Professional organisations to contact
Tree surgery or tree assessment
Determine whether you need a consultant or contractor (a 'tree surgeon' may be either or both). A consultant will give professional advice on the health and safety of a tree, on the potential impact on any proposed or existing buildings or any other tree issue including Tree Preservation Orders and planning regulations. A contractor will typically carry out tree pruning, bracing, planting and felling operations and be able to identify and control (where feasible) tree pests and diseases. If you are employing someone to carry out tree work who is not a member of the Arboricultural Association, ensure they have professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance. If you wish them to provide a full tree inspection check that the individual has Lantra Professional Tree Inspection training.
The Arboricultural Association
Tel. 01242 522152
Web: www.trees.org.uk
Maintains a directory of approved contractors and consultants.
International Society of Arboriculture
Web: www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/findanarborist.aspx
Lawn care or weed control operator
Gardeners or other professionals who will be using pesticides (weedkillers, insecticides or fungicides) in your garden or on your land should have the appropriate spray certification; namely Safe Use of Pesticides certificates PA1(foundation) and, frequently,PA6 (hand held applicators).
Note: from 26th November 2015 anyone previously exempt from these qualifications under the so-called 'Grandfather rights' must now have the appropriate training certificate or Certificate of Competence.
Weeds on or near water: There are no weedkillers approved for the control of aquatic weeds in gardens, but there are a small number approved for use by professionals. Because of the danger of water pollution their application is very carefully controlled and prior approval for their use must be obtained from the Environment Agency or equivalent authority. The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) can provide details of suitably qualified contractors to carry out spraying of aquatic weeds.
National Association of Agricultural Contractors
Tel: 01780 784631
Web: www.naac.co.uk
Garden designers
Consider contacting the Society of Garden Designers if you want a specialist designer to draw up expert plans for you.
Many landscaping companies also offer a design and build service, which is a cheaper option than getting a design done separately. See the section on landscapers below.
The Society of Garden Designers
Tel: (01989) 566 695
Web: www.sgd.org.uk
Landscapers
Try contacting the organisations below to find a reputable company.
The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL)
Tel: 01538 751976
Web: www.landscaper.org.uk
British Association Of Landscape Industries (BALI)
Tel: 024 7669 0333
Web:www.bali.org.uk
Landscaping professionals are encouraged to apply for a Landbased Industry Skills Scheme/Construction Skills Certification Scheme (LISS/CSCS) SmartCard which is exclusively administered by the British Association of Landscape Industries. LISS/CSCS SmartCards are issued to applicants who work on live landbased commercial sites in the UK and recognise a personâs qualifications and health and safety experience. For most SmartCards, applicants must attend and pass a Register of Landbased Operations (ROLO) health and safety course, and, sit and pass a CITB touch screen test. Applicants may also need to provide evidence of an industry-recognised qualification or training certificate to assist with their application. More information and how toapply for aLISS/CSCS SmartCard can be foundhere.