Team Days & Tree Giants

The Finch Team Takes on Thorpe Park and Kew Gardens.

A boardroom meeting, Finch style. Breaking down tree biology right where the action is.

At Finch Arboriculture, our philosophy has always been simple… the trees come first.

Our daily routine usually involves looking after the beautiful trees of Lincolnshire, whether we’re surveying, managing ash dieback safely, or performing delicate crown reductions. However recently, the team packed up our kits and headed south for a fast-paced, two day team trip designed to mix a little bit of high-energy fun with some serious, world-class tree appreciation.

Day 1: Trading Harnesses for Rollercoasters at Thorpe Park

The calm before the coasters!

We kicked things off on day one with some fun at Thorpe Park. As a team that spends a lot of time working at heights, you’d think we’d be used to the adrenaline, but trading our rigging harnesses for rollercoasters was a completely different kind of rush!

It was a fantastic day of laughs, team building, and testing our nerve on some of the UK’s tallest rides. It’s not often the whole crew gets to switch off the chainsaws and just hang out together outside of a work site, and it was the perfect way to reset and have some fun.

Day 2 : An Arborist’s Dream: Celebrating the Giants of Kew Gardens

After the fast-paced thrills of day one, day two was all about our true passion. We headed over to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - the ultimate destination for anyone obsessed with arboriculture.

Kew is home to one of the most diverse and historically significant botanical collections in the entire world, boasting over 14,000 trees. While we could have easily spent the day just wandering around in awe, we decided to make the most of the incredible brainpower within our own team. Our lead arborists took the reins, leading an exclusive, tailored tour for the rest of the crew.

A Masterclass in Tree Royalty

Walking through Kew with a team of seasoned arborists means you don't just see a tree, you get to learn its history. Our leads gave us a brilliant deep dive into some absolute giants. We got to stand beneath massive, centuries-old English Oaks, towering Redwoods, and some incredibly rare exotic specimens, it was a brilliant chance to see some unique global varieties alongside the classic British species we care for back home.

Standing right beneath them gave the team a fantastic opportunity to look at the advanced arboriculture on display, specifically:

• Veteran Tree Support: Inspecting the advanced bracing and custom propping techniques Kew uses to hold up massive, ancient limbs to support the trees for years to come.

• Root Zone Management: Looking at how they combat soil compaction from millions of visitors, keeping root systems aerated and thriving.

• Scientific Preservation: Learning how world-renowned experts future-proof these historic trees against changing climate patterns.

Continuous Learning for Better Tree Care

At Finch, we are strong believers that the day you stop learning is the day you stop growing. Being an ARB Approved Contractor and TrustMark certified means holding ourselves to the absolute highest standards in the industry. For us, that professionalism isn’t just a badge on our website. It’s about keeping our technical knowledge sharp and our passion for tree care alive.

Seeing how world-class experts manage ancient, high-profile landscapes gives our surveyors and climbers fresh inspiration to bring right back home to our commercial clients, housing associations, and private estates in Lincolnshire and further afield.

We left London a little tired, highly inspired, and with an even deeper respect for the incredible organisms we get to care for every single day.

Time to get planning our next trip…

Planting for the Future: Our New Partnership with Tree-Nation

At Finch Arboriculture, our philosophy has always been simple…
the trees come first.

Whether we are working to protect root systems, installing cable bracing to extend the life of a tree, or performing delicate crown reductions, our goal is always to preserve and protect wherever possible. However we know that sometimes, for reasons of safety or structural integrity, a tree simply has to be removed.

We’ve always felt a responsibility to ensure that when one tree is taken away, the environment doesn’t lose out. That’s why we are proud to announce that we have partnered with Tree-Nation to expand on our reforestation journey in a major way.

What is Tree-Nation?

Tree-Nation is a non-profit organisation that allows citizens and companies to offset their CO2 emissions and bio diversity impact by planting trees around the world. They focus on reforestation and conservation projects in areas that need them most, helping to restore biodiversity and support local communities. 

Tree-Nation give us an aduitable record of the trees that are planted through them and great information that we can share with our clients. We have a counter of how many trees we have planted through them at the bottom of our website. Tree-Nation also certify our website by counting our websites CO2 impact and making sure it plants extra trees to ensure our website is carbon neutral.

How it works for our clients

Every month, Finch Arboriculture will be planting at least 60 trees through the Tree-Nation platform, in addition to our local tree planting schemes and donations. This means that by choosing us for your tree care, you are directly contributing to:

• Re-forestation: Helping to rebuild habitats lost to deforestation, directly helping some of the poorer and most affected places in the world.

• Carbon Offsetting: Every tree planted helps absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. It doesn't matter where this happens in the world, the impact is the same.

• Giving Back: Ensuring that our impact on nature is a net positive, working in partnership to our other pro environmental schemes.

Our Ongoing commitment

Being an ARB Approved Contractor means we already hold ourselves to the highest standards in the industry. For us, that professionalism extends beyond the work we do on-site, it’s about our commitment to the environment as a whole.

By integrating extra tree planting into our business model, we’re simply taking the next step in making sure we’re doing our bit for the planet, one tree at a time.

The Finch Standard: Why Our Accreditations Are Your Asset

In arboriculture, there’s a big difference between "doing the job" and "doing the job right." For over 15 years, we have built Finch Arboriculture on a foundation of excellence, safety, and transparency.

While we provide a wide range of services, from high-level consultancy for developers to tree management for private estates, the common thread is our commitment to industry-leading standards.

What Our Accreditations Mean for You

You’ll see mentions of our ARB Approved Contractor status and our TrustMark Trading Standards approval across our site. These aren't just badges to us; they are a promise of quality to both our commercial and residential clients.

• Accountability & Trust: Being TrustMark approved means we’ve been independently vetted for our business practices, customer service, and technical competence. It gives you the security of knowing you are working with a company that is accountable and professional in every interaction.

• Technical Excellence: As an ARB Approved Contractor, our work is regularly audited to ensure it meets the highest industry standards. This protects the long-term health of your trees and the value of your landscape.

• Safety & Compliance: Tree management in urban and commercial environments carries significant risk. Our standards ensure that every site is managed with rigorous health and safety protocols, backed by £10M in liability insurance.

Future-Proofing the Landscape

Our standards also extend to our environmental impact. From powering our workshop with 100% renewable energy to our pledge to plant more trees than we remove, we believe that high-quality arboriculture should leave the environment in a better state for future generations.

Choosing an accredited partner like Finch means you aren’t just getting a service, you’re getting 15 years of expertise, a commitment to safety, and a long-term partner in the care of your trees.

Advice You Can Bank On

One of the most important aspects of our professional standing is our commitment to honest, evidence-based advice. Whether we are conducting a BS5837 Tree Report for a planning application or providing a Tree Condition Survey for a property manager, our goal is to provide a clear path forward. We only recommend work that is necessary, and our status as an accredited firm means our reports and advice carry the weight required by local authorities and insurers.

Do your trees need a professional assessment? Whether you are a commercial site manager or a private landowner, our team is ready to provide the expert advice and services you need.

Call our team today on 01507 649450 or email office@fincharb.co.uk to book a consultation.

DIGGING DEEPER - The Benefits of Air Spading

When we think about trees, most of us focus on what we can see – the branches, leaves, and canopy above us. But here’s the truth: that’s only half the story. The other 50% of a tree lies underground, hidden from view, and it’s often the part that matters most for long-term health.

Finch are strong believers that caring for a tree’s roots is just as important as caring for its crown. With over many decades of combined arboricultural experience and specialist training, we use modern techniques like air spading to protect and restore the part of the tree you can’t see.

Why Does It Matter?

One of the most common hidden threats to trees is soil compaction. Trees rely on soil not only for water and nutrients but also for oxygen. When soil around the base of a tree becomes too compacted — often from foot traffic, vehicles, or construction — roots can suffocate. The scary part? A tree might not show signs of decline until several years later, long after the damage is done.

Air spading helps us tackle this problem head-on, often avoiding the need for more invasive (and costly) tree work.

Root Care Services We Provide

Air spading is just the start. Once the roots are exposed, we can apply a range of treatments to improve soil health and protect your tree:

Mulching – Adding natural material to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, reduce compaction, and suppress weeds.

Root Barriers – Installing barriers to safely direct roots away from buildings, paving, or underground services.

De-Compaction – Replacing heavy, compacted soil with lighter, aerated soil to give roots room to breathe.

Feeding – Applying treatments to replace lost nutrients, balance pH levels, and encourage beneficial fungi activity.

The Smarter Way to Care for Trees

Looking after roots often means healthier, stronger trees without drastic pruning or removal. It’s proactive, cost-effective and in many cases, the most natural way to keep trees thriving.

So, if you’ve got a tree that looks a little lacklustre or you’re planning work near valuable trees, don’t guess what’s happening underground — let us find out safely.

Call our expert team today on 01507 649450 or email office@fincharb.co.uk to learn more about air spading and root care services.

Safety, Skill, and Care from Start to Finish

Goodbye old Sycamore. Even the strongest trees can reach a point where safety must come first. This mature Sycamore, standing beside a road and an old wall, had been living with Kretzschmaria deusta — a decay fungus that weakens wood from the inside out. Sadly, it meant the tree was no longer safe to retain.

Planning and precision

Before any work began, our arborists assessed the site and planned each stage. Using specialist equipment, climbing and rigging systems, we dismantled the tree in controlled sections, maintaining complete stability throughout. Ground protection boards safeguarded lawns and pathways, and our in-house traffic management team kept the road clear and safe for everyone passing by.

All handled in-house

From the initial inspection to the final clear-up, every part of the project was managed by Finch. Our team is fully qualified, ARB Approved and TrustMark Trading Standards certified — ensuring consistent quality and compliance for our Tier 1 commercial clients.

Care beyond removal

While it’s always sad to see a veteran tree go, proactive management prevents far greater damage down the line. Removing this Sycamore before failure protected the wall, the road and public safety also making space for future planting.

We take pride in delivering every stage with precision, respect and responsibility.

And yes — we’ll admit — there’s always a quiet moment of reflection (and maybe a cup of tea) after saying goodbye to a giant like this one.

If you’re managing trees near buildings, roads or public spaces, our team can help.

Contact 01507 649450 to discuss assessments, planned works, or consultancy support.

STRONGER TOGETHER: Tree Bracing Made Simple

When a tree is struggling, the solution isn’t always to cut it down. In fact, with the right expertise, many trees can be given a helping hand – or in our case, a cable, brace, or support – to keep them standing strong for years to come. With over 50 years of combined arboricultural experience, our surveyors and arborists don’t just work with trees – we understand them, inside and out and you can rest assured we know our oaks from our ashes. .

Why Tree Bracing?

Just like people sometimes need a crutch or a cast, trees occasionally need extra support. Cracks, weak unions, or heavy limbs can put them and you at risk. Bracing helps trees carry their own weight and stay safe, without resorting to heavy cutting.

🌿 Cabling – reduces strain on heavy branches.
🌿 Bracing – holds cracks together, stopping them from worsening.
🌿 Supports – props up vulnerable branches from below.

Trusted, Qualified, Approved

We’re proud to be an ARB Approved Contractor, TrustMark accredited, and trained to the highest standards, holding qualifications such as:

• 🎓 LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection

• 🎓 SEG Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture

• 🎓 BSc Hons in Wildlife & Countryside Conservation

• 🎓 QTRA Registered Surveyors

This means every recommendation we make is backed by science, safety, and decades of hands-on knowledge.

The Best Part?

Bracing is cost-effective, reduces the risk of infection from big pruning wounds, and can keep your tree thriving for years to come.

So, if you’ve got a tree that looks like it’s struggling, don’t write it off. With the right support, it could be standing tall and strong for generations.

✨ Talk to our friendly team today and let’s give your trees the support they deserve. Call 01507 649450 or email office@fincharb.co.uk.

OUT WITH THE OLD: Stump Grinding and Removal Made Easy

When a tree comes down, the story isn’t always over. What’s left behind – the stump – can be more stubborn than the tree itself! Whether it’s spoiling the look of your garden, getting in the way of new planting, or even trying to sprout back into life, stumps can be a real nuisance. That’s where our team steps in.

How We Tackle Stumps

We know every site and stump is different, so we offer a range of approaches:

Grinding – Using a specialist stump grinder, we break down the stump ball and large roots below the surface. This stops regrowth and leaves the ground ready for turf, planting or construction.

Digging – Where access allows, we can excavate stumps and roots completely – ideal if you’re preparing for larger-scale building or landscaping.

Removal – We can remove stumps from site for recycling, leaving you with a clean slate.

Treatment – Sometimes grinding or digging isn’t required or possible. In these cases, we apply herbicide treatments to prevent regrowth.

Why Remove a Stump?

• Reclaim your space for lawns, planting, or patios

• Prevent regrowth or unwanted shoots

• Avoid trip hazards in gardens or play areas

• Keep pests and fungi at bay that thrive in decaying stumps

Flexible Solutions, Fair Prices

Stumps can be tough but we’ve invested in the right machinery to make removal quick, tidy and cost-effective. With a choice of equipment, we can handle narrow access gardens right through to large development sites. One size doesn’t fit all and we adapt our approach to your needs.

Ready to Say Goodbye to That Stump?

Don’t let an old stump get in the way of your plans. Whether you want a smoother lawn, a fresh planting space, or a clear foundation for construction, we’ll get it sorted safely, quickly and professionally.

Call our friendly team today on 01507 649450 or email office@fincharb.co.uk to book your stump removal.

We Don’t Just Inspect Gear – We Use It Ourselves

Why Real-World Experience Matters in LOLER Inspections

You might think inspecting arborist equipment is straightforward. Tick a few boxes, check a few carabiners, and stamp a report, right?

Not quite.

When you're suspended 60 feet in the air, depending on your harness and rigging system to keep you safe, you want to know that the person who inspected your gear understands exactly what’s at stake.

At Finch, we do. Because we’re not just LOLER inspectors — we’re climbers too.

From Rope To Report - The Inside Knowledge You Can’t Fake

LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) legally requires climbing and rigging equipment to be inspected at least every 6 or 12 months. And rightly so — your life could depend on it.

But compliance is just the beginning.

Our inspectors have spent years climbing, lowering, felling and hauling with this very kit. We know how a pulley should feel. We know what friction burns on a lanyard mean. We know when a karabiner is “just scratched” — and when it’s unsafe.

Because we’ve been there, in that harness, making those same judgment calls.

Trust Isn’t Just About a Certificate

Yes, our team is LANTRA-certified for LOLER inspections. Yes, we’re insured, qualified and fully up to date on the regs.

But what matters just as much — and sometimes more — is the fact that we know what it's like to be the one using this gear day in, day out. That insight means we inspect with purpose, not just process.

A Service Built For Arborists, By Arborists

We’ve shaped our LOLER inspection service around the realities of working in this industry — fast turnaround, clear reports, asset tracking, and flexible booking that works around your jobs, not ours.

Need us on site? At your yard? Want to drop the gear off and grab it later? Fine by us. We're here to make it easy and professional, not painful.

We even provide digital reports and tagging to help you stay audit-ready and organised, whether you're a one-person crew or managing a whole climbing team.

Because This Isn’t Just Equipment - It’s Life Support

When we pick up a harness or check a rigging line, we treat it with the respect it deserves. Because for us, it’s not just about keeping the HSE happy — it’s about making sure you go home safely at the end of the day.

At Finch, we inspect every piece of gear as if we were about to use it ourselves. Because in many cases, we are.

Need a LOLER inspection you can rely on? Call us 01507 649450 or email office@fincharb.co.uk

Beyond the Chainsaw: The Real Story Behind a Beech Tree Removal

There’s a common myth we often hear — “All you need is a chainsaw to take down a tree.” But in the real world, especially when property, people and safety are involved, it’s rarely that simple.

One recent job perfectly illustrates why.

We were called out to remove a mature beech tree as part of an insurance claim. The tree was located right beside a residential home and close to a road — a tricky position that meant our team had to be methodical and precise from the start.

More Than Just Cutting

Because of its location next to the house and road, we deployed our specialist rigging equipment and formal traffic management, keeping both the site and public safe throughout.

We also brought in our heavy-duty grab wagon, which made light work of the large timber sections and debris — saving time and keeping the area clean with minimal disruption.

A Thoughtful Touch

While the job itself was technical, there was a personal moment that stood out: the client asked if we could leave some of the beech wood for a friend who does wood turning. Naturally, we were happy to oblige.

It’s always satisfying when a tree we remove goes on to have another life — in this case, transformed into bowls, ornaments or handcrafted pieces that honour the tree’s story.

Experience Matters

This job is a great reminder that arboriculture is about far more than tools — it’s about training, planning, and respect for the environment and people involved.

At Finch, we combine 14+ years of experience with up-to-date qualifications in traffic management, LOLER, NPTC, and health and safety, so you can be confident the job will be done right — no matter how complex.

Because when it comes to tree work, doing it safely and sustainably is the real skill.

Need help with a tree near your home or road?
We offer everything from surveys and reports to tree removal, stump treatment and full site clearance — backed by the right people and the right equipment. Call us on 01507 649450 or email office@fincharb.co.uk