Tree surgery is one of the few trades anyone can call themselves, whether or not they have ever climbed a tree. That makes choosing the right tree surgeon genuinely important: the difference between a tree that recovers cleanly and one that is weakened for decades often comes down to who holds the saw. Here is what to look for, and the questions worth asking, before you book.
What Qualifications Should a Tree Surgeon Have?
In the UK, the recognised practical qualifications are City & Guilds NPTC assessments, commonly known as tickets. For tree surgery work, the key units cover chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting, felling trees, climbing and performing aerial rescue, and using a chainsaw from a rope and harness. Anyone working at height with a chainsaw should hold the relevant units, and many professionals also hold a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Arboriculture and a first aid qualification. A reputable company will happily show you their credentials.
Is the Company Insured?
Insurance is non-negotiable. At a minimum, the company should hold public liability insurance, and if they employ staff, employer's liability cover. Tree work is inherently risky, and a falling limb can damage a roof, a car or worse. Ask to see the policy, and confirm it covers the work you are having done. If a company is evasive about insurance, walk away, no matter how good the price sounds.
What Questions Should I Ask Before Booking?
Ask about qualifications and insurance first, then ask how they will do the job: who will be on site, what equipment they will use, and how they will protect your garden and property. Ask whether they will take the waste away, and whether the quote includes everything, because cheap quotes that exclude waste removal or stump grinding can double by the end. Ask about British Standard BS 3998, the standard for tree work, and check whether the tree is protected by a TPO or conservation area rules before any work is booked.
How Do I Spot a Rogue Trader?
The warning signs are consistent. A refusal to provide a written quote, pressure to act immediately, cash-only deals, evasiveness about insurance and a willingness to cut protected trees without permission are all red flags. So is a price that is dramatically lower than everyone else's, because it usually means corners are being cut on equipment, safety or insurance. Genuine professionals give you a written, itemised quote and let you think about it.
Where Should I Look for Reviews?
Recommendations from neighbours are worth more than any advertisement, so ask around. Online, Google reviews and Checkatrade give a sense of a company's track record, and good companies share photos of their actual work, not just stock images. Ask for examples of similar jobs, particularly large removals or work in tight gardens, because the photo of a tidy removal in a cramped Chester garden tells you more than a hundred reviews.
What Does a Professional Job Look Like?
A professional arborist inspects the tree before quoting, explains what they will do and why, and works to a written plan. On the day, the site is set up safely, the work is carried out to BS 3998, and the garden is left tidy with all waste removed. They will also tell you when work is not needed: a good tree surgeon's best advice is often to leave a healthy tree alone. Our tree removal and crown reduction pages show how we work, and we are happy to share credentials and references before any job.
Further Reading
- When Is the Best Time to Prune Trees in the UK? Timing your tree work for healthy results.
- What Is Crown Reduction (And When Do You Need It)? Understanding the work before you ask for it.
