How to Choose a Tree Surgeon: A Comprehensive Guide

Take the guess work out of choosing a tree surgeon

When it comes to the care and maintenance of your trees, hiring a professional tree surgeon can make all the difference. Tree surgery involves specialised skills and knowledge to ensure the health of your trees and the safety of your property.

The big question. How do you choose the right tree surgeon for the job?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision and find a competent tree surgeon in Manchester.

Avoid door knockers

Good tree surgeons are busy. We don’t knock on people’s doors to get work. Since we launched in 2019, we’ve been called to numerous houses that have hired people who’ve knocked on their door. Most often the “tree surgeons” and I mean that in the loosest senmse of the word, have completed poor work, not finished the job, left them with a pile of brash and logs to deal with and charged them extortionate prices.

Check they have a website

A good first step in assessing a would be tree saurgeon is to check they have a website. If they do, they can use that to showcase their work. It also ensures clients can leave them reviews on their Google business page.

Reputation and Reviews

Research the tree surgeon’s reputation by reading online reviews and testimonials. Check platforms like Google Reviews and ask for references if needed. A reputable tree surgeon will have a track record of satisfied clients. Click on the links to view our Google and Facebook reviews. We’ve got hundreds of positive reviews from all over Manchester and Stockport.

Check for Qualifications and Certifications

Look for tree surgeons with recognised qualifications. In the UK, tree surgeons should hold a minimum of City and Guilds/ NPTC in cross cutting, felling, tree climbing, aerial rescue, and chainsaw use in a tree. Don’t be scared to ask for proof of their qualifications. Woodfelder Tree Care Limited have all the necessary qualifications and can produce them on request. Any tree surgeon in Manchester should be happy to show you their qualifications. If they can’t, you know what to do.

Make sure they are insured

Tree work can be hazardous, so it’s crucial that your tree surgeon carries both public liability insurance and employer’s liability insurance. This protects you from being held responsible for accidents or damage that may occur during the job. You can view our insurance documents here.

Experience and Expertise

Choose a tree surgeon with significant experience in the field. Ask how long they have been working and whether they specialise in the specific services you need, such as tree pruning or removal. We’ve been serving Manchester and Stockport since the summer of 2019 and have gone from strength to strength ever since.

Get Another Quote

It’s often a good idea to get a couple of quotes from different tree surgeons. This allows you to compare pricing and services, ensuring you get value for your money. Be cautious of extremely low quotes as they might reflect lower quality work, lack of experience or a lack of proper insurance.

Ask About Equipment and Safety Practices

A professional tree surgeon should use modern, well-maintained equipment and follow strict safety protocols. Ask about their safety practices and if they adhere to health and safety regulations. All of our equipment is checked on a regular basis by our team and our climbing and lowering equipment is checked every 6 months by a LOLER assessor.

Written Contract and Timeline

Ensure that you receive a written quote detailing the scope of work, costs, and turnaround time. We provide a same day written quote which is emailed to you. Once you have accepted the quote, we aim to schedule most work within two weeks.

Environmental Considerations

Choose a tree surgeon who prioritises environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling tree waste or avoiding unnecessary tree removals. Responsible tree care protects local ecosystems. Over the last five years we’ve built up a network of allotments, schools and parks who take the majority of our woodchip and logs. They use it for mulching, lining paths and building habitat piles. The remainder of our green waste goes to Cheshire Green Waste Recycling who send it to biomass plants to make energy.

Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust your instincts when making your decision. A professional tree surgeon should communicate clearly, answer your questions, and make you feel confident in their abilities.

By following these steps, you can find a qualified and reliable Manchester tree surgeon who will help maintain the health of your trees while ensuring safety and professionalism throughout the process.