there are many signs to look out for when assessing if a tree needs to be removed. This is a questions we often get asked and we usually tell our clients to look out for three key signs:

1. Check leaves and bark in full growing season - a tree without leaves or that has peeling bark could mean that it is dead or dying.

2. Check for leaning or movement. Sudden and significant leaning or shifting from its upright position could mean it is unstable.

3. Check for disease, decay or damage - hollow trunk, dying branches, or fungal growth could mean the tree’s structure is weakening and becoming unsafe.

If you’d like to talk to the Meristem team about a tree or trees you think might need professional removal, we’re happy to offer guidance and provide a quote.

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal safeguard for trees with significant amenity value. They are issued by local planning authorities and prevent unauthorised activities like cutting, topping, or damage to protected trees.

If you are a property owner, you must obtain permission before undertaking any work on such trees. Violating a TPO can lead to legal consequences and fines, emphasising the need for responsible tree management and conservation efforts.

Our expert team of arborists in Calderdale can help you with the permissions required for your project anywhere in Calderdale.

Meristem Arboriculture and Forestry is a limited company, this means we operate in a professional capacity with all the necessary insurance and qualifications in place.

if you are a domestic customer, seeking our help with your residential property or land, you are not required to take out insurance. We are fully insured for up to £5 million for public liability, we have employer’s liability and professional indemnity insurance.

For residential properties, access depends on the type of job. If you require tree removal, we’d usually visit the site to asses access and any other nearby obstructions, such as:

• Power/telephone lines

• Utility connection points or drains

• Neighbouring walls or fences

• Shared access or rights of way

To ensure we provide the best possible quote, we advise that you provide us with as much of the information above as possible upon enquiry. You can tell us about any potential obstructions in our contact form, when enquiring online.

Please click on ‘Contact us’ within this section to make a start on your enquiry.