{
  "site": "North London Tree Surgeons",
  "guides": [
    {
      "slug": "how-to-choose-a-tree-surgeon-north-london",
      "title": "How to Choose a Tree Surgeon in North London",
      "description": "A plain step-by-step checklist for picking a safe, insured, qualified tree surgeon in North London. Covers accreditation, insurance, quotes, permission and red flags.",
      "url": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-tree-surgeon-north-london/",
      "markdown": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-tree-surgeon-north-london.md",
      "datePublished": "2026-09-05",
      "dateModified": "2026-09-05",
      "faq": [
        {
          "q": "Do I need an ARB Approved Contractor?",
          "a": "No, but it is the easiest way to be sure of insurance, training and safety. If you choose a firm that is not approved, do the insurance and qualification checks yourself."
        },
        {
          "q": "How many quotes should I get?",
          "a": "One is fine if you trust the firm and the price feels fair. If not, get one more and make sure it describes the same job."
        },
        {
          "q": "Can a tree surgeon start work the same day?",
          "a": "For emergencies, yes. For planned work, a same-day start with pressure to decide now is a warning sign. Protected trees also need council consent first."
        },
        {
          "q": "Who is responsible if a protected tree is cut without permission?",
          "a": "Both the owner and the person doing the work can be prosecuted. Check before work starts."
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: ARB Approved Contractor Directory",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/ARB-Approved-Contractor-Directory"
        },
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: Why should I use an ARB Approved Contractor?",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/Why-should-I-use-an-ARB-Approved-Contractor"
        },
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: How do I select the right Tree Surgeon?",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/How-do-I-select-the-right-Tree-Surgeon"
        },
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: A brief guide to legislation for trees",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/A-brief-guide-to-legislation-for-trees"
        },
        {
          "title": "HSE: Tree work",
          "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/treework/index.htm"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "tree-surgeon-accreditations-explained",
      "title": "Tree Surgeon Accreditations Explained (ARB Approved, TrustMark, NPTC and More)",
      "description": "What each tree surgeon badge actually means, who checks it, and how to verify it. Compares ARB Approved Contractor, Arboricultural Association membership, TrustMark, NPTC, Lantra, City & Guilds, ISA, CHAS and Which? Trusted Trader.",
      "url": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/tree-surgeon-accreditations-explained/",
      "markdown": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/tree-surgeon-accreditations-explained.md",
      "datePublished": "2026-09-05",
      "dateModified": "2026-09-05",
      "faq": [
        {
          "q": "Is \"fully qualified\" a real qualification?",
          "a": "No. It is a phrase, not a badge. Ask which certificates the crew holds and who issued them."
        },
        {
          "q": "Is an Arboricultural Association member the same as ARB Approved?",
          "a": "No. Membership is a subscription. Approved Contractor status is an inspection of the business and its work."
        },
        {
          "q": "Does TrustMark check tree work?",
          "a": "TrustMark vets the business and its customer service. It does not inspect tree work in the way the Arboricultural Association does."
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: Why should I use an ARB Approved Contractor?",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/Why-should-I-use-an-ARB-Approved-Contractor"
        },
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: ARB Approved Contractor Directory",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/ARB-Approved-Contractor-Directory"
        },
        {
          "title": "TrustMark: What is TrustMark",
          "url": "https://www.trustmark.org.uk/homeowner/what-is-trustmark"
        },
        {
          "title": "Which? Trusted Traders: Clear Cut Trees Ltd",
          "url": "https://trustedtraders.which.co.uk/businesses/clear-cut-trees-ltd/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Which? Trusted Traders: Twisted Tree Surgery Ltd",
          "url": "https://trustedtraders.which.co.uk/businesses/twisted-tree-surgery-ltd/"
        },
        {
          "title": "TrustATrader: Trees A Crowd Ltd",
          "url": "https://www.trustatrader.com/traders/trees-a-crowd-london-tree-surgeons-en1-en2-and-en6"
        },
        {
          "title": "LG Trees",
          "url": "https://lgtrees.co.uk/"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "tree-surgeon-costs-north-london",
      "title": "How Much Does a Tree Surgeon Cost in North London? (2026)",
      "description": "Published 2026 London price ranges for tree removal, crown reduction, stump grinding, hedge work and day rates, with sources. Plus what pushes a quote up or down.",
      "url": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/tree-surgeon-costs-north-london/",
      "markdown": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/tree-surgeon-costs-north-london.md",
      "datePublished": "2026-09-05",
      "dateModified": "2026-09-05",
      "faq": [
        {
          "q": "What is the average cost of a tree surgeon in London?",
          "a": "Two published 2026 London guides put a three-person crew at about £600 to £900 a day, or £75 to £110 an hour. Fixed-price jobs range from about £250 for a small tree to £3,500 or more for a large tree in a tight spot."
        },
        {
          "q": "How much does stump grinding cost?",
          "a": "Published London figures range from about £100 to £400 per stump, depending on the stump's width at ground level."
        },
        {
          "q": "Is it cheaper to remove a tree in winter?",
          "a": "Often, yes. Many firms are quieter in winter and can price more keenly. Winter also avoids bird nesting season."
        },
        {
          "q": "Do tree surgeons charge for quotes?",
          "a": "Usually not for a standard quote. The Arboricultural Association says quotes \"will normally be provided free of charge when quoting against a specification\", but a fee may apply if advice or a report is involved. ([Arboricultural Association](https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/How-do-I-select-the-right-Tree-Surgeon))"
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Forbes Tree Care: Tree Surgeon Costs, London (April 2026)",
          "url": "https://www.forbestreecare.com/blog/tree-surgeon-costs/"
        },
        {
          "title": "GraftinGardeners: Tree Surgeon Cost London 2026 (updated June 2026)",
          "url": "https://www.graftingardeners.co.uk/tree-surgeon-cost-london/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: How do I select the right Tree Surgeon?",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/How-do-I-select-the-right-Tree-Surgeon"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "how-to-compare-tree-surgeon-quotes",
      "title": "How to Compare Tree Surgeon Quotes Like for Like",
      "description": "A copy-and-paste specification and a comparison table so any two tree surgeon quotes describe the same job. Covers scope, BS 3998, waste, VAT, permission and timing.",
      "url": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/how-to-compare-tree-surgeon-quotes/",
      "markdown": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/how-to-compare-tree-surgeon-quotes.md",
      "datePublished": "2026-09-05",
      "dateModified": "2026-09-05",
      "faq": [
        {
          "q": "Should a tree surgeon visit before quoting?",
          "a": "For anything beyond a small hedge, yes. Access, what is under the tree and the tree's condition all change the price."
        },
        {
          "q": "What does \"arisings\" mean?",
          "a": "The branches, brash and logs produced by the work. Ask whether they are removed or left."
        },
        {
          "q": "What is BS 3998?",
          "a": "The British Standard for tree work, BS 3998:2010. Asking for work \"to BS 3998\" tells the firm you expect proper pruning cuts and no topping."
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: A brief guide to tree work terminology and definitions",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/A-brief-guide-to-tree-work-terminology-and-definit"
        },
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: How do I select the right Tree Surgeon?",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/How-do-I-select-the-right-Tree-Surgeon"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "tree-surgeon-insurance-what-to-check",
      "title": "Tree Surgeon Insurance: What to Ask For and How to Check It",
      "description": "Public liability, employers' liability and professional indemnity explained in plain English, with the minimum levels to look for and what North London firms say they carry.",
      "url": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/tree-surgeon-insurance-what-to-check/",
      "markdown": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/tree-surgeon-insurance-what-to-check.md",
      "datePublished": "2026-09-05",
      "dateModified": "2026-09-05",
      "faq": [
        {
          "q": "What insurance should a tree surgeon have?",
          "a": "Public liability of at least £5 million is the benchmark used by the Arboricultural Association. Firms with staff must also hold employers' liability. Firms giving written advice should hold professional indemnity."
        },
        {
          "q": "Can I rely on \"fully insured\" on a website?",
          "a": "No. Ask for the certificate and check the name, dates and limit."
        },
        {
          "q": "Does my home insurance cover damage by a tree surgeon?",
          "a": "Sometimes, but you would claim on your own policy and may lose your no-claims discount. The firm's public liability should be the first line of defence."
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: Why should I use an ARB Approved Contractor?",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/Why-should-I-use-an-ARB-Approved-Contractor"
        },
        {
          "title": "Custom Cutters",
          "url": "https://www.customcutters.co.uk/"
        },
        {
          "title": "North London Tree Surgeons",
          "url": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.co.uk/"
        },
        {
          "title": "M. Parkin Tree Specialists",
          "url": "https://tree-specialists.com/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Clear Cut Trees",
          "url": "https://www.clearcuttrees.co.uk/"
        },
        {
          "title": "LG Trees",
          "url": "https://lgtrees.co.uk/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Tree Matters",
          "url": "https://www.treematters.co.uk/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Artemis Tree Services",
          "url": "https://www.artemistreeservices.com/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Denny's Tree Surgery",
          "url": "https://www.dennystreesurgery.com/"
        },
        {
          "title": "TrustATrader: A1 Town & Country Ltd",
          "url": "https://www.trustatrader.com/traders/a1-town-country-ltd-tree-surgeons-hertsmere"
        },
        {
          "title": "TrustATrader: Trees A Crowd Ltd",
          "url": "https://www.trustatrader.com/traders/trees-a-crowd-london-tree-surgeons-en1-en2-and-en6"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "tpo-conservation-area-permission-north-london",
      "title": "Do I Need Permission to Cut a Tree in North London? TPOs and Conservation Areas",
      "description": "When you need council consent for tree work in Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Camden, Islington, Hackney and Waltham Forest. Tree Preservation Orders, the six-week conservation area notice, penalties and how to check.",
      "url": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/tpo-conservation-area-permission-north-london/",
      "markdown": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/tpo-conservation-area-permission-north-london.md",
      "datePublished": "2026-09-05",
      "dateModified": "2026-09-05",
      "faq": [
        {
          "q": "How do I find out if my tree has a TPO?",
          "a": "Check your council's online map or contact its planning department. Haringey, Islington and Hackney all have interactive maps. Also check under your neighbour's address if the tree is on a boundary."
        },
        {
          "q": "How long does a conservation area notice take?",
          "a": "Six weeks from when the council receives your section 211 notice. You cannot start before then unless the council consents sooner."
        },
        {
          "q": "What is the fine for cutting a protected tree?",
          "a": "It is a criminal offence. In the Crown Court the fine is unlimited, and the court must consider any financial gain from the offence."
        },
        {
          "q": "Can my tree surgeon apply for me?",
          "a": "Yes. Many do. But you remain responsible as the owner. Ask to see the paperwork before work starts."
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "GOV.UK: Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas",
          "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-preservation-orders-and-trees-in-conservation-areas"
        },
        {
          "title": "Town and Country Planning Act 1990, section 210",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/8/section/210"
        },
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: A brief guide to legislation for trees",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/A-brief-guide-to-legislation-for-trees"
        },
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: How can I find out if the trees within my ownership are protected?",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/How-can-I-find-out-if-the-trees-within-my-ownershi"
        },
        {
          "title": "Haringey Council: Tree preservation orders",
          "url": "https://haringey.gov.uk/environment/trees/tree-preservation-orders-tpos"
        },
        {
          "title": "Islington Council: Trees in conservation areas",
          "url": "https://www.islington.gov.uk/planning/trees-and-landscape/protected-trees/trees_in_conservation_areas"
        },
        {
          "title": "Hackney Council: Trees",
          "url": "https://www.hackney.gov.uk/planning-and-building/conservation-and-urban-design/trees"
        },
        {
          "title": "Waltham Forest Council: Tree Preservation Orders",
          "url": "https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/neighbourhoods/conservation-and-trees/tree-preservation-orders"
        },
        {
          "title": "Tree Matters",
          "url": "https://www.treematters.co.uk/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Gibbs & Haynes",
          "url": "https://gibbsandhaynestreesurgeons.co.uk/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Forbes Tree Care cost guide",
          "url": "https://www.forbestreecare.com/blog/tree-surgeon-costs/"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "tree-surgeon-red-flags",
      "title": "10 Red Flags When Hiring a Tree Surgeon",
      "description": "The warning signs of a rogue tree surgeon, from door-knocking and cash-only deals to \"topping\" and missing insurance. What to do if you spot one.",
      "url": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/tree-surgeon-red-flags/",
      "markdown": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/tree-surgeon-red-flags.md",
      "datePublished": "2026-09-05",
      "dateModified": "2026-09-05",
      "faq": [
        {
          "q": "Is it normal for a tree surgeon to ask for a deposit?",
          "a": "For a large job, a modest deposit is normal. Full payment up front is not."
        },
        {
          "q": "Should I let a tree surgeon who knocked on my door quote?",
          "a": "We would not. Firms with good reputations do not need to cold-call. If you are tempted, still run every check in our [main guide](/guides/how-to-choose-a-tree-surgeon-north-london/)."
        },
        {
          "q": "What is wrong with topping a tree?",
          "a": "It removes large parts of the crown at once, leaves big wounds and causes weak regrowth. The trade regards the term as outdated. Ask for a crown reduction instead."
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: A brief guide to tree work terminology and definitions",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/A-brief-guide-to-tree-work-terminology-and-definit"
        },
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: ARB Approved Contractor Directory",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/ARB-Approved-Contractor-Directory"
        },
        {
          "title": "HSE: Tree work",
          "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/treework/index.htm"
        },
        {
          "title": "Companies House search",
          "url": "https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "how-to-read-tree-surgeon-reviews",
      "title": "How to Read Tree Surgeon Reviews (Google, Checkatrade, Which?, Trustpilot, TrustATrader)",
      "description": "What each review site checks, what a good set of reviews looks like, and how to spot fakes. With the review scores we checked for North London firms.",
      "url": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/how-to-read-tree-surgeon-reviews/",
      "markdown": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/how-to-read-tree-surgeon-reviews.md",
      "datePublished": "2026-09-05",
      "dateModified": "2026-09-05",
      "faq": [
        {
          "q": "Which review site is most reliable for tree surgeons?",
          "a": "Sites that check the business before listing it, such as Which? Trusted Traders, and sites that show verified insurance, such as TrustATrader, give you more than the star alone. Google has the most reviews but checks the least."
        },
        {
          "q": "Is a 5.0 rating better than a 4.8?",
          "a": "Not on its own. A 4.8 from 300 reviews tells you more than a 5.0 from 12. Read the low reviews and the firm's replies."
        },
        {
          "q": "Can I trust testimonials on a tree surgeon's website?",
          "a": "Treat them as marketing. Look for the same firm on an independent platform."
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Trustpilot: Thor's Trees",
          "url": "https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/thorstrees.co.uk"
        },
        {
          "title": "Reviews.co.uk: Artemis Tree Services",
          "url": "https://www.reviews.co.uk/company-reviews/store/artemis-tree-services"
        },
        {
          "title": "Which? Trusted Traders: Clear Cut Trees Ltd",
          "url": "https://trustedtraders.which.co.uk/businesses/clear-cut-trees-ltd/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Which? Trusted Traders: Twisted Tree Surgery Ltd",
          "url": "https://trustedtraders.which.co.uk/businesses/twisted-tree-surgery-ltd/"
        },
        {
          "title": "TrustATrader: A1 Town & Country Ltd",
          "url": "https://www.trustatrader.com/traders/a1-town-country-ltd-tree-surgeons-hertsmere"
        },
        {
          "title": "TrustATrader: Trees A Crowd Ltd",
          "url": "https://www.trustatrader.com/traders/trees-a-crowd-london-tree-surgeons-en1-en2-and-en6"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "tree-work-terms-explained",
      "title": "Tree Work Terms Explained: Crown Reduction, Thinning, Lifting, Pollarding and More",
      "description": "Plain-English definitions of the words tree surgeons use in quotes, based on the Arboricultural Association's standard definitions and BS 3998.",
      "url": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/tree-work-terms-explained/",
      "markdown": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/tree-work-terms-explained.md",
      "datePublished": "2026-09-05",
      "dateModified": "2026-09-05",
      "faq": [
        {
          "q": "What is the difference between crown reduction and crown thinning?",
          "a": "Reduction makes the tree smaller. Thinning keeps the size but removes some inner branches to let light through."
        },
        {
          "q": "Is pollarding bad for a tree?",
          "a": "Not if the tree is a species that suits it and the cycle is kept up. Starting to pollard a large, mature tree that has never been pollarded can harm it."
        },
        {
          "q": "How should I describe the work I want?",
          "a": "Use the standard terms and give amounts: \"crown reduce by 2 metres\", \"crown lift to 5 metres\", \"thin by 20%\". Ask for work to BS 3998."
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Arboricultural Association: A brief guide to tree work terminology and definitions",
          "url": "https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/A-brief-guide-to-tree-work-terminology-and-definit"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "best-time-of-year-for-tree-work",
      "title": "When Is the Best Time of Year for Tree Work in London?",
      "description": "Bird nesting season, the law on nests, seasonal pricing and the six-week conservation area notice. How to time tree work in North London.",
      "url": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/best-time-of-year-for-tree-work/",
      "markdown": "https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/best-time-of-year-for-tree-work.md",
      "datePublished": "2026-09-05",
      "dateModified": "2026-09-05",
      "faq": [
        {
          "q": "When is bird nesting season in the UK?",
          "a": "The RSPB describes March to September as the main nesting season and suggests trimming hedges between 1 September and 28 February."
        },
        {
          "q": "Is it illegal to cut a tree in nesting season?",
          "a": "Cutting is not banned, but it is illegal to intentionally damage or destroy a nest that is in use or being built. A good firm checks first and stops if it finds one."
        },
        {
          "q": "Is tree work cheaper in winter?",
          "a": "Often. Many firms are quieter in winter. Ask for a quote in both seasons if you are not in a hurry."
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "RSPB: Birds' nests and nestboxes",
          "url": "https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/birds-nests-and-nestboxes"
        },
        {
          "title": "GOV.UK: Wild birds: protection, surveys and licences",
          "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wild-birds-protection-surveys-and-licences"
        },
        {
          "title": "GOV.UK: Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas",
          "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-preservation-orders-and-trees-in-conservation-areas"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}