Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Inspect plants to identify species, overgrowth, deadwood and disease

• Prune and reshape hedges, shrubs and small trees using appropriate hand and powered tools

• Remove dead, diseased or crossing branches and carry out light crown reduction or thinning where required

• Check for nesting birds and other wildlife and advise on timing or restrictions before work proceeds

• Chip arisings on site or remove green waste to a skip/transfer; leave borders and paths tidy

• Protect turf, patios and garden features during works and report any damaged plants that need replacing

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Most small-plot pruning and reshaping jobs take 1–4 hours; larger hedges or multi-stem trees can take a full day or more. Factors that extend time include height and canopy size, poor access, required rope or scaffold work, nesting birds, and wet or windy weather

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• Are you insured for public liability and for working at height

• Do you hold relevant qualifications and certificates for chainsaw and tree work (for example NPTC)

• How will you deal with arisings — chip on site, take away, or require a skip and what is included in the price

• How do you check for nesting birds and will you delay work if nests are present

• Is the quote fixed or hourly and what circumstances would trigger additional charges

• Can you provide references, photos of similar jobs and a written scope with before/after photos

How to Avoid Surprises

• Ensure clear access to the garden and confirm gate widths for trailers or chippers

• Book parking or reserve a driveway space for the vehicle and trailer to avoid delays

• Move fragile pots and garden furniture away from the work area and secure or remove pets

• Check whether pruning falls in the bird nesting season and agree alternative dates if necessary

• Agree waste removal in advance and confirm if a skip, chipper or green-bin collection is included

• Confirm tradie will use PPE and safe working methods and whether any protection is needed for patios or borders