Tree Works
OUTCO’s tree works teams provide a full range of tree maintenance operations including felling, crown lifting, pollarding, canopy reductions, aerial dismantling, stump grinding and surveys for diseases such as ash dieback
Tree Works
OUTCO’s tree works teams provide a full range of tree maintenance operations including felling, crown lifting, pollarding, canopy reductions, aerial dismantling, stump grinding and surveys for diseases such as ash dieback. In addition to the management of existing urban tree stock we can design and plant new tree and woodland planting schemes – all backed up by our tree and arboriculture consultancy services. OUTCO Tree consultancy services include tree surveys, tree maintenance and management plans, pest and disease inspections and diagnosis and treatment of tree problems.
Trees and woodlands are an extremely important part of any facility’s landscape and offering numerous benefits for the well-being of users and visitors. However, trees that are not properly maintained can pose a serious health and safety hazard.
OUTCO grass services offer a guaranteed way to keep your grass looking smart, tidy and professional throughout the growing season
OUTCO’s hedge cutting services ensure your hedges are well-maintained and looking great, and also prevent spreading and overgrowth into walkways, ensuring safe, unobstructed passage for pedestrians
OUTCO’s litter picking service includes the removal of all litter and waste from commercial properties, as well as the disposal of all waste in accordance with government legislation
Our expert pruning teams will keep your shrubs, bushes and lawns shaped, edged and well maintained, improving their appearance
OUTCO provides sweeping and blowing services to keep your facility clean. We help you prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, and keep your sites clean and safe
OUTCO offers comprehensive tree surveys which include a detailed health and condition assessment and a risk assessment
Strimming is an effective way to maintain grass in hard-to-reach grass areas, around tree bases, obstacles or grass banks. After grass cutting, strimming helps to keep edges looking neat and tidy and can also be effective in maintaining large grass brush areas
Invasive weeds such as Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hog Weed, Himalayan Balsam (to name but a few), and other non-native plants pose a significant threat to the UK landscape and its biodiversity and can cause serious damage or harm to people and infrastructure
OUTCO believes in the importance of creating a well-maintained environment. OUTCO uses selective chemical herbicide weed spraying to target specific weed types, or non-specific herbicides for broader control when required
Leaf clearance takes place during the autumn season and includes the clearance, collection and removal of leaf debris from lawns, walkways and car parks. Regular leaf clearance helps to preserve lawns and shrubs from damage caused by excessive leaf coverage and promotes a healthy landscape
OUTCO offers a regular, scheduled bin emptying service that helps to maintain a healthy, clean site and avoids the attraction of pests and vermin. Our hassle-free service empties bins of all sizes and can remove all waste from site
Managing the moss on your site is an ongoing process, especially in areas prone to growth, and is therefore important to keep up with regular moss removal and preventative measures
OUTCO’s landscape installation services create aesthetically pleasing workspaces, through well-maintained buildings and attractively landscaped grounds – vital in creating a positive first impressions by visitors
- Falling trees and branches: Trees that are dead, diseased, or have been weakened by pests or storms are more likely to fall. This can cause serious injury or death to people and property.
- Hidden hazards: Trees can also create hidden hazards, such as deadwood, loose bark, and exposed roots. These hazards can cause tripping, falls, and other injuries.
- Allergic reactions: Some people are allergic to tree pollen or sap. Exposure to these allergens can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other allergic reactions.
- Rats and other pests: Trees that are not properly maintained can attract rats and other pests. These pests can spread disease and contaminate food and water.
It is important to properly maintain trees to reduce the risk of health and safety hazards. This includes:
- Inspecting trees regularly: Trees should be inspected regularly for signs of decay, disease, pests, and other problems.
- Removing dead or diseased trees: Dead or diseased trees should be removed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of falling.
- Trimming branches: Branches that are dead, diseased, or hanging over walkways or roads should be trimmed.
- Removing debris: Debris, such as leaves, twigs, and fruit, should be removed from under trees to reduce the risk of tripping and falls.
- Keeping the area clean: The area around trees should be kept clean to discourage pests.
In addition to the health and safety hazards listed above, trees that are not properly maintained can also contribute to other problems, such as:
- Obstruction of views: Trees that are overgrown can obstruct views, making it difficult to see traffic or other hazards.
- Damage to property: Trees that are not properly anchored can fall during storms or high winds, damaging property and vehicles.
- Increased fire risk: Dead or dying trees are more likely to catch fire, which can spread to nearby buildings and vegetation.
By taking the time to properly maintain trees on a facility, site managers can help to prevent these problems and keep users safe.
Trees and woodlands are an extremely important part of any facility’s landscape and offering numerous benefits for the well-being of users and visitors. At the same time, trees are large structures that can affect your facility, which means that property and facility managers require tree surveys to make informed decisions
Tree Surveys
An OUTCO tree survey gives a clear, well-defined description of the location and condition of your trees. This information can be used to provide an opinion of tree health, amenity value, probability of failure, level of impact following failure and risk to people and property. These compliance risk factors are why large estates and councils order tree surveys on a three-year cycle. In an increasing number of facility and property-related estates, tree surveys are mandatory, to prevent a protected tree from being cut down accidentally (based on the Wildlife and Countryside Act). However, tree surveys are more often conducted when there is an intention to build outbuildings or additional offices/parking in proximity to trees. In such scenarios a tree survey is vital.
Tree surveys can provide information that has value in numerous ways for facility manager’s planning and project management processes. For example, information collected in a tree survey can provide insight to guide investment and better design of new offices or car parks, providing levels of accuracy impossible to achieve otherwise. Elsewhere, grounds maintenance contractors may decide to earmark or even add trees, so as to increase the overall asset value. Understanding which trees can and cannot be removed by law can better inform the design and ensure trees are appropriately incorporated within the planned landscape. A tree survey should be carried out on a three-year cycle to ensure all trees on site are in a healthy and safe condition, especially with the prevalence of fungus-borne diseases such as ash dieback. An OUTCO tree survey also ensures that your trees grow in the right shape and direction, and that branches are always monitored to be cleared to 2.4m over paths, 5m over roads, 1m from all street lighting, traffic signs, traffic lights, street name plates and 2m from windows or adjacent premises.
Tree Planting and Protection
Looking to add new trees to your landscape? Our tree planting services are designed to help you choose the right tree species for your specific environment, ensuring optimal growth and long-term health. We also offer tree protection measures, such as tree guards and root zone protection, to safeguard your trees from damage caused by construction, pests, or other external factors
Tree Care and Maintenance
Maintaining the health and vitality of your trees is our top priority. Our tree care professionals provide expert advice and solutions to ensure your trees thrive. From regular tree health checks and assessments to comprehensive tree health surveys, we assess the condition of your trees, identify potential issues, and develop customised care plans to promote their longevity.
Tree Health Checks
Regular tree health checks are essential to assess the overall condition of your trees. Our teams conduct thorough inspections, examining the foliage, branches, trunk, and root system to identify any signs of disease, pest infestations, structural issues, or other potential problems. Based on the assessment, we provide recommendations for appropriate care and maintenance.
Tree Pruning and Trimming
Pruning and trimming are essential practices for maintaining the health and aesthetics of your trees. Our skilled arborists carefully remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any overgrown or obstructive growth. This promotes proper tree structure, enhances airflow and sunlight penetration, and reduces the risk of branch failure.
Tree Health Care
To maintain the long-term health of your trees, we offer specialised treatments and care practices. This may include deep root fertilization to provide essential nutrients, insect and disease control measures, and soil management techniques. Our arborists assess the specific needs of your trees and develop customised care plans to address any issues and promote their overall well-being.
Tree Growth Regulation
In some cases, trees may exhibit excessive growth or uneven branching patterns that require regulation. Our professionals employ techniques such as crown reduction, crown thinning, and crown shaping to achieve a balanced and aesthetically pleasing tree structure. These practices also help reduce the risk of branch breakage and enhance the tree’s overall health.
Tree Preservation
If your trees are located in areas of construction or development, we provide tree preservation services to minimize potential damage. Our team takes measures to protect the root zone, ensure proper soil compaction, and implement strategies to maintain tree health during construction activities.
Tree Risk Assessment
Assessing tree risk is crucial to identify potential hazards and mitigate safety concerns. Our arborists conduct thorough risk assessments, evaluating factors such as tree condition, structural integrity, proximity to structures or high-traffic areas, and the presence of dead or diseased branches. Based on the assessment, we provide recommendations for risk reduction measures or tree removal if necessary.
Emergency Tree Care
In situations where trees pose an immediate risk to property or public safety, our team is available for emergency tree care services. We promptly respond to storm damage, fallen trees, or hazardous situations, ensuring the swift and safe removal or stabilization of affected trees.
Tree Surgery and Arboriculture
When it comes to tree surgery and arboriculture, our team of skilled tree surgeons and arborists are at your service. Whether you need tree pruning, tree trimming, or tree removal, we employ industry-leading techniques to safely and efficiently address any tree-related concerns. Our tree surgeons are highly trained and equipped with the latest tools and equipment to perform precise and controlled tree works.
Tree Felling and Removal
If you have a tree that needs to be removed, our tree felling and removal services are the solution. Our teams adhere to strict safety standards and utilize specialised equipment to ensure the safe and efficient removal of trees, regardless of their size or location. We also provide tree stump removal and grinding services to eliminate any remaining tree remnants and restore the aesthetics of your landscape.
Case Studies
Tesco’s approached retail specialists OUTCO to complete critical car park repairs to its superstore in Brighouse. Following an initial scoping visit in March issues with levels, safety critical areas and drainage were identified. OUTCO produced a full survey of the asset and provided a report outlining the immediate repairs required. Collaborating with our client and supply chain a proposal was put forward to Tesco to complete the works using a Reduced Emissions Asphalt (REA) with added environmental benefits.
BNP Paribas Real Estate has worked with the UK’s leading winter risk management specialist, OUTCO, since 2008. OUTCO looks after a portfolio of properties for BNP Paribas Real Estate across the UK, and specifically manages 100-120 properties in the Midlands.
The external car parks and walkways at Fosse Shopping Park have a high footfall from both customers and staff. Not only do many people pass through the public areas on a daily basis but there is also a high volume of traffic. The shopping park has a responsibility to its customers and staff to keep its grounds clear of snow and ice in order to minimise any slip-ups or accidents. During the winter months the car parks and walkways need to be cleared long before the shops open so that the employees can arrive safely
News
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