Jenny Long, who runs local Tree Care Business Chapel Tree Services with her husband Matt, a veteran Arborist of 20 years, is hoping to cut out rogue traders and increase public awareness of best practice in Arboriculture after being appointed as a Trustee for the Arboricultural (Arb) Association, a national charity with a mission to promote trees and the profession which enables their sustainable management.

Jenny, who runs the commercial side of their business is hoping to educate the public and prevent them from being conned out of cash by rogue traders who may damage our amenity trees. She says “Trees are such an important part of our everyday lives; whether we enjoy them in our gardens, parks, at work or in public spaces. They improve air quality, shade us from the sun and have been shown to alleviate stress and depression. It has even been found that just having a view of trees from their hospital bed can aid a patient’s recovery! And yet we see some shocking work carried out by traders who do not understand what is best for the trees and are conning the public into believing they are professionals.

“Tree work operations (arboriculture) require a high degree of technical competence, supported by training and experience. For these reasons tree work should only be undertaken by well trained, competent arborists who hold adequate insurance.”

The Arboricultural Association runs an annual show, within the stunning setting of Westonbirt Arboretum, which showcases the Arboricultural Industry. Taking place on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th May 2019, the show promises a packed programme for all ages to enjoy and includes; chainsaw demonstrations, wood carving, a kids tree climbing area and climbing wall, tree care help and advice and the chance to watch expert tree surgeons at work. There will be more than 100 exhibitors and you can watch the UK Climbing Competition, which will see skilled and daring climbers test their skills leaving you in awe of their efforts high in the canopy of Westonbirt’s magnificent cedars.

Tickets are available on the day and include a free entry to the Arboretum. Adults £10, Students £7, Children £4, under 5’s go free. Check out more details at www.trees.org.uk. The Chapel Tree Services team will all be there on the Saturday so that all their children (complete with their toy chainsaws) can come along and join the fun.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.