Anyone can call themselves a tree surgeon and take out an advert in the local paper, which is unfortunate and means there are a lot of cowboys out there and picking the good from the bad is not always easy. So here are a few things to help you choose an reliable arborist (the name for a tree care professional) who can work to an acceptable standard.

Working with chainsaws and climbing trees is dangerous work which requires a great deal of skill, experience and training. This should be backed up by technical knowledge about the job at hand and how the tree will cope with the operation.

First have a plan of what you would like, write it down if necessary. A copy could be given to the contractors who come to quote. This has helped me in the past to provide an accurate quote and helped to jog memories.

  • First step is to check to see if the tree(s) has aTPOs (Tree Preservation Order) placed upon it. If so you (or your chosen arborist) will need to seek written permission to do anything to the tree. You may also be in a conservation area which would also prevent work taking place without permission so check with your local tree officer first or local planning office. Your arborist can also do this later on your behalf.
  • Firstly check to see if the company publish a valid landline and their address. Cowboys often only use mobiles which can be easy to get and dispose of. If they hide their address then what else do they have to hide?
  • Ensure the company has adequate insurance and ask to see a copy.
  • Qualifications – All tree surgeons should have, as a minimum, NPTC units. This are competency units which declare the individual competent for the relevant task. The 4 core units for a tree surgeon are
    • CS30 – Chainsaw Maintenance  & Chainsaw Use on Ground to Crosscut Branches
    • CS31 :- Felling of Small Trees
    • CS38 :- Climb a Tree & Perform Aerial Rescue
    • CS39 :- Operate a Chainsaw From Rope And Harness
  • Ask for recommendations, references or testimonials
  • Ask if the tree surgeon works to British Standards. The two main British standards for tree work are:
    • British Standard 3998:1989 ‘British Standard Recommendations for Tree Work’
    • British Standard 5837:1991 ‘Trees in Relation to Construction’
  • Feel free to ask other questions about the job such as “How will you remove the tree?”, “How will you avoid damaging my fence?”, “How long will it take?”, “Will the tree look ok afterwards and will it cope with such work?” Its not a definite way to catch a cowboy out but it may help spot one.
  • Obtain a written quote. Make sure everything you have asked for is included along with any extras such as disposal of waste, equipment hire (such as cherry pickers or wood chippers) and any taxes.
On the day look out for a few key things
  • All staff should be wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This is usually chainsaw boots, chainsaw trousers and a helmet with visor and ear protection. Protective boots are compulsory for all operatives using a saw and the helmet is a must for all operatives on site. If they turn up in jeans I would send them away.
  • Climbers should have an appropriate harness (not full body and not a scaffolding harness) and rope and use them. I have seen cowboys wear full body harnesses but not connect them to anything, which kind of defeats the point in wearing them.
  • Minimum of two staff during tree climbing operations and at least one ground staff should have the ariel rescue qualification.
  • Busy roads have signs and cones where appropriate and all ground staff wear high visibility vests.
If you wish to discuss the abouve or any of your tree care needs then please do get in touch
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