herts
About Us
Qualifications
As you would expect, all partners and operatives hold all the relevant NPTC and IPAF certificates and whilst our initial business was built firmly upon handed down knowledge and experience, we have found that Steve’s knowledge gained in academia has been an asset to the company.
Reputation
We fully understand that a good reputation is hard won and easily lost and we pride ourselves on attention to detail and our ethos is to provide an equally high standard to both existing and new customers.
Training
As a forward thinking company, ongoing training is of paramount importance. Staff are regularly sent to approved training centres to acquire new skills and certification, along with regular in house refresher training. Our staff do not simply carry the essential certification required by current legislation, as we believe a rounded knowledge is of utmost importance.
Vision
At Venables we understand that our most precious assets are our staff and consequently aim to further their education and knowledge whilst providing a safe and enjoyable environment to work in. We believe that if we look after our staff they will in turn look after us and our company. From the smallest of jobs to the larger contracts, customers can expect the same high level of quality, service and workmanship. Our uniformed staff (and that’s always uniformed – No builders bums here!) make us easy to recognise and identify. All of our vehicles carry the Venables corporate identity signature colours of Blue and Yellow and the company logo.
Safety
Of course, full public and employee liability insurance is standard and we conform to all current
legislation including LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations), WAHR (Working at Height Regulations), PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations), COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences) etc, etc.
Contact Us
Venables Trees Ltd
Poyndon Farm
Silver Street
Goffs Oak
Herts
EN7 5JG
Phone/Fax: 01707 876356
Email: info@venablestrees.com
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VENABLES TREE CARE AND CONSERVATION SERVICES have specialised in conservation based arboricultural works for many years.
Regular highways, parks, schools and residential works and have ensured a vastly experienced team of specialists are on hand affording you the very best service available.
Before considering an Arboricultural Contractor it is advisable to be aware or take note of the following:
Do they have the correct insurance and are you able to see a copy?
Do they work to current British Standards (3998)?
Do they comply with current Health & Safety legislation?
Do they have relevant certification and experience?
Can they provide you with a written quote?
Does their quote include the removal & recycling of arisings?
Will they check if the tree is in a conservation area or has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
Will they check for nesting birds or roosting bats?
Please call or contact us for more information for a no obligation quote.
Thanks for visiting
Conservation
Although tree works are our main staple, we have the necessary knowledge, expertise and equipment to carry out a range of operations.
As an environmentally aware contractor and one which often works on SSSIs (Site of special scientific interest) we use Bio oils as standard.
Whilst working for LEE VALLEY REGION PARK AUTHORITY and HERTS AND MIDDLESEX WILDLIFE TRUST we are proud to be associated with the:
- Bittern habitat creation projects
- Habitats for Water Vole
- Reed bed management
- Diversity projects
- Bat roosts
- Bat box installation
- Creation of Kingfisher nesting sites
- Fishing swims
- Natural fish sanctuaries (small fry)
- Tern Rafts
- Otter Holts (land based and floating)
As many of our existing conservation clients have large areas of water and wetlands VENABLES have built a modular float system. This system allows us to transport any of our equipment, materials or staff across any river, lake or wetland.
This system has proven to be very useful in a variety of applications, these include;
- Removal of arisings from Islands where previously debris has been stacked and prevented vegetation from becoming established.
- Providing our staff with a stable work platform where they are cutting back trees from rivers and lakes.
- Enabling us to dig down Islands on Lakes so that reed can colonise and provide a habitat for the Bittern.
- Creating walk and roadways to allow access and removal of arisings.
Services
At VENABLES TREE CONSERVATION we have specialised in conservation based arboricultural works for a number of years along with our regular highways, parks, schools and residential works and have evolved our thinking firmly along these lines.
Formative Pruning – Is pruning in the early years of a trees life in order to discourage any defects and to encourage development of a good structural tree shape.
Conservation - Although tree works are our main staple, we have the necessary knowledge, expertise and equipment to carry out a range of operations
Crown Lifting – Is the removal of the trees lower branches in order to allow more light through. This also prevents damage to the tree from passing vehicles and pedestrians
Pollarding – Is the complete removal of all branches from the trunk
Crown Thinning – Is the selective removal of the trees small internal branches. The shape and size of the tree remain the same however the tree is less dense due to less foliage. This in turn allows more light to pass through the tree and also reduces wind resistance.
Crown Reduction – Is used to reduce the tree in size but keeping the trees natural shape. This is done by pruning back the ends of the branches
Felling & Stump Removal – Is the complete removal of a tree down to ground level with the option of the stump then being ground out. Felling can either be done in one go or felled in sections. Climbing irons should only be used on a tree that is to be felled.
Deadwooding – Is the removal of deadwood, damaged or diseased branches throughout the crown of the tree.
Nothing – Sometimes absolutely nothing needs to be done to a tree.
Testimonials
Please contact us where we would be more than happy to provide you with references of previous works. If you’re used to dealing with contractors then you’ll be familiar with LOLER, WAHR, PUWER etc. All of which we comply with along with all work being carried out in accordance with British Standards BS3998 guidelines, however if you have no idea what any of that means then please feel free to contact us where we’ll be happy to clarify.
I have been dealing with VENABLES TREES LTD for 6 years and they have always provided an excellent on time service. Each time they have worked for us they have explained everything in detail and have given full instrctions of what they intend to do. Once on site they check back to make sure we are satisified. If they come across additional works they check with us before proceeding. One area we are extremly pleased with is that after the works has been completed they clear up leaving our property as they found it.
Mr Lorring - Harlow
My garden backs onto council land and a tree had split and was laying half in my garden. VENABLES came and cleared the branch and made the remainder of the tree safe. I contacted the council to let them know that I was very impressed with the quality of workmanship and the friendliness of staff.
Mrs Reynolds - East Herts
In 2006, acting on a friend's recommendation, I employed Venables Tree Care to remove a large a dangerous tree from my garden in Enfield.
From the start I was impressed by their professionalism. I received an introductory phone call, a site survey, a detailed estimate and, because I live in a conservation area, they liaised with the council on my behalf.
On the appointed day Steve Venables and his team arrived promptly and worked hard all day to fell the tree, remove the tiomber and clear up. Most importantly, they took great care to minimise the disruption to the rest of my garden and the inconvenience caused to my neighbours, who were so pleased to see the end of the tree they bought me a bottle of wine!
I used the company again in 2007 to fell another tree, grind out the stump and shape two others in my front garden. In addition to the usual efficient service Steve took the time to discuss the future care of my trees and gave some useful advice. The team left my garden tidier than they had found it.
An excellent, reliable service - Streets ahead of the competetion. Highly recommended.
Sincerely
Mr Lawrence
THANKS! A great job completed by two hardworking lads - A credit to your firm.
Mr & Mrs Sharp - Nazeing
Equipment
In addition to the standard vehicles, chippers and tools that you would expect in any modern tree surgery company, VENABLES has a varied and extensive range of specialist equipment. This ensures that the company can operate as efficiently and cost effectively as possible as no two tasks are the same.
This includes three Unimogs which enable us to reach almost any location at any time of the year with any equipment necessary. The Unimogs have the ability to carry and power wood chippers, where they can either chip on site or onto one of the custom built bodies for removal from site, whilst also powering a variety of winches, flails and other implements.
VENABLES also has a Unimog mounted MEWP which is ideal for roadside lifting works as it is very manoeuvrable whilst still having the ability to tackle the roughest of off road terrain.
A custom built Bedford crane complements our fleet, this has a 10 tonne winch that can be used for straight line pulling for felling trees etc or over it's timber jib for tasks such as removing trees from rivers. It is also fitted with a hydraulic crane which is used for lifting both sections of timber and other equipment.
As a large proportion of our work is conservation based in or around water we have a range of boats and modular float systems. This enables us to transport any equipment, staff or arisings across any wetland, river or lake.
Also within our equipment range is a variety of stumpgrinders, winches, tractors and MEWP's all of which help us to provide the complete service our clients have come to expect.
Tern Rafts
As part of our conservation based approach and in consultation with Wildlife Trusts we have also been busy designing and developing a range of tern rafts.
The small gaps between the floats allow water to drain which means the rafts will not flood. The plastic overhang is bolted to the main raft and a recycled plastic edging screwed to the board provides a barrier which prevents stone loss.
A 300mm overhang ensures these rafts are mink proof. They come fully fitted out with gravel, anchors, chick refuges and strong weldmesh edge barriers.
Using our modular float system our diver can build and install fish refuges under the tern raft. This can be at time of installation or retrofit at a later date, these can be made to suit water depth and site conditions.
Due to the system being modular we carry out final assembly on site, this means that our Tern ratfs have no access limitations as individual parts can be carried by hand and do not require a crane or similar for installation.
Using a modular float system we can make any size and being almost entirely plastic will last almost indefinitely.
Several of our Tern rafts have been purchased by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust all of which have been successfully colonised by Terns in their first season.
This is the only and last raft you would ever need to purchase.
Tree Services
At VENABLES TREE CONSERVATION we have specialised in conservation based arboricultural works for a number of years along with our regular highways, parks, schools and residential works and have evolved our thinking firmly along these lines.
Formative Pruning – Is pruning in the early years of a trees life in order to discourage any defects and to encourage development of a good structural tree shape.
Conservation - Although tree works are our main staple, we have the necessary knowledge, expertise and equipment to carry out a range of operations
Crown Lifting – Is the removal of the trees lower branches in order to allow more light through. This also prevents damage to the tree from passing vehicles and pedestrians
Pollarding – Is the complete removal of all branches from the trunk
Crown Thinning – Is the selective removal of the trees small internal branches. The shape and size of the tree remain the same however the tree is less dense due to less foliage. This in turn allows more light to pass through the tree and also reduces wind resistance.
Crown Reduction – Is used to reduce the tree in size but keeping the trees natural shape. This is done by pruning back the ends of the branches
Felling & Stump Removal – Is the complete removal of a tree down to ground level with the option of the stump then being ground out. Felling can either be done in one go or felled in sections. Climbing irons should only be used on a tree that is to be felled.
Deadwooding – Is the removal of deadwood, damaged or diseased branches throughout the crown of the tree.
Nothing – Sometimes absolutely nothing needs to be done to a tree.
Tree Operations
At VENABLES TREES we have specialised in conservation based arboricultural works for a number of years along with our regular highways, parks, schools and residential works and have evolved our thinking firmly along these lines.
Formative Pruning – Is pruning in the early years of a trees life in order to discourage any defects and to encourage development of a good structural tree shape.
Crown Lifting – Is the removal of the trees lower branches in order to allow more light through. This also prevents damage to the tree from passing vehicles and pedestrians
Pollarding – Is the complete removal of all branches from the trunk
Crown Thinning – Is the selective removal of the trees small internal branches. The shape and size of the tree remain the same however the tree is less dense due to less foliage. This in turn allows more light to pass through the tree and also reduces wind resistance.
Crown Reduction – Is used to reduce the tree in size but keeping the trees natural shape. This is done by pruning back the ends of the branches
Felling & Stump Removal – Is the complete removal of a tree down to ground level with the option of the stump then being ground out. Felling can either be done in one go or felled in sections. Climbing irons should only be used on a tree that is to be felled.
Deadwooding – Is the removal of deadwood, damaged or diseased branches throughout the crown of the tree.
Nothing – Sometimes absolutely nothing needs to be done to a tree.
Other Services
Our range of operations is diverse but a very brief list would include:
- Excavations including removal of islands
- Silt management
- Ditch and river clearing and cleaning
- Reed bed cutting
- Bank profiling
- Bank erosion projects
- Fencing works of all kinds
Tree Surveys
Trees are a major part of our environment, hence need looking after and preserving for future generations. Landowners have a legal responsibility to take reasonable precautions to prevent trees on their property causing damage to other people and their property. With this in mind we offer a comprehensive range of surveys.
Whether you are an individual house holder, a land owner or a person responsible for trees on public property, then we can offer a survey to suit you.
Individual tree reports can be produced by one of our experienced staff inspecting a tree then producing a written report on tree characteristics, condition and potential management.
For larger areas we can offer tree reports with computer mapping including any information required by a client. This can be a simple hazard report of trees which pose a health and safety risk through to detailed individual tree assessments.
Within the surveys we can produce management plans for future works or inspections. This may be veteran tree management where old trees need to be looked after to prolong their life and alow them to provide an invaluable habitat to an array of flora and fauna whilst still maintaining public safety. Continual works programmes maybe required to maintain trees whether this is in a school, public space or on open roads where there can be a host of influences that can alter the management required.
So if you know what survey you require or are just a bit concerned about that bit of fungi or the strong winds then there is an option to suit you.
Stump Grinding
Once a tree has been removed, the root system known as the stump is left in the ground. Often the stump is in the way of future plans for the area, whether it be an extension, shed, planting of some description or just in the way of grass cutting.
These stumps can be removed with one of our specialist stump grinders. This is a relatively simple operation where a machine with a cutting wheel and teeth, grinds the root into manageable wood chips.
VENABLES has a variety of machines to suit all situations; we have self propelled machines to cope with stumps where access is over 30 inches wide. For those more difficult stumps, one of our grinders can fit through a standard doorway and be carried by two men. When spaces are particularly confined, or access is difficult, then it's time for us to get out the axe and shovel!
History Intro
VENABLES have specialised in conservation based arboricultural works for a number of years along with our regular highways, parks, schools and residential works and have evolved our thinking firmly along these lines. Venables is a family run business comprising of two generations, Patrick and Dennis along with Patrick’s son, Steve. Although the company was originally founded in the early 80’s, our family have been dealing with trees for several generations.
Recycling
VENABLES takes environmental issues very seriously and aim to recycle 99% of our arisings from tree operations. At VENABLES we produce large amounts of woodchip every day and as much as possible we encourage customers to mulch the woodchip straight back into the ground. Despite this much has to be taken back to our depot. This is then either sold to customers as mulch, used as chips for paths etc. or is collected in bulk to be taken and used in powerstations.
The larger wood that is taken to our depot is sorted into grades. The best is sold onto the timber trade for a variety of uses, the medium grade is processed into logs, dried and sold on as logs for household fires and stoves and the lower grade is woodchipped.