10 Red Flags When Hiring a Tree Surgeon
Most tree surgeons are honest and skilled. A few are not. The bad ones share habits. Learn the habits and you will spot them in the first five minutes.
1. They knocked on your door
Nobody with a full order book knocks on doors. "We are working nearby and noticed your tree" is a sales line. Good firms get work from reviews and referrals. Say no thank you and close the door.
2. They want cash, or a big payment up front
A deposit on a large job is normal. Full payment before any work is not. Cash-only with no receipt often means no insurance and no tax. If it goes wrong, you have no paper trail.
3. They offer to "top" or "lop" your tree
The Arboricultural Association says topping and lopping are "generally regarded as outdated terminology". Topping means "the removal of large portions of the crown". (Arboricultural Association) It leaves big wounds and weak regrowth. A skilled firm will offer a crown reduction, in metres, to BS 3998 instead.
4. No written quote
If the price is only spoken, you cannot compare it, and you cannot hold them to it. Ask for the quote in writing with the work described. See our quotes guide.
5. They will not show insurance
"We are fully insured" costs nothing to say. Ask for the certificate. If it does not arrive within a day, move on. Our insurance guide explains what to look for.
6. They cannot name their qualifications
Ask which chainsaw and climbing certificates the crew holds. NPTC, City & Guilds and Lantra are the normal answers. "We are all fully trained" is not an answer.
7. They claim to be ARB Approved but are not on the register
The Arboricultural Association is clear: "if they do not appear on the online register then they are not an Approved Contractor." (ARB Approved Contractor Directory) Check every claim. It takes one minute.
8. They say you do not need to check for a TPO
Any firm working in North London knows how many trees are protected. A firm that waves this away is either careless or hoping you will take the blame. Both you and the firm can be prosecuted. See our permission guide.
9. No fixed address, no company details
A mobile number and a first name is not a business. Look for a street address, a landline and ideally a company number you can check at Companies House. In our directory we show the company number and status where we found one.
10. Pressure to decide today
"This price is only good today." "We can only fit you in this afternoon." Real firms are booked days or weeks ahead. Pressure is a tactic. Take your time.
Bonus: no safety kit
On the day, the crew should wear helmets, eye and ear protection, chainsaw trousers and boots. Climbers should be on ropes and harnesses. The Health and Safety Executive lists the hazards of this work as "Aerial work, chainsaws, machinery, working at height, vehicles". (HSE) A crew in jeans and trainers is a crew that will hurt someone.
What to do if you spot a red flag
- Do not sign or pay anything.
- Get another quote from a firm in our directory.
- If a firm has damaged a protected tree, report it to your council's planning team.
- If you feel pressured or threatened, contact Citizens Advice or Trading Standards.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a tree surgeon to ask for a deposit?
For a large job, a modest deposit is normal. Full payment up front is not.
Should I let a tree surgeon who knocked on my door quote?
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.
What is wrong with topping a tree?
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.