When it comes to urban tree maintenance, the stakes are higher than most realise because trees, majestic as they are, can pose significant risks if not properly cared for.
This responsibility often falls to local councils, who must balance public safety with environmental stewardship. Central to this is the ability of the professionals employed, particularly tree inspectors and tree surgeons accredited by the Arboricultural Association, known as Arboricultural Residential and Business (ARB) Approved Contractors.
Approved contractors in this field are automatically listed on the ARB Association Approved Contractor Directory, which is a gateway to tree care specialists whose skills and knowledge have been rigorously assessed.
In this blog, we will delve into why hiring ARB accredited tree surgeons is not only a matter of safety and quality assurance but also a matter of legal prudence for councils.
Understanding ARB accreditation
The Arboricultural Association’s ARB accreditation is a benchmark of excellence in tree care and management.
To gain this recognition, tree surgeons must undergo a thorough assessment process that evaluates their competency, safety standards, customer service and adherence to the latest in arboricultural practices.
This credential is not merely a badge of honour; it is a reassurance to councils and their constituents that the care of their urban green spaces is in the most capable hands.
In essence, employing an ARB accredited tree surgeon means entrusting your trees to individuals who are committed to excellence, safety, and environmental conservation.
But what happens when councils opt for tree care professionals outside this approved circle?
Risks of hiring a non-ARB Association Approved Contractor
When councils or businesses hire tree surgeons who are not listed in the Arboricultural Association’s ARB Association Approved Contractor Directory, they potentially expose themselves to a variety of risks because they cannot be certain that they are employing experts.
Non-accredited contractors may lack the comprehensive understanding and practical application of current arboricultural practices that are a hallmark of ARB approved contractors.
One significant concern is compliance with legislative and health and safety requirements. ARB accredited contractors are endorsed by the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme, ensuring they meet exacting standards for safety in arboricultural contracting.
Without this assurance, councils risk engaging with contractors whose practices may not comply with essential safety standards as mandated by law, potentially leading to hazardous situations and potential liability issues.
Another concern is that, should an incident occur while work is being conducted by a non-accredited contractor, there may be a lack of adequate insurance coverage.
In contrast, ARB approved contractors must hold substantial public liability insurance, with minimum coverage usually around £5,000,000, and appropriate levels of other insurances like Employers’ Liability insurance.
This ensures that any liabilities arising from their work are adequately covered, which is a crucial factor for any council to consider when responsible for public spaces and citizen safety.
ARB accreditation also requires a demonstrable commitment to efficient business management and high levels of customer service. This customer-focused approach is not guaranteed with non-accredited contractors, so you could find them lacking in attention to detail or after care service.
By choosing ARB-approved professionals, councils can be confident that they will receive a service that excels not only in tree care but also in client relations, project management and health and safety.
The importance of annual tree condition surveys
Annual tree condition surveys conducted by ARB accredited professionals are vital for keeping urban green spaces safe and well maintained. For councils these surveys are not just about assessing the health of the trees; they are about ensuring public safety and preserving the natural beauty of community spaces.
ARB accredited experts bring a wealth of knowledge in assessing the health and potential risks associated with trees. Their assessments are informed by the latest arboricultural research findings, reflecting contemporary understanding of tree health and maintenance, as well as the diseases that can affect different species.
Keeping abreast of the latest developments in arboriculture is essential. This level of expertise is crucial, especially in detecting early signs of disease or decay that untrained or poorly informed individuals could easily miss.
Acting on the advice of these professionals is equally important. It is not enough to simply have the trees surveyed; the recommendations and interventions suggested by ARB accredited experts must be implemented.
Failure to act on this advice not only risks the long-term health of the trees but endangers public safety. In the unfortunate event of an incident resulting from inadequate tree maintenance, the liability would likely fall on the council, especially if expert advice was ignored.
Real-world consequences
The importance of employing ARB accredited tree surgeons is further emphasised by real-world incidents. For instance, a local council faced legal action after a decayed tree, which had not been properly assessed, fell and caused property damage.
In another case, a business park experienced a significant loss when a large tree, improperly pruned by a non-accredited contractor, succumbed to disease and had to be removed, affecting the area’s aesthetic and environmental value.
These examples highlight not just the potential financial liabilities, but also the loss of public trust and environmental degradation that can result from inadequate tree care.
They also underscore the necessity of relying on ARB accredited professionals who are equipped to foresee and mitigate such risks through their expert knowledge and adherence to safety and quality standards.
Your route to quality tree care
By gaining accreditation, the contractor has already done all the challenging work, simplifying the process for councils.
All the council needs to do is check the ARB Approved Contractor Directory and contact an approved contractor to ensure they receive the highest standards of tree care, while effectively mitigating avoidable risks.
This ensures the welfare of our urban trees and the safety of our communities, making it a straightforward and responsible choice for all parties involved.
To speak to our ARB approved experts at the Tree and Lawn Company please call 01206 243 484.
For additional information about ARB accreditation, please visit www.trees.org.uk/Accreditation