The TOP 20 Frequently Asked Tree Surgeon Questions 

Choosing a tree surgeon can be a daunting task, especially when you are balancing the health of your landscape with the safety of your home. To help you navigate the process, we have compiled the top 20 questions we hear from clients in Evesham and across the West Midlands.

Qualifications & Legalities

1. Are tree surgeons fully insured?

Yes. Any reputable tree surgeon must have Public Liability Insurance (usually £5m minimum) and Employers' Liability Insurance to protect against property damage or injury.

2. What qualifications do you need to be a tree surgeon?

Our team is NPTC (City & Guilds) qualified. This ensures we are trained in chainsaw use, aerial rescue, and professional rigging.

3. Do I need permission to cut down or prune my tree?

If your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or sits within a Conservation Area, you must get local council approval. We can handle these applications for you.

4. How can I tell if my tree has a TPO?

You can check with your local planning authority or ask us to perform a search during our initial site visit to discuss your tree care.

Safety & Techniques

5. What is the difference between pruning and "topping"?

Pruning is a strategic cut to improve health; "topping" is the harmful practice of removing the top of a tree, which often leads to decay and structural instability.

6. What is crown lifting?

This involves removing the lower branches of a tree to increase clearance for pedestrians, vehicles, or to allow more light into a garden.

7. What is crown reduction?

Reducing the overall height and spread of the tree’s canopy while maintaining its natural shape.

8. Is tree surgery dangerous?

Yes, it is one of the highest-risk professions. This is why we use specialized rigging, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and never work alone.

9. Can you work in bad weather?

Light rain is fine, but high winds or lightning are safety hazards. We will reschedule if the weather makes climbing or felling unsafe.

Logistics & Cleanup

10. What happens to the wood and debris?

We usually chip the small branches and remove the logs. However, many clients choose to keep the logs for firewood or the woodchips for garden mulch.

11. Do I need to be home while you work?

As long as we have access to the tree and a clear understanding of the scope, you don’t need to stay home.

12. Will you leave a mess?

No. We pride ourselves on our "immaculate site" policy. We rake, sweep, and blow away sawdust and debris before leaving.

13. How long does a typical job take?

A simple hedge trim might take two hours, while a large sectional dismantle of a mature Oak could take one or two full days.

14. Can you grind out the stump?

Yes, we offer stump grinding as an add-on service. This removes the stump below ground level so you can replant or pave over the area.

Tree Health & Timing

15. When is the best time of year to prune trees?

For most species, late autumn or winter (when the tree is dormant) is best. However, trees like Cherry or Plum are best pruned in summer to avoid Silver Leaf disease.

16. How do I know if my tree is dying?

Look for signs like brittle branches, lack of leaves in spring, "bleeding" sap, or fungal brackets (mushrooms) at the base.

17. What is Ash Dieback?

A chronic fungal disease killing Ash trees across the UK. If you see diamond-shaped lesions on the bark or "dieback" in the canopy, contact us for an assessment.

18. Will my tree grow back after pruning?

Yes, but the way it grows back depends on the cut. Professional pruning encourages healthy, structured regrowth.

Costs & Estimates

19. How much does tree removal cost?

Costs vary based on the size, location, and complexity of the tree. We provide free, no-obligation quotes to give you an accurate price.

20. Why is tree surgery more expensive than general gardening?

You are paying for specialized machinery, high insurance premiums, and the technical expertise required to work safely at height.