The Tree GP 01473 232626
info@the-tree-gp.co.uk 07917 725445
for post only ~ 152 Westerfield Rd, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 3AF
The Tree GP is a professional arboricultural business. After many years' experience
working for other arboricultural firms, Mike Barker and Chris Bednarski formed a
business partnership striving to offer a comprehensive & competitive service.
Since creating the Tree GP in 2005, we have succeeded in delivering an excellent service, both professional and punctual to our customers. We are proud to have an increasing number of repeat customers, and word-of-mouth is fast becoming our No. 1 Marketing resource. We have considerable experience in working for private clients, large businesses, estates & local authorities. Our aim is to continue to provide the professional service our clients expect, understanding the need for good communication, punctuality, safety, and a job well-done at a competitive price.
SERVICES
We are experienced in all manner of tree-related arboricultural practices, and are therefore able to offer a range of services, with the aid of cranes or mobile elevated work platforms as necessary, including :- · Crown lifting, deadwood removal, thinning
· Crown shaping, crown reduction
· Pollarding, coppicing
· Dismantling, felling· Planting trees, hedges and shrubs
· Hedge trimming or reduction
· Stump grinding
· Firewood for sale
We also deliver woodchips ~ currently supplying Otley college with good quality woodchips sourced locally.
Before we commence any job, we will first visit you to discuss how effectively we can carry out your instructions. We mail you a written estimate or quotation, and will only then proceed once we receive your approval. In cases of emergency work, a shortened procedure may be followed, whereby instructions may be taken from affected parties' insurance companies.
PUBLIC AUTHORITY EXPERIENCE
EQUIPMENTWe are very familar with council contracting and the regulatory reports relating to work on trees. Tasks such as removal of epicormic growth, reduction away from street lighting, or lifting above a road or footpath to regulation height, are jobs we are frequently employed to do. We have worked in school grounds making trees safer for children to play under, and are always very careful to carry out work in a completely safe environment.
Likewise when working on the roadside, we are very aware of the hazards, so always wear high-visibilty vests, and set out appropriate traffic management systems. We are used to using stop-go boards and traffic lights, and adhere to peak traffic working controls. In such situations, the number one priority is the safety of the public. If a climber is above a path, or a chipper is near a right-of-way, then a suitable diversion around the work area will be created, and groundstaff will keep a lookout for people and warn accordingly.
We have planted numerous trees for many clients, and understand the needs of young tress that are trying to establish themselves in new ground. Where appropriate, stakes and tree guards are used to aid the trees, but then these are often removed after one or two seasons, to allow the trees to continue to develop a strong trunk taper and root network. All trees are sourced from local reputable garden centres. 
Our Ford Transit with aluminium tipper is the workhorse of the company. All signs and cutting equipment can be stored in the specially designed side lockers. Special roof mounted racks store different sized ladders.
Our Timberwolf chipper has a 6-inch diameter infeed capacity, and is ideal for working outside homes or at the roadside. It is light enough for two men to push into tight locations if need be. Blades are regularly changed and sharpened to ensure continued production of top-quality woodchips.
Our climbing gear comprises the latest products on the market. Using Marlon Gecko ropes with Buckingham or Weaver harnesses makes for comfortable work. We use Silky or Stihl ms200 saws for most tree work. When it comes to groundwork or cutting larger wood, we use Husqvarna 357 and 372 saws. All gear is issued so it is only used by the same person. All our climbing and lowering equipment is checked at regular intervals in accordance with LOLER regulations. We also run two 4x4 vehicles, giving us access to remote locations or wet ground sites. All vehicles and cutting equipment are regularly serviced and maintained. It is a policy of ours to renew or replace existing equipment with the best available.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The Tree GP respects its obligations in matters of Health and Safety. A site specific risk assessment is completed before work starts on any job, to ensure workers are aware of the risks associated with the work to be done. This includes potential hazards such as overhead cables, school children, traffic, etc. All are briefed regarding the method of work to be carried out, and the location of the First Aid kit and mobile phones. First Aid kits are always carried on harnesses with climbers, and there is a comprehensive kit in each vehicle. All work is carried out to British Standards 3998.
THE TEAM
The Tree GP team comprises Michael Barker (ISA), Christian Bednarski (ISA) and Colin Sheppard. We can call upon other self-employed contractors to assist with longer, larger or more technical jobs. All are suitably qualified and experienced.
 Michael Barker (Partner) - ISA Certified Arborist; 9 years' Arboricultural experience; NC Countryside Management NPTC certified, IPAF, CSCS, ALLMI c1, City & Guilds Signing, Lighting & Guarding |  Christian Bednarski (Partner) - ISA Certified Arborist; BSc Countryside Management; 7 years' Arboricultural experience; NPTC certified, IPAF, CSCS, ALLMI c1, Stumpgrinding (LANTRA), City & Guilds Signing, Lighting & Guarding, Web page Designer |  Colin Sheppard (Head Groundsman) - 25 years' Arboricultural experience; NTPC certified |
| REFEREES:- Jason McPhee (Otley College) 01473 785543 James Firman 07788590779 Barker Solicitors 01473 611211 |   |
LINKS:
firecrest.org.uk - suffolk nursery - japanese maples
crown-nursery.co.uk - suffolk nursery - Trees and shrubs
otleycollege.ac.uk - Otley College
trees.org.uk - Arboricultural Association