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Choosing Your Specialist

If tree work is not done properly it could lead to:


INJURY to people*
DAMAGE to property*
SERIOUS HARM to your trees that have taken many years to grow…

All through ill-advised and badly executed tree work.


*Potentially you may be liable if a 3rd party is affected.


QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK AN ARBORIST


Stage 1: ASK FOR A QUOTE**

(a reputable arborist will always give a positive response)


  • Are you insured?

If YES. please show evidence of insurance – Employers’ Liability & Public Liability (recommended minimum of £5 million).

If YES, which one?

Should be BS3998: 2010 ‘Tree Work – Recommendations’.

  • What qualifications do you and your staff hold? (ask to see copies)

Compulsory: MUST have NPTC/Lantra Awards*** certificates for chainsaw use.

Recommended: Certificates for other skills and machines. Arboricultural knowledge e.g. National Certificates and Diplomas in Arboriculture.

  • Will you provide a written quotation?

If NO, reject the contractor.

  • Are you a member of a professional organisation?

Membership does not guarantee work standards but does show a degree of commitment.

  • Can you provide me with the phone number of a referee who can show me some of your work?

If YES, follow up the reference.

**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.


Stage 2: CHOOSING THE QUOTE THAT SUITS YOU

When you receive your quotations check they include the following before deciding which one to accept:


  • Reference to BS3998: 2010 ‘Tree Work – Recommendations’

  • Clear and full details of the work to be undertaken (the specification).

  • What will happen to the timber and brushwood?

  • What will happen wit the tree stumps?

  • Whether VAT is included.

  • Who will be responsible for obtaining permission if the trees are protected?

  • What steps will be taken to protect you and your property (the risk assessment)?

Be aware that there may be a limited quote validity period.


Stage 3: CONSUMER PROTECTION

If problems arise you can get help and advice from industry bodies such as the Arboricultural Association, International Society of Arboriculture or TrustMark.


Information courtesy of Arboriculture Association.



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