Rachel originally got in touch, to see if we could reshape some tall conifers that had been previously reduced heavily, leaving them looking very sorry for themselves! Hand on heart, it was our opinion that they would be better off removed and replaced – an option we suggested – but our clients were prepared to be patient and accepted that the results they wanted would take a number of years of trimming and pruning to achieve. 8 years in and we are getting somewhere close! In more recent years, the MEWP has been invaluable to this work, in terms of safety when trimming at significant height, but also in terms of allowing us to step back easily and check the shape that is being created. Not a simple task when working from a ladder!
More straightforward has been the twice-yearly trimming schedule we run – renovating and maintaining the beech, hawthorn, holly and laurel hedges, which form the backdrop throughout summer, for Rachel’s stunning floral displays. The visits are tailored to the growth rates of the different species and arranged so that the garden is looking at its absolute best for the times of year that it is most frequently used for entertaining.
We were further able to advise and assist with a larger-scale project clearing an area of scrubby trees and bramble to open up the banks of the lake, situated beyond the garden. This has allowed Russell to redevelop this area, including building his own summerhouse during lockdown. Our skid steer loader was used to mechanise this work, enabling us to fell and extract the trees from the lakeside with minimal disturbance, whilst the D30 stumpgrinder quickly mulched the whole area, leaving a blank canvas for landscaping. As part of the project, we suggested that an attractive Scots Pine could be made to become a real centrepiece of the garden, if the adjacent Leyland cypress were to be removed. Although hesitant to remove a reasonably large healthy tree, our clients took our advice in this instance and have been delighted with the results. The pine now looks stunning in its own space and has become a real highlight of the garden – framing the lakeside view. A definite case of less is more – and of the right tree being perfectly suited to the environment in which it is located.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
“We have employed the services of Swift on an annual basis for almost ten years and are so pleased to have found a local company who are so entirely professional and reliable.
A team of 4 spend a day with us each summer, with occasional seasonal pruning in between. We have a good deal of tall beech and holly hedging, laurel shrubs and many established trees round the boundary and across our 3/4 acre plot, all of which they take care of.
They are extremely well-equipped and skilled, working in a team on the routine hedge work needed, and tackling a wide range of other tree removal or pruning tasks.
The team leaders are open to our suggestions and give honest and realistic advice based on expertise and experience. Equally, they take the initiative to make suggestions about other tree care that we might consider as well.
They tidy up and remove all the green waste as needed, but are also happy to leave useful logs and chippings for our own use.
The team are personable and polite, and work respectfully and thoughtfully on and around our property.
We are very happy to have found Swift and would wholeheartedly recommend them!”
Russell & Rachel Mortishire-Smith
