What Qualifications Should You Look for from a Tree Surgeon?
Choosing the right tree surgeon can be difficult. With so many companies offering tree surgery services in Lancashire, how do you know who’s a fully qualified arborist and who is just a person with a chainsaw?
Here’s your guide to what sort of qualifications you should look out for from a qualified tree surgeon.
Why Tree Surgeon Qualifications Matter
Tree surgery is dangerous work. It involves working at height, operating power tools, and managing the fall of heavy trees that could cause serious damage if things go wrong. Properly qualified tree surgeons have the training to work safely, protect your property, and care for trees correctly. Attempting DIY tree surgery or hiring someone unqualified risks injury and property damage, as well as risking the health of the tree.
Essential Qualifications to Look For
NPTC Certificates: The Industry Standard
The National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC) award qualifications for tree surgeons in the UK. NPTC qualifications prove that tree surgeons have been properly trained and assessed to ensure they:
- Are safe working at height
- Can manage power tools effectively
- Can control the fall of branches and trees
- Have the horticultural understanding to prune the tree healthily
Professional tree surgeons should happily show you their NPTC certificates. If they can’t produce their qualifications, it’s your sign to walk away.
CSCS Cards: Construction Site Safety
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card is specific to building sites and construction, so it may not be necessary for residential projects. Not every tree surgeon will have one, but tree surgeons who do hold a CSCS have been approved to work in the construction industry, which highlights their skill and professionalism.
Our teams are employed by big construction companies like Seddon and Countryside, so we’re used to working on busy sites.
TrustMark Approval
TrustMark is a government-endorsed quality scheme for tradespeople. Approval means the company has been vetted for competence, customer service standards, and trading practices. It provides additional peace of mind when choosing tree surgeons.
Insurance: Non-Negotiable for tree Surgeons
Insurance is a must-have for tree surgeons. It gives you the reassurance that in the unlikely event that something does go wrong, you’re covered against property damage, personal injury, or injury to any workers. Every professional tree surgeon must carry:
Public Liability Insurance – Covers damage to your property or injuries to third parties. This protects you if branches damage your roof, vehicles, or neighbouring properties during tree work.
Employer’s Liability Insurance – Required by law if the company employs staff. It covers injuries to workers on your property. Without it, you could face legal complications if accidents occur.
Always ask to see current insurance certificates before work begins – it’s not rude to ask a tree surgeon for their insurance or their qualifications. If they’re genuine, they won’t be offended and will happily provide proof on request or have information readily available on their website like we do.
Experience and Knowledge
While qualifications are essential, experience and practical local knowledge is essential. Established tree surgeons in Lancashire understand local tree species, common diseases in the region, and how local weather patterns affect trees. We’ve got over 14 years of experience and a proven track record of successful tree surgeries across Lancashire and the North West.
The Dangers of DIY Tree Removal
It’s tempting to save money by trying to tackle tree work yourself, but DIY tree removal can be extremely dangerous.
Why DIY tree work is dangerous:
- Trees are unpredictable and can fall in unexpected directions
- Branches under tension can spring back when cut
- Working at height without proper training and equipment is life-threatening
- Power tools can cause severe injuries when mishandled
- Falling branches can cause property damage or fatal injuries
- Electricity hazards from nearby power lines are often overlooked by DIYers, our team know how to recognise dangers and perform risk assessments.
Even simple jobs like removing small trees or cutting branches can go wrong, causing damage to homes, cars and public property. Not to mention, the risk of injury is high.
Our professional tree surgeons in Lancashire have the training, experience, and specialised equipment to manage risks safely. Tree surgery is a highly specialised and dangerous profession. Just like you wouldn’t attempt gas work yourself, you shouldn’t attempt tree surgery yourself.
Red Flags When Hiring a Tree Surgeon
Avoid tree surgeons who:
- Can’t provide proof of qualifications or insurance
- Offer prices significantly lower than competitors
- Pressure you for immediate decisions or cash payments
- Arrive at your door unsolicited offering cheap tree work
- Can’t provide references or examples of previous work
- Suggest unnecessary tree removal without assessment and clear reason
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
When looking for tree surgeons in Leyland, Preston, Chorley, or across Lancashire, ask:
- “Can I see your NPTC certificate?” (or CSCS if hiring for construction sites)
- “Do you have insurance? Can I see the certificate?”
- “How long have you been operating in Lancashire?”
- “Can you provide images from recent jobs?”
- “Do you have reviews or references I can see?”
- “Will you provide a detailed written quote?”
Professional tree surgeons will be happy to answer all your questions and provide documentation readily. Walk away from anyone who refuses to answer or seems offended you’re asking questions.
Making the Right Choice
Trees can be unpredictable and require expertise to be removed safely. Properly qualified tree surgeons protect your safety and your property, as well as the health of the tree. Whilst qualified professional may be more expensive, it’s worth it to know they’re not going to drop a tree branch through your roof or crush your car (which would cost even more).
When choosing tree surgeons in Lancashire, always verify qualifications and check their insurance. Our team of fully qualified tree surgeons serve Preston, Chorley, Leyland and the wider North West.
