Special Branch Tree Surgery

Arboricultural tree surgery based at Norden, Rochdale

Special Branch Tree Surgery describes itself as a professional arboricultural tree surgery business serving customers of any size. The company states that its operatives are trained to City & Guilds standards, educated in tree management and fully insured, and that all work is carried out to British Standards. It also says it can liaise with third parties and provide risk assessments and method statements where required.

The business operates from Top O’th Meadow Farm on Meadowhead Lane in Norden, Rochdale. Its contact number is 01706 658771 and its email address is info@specialbranch-treesurgery.co.uk.

Tree removal, pruning and site clearance

The services listed by the company cover the main arboricultural operations, from complete removal to formative work on young trees. The range includes:

• Felling and removal, described as the complete removal of a tree down to a small stump.
• Stump grinding, the mechanical removal of a stump to below ground level.
• Site clearance, removing some or all trees and bushes from construction sites so building work can begin.
• Formative pruning of young tree stock to remove dead wood and defects.
• Crown lifting, removing lower branches around the crown to let light through.
• Pollarding, removing all branches of a damaged tree to allow regrowth.
• Crown thinning, removing selected branches within the tree while keeping its overall shape.
• Crown reduction, reducing the size of the overall canopy.

The company also states that it regularly undertakes contract work for commercial operators, including other tree surgeons, landscapers and building contractors.

Stump grinding as a specialism

Special Branch presents stump removal as one of its specialities. It uses a stump grinder to reduce the stump to chippings, a method it describes as the most efficient way to destroy the stump and leave the area ready for garden design, replanting, fencing or building work. The company says its machinery is versatile enough to work close to walls, patios and other structures without damaging them, and that it uses shields and boards to keep chippings where they are wanted. It also notes that access through a standard 30-inch garden gate is usually sufficient, although tight turns, steps or steep banks should be discussed in advance.

On the question of regrowth, the company states that stumps it removes are usually ground away completely and will not regrow, with exceptions such as willow, which may send up occasional shoots from root pieces.

Quotations, scheduling and site access

According to the information provided, quotations are based on the size and number of stumps to be removed. The company asks customers to have an idea of the number of stumps, their approximate width and height, and the available access when requesting a price, so that it can give an accurate no-obligation quotation by telephone. Work is usually booked within two weeks, depending on the time of year. The company says it prefers to meet customers to confirm satisfaction, but that it can carry out work in their absence, leaving the area tidy and with minimal ground disturbance.

Woodchip mulch and seasoned logs

Alongside tree surgery, Special Branch supplies woodchip mulch and logs. The mulch is presented as suitable for woodland paths, children’s play areas, horse riding arenas and shrub beds, with a recommended depth of four inches to block light from the soil. The company describes its woodchip as a large chip that works better, looks better and lasts longer than woodchip from other tree surgeons.

Timber from the tree surgery business is seasoned at the company’s farm before being cut and split into logs. The company notes that burning logs is a carbon-neutral fuel source when using recycled timber, and offers free local delivery on purchases of ten bags or more, or an extra bag free of charge for customers who collect. It also states that, as a BSL Authorised company, its logs and firewood meet and exceed the standards set by the Biomass Suppliers List, and that it can be found on that list. The BSL is described as a fuel sustainability scheme administered by Gemserv on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change, listing woodfuels eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive.