Jim's Trees Blog

Read tips, tricks and handy hints from New Zealand's favourite arborists. We share because we care!

OHS Compliance and why it’s important to hire a Certified Arborist in New Zealand

by Shane | Jul 6, 2017 | Arborist

What you need to know when hiring an Arborist When thinking about hiring an arborist there are a number of things that you should consider. Alongside price, locality and reputation, it is important to consider whether an arborist hires professional, qualified workers, complies with legal requirements in terms of Operational Health and Safety and has the relevant insurance to protect both you and your property. Recent law changes in New Zealand mean that when engaging a contractor to carry out work for your home or premises, it is your legal responsibility to check that they comply with OHS guidelines. In this article we will discuss how you can check that you are hiring the best arborist for you, and safeguard yourself by being informed about your legal requirements when hiring contractors. Hiring Qualified Arborists When considering hiring an arborist it is good to know that you will be getting a quality service for your money. Making sure that you hire professional arborists with the relevant qualifications will give you the peace of mind that the work will be carried out with skill, care and safety. According to The New Zealand Arboricultural Association, “A Certified Arborist (CA) is a professional who has over three years of documented and verified experience and has passed a rigorous written test from the International Society of Arboriculture.” At Jim’s trees we are proud to have professional arborists on staff who truly understand what trees need to do well, having years of experiences in providing tree care and maintenance of all kinds. All of our arborists have the necessary training to carry out their jobs...

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What Are The Risks Of DIY Tree Removal?

by Shane | Jun 4, 2017 | Arborist

Tree removal is harder than most imagine. It can be a minefield of risks which can potentially turn into a very costly project. Whether it is cutting down or felling a tree, it is a task that should be best left to expert arborists. However, if the tree in concern is moderately short and small, you could potentially undertake the task with proper care and equipment. Regardless of whether it’s a small tree or a monster, safety comes paramount with in every step involved and should be the prime focus of all your actions during the process. You also need absolute certainty on how to chop down the tree efficiently and effectively prior to commencing the task. If you opt to do your tree removal, here is a list of some of the critical items you must consider. Underground Hazards If your tree removal requires removing the stump and root system, you must inspect for underground cabling, sewer pipes and gas lines that could potentially be damaged. Such damages are a common result of oversight and rushing into a job without proper planning and care – often leading to very hefty repair bills, potential fines and even prosecution in extreme cases. Proximity To Buildings Clients often request trees to be removed that are too close to their home or buildings. Extra attention must be paid to remove encroaching or overhanging branches to avoid severe damage to your home (such as external heat pump vents). Small branches are often much heavier than they seem and a slight misstep can lead to damages to roofing, windows and walls. Identifying the danger...

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