When you’re responsible for a commercial site — whether it’s a school, housing estate, business park, or managed property — the health and safety of your trees isn’t just a matter of appearance. It’s a legal responsibility. Choosing the right commercial tree surgeon isn’t always straightforward, though. With so many contractors out there, how do you know who to trust with such an important job?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for in a professional commercial tree surgeon, why credentials matter, and how making the right choice can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Why Choosing the Right Tree Surgeon Matters
For commercial clients, trees are more than a backdrop. They can:
Enhance kerb appeal and make properties more attractive.
Provide shade and biodiversity, improving the environment for staff, tenants, or pupils.
Pose risks if left unmanaged — from falling branches to disease spread.
The stakes are high. A poorly maintained tree can lead to:
Injury to employees, tenants, or the public.
Damage to buildings, cars, or play areas.
Legal liability for failing to meet your duty of care.
That’s why working with a qualified, reliable tree surgeon is essential.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Tree Surgeon
1. Accreditations and Qualifications
The first step is to check professional credentials. A reputable commercial tree surgeon should hold:
NPTC/LANTRA qualifications for chainsaw use, climbing, and aerial rescue.
CHAS, SafeContractor, or similar accreditations for health and safety compliance.
First aid training, including aerial rescue, for on-site emergencies.
At Woodfelder Tree Care, we’re proud to hold CHAS Advanced accreditation specific to tree surgery, demonstrating our commitment to safe systems of work — something many commercial clients now require as standard.
2. Insurance Cover
Tree work is inherently risky. Always ensure your contractor carries:
Public Liability Insurance (minimum £5 million).
Employers’ Liability Insurance (minimum £10 million).
Professional Indemnity Insurance for advisory work such as surveys.
Ask for copies of insurance certificates. A professional company will be happy to provide them.
3. Experience with Commercial Clients
Domestic and commercial tree work aren’t the same. Commercial projects often involve:
Tight deadlines (e.g. schools needing work completed in holidays).
Complex access around car parks, play areas, or busy public spaces.
Formal risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) required by facility managers.
Larger-scale jobs, such as estate-wide tree surveys or multiple removals.
Choose a company with proven experience in handling these demands. At Woodfelder Tree Care, we have extensive experience managing tree stock for schools and commercial sites on behalf of facilities managers and property managers. That means we understand the pressures of compliance, safety, and keeping disruption to a minimum.
4. Health and Safety Standards
On a commercial site, health and safety is non-negotiable. Look for a tree surgery company that can provide:
Comprehensive RAMS tailored to your site.
LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) records for climbing gear.
COSHH assessments for fuel, oils, and chemicals.
PPE and equipment inspection checklists.
This paperwork isn’t just red tape. It protects you, the client, by showing you’ve appointed a competent contractor.
5. Range of Services Offered
Commercial tree care often requires more than a simple pruning job. Look for a company that provides a complete service, such as:
Tree inspections and surveys (including BS5837 planning surveys).
Emergency call-outs after storms.
Tree removals, pruning, and crown management.
Hedge cutting and site clearance.
Stump grinding and timber removal.
Choosing a contractor who can do it all saves the hassle of dealing with multiple companies.
6. Responsiveness and Reliability
When a tree becomes dangerous on a school site or in a housing estate, you need a quick response. A reliable commercial tree surgeon should be able to:
Provide same-day quotes for urgent work.
Respond rapidly to emergency call-outs.
Offer clear communication throughout the project.
At Woodfelder Tree Care, we know that reliability is what commercial clients value most. Our tagline says it all: “Manchester’s Most Reliable Tree Surgeons.”
7. Local Knowledge
Trees are heavily influenced by their local environment. Choosing a local company means:
Faster response times.
Knowledge of local planning authorities and their requirements.
Familiarity with common local tree species and diseases.
For businesses across Manchester and Stockport, this local expertise is invaluable.
Questions to Ask a Potential Tree Surgeon
When comparing contractors, here are some questions worth asking:
Are you accredited (e.g. CHAS, SafeContractor)?
What insurance cover do you hold?
Can you provide references from other commercial clients?
Do you prepare site-specific RAMS for each job?
What is your process for emergency call-outs?
Do you dispose of all waste responsibly?
A professional company will answer confidently and provide supporting documents.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Be wary of contractors who:
Can’t show proof of insurance or qualifications.
Offer unusually low prices (often cutting corners).
Arrive without PPE or professional equipment.
Refuse to provide written quotes or contracts.
Remember: the cheapest option is rarely the safest.
The Woodfelder Approach
At Woodfelder Tree Care, we specialise in commercial tree surgery across Manchester and Stockport. Here’s what sets us apart:
CHAS Advanced accredited for health and safety compliance.
Over 200 five-star reviews across Google and Facebook.
Extensive experience managing tree stock for schools and commercial sites on behalf of facilities managers and property managers.
Fast quotes and reliable turnaround times (most jobs scheduled within two weeks).
Comprehensive services, from tree surveys to emergency storm damage call-outs.
We know that for commercial clients, reliability is everything. That’s why we pride ourselves on being organised, responsive, and fully transparent.
Summary: Choosing the Right Tree Surgeon Pays Off
Selecting the right commercial tree surgeon isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about protecting people, property, and your reputation. By checking qualifications, insurance, safety standards, and reliability, you’ll ensure your trees are managed professionally and safely.
If you’re looking for a trusted commercial tree surgery partner in Manchester or Stockport, we’d love to help.
📞 Call 0161 327 3011 today for a free, no-obligation quote, or visit woodfeldertreecare.co.uk to learn more.