FAQ

Below are a number of often asked questions:

Question: Can you come and quote for the work?

Answer: We are happy to quote for work and share with you our thinking. Please call us to discuss your needs.

Question: Can I help during the work?

Answer: This is a very common question and the answer is yes and no! We are happy to have you involved in managing the work to ensure we meet your expectations. However, when it comes to the actual tree work, unless you have the appropriate qualifications and equipment it is not safe or appropriate. The work we do is dangerous and we take very seriously the safety of the site.

Question: Will you cut our tree down in return for the wood?

Answer: Probably not. In most domestic situations the cost of undertaking the work and removing the arisings from site is significantly higher than the value of the timber. When we can, we do factor the value of any wood into the estimate and are happy to share our thinking with you.

Question: What would you recommend I do?

Answer: Arboriculture is often about finding ways of helping trees and people to live together in the same space. Trees are a very significant part of the environment so we believe it is important to balance people's needs with that of the environmental impact of any work undertaken. Some work can be straight forward to define and you may find the notes on the garden page of this site useful. With other work it can be quite challenging to identify the most appropriate intervention (if any). The science of arboriculture is currently in quite a rapid pace of development and we work hard to keep abreast with best practice based on science and research.

Question: Whilst you're here, can you just... (log it up, prune the apple tree, trim the hedge etc...)?

Answer: We estimate work based on how long we think the work will take and we often bring only the equipment we expect to use. Often a small change to the contract is something we can accommodate but additional works can incur additional costs. In busy periods we may not have the capacity to take on more work than originally agreed.

Question: Will it make a mess and what will happen to the wood etc. ?

Answer: Unless agreed otherwise we always leave a site as tidy as is reasonably possible. Wood and chip is taken away and most of the sawdust etc swept up and dealt with. We are happy to leave wood onsite for you to use as firewood. Firewood processing is often best done whilst the wood is green. We can factor this into the work if required.

Question: Are you qualified and insured?

Answer: We are qualified to undertake a wide range of tree work including chainsaw work, climbing and rigging operations. All team members are appropriately qualified for the work they are undertaking. We responsibly supervise all sites and the business is insured. All climbing and lowering equipment is independently inspected in line with national guidelines. Documentation can be supplied on request.

Question: I have a tree with a Tree preservation order or I live in a conservation area, can you work on this tree?

Answer: The answer is that we can't work on the tree without permission. We may well be able to get permission by applying to do the work. Applications are made to the tree officer who works for the planning department at the local council. In the event that the work is urgent because the tree has become dangerous it is still best, if at all possible, to call the tree officer first and explain the situation. We are happy to help with these applications when needed.

Question: Why do you need two people for such a quick job?

Answer: For some small jobs it is possible for one person to undertake the work on their own. Often however, it is more efficient and safer to work as part of a team. As soon as we have a climber in the tree we are required by health and safety legislation to have rescue provision organised. The simplest way of doing this is to have two qualified climbers on site.

Question: Do you do hedge cutting?

Yes, we do hedge cutting including large inaccessible hedges that are to big for most gardeners. Many large hedges whilst providing privacy are at the same time 'robbing' significant space and light from peoples gardens, it's not uncommon to be asked to work on oversized hedges where perhaps a better option would be to completely remove the existing hedge and replant the area with something beautiful that that you can enjoy for years to come. Following tree or hedge removal we team up with the garden designers Natures Curators and Rebel Garden Design

Question: Can you supply a replacement tree?

We have a limited stock of garden trees, this is something we intend to continue to develop into the future. For other trees we have a good relationship with a number of tree nurseries.