Choosing a Tree Surgeon
Choosing a tree surgeon (sometimes called an arborist or
arboriculturalist) can be a difficult task and if not done
properly could lead to injury, damage to property and
irrevocable damage to your trees. The Council is unable to
recommend a tree surgeon, but can provide some advice on how to
choose a competent arborist/tree surgeon.
Why Choose a Professional Tree Surgeon?
Tree work is a dangerous and highly skilled operation. Choosing
a tree surgeon is something that must be done with great care.
Picking the wrong arborist could lead to:
- Injury to people
- Damage to property
- Irrevocable damage to your trees that have taken many
years to grow
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.
How Can You Tell if They are the Real Deal?
Anyone can call themselves a tree surgeon and advertise
themselves as such. Unfortunately an advert alone is no
guarantee of the quality of work that the "tree
surgeon" might do, or that it will be carried out
safely.Competent tree surgeons will have certificates
(National Proficiency Tests
Council (NPTC)) which show that they have been trained and
assessed. They will often have other academic qualifications in
arboriculture and will use safety equipment to protect you, your
property and themselves. Reputable tree care companies will be
pleased to show you copies of their insurance (Employers'
and Public Liability), qualifications and professional memberships and will work to
nationally recognised standards (Eg BS 3998 (2010)). Asking
for (and getting) a written quotation for the work to be
carried out is also a good idea
When the tree surgeon comes to look at the work you want done
ask lots of questions. Good tree surgeons have a great deal of
knowledge about different species of trees, when and how to work on
them, and the pests and diseases that can affect them. They will
visit you to discuss your requirements and provide a quotation
without obligation.
Always ask for a quotation not an estimate. An estimate is just
that, an estimate; the price may change during the job.
Professional Tree Surgeons will be happy to provide a quotation
without obligation. Get the quotation in writing and check that it
includes disposal of arisings and that the site will be left
reasonably clean & tidy. You also need to know whether VAT is
payable. If you wish to keep the logs or wood chips tell the
tree surgeon while he is quoting, it may mean a reduction in the
cost of the job. If you need a tree root removed after a
tree has been felled as opposed to leaving the stump make sure this
is included on the quotation. Never pay until the job is
complete.
For alternative advice on the selection of a tree surgeon why
not try the Aboriculrtural
Association, the Arboricultural
Information Exchange or the tree-care.info websites.
Prior to any tree work being carried out it is important to
check whether the tree is legally protected or not. If a tree is
protected there are certain legal obligations that must be
fulfilled prior to any work beginning. Your tree surgeon may well
check the legal status of your tree for you or you can contact
the Landscape
Officer directly. For more information on the laws that might
be protecting your tree please see our Tree
Preservation Guidelines.
Further Help and Advice
Please visit or contact our Customer Service Centre:
Get In Touch - Contact Customer
Services
We value your comments about the service we provide we provide.
If you have any suggestions regarding possible improvements please
write to the Head of Planning Services or the Landscape Officer at
the Council House, Avenue Road, Malvern WR14 3AF or alternatively
email the Conservation
team.
