About Us.
A friendly, reliable and honest service since 1973
“We pride ourselves on delivering a professional service and providing sound advice”
Ed Hackman - Managing Director
Our team.
Ed Hackman
Director and Manager of Blue Cedar Tree Surgeons
Climber
William Hackman
Ed’s father and founder of Blue Cedar Tree Surgeons.
Consultant
Steve White
Groundsman
Jody Foote
Climber
Bea Hackman
Accounts and Administration
Our history.
1972.
William Hackman attended Shuttleworth Agricultural College in 1969 after 18 months of practical farming. Alongside which he carried out Chainsaw work to supplement his student grant.
‘One of my first customers was a lecturer for the newly formed Open University. He had a row of elm trees that didn’t look very well. This was my first encounter with Dutch Elm Disease.’
William returned to West Sussex in 1972 and purchased his first tractor with the aim of Farm hedge cutting, ditch cleaning and fencing. However, by this time Dutch Elm Disease had taken hold and more and more of his work involved the felling of dead elms.
With contracts for West Sussex County Council being won for the felling of roadside trees it became clear there was a need for bigger machinery.
1987
After The Great Storm of 1987 William worked for the WSCC Highways, removing trees from houses with the aid of a mobile crane.
The Storm produced enough work to enable William to purchase a long held desire, a redundant saw from Pink & Sons of Fareham, which he then installed in his woodyard.
William continued to carry out works for County and District Councils, Stately Homes, Health and Education Authorities, developers, local farmers and of course private households – laying the foundations of the client base still present to this day.
2001
Inheriting a passion for arboriculture William’s son Ed joined the business after completing his training at Merrist Wood.
2015
After 14 years as a successful father/son team, William handed over the reins to Ed, whilst remaining an integral part of the business with his continued input of knowledge and experience.
2020
Blue Cedar Tree Surgeons continue to be recognised for their expertise and professionalism, often leading to the team being commissioned for projects across the UK whilst also maintaining a local client base in the South East.
For a free, informal chat about your arboricultural needs, however big or small, please get in touch.
