
Tree surgery – it’s not just about cutting down trees
Many regard tree surgeons simply as those who cut down trees, but for lots of professional arborists, the conservation of our natural environment and the maintenance of all types and condition of trees is of paramount importance, says William Gordon, owner and director of William Gordon Countryside Services.
As the owner of a tree management company, I often think about our role in sustainability and how we can better preserve the natural spaces around us. There is no greater contributor to a clean and sustainable future than trees.
At William Gordon Countryside Services our advice for prospective tree work is often the minimum necessary to retain the tree and its relationship with the people around it. Where a tree is in severe decline or has run its course completely, we should also consider retaining a portion of it for habitat where possible so it can remain an asset to the environment.

Benefitting biodiversity
Recently we had to remove a wonderful English Oak tree which had died suddenly a few years ago due to root recession caused by honey fungus and later finished off by tortrix roller moth. Fortunately, the tree’s
location was safely away from a public space which enabled us to create standing dead wood installed with bird boxes and faux cracks for roosting bats where it can be a benefit to biodiversity for years to come.
However, habitat creation isn’t always possible and can be tricky to get right. Public safety is of paramount importance and should be your first consideration.
Expert advice
In the tumultuous environmental times that we are currently living in, we see many trees completely removed for a host of unnecessary reasons. I would therefore urge you to speak to a professional arborist company to obtain correct and proportionate advice on the best course of action for any of your trees and shrubs.
William Gordon Countryside Services offer a range of services, including domestic and commercial tree surgery, tree surveys and consultancy, stump grinding and hedge cutting.
For further information, please contact us.