Tree surgery is an unregulated industry in the UK. Anyone can call themselves a tree surgeon, buy a chainsaw, and start knocking on doors. The result is that homeowners often struggle to tell the difference between a qualified professional and someone who could leave them with a damaged tree, a liability claim, or worse. Here are ten questions that will help you find the right person for the job.
First, ask about qualifications. The industry standard in the UK is NPTC (National Proficiency Tests Council) certification, now administered by City & Guilds. A competent tree surgeon should hold, at minimum, certificates in chainsaw maintenance (CS30), cross-cutting and manual stacking (CS31), and felling small trees (CS32). For climbing work, they should hold the relevant aerial tree rigging and dismantling certificates (CS38, CS39, CS41). LANTRA Awards is another recognised body. Don’t be shy about asking to see certificates — a genuine professional will be happy to show them.
Second, check their insurance. Public liability insurance is essential — look for at least £5 million of cover, which is the industry standard. This protects you if something goes wrong during the work and your property (or your neighbour’s) is damaged. Employers’ liability insurance is also required by law if they have any employees. Ask for a copy of the insurance certificate and check that it’s current.
Third, will they visit the site before quoting? A reputable tree surgeon will always come and look at the tree in person before giving a price. They need to assess the tree’s condition, the access, the proximity to buildings and power lines, and whether any permissions are needed. Anyone who quotes over the phone without seeing the tree is either guessing or doesn’t care about getting it right.
Fourth, ask whether the tree has a TPO or is in a conservation area. A professional will check this automatically, but it’s a useful test — if they don’t mention it, they may not be aware of the regulations. Working on a protected tree without consent is a criminal offence that can result in heavy fines, and you as the homeowner are ultimately responsible.
Fifth, will they provide a written quote? A clear, written quote should detail exactly what work will be done, what’s included (cutting, chipping, removal of waste, stump treatment), and the total price. Verbal agreements are a common source of disputes. Get it in writing.
Sixth, ask about waste removal. Some tree surgeons include waste removal in their quote; others charge extra or expect you to deal with it. Find out what happens to the timber and brash. A good operator will chip the branchwood on-site and either take it away or leave you the woodchip for mulching. Timber can often be cut into logs if you want to keep it.
Seventh, check reviews. Platforms like Checkatrade, TrustATrader, and Google Reviews provide genuine customer feedback. Look for consistent positive reviews over time, not just a handful of recent ones. Pay attention to what customers say about punctuality, tidiness, and communication — these matter as much as the technical work.
Eighth, be wary of door-to-door sellers. Reputable tree surgeons don’t go knocking on doors offering cheap work. This is one of the most common ways homeowners end up with poor-quality tree work or being overcharged for unnecessary work. If someone turns up uninvited claiming your tree is dangerous and needs immediate work, politely decline and get an independent assessment.
Ninth, ask about their approach to the work. A professional will explain what they plan to do and why, using terms you can understand. They should be willing to discuss alternatives — for example, whether a crown reduction might be better than felling, or whether a tree really does need removing at all. Be suspicious of anyone who immediately recommends the most expensive option.
Tenth, ask for references or examples of previous work. Most established tree surgeons will have a portfolio of past projects, whether on their website, social media, or simply photographs they can show you. Seeing what they’ve done for other homeowners gives you confidence in the quality of their work.
At AG Garden & Tree, we hold full NPTC and LANTRA qualifications, carry £5 million public liability insurance, and have a 9.9 out of 10 rating on Checkatrade from over 200 verified reviews. We provide free written quotes after a site visit and are always happy to answer any of these questions. If you’re getting quotes from other companies too, we’d encourage you to ask them the same questions.
