How to choose the right tree surgeon
What to look for in a tree surgeon
Here are a few things you should look for when choosing a tree surgeon.
- Look for a strong web presence
- Look for online reviews
- Check for landline numbers and an address
What to expect from your tree surgeon during the quotation period
What to expect when your chosen tree surgeon turns up to quote for work
- Look for at least some tree knowledge. Not all tree surgeons know all tree species but they should know the basics.
- The first consultation should be free and under no obligation.
- Make sure they are qualified all tree surgeons should have a minimum of NPTC training to legally undertake any work.
- Tree surgeons shouldn't try and sell either topping or lopping. Topping is considered bad practice and is not good for your trees.
- Always ask for a written quote if they will not provide one move on to another firm. A written quote protects you and also states exactly what is to be done.
- Tree surgeons must work to British standard. Make sure they work to British standard BS3998.
- Find out if stump removal is included. As a rule tree removal quotes are to ground level and stump removal is extra.
- The price should be for everything including removal of debris and tidy up.
- State if you would like to keep the logs right from the off as this can affect the amount of time it takes to do the job.
- Ask a lot of questions and if you do not understand exactly what is going to be done say so.
- Make sure they are insured and ask for proof, tree surgeons should have at least public liability insurance with a minimum of £5 million cover.
- If there are TPO'S or you live in a conservation area a planning application will need to be submitted most tree surgeons will do this for you, generally for free if the work is theirs.
What to expect when your tree surgeons turn up for work
What to expect when they turn up to do the work
- Tree surgeons should turn up on the day agreed at the time agreed.
- Tree surgeons should be polite and friendly
- Check for the correct personal protective equipment tree surgeons should have a minimum of chainsaw pants, chainsaw boots and helmets with visors and earmuffs.
- Every effort should be made to create as little damage to lawns and shrubs as possible they should not be dropping large pieces into your lawn.
- Everything should be taken away. The garden and road should be clean and tidy.
- Do not hand over any money until you are completely satisfied the job has been completed to a standard you are happy with.
- You have the right to pay however you like, do not be pressured into handing over cash if that's not the way you want to pay.
Tree surgeons to avoid
What to avoid
- Avoid door knockers and leaflet drops.
- Beware of tree surgeons in shiny new work wear, most tree surgeons have well worn clothes. You have to wonder how someone could stay clean if doing such a physical job.
- Avoid firms called things such as Local tree surgeons with only mobile numbers on their vans.
- Avoid firms that offer drive laying, tarmacing, fencing, pressure washing or general garden maintenance they may be adequate at these things, but probably lack the necessary expertise to undertake tree work safely and competently.