Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• inspect tree and surroundings for health, deadwood and nearby cables

• remove selected branches to reshape the crown and improve light or clearance

• carry out crown thinning and small crown reduction, pruning back to live growth

• remove deadwood and unsafe limbs and prune to appropriate branch collars

• chip arisings on site where possible and remove larger logs and waste

• leave site tidy, make clean cuts and advise on aftercare and follow-up checks

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Most domestic reshaping of a single medium tree takes 2–6 hours on site. Time increases for taller or multiple trees, difficult access, the need for a cherry picker or scaffold, extensive deadwood, protected-tree paperwork (TPOs), or poor weather

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• are you qualified and NPTC or City & Guilds certified for tree work?

• do you carry public liability insurance and can you show the policy limits?

• will you need permission for a TPO or conservation area and will you arrange it?

• how will you access the tree and do you need a cherry picker or scaffold?

• what will you do with arisings and is waste removal included in the quote?

• can you provide a written quote with estimated timescale and any exclusions?

How to Avoid Surprises

• check tree ownership and any TPO or conservation area status before you book

• ensure clear parking and access for vans, a chipper or a cherry picker

• tell the tradie about overhead cables, outbuildings, ponds and delicate planting

• agree removal of arisings and any tipping fees in writing before work starts

• keep pets and children away on the day and warn neighbours of noisy work

• expect delays for bad weather or hidden decay and ask about contingency costs