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

Rooted in Responsibility: When Developers Think Ahead

At Finch, we love working with clients who think beyond the build — especially when it comes to nature. So when an eco-conscious developer approached us to help future homeowners understand the possibility of tree roots in their gardens, we knew we could deliver something simple, clear and useful.

Why the Developer Got in Touch

As part of a Homeowners Pack for a new-build site, the developer wanted to flag the potential presence of tree roots in some rear gardens.

The goal was straightforward: help buyers understand how trees and gardens naturally share space and how to look after both.

What We Delivered

We created a clear and easy-to-read method statement for the pack. Nothing overly technical — just helpful, practical information that lets homeowners know what to expect and how to look after their garden if they plan to do any digging and landscaping down the line.

The method statement included:

• A simple overview of how tree roots grow, where they’re likely to be found and why they matter.

• Practical advice for low-impact works like fencing, planting or light landscaping — with tips to avoid root damage.

• Reassurance that no issues are expected but that a little awareness helps protect both trees and garden structures over time.

Everyone Wins

The Developer showed buyers they’d considered the long-term picture — protecting trees while adding extra value and peace of mind.

The Homeowners received useful information that can prevent future issues and help them enjoy their gardens with confidence.

The Trees get a better chance of staying healthy and protected — no unnecessary digging, cutting or stress.

And for Us? It was another opportunity to apply our expertise in a way that supports developers, people and the natural environment equally.

Why This Matters

This project highlights how simple, well-considered communication can lead to better outcomes for everyone. By including responsible tree care information early in the process, our client not only protected valuable trees but also added value for their buyers.

If you're planning a development and want to integrate arboricultural support into your process — from site surveys to public-facing documents — we're here to help.

Let’s work together to build developments that respect and retain the landscape for future generations.

We’re Now TrustMark Trading Standards Approved!

We’re proud to share some exciting news . . . our company has officially gained TrustMark Trading Standards Approval, a nationally recognised badge of quality and integrity.

This accreditation is more than just a logo, it’s a mark of trust, giving our clients total confidence that they’re working with professionals who are fully vetted, compliant and committed to the highest standards in the arboricultural industry.

Why TrustMark Matters

To achieve this endorsement, we underwent a thorough vetting process designed to ensure we meet stringent government-endorsed standards. This includes detailed checks on:

• Customer Service Standards

• Technical Competence

• Business Practice

• Trading Legality

• Dispute Resolution Procedures

For us, it’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about continually striving to be the best at what we do.

What This Means for You

As a client, you benefit from more than just great arboricultural care. With our TrustMark Trading Standards approval, you get:

• Confidence & protection: you’re working with a business that is accountable, responsible and monitored to maintain top-tier service delivery.

• Transparency: clear communication, honest pricing and fair treatment, just how it should be.

• Peace of mind: we follow the Consumer Code of Conduct, giving you extra assurance that you’re protected at every stage.

• Trusted workmanship: from routine maintenance to complex arboricultural projects, our work meets the highest industry and consumer standards.

Another Step Forward In Professional Excellence

With over 15 years of industry experience, this new approval complements our existing accreditations, like our ARB Approved Contractor (ArbAC) status and reinforces our position as a leading, trustworthy arboricultural service provider.

Whoever you are, you can feel confident knowing you’re in safe, professional hands.

We’re committed to raising the standard in tree care and this latest accreditation proves it!

Got a project in mind or need expert advice? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today and work with a team you can truly trust.

Celebrating Our ARB Accreditation Renewal!

We are thrilled to announce that our ARB Approved Contractor (ArbAC) accreditation has been successfully renewed once again!

Achieving this prestigious accreditation is no small feat. It involves a rigorous assessment process covering every aspect of our operations—from health and safety standards to environmental practices and industry compliance. It’s a true testament to our team's dedication, professionalism, and commitment to delivering the highest quality tree care services.

With 15 years of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on providing expert, reliable, and trusted tree management solutions.

Why does this matter to our clients?

• Verified Expertise: Our skills and knowledge have been thoroughly assessed, ensuring you receive the highest standard of service.

• Commitment to Safety: We adhere to strict health and safety standards, ensuring every job is carried out safely and responsibly.

• Environmental Responsibility: We strive to minimise environmental impact, promoting sustainable practices in every project.

• Industry Compliance: We stay up to date with the latest regulations and best practices, giving you peace of mind that our work meets the highest industry standards.

• Comprehensive Insurance Cover: We have you covered with £10M Public Liability, £10M Employers Liability, and £1M Public Indemnity insurance.

This renewal isn't just an achievement for our team—it’s a reassurance for our clients that they're choosing trusted, professional, and accredited experts.

Thank you to our dedicated team and loyal clients for your continued support. We're excited to continue providing the highest standard of service, backed by our ARB accreditation.

Got a project in mind? Get in touch—we're here to help!