Employing a tree work contractor

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. Competent arborists or tree surgeons will have certificates, such as NPTC (for a document detailing these, please see the 'Relevant Documents' section of this page), which will show that they have been trained and assessed. They will often have other academic qualifications in arboriculture or horticulture and will use safety equipment to protect you, your property and themselves. An employee working with chainsaws who has not been trained to do so is breaking the Law. Reputable tree care companies will be pleased to furnish copies of their insurance, qualifications and professional memberships and will work to nationally recognised standards.

Guide to employing a tree work contractor

Arrange a site visit with the contractor to discuss the tree work. Show any correspondence and written consent for works to protected trees to them and ask for a written quote with specifications detailing the pruning type and treatment, and disposal of debris and arisings. It may be in your financial interest to get more than one quote.

Ask to see a copy of the contractors current Certificate of Insurance (Public Liability and/or Employers Liability - minimum £5 million is recommended) before any works proceed. Ask if they work to current best practice for tree work operations (this is currently BS:3998. British Standards for Tree Work). You may also wish to ask for references from recently satisfied customers.

When you receive your written 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 BS 3998
• Clear and full details of the work to be undertaken
• What will happen to the debris
• Whether VAT is included
• Who will be responsible for obtaining permission for the work if the trees are protected
• What steps will be taken to protect you and your property

Pay for the tree works once it is completed to the agreed specification. If you are unhappy with the standard of the works or the works fail to meet the agreed specification contact the company director/principal to discuss your complaint. A reputable contractor will be anxious to resolve any problems. If they are an Arboricultural Association approved contractor and you are still unhappy with the results, contact the AA. They will independently assess the complaint and a response actioned.

For your information the Arboricultural Association (AA) published a directory of approved contractors and consultants (professional & insured). Alternatively, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) publish a list of certified arborists. Other arborists may be equally competent but have chosen not to take part in these schemes.