Why choose an Arborist?
“Proper tree care can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees”.
International Society of Arboriculture
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.
Genuine or not?
Anyone can call themselves a tree surgeon (arborist) and place a large advert in Yellow Pages or on the internet and offer a service. An advert alone does not guarantee quality of work or that it will be carried out safely.
Competent arborists will have certificates 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 provide copies of their insurance, qualifications and professional membership certificates and will work to nationally recognised standards.
Questions you should ask an arborist
Stage 1: Asking for a quote(a reputable arborist will always give a positive response)
- Are you insured? If yes, please show evidence of insurance - Public Liability
- Do you work to a British Standard? If yes, which one? Should be “British Standard 3998: Recommendations for Tree Work”
- What qualifications do you and your staff hold? You should ask to see copies of certificates. Compulsory: Must have NPTC certificates for chainsaw use. NPTC is a national organisation that assesses competence of people using chainsaws and other arboricultural equipment. Competent arborists will be able to show you either an A4 sized certificate and a plastic id card. Recommended: Certificates for other skills and machines. Arboricultural knowledge e.g. National Certificates and Diplomas.
- Will you provide a written quotation? If no, reject this contractor.
- Are you a member of a professional organisation? Membership does not guarantee work standards but does show a degree of commitment.
- Can you provide me with the phone number of a referee who can show me some of your work? If yes, follow up the lead.
Stage 2: Choosing the quote that suits you - When you receive your quotations check they include the following before deciding which one to accept:
- The name, address and land-line telephone number of the company.
- Reference to the British Standard for tree work, BS 3998
- Clear and full details of the work to be undertaken
- What will happen to the debris
- Whether VAT is included in the price
- If the trees are protected, who will be responsible for obtaining permission for the work
- What steps will be taken to protect you and your property
Things to avoid
If you find any of these points it is likely that you are not dealing with a reputable tree surgery company:
- Soliciting work door to door
- Advertising "topping" as a service - topping is harmful to trees and good arborists will not carry it out
- Uses only a mobile phone number or cannot be traced to a permanent address
Remember too that tree surgery is a highly specialised area. Companies that also offer drive laying, fencing or general garden maintenance may be very good at these things, but probably don't have the necessary expertise to undertake tree work safely and competently.
