removal.
This equipment proved particularly helpful for accessing the upper branches and ensuring that no damage was done to surrounding structures or plants. By using the Spider Leg MEWP, we were able to achieve high standards of safety and precision while working in challenging conditions.
A Surprising Discovery: A Bee Hive in a Tree
One of the more unexpected aspects of the job was when our climber, working on a Common Lime tree marked for removal, discovered a bee hive nestled in a cavity within the tree. Rather than disturbing the hive, we immediately contacted a local beekeeper, who safely rehomed the bees. This allowed us to complete the tree removal without harming the hive, a testament to our team’s respect for wildlife and commitment to sustainable practices.
Completed Work and Results
In the end, our team completed the tree maintenance work on time and to a high standard, preparing the site for its next phase of development. The tasks completed included:
Pruning of trees away from properties to prevent potential damage.
Felling of dead or dangerous trees, ensuring public safety.
Removal of deadwood from various trees, helping improve tree health and reducing the risk of falling branches.
Severing of ivy, stopping its encroachment into the crowns of the trees.
Pruning of epicormic growth on the Common Lime trees, enhancing their appearance and supporting their overall health.
This work was vital in preparing the site for the handover to Gateway Property Management Ltd., the new build management company responsible for overseeing the development. By ensuring that the trees were properly maintained and safe, we helped to lay the foundation for the continued success of the project.
Why Choose Alt Arb?
At Alt Arb, we are committed to providing high-quality, environmentally conscious tree care. Whether we’re working on large-scale commercial projects or smaller residential jobs, our approach is always guided by a balance of safety, efficiency, and respect for the natural environment. If you're looking for reliable tree maintenance services for your development project, we’re here to help—get in touch to learn more about how we can assist with your next project!
This project is just one example of how Alt Arb combines expertise in tree care with a commitment to sustainability, safety, and community. Stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing work in tree management and development.
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