| It's the time of year when you realize that the | | | | copies? Will I get a fixed quotation or just an |
| trees in your garden are getting too big and with | | | | estimate? An estimate is just that, an estimate; |
| the stormy season approaching, it is time to do | | | | the price may change during the job. Is the quote |
| something about it. | | | | provided in writing? Is VAT added to the quoted |
| The trees may be: | | | | price? What steps will be taken to protect you |
| - Cutting out too much light. | | | | and your property? |
| - Outgrowing the area they were planted in, | | | | Public liability insurance is a must. Will they provide |
| growing too near houses, sheds, pavements and | | | | a copy on request? Do they do a risk |
| roads. | | | | assessment? Do they quote a British Standard - if |
| - Loosing branches in the wind creating a potential | | | | so it should be BS3998. What happens to the |
| hazard. If you have a tree on your property, you | | | | branches and timber? Everything should be |
| have has a duty of care in law to ensure that | | | | removed if you want. What about the mess - will |
| you take appropriate action to ensure | | | | they clear up? You should be able to keep your |
| everybody's safety. You may be able to do | | | | logs at no extra charge. Can they advise about |
| some low pruning but often a tree surgeon is the | | | | Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and |
| best and safest option. So how do you choose a | | | | Conservation Areas? (Some trees are protected |
| tree surgeon? Here are some tips to help: | | | | by law). |
| Where do I find a tree surgeon? | | | | Who will be responsible for obtaining permission |
| By far the best way is by recommendation, and | | | | for the work if the trees are protected? |
| then it's over to the publications like Yellow pages | | | | Be very cautious if you find people soliciting work |
| - look under 'tree work', and local magazines but | | | | door to door. Using only a mobile phone number |
| don't assume that all those that advertise offer | | | | or can not be traced to a permanent address. |
| high quality works. Finally there is the internet. If | | | | And finally: Always get at least 2 quotes. If they |
| you Google search 'tree surgeon' and your area, | | | | insist on cash without a receipt, give them a miss. |
| you will find lots of local contractors. | | | | Never pay until the job is complete! |
| How do I know which one to choose? | | | | The feel good factor... Do you feel confident |
| Here are some questions you can ask to help you | | | | about the person you meet? If the answer is yes |
| choose. | | | | and you have been given appropriate answers to |
| Are they qualified? Tree surgeons should have | | | | the questions above, hopefully you will have |
| chainsaw certificates and climbing/rescue | | | | chosen a good tree surgeon! |
| certificates if climbing. Are they happy to provide | | | | |