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Acaster Arboriculture

Frequently Asked Questions
 
The following is information to help you choose a reputable Tree Surgeon. This is by no means a full de-facto list but goes some way to helping you choose a professional Arborist.

 

  

 
Most people require the services of a tree surgeon only a few times in the course of home ownership (except for perhaps regular hedging contracts). Frequently not enough care is taken in employing a reputable tree surgeon (or Arborist as some like to be known) as tree work is to some not seen as a skilled profession - yet you would not feel the same about employing an incompetent plumber or electrician even though an incompetent tree surgeon could potentially do just as much damage to your property! 

The tree surgery industry has a poor reputation because of the ease of starting up a business; to some, a chainsaw and a pair of ladders make them a professional tree surgeon! This practice is further encouraged by people who take the attitude that the work takes place outside of the home so "who cares if they are a cowboy, I just want a cheap job done"! Whilst this attitude exists there will be many alleged "Tree Surgeons" doing a poor job and making a good living because they wont have the overheads of insurance, training etc. This leads to many people entering into an agreement which may leave them open to unscrupulous behavior and potentially hundreds of pounds out of pocket.

 
What's the difference between a Quotation and an Estimate?

Always try to obtain a Quotation. This is a fixed price and, as such, prevents yourself from any further expense; with an Estimate the person you employ is legitimately able to ask for more money for work they have done, and, believe me, a lot of them will find a reason to up the price! An experienced Arborist should know how long a job will take, and can therefore supply a Quotation rather than an Estimate as all the work is visible to the eye.

 
What identification should I ask for? Always obtain a business card. This should contain a contact address, so if anything were to go wrong you know how to contact them (or more importantly, your solicitor does!). Likewise, all paperwork should be headed with a business address. If this is absent be suspicious.  

 

 
How can I find a good Tree Surgeon?

Personal recommendation is usually the best method, however, you can always contact your local council who may be able to supply a list of contactors who they deal with. Alternatively you can contact the Arboricultural Association who have a list of larger companies that have applied and gained approval status by them - http://www.trees.org.uk, or telephone on 01794 368717. They can also supply their own leaflet on "Choosing a Good Tree Surgeon."

If you are unable to find someone who has been recommended to you there are questions you can ask in order to help make your choice, as follows:

 

  

 
What sort of Insurance should companies have? All Tree Surgeons must have Public Liability Insurance, with cover for any damage to property, normally ranging from one to five million pounds. Don't be afraid to ask for proof of insurance, as it is very costly and a lot of Arborists say they have the insurance but don't. Don't be put off by promises to show it, as they often don't materialize! Even if you think that the particular job you want done wont cause any damage, having insurance is an indication of professionalism and commitment to the business.

 

  
Should I worry about Health & Safety? All Tree Surgeons must wear protective clothing if using a chainsaw. It's a common occurrence to see operators not wearing helmets or protective trousers because it's too hot or uncomfortable. Unfortunately this is illegal. Although you think this may not concern you, you won't be happy if the Tree Surgeons are halted half way through your job because they have been caught operating illegally by the H. S. E. (Health & Safety Executive) or one of them has cut his leg off and is bleeding all over your garden!

 

  
Are there Qualifications/Certificates in Tree Surgery? There are many qualifications that a Tree Surgeon could have, ranging from National Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees in Arboriculture. Generally these relate to the theory side of tree work, and prove that a Tree Surgeon has the knowledge required to carry out any work necessary.

In addition to qualifications, the Tree Surgeon MUST have certificates to allow them to use their equipment. Again, like the qualifications it is a bit of a minefield for (as an example), they must have a certificate to fell small trees; one for medium trees; one for large trees; one to delimb them; one to use a chainsaw in the tree and so on. To dismantle an average size tree the operator will probably need around six certificates issued by the National Proficiency Tests Council (N.P.T.C.) These certificates are recorded on a card with the operators photograph and should be presented to you upon request.

Not only do qualifications and certificates ensure that the work to be carried out should be to an acceptable standard, there are also British Standards to which Tree Surgeons have to adhere to, namely BS3998. If a prospective Arborist cannot quote this or knows not of its existence, be suspicious. There are also other Standards to which an Arborist has to conform to depending on the nature of work.

 

  
Do I need to get permission form the Local Council for any tree work? Trees are sometimes covered by Tree Preservation Orders, or happen to be in a Conservation Area. Permission must be obtained from the local council before commencing work, and if not obtained you could be liable to fines of a few thousand pounds. A good Tree Surgeon will happily carry out the necessary checks and fill out any paperwork required on your behalf.

 

  

What about any wildlife that might be in the trees?

 Any work carried out by any contractor is governed by the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) regarding birds nests and bat roosts, and Hedgerow Regulations (1997) If a nest is discovered and contains eggs/birds, then work has to cease until the nest is abandoned. In the event of a bat roost the tree must not be removed, even if the roost is abandoned. A good Tree Surgeon will always adhere to these regulations.

 

  
What state will the Tree Surgeon leave my garden in? Unless you have agreed otherwise, a reputable Tree Surgeon should leave the site as clean as they started, with no or minimal damage (all of which should have been discussed beforehand). Ask the tree surgeon how they dispose of their waste. Some burn at a farm, some will use land-fill services, a few will recycle the waste (the most environmentally friendly method) and, of course, some fly-tip (which should never be condoned!) 

 
 And finally.... Remember that at the end of the day you generally get what you pay for. The tree surgeon is performing a service for you so do not let them muck you around! If you are unhappy with the work carried out ,tell people; if you obtained the Tree Surgeon's name from a local magazine, tell the magazine. If they are reputable they will withdraw the advertising.