Dryad Tree Specialists was appointed to support Hart District Council’s preferred contractor list for arboricultural and forestry services.
The contract covers a 36-month period from August 2024 to July 2027. It gives the Council access to trusted local tree surgery and forestry contractors who can deliver safe, high-quality works across council-owned land and sites the Council is responsible for.
The Client
Hart District Council manages trees and woodland across public spaces, council land and other areas where it has a duty of care.
The Council has a formal Tree Risk Management Policy. This helps it manage its tree stock in a safe, fair and responsible way.
The Council also wanted contractors close to the district. This supports quicker response times, lower travel impact and local business.
The Challenge
Hart District Council needed a small group of skilled arboricultural and forestry contractors it could call on for planned and reactive tree works.
The work can include trees in busy public areas, woodland sites, green spaces, highways, and boundary locations where branches or leaning trees may affect neighbouring land.
The Council needed contractors who could show:
- Strong health and safety systems
- Modern arboricultural practice
- Qualified and competent operatives
- Clear public safety controls
- Good knowledge of wildlife law
- Reliable plant, vehicles and equipment
- Local experience and fast mobilisation
The Scope of Works
The contract covers arboricultural and forestry services on behalf of Hart District Council.
Works may include tree surgery, tree felling, pruning, crown reduction, pollarding, woodland management, safety works and other tree management tasks across Council sites.
Dryad’s role is to help the Council keep trees and woodland safe, well managed and compliant with current standards.
| Project Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Client | Hart District Council |
| Service | Arboricultural and forestry services |
| Contract Period | August 2024 to July 2027 |
| Sites | Council land, woodlands, public spaces and land under Council responsibility |
| Key Focus | Tree safety, compliance, public protection and efficient local delivery |
Dryad’s Approach
Dryad Tree Specialists brings a local, practical and safety-led approach to this contract.
With a yard close to Hart District, Dryad can support efficient delivery and reduce unnecessary travel. This fits well with the Council’s climate and sustainability aims.
Dryad also uses local tip sites and woodchip outlets where possible. This helps reduce transport miles, cut waste and keep natural materials in local use.
Every job is planned around safety, access, timing, public use and site conditions. Works are delivered by trained arborists using the right equipment for the task.
Technical Standards and Compliance
All work is carried out in line with modern arboricultural practice and relevant British Standards, including BS3998:2010 Tree Work Recommendations.
Dryad’s teams work to recognised industry guidance, including HSE, AFAG, FISA, iCoP and Arboricultural Association guidance.
Before work starts, teams check for site risks, utilities, access issues, wildlife, nesting birds, bat roost features, badger activity, pests and diseases.
Where needed, works are supported by:
- Site-specific risk assessments
- Method statements
- Chapter 8 traffic management
- PUWER checks
- LOLER inspections
- COSHH assessments
- First aid and emergency planning
- Wildlife and habitat checks
Public Safety and Community Value
Much of the work takes place in spaces used by residents, visitors, road users and local communities.
Dryad’s teams are trained to work safely in live public environments. This includes setting up clear work zones, managing access, using correct signage and speaking with residents where access or disruption may be involved.
The aim is simple: keep people safe, protect property and complete the work with as little disruption as possible.
This is vital for local authority tree works, where public safety, clear communication and duty of care all matter.
Equipment, Systems and Delivery
Dryad Tree Specialists has the staff, vehicles, plant and systems needed to deliver both planned and reactive tree works.
The company uses its own in-house system, ArbManage, to manage fleet checks, LOLER records, PUWER inspections, equipment issues, site information and compliance tasks.
This gives managers clear oversight of daily operations. It also helps teams stay safe, organised and ready to respond.
Dryad’s resources include qualified climbing teams, MEWPs, timber handling equipment, grab lorries, chippers, trucks and specialist arboricultural equipment.
Project Outcomes
This contract gives Hart District Council access to a trusted local arboricultural contractor with the skills, equipment and systems needed to support safe tree and woodland management.
For the Council, the key benefits are:
- Safe tree surgery and forestry works across public land
- Support for the Council’s Tree Risk Management Policy
- Efficient delivery from a local contractor
- Strong health and safety controls
- Reduced environmental impact through local operations
- Clear communication with Council officers and residents
- Reliable support for planned and reactive works
By combining qualified arborists, strong compliance systems and local knowledge, Dryad Tree Specialists helps Hart District Council manage its tree stock in a safe, practical and responsible way.
Get in Touch
If your council, estate, housing provider or organisation needs professional tree surgery, forestry works, tree risk management or arboricultural services, contact Dryad Tree Specialists today. Our experienced team delivers safe, compliant and reliable tree care with clear communication from start to finish.
