
How to identify a tree professional with all the things to look out for when choosing who to use
Choosing your Tree Surgeon
(Arborist)
If tree work is not done properly it could lead to:
All through ill-advised and badly executed tree work.
*Potentially you may be liable is a 3rd party is affected.
(a reputable arborist will always give a positive response)
**Obtain more than one quote, ideally 3.
***NPTC and Lantra Awards are national organisations that assess competence of people using chainsaws and other arboricultural equipment. Competent arborists will be able to show you an A4 sized certificate or plastic ID card if requested.
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 experience at the type of work being undertaken, e.g. tree pruning/tree removal.
When you receive your quotations check they include the following before deciding which one to accept:
Be aware that there may be a limited quote validity period.
If problems arise you can get help and advice from industry bodies such as the Arboricultural Association, International Society of Arboriculture or TrustMark.
In the UK there are two recognised schemes certifying the competence of arborists through examination and regular re-assessment or Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
The Arboricultural Association (AA) maintains an online Directory of quality assured tree surgery businesses. they are regularly assessed for their health and safety procedures, office and business practices, including customer care, as well as their quality of tree work. they will display the AA ARB Approved Contractor logo.
Check whether the contractor’s approval is current on the Arboricultural Association website via the ‘Find a Tree Surgeon’ link.
Individual arborists may be certified by the International Society or Arboriculture (ISA). The ISA assesses the individual for their knowledge and ability. Certified arborists will display the ISA Certified Arborist logo.
Please check with the Society that the arborist’s approval is current, throught the ISA website www.isa-arbor.com/.
Other arborists may be equally competent. If they do not subscribe to either of the above schemes you should take more care to follow up the advice contained in Stage 1 & 2 above.
There is no shortage of people and companies offering tree work services, but how do you choose between them? The Health and Safety Executive says,
clients engaging contractors to undertake tree work need to carefully check they have the necessary skill and competence. Tree work is hazardous; to be done safely it requires properly trained and experienced people… Arboricultural trade associations can supply details of approved contractors and information to help you choose a competent tree work contractor…
It is equally important that advice given in respect to trees is correct and from reliable professionals. People and companies in this directory have satisfied the Arboricultural Association that they are competent to provide the consultancy and contractor services as described.
A great way to recognise a competent Tree Surgeon is to look out for the ARB Approved Contractor Shield. The shield is relatively new and chances are your local Tress Surgeon may still be displaying the old logo. Indeed, just because you see the old logo it does not mean they are not approved, just go to our directory page to check out a Tree Surgeon to give you peace-of-mind. We only show Tree Surgeons who have been approved and who have been assessed.
No head injury protection (helmet)
No eyesight protection
No hearing protection
No fall protection (platform, rope and harness etc.)
No cut protection (chainsaw resistant trousers and boots)
No head injury protection (helmet)
No protection from traffic (high visibility clothing, road signing and traffic management)
Pedestrians and residents at risk of being hit by timber
Vehicles at risk of being hit by timber
Damage to fencing and other garden features
Damage to street infrastructure
Damage to a valuable tree
You could be at risk if you employ a tree surgeon or tree advisor who works like this and causes harm, injury or loss to yourself or anyone else.
No helmet
No eye protection
No hearing protection
No fall protection
No cut protection
Outdated chainsaw
Industrial chainsaw helmet
Full-face visor including eye protection
Ear defenders for hearing protection
Rope and harness for fall protection
Chainsaw trousers / boots for cut protection
Modern chainsaw with safety features
By choosing tree surgeons from this directory you have the security of knowing that each person or company has passed the Arboricultural Association’s rigorous and industry recognised standards of safety and tree care. All home/landowners have a responsibility* to engage competent people to work on their property. If you choose to use a contractor not listed in the directory the following checklist can help you establish the contractor’s competence.
*Common law duty of care responsibilities and sometimes liabilities under the Occupiers’ Liability Acts of 1957 & 1984.