Yes — we’re fully insured with £5 million Public Liability and £10 million Employers’ Liability cover. All our team members are NPTC-qualified, and we’re CHAS Advanced accredited for health and safety in tree surgery.
The Woodfelder team will contact you very shortly to confirm details and arrange a site visit. In the meantime, if you need us sooner, just call or WhatsApp*.
Scroll down to see our exact process and timescale..
*Mon – Fri 9-5 only
Someone from the team will call or email you today (Mon–Fri) to confirm your details and agree a time to visit.
We'll attend site, assess the work, and send you a fully itemised written quote — no vague estimates.
Accept the quote and we'll agree a date. We typically start within 2–4 weeks, sooner for emergencies.
All arisings removed, site left clean and tidy. Invoice follows by email.
While you wait to hear from us, here’s a reminder of what you’re getting when you choose Woodfelder.
The quality of our work and reliability of our team is well recognised.
Safety comes first.
All of our tree surgeons are City and Guilds NPTC qualified.
We pride ourselves on good communication and usually complete work within 2 weeks of quoting.
Yes — we’re fully insured with £5 million Public Liability and £10 million Employers’ Liability cover. All our team members are NPTC-qualified, and we’re CHAS Advanced accredited for health and safety in tree surgery.
Book regular inspections, especially for mature or tall trees. Preventative pruning — such as crown thinning or deadwood removal — helps reduce wind resistance and keeps trees healthier.
Stay clear, keep others away, and call a professional tree surgeon immediately. If the tree has damaged power lines, also contact your electricity provider and the emergency services.
It’s not recommended. Fallen and partially fallen trees can be unstable and unpredictable. Always use a professional arborist with the right training and equipment.
If your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a conservation area, you’ll need to apply to your local council before any crown reduction work begins. Councils have up to 8 weeks to respond to TPO applications and 6 weeks for conservation area notifications.
If your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a conservation area, you will need permission from your local council. For minor crown lifting, councils will often approve work if it’s needed for safety or access.
If the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a conservation area, you’ll usually need to notify your local council before carrying out work. For genuinely dangerous trees, the law allows urgent safety work to go ahead straight away — but you must provide evidence (such as photos) and, where possible, give the council five days’ notice. This “5-day notice” process makes them aware of the risk while allowing you to deal with the danger quickly and legally.
This depends on how many trees need inspecting. A single tree might only take 30 minutes, while a full site survey for a school, housing association, or development site could take several hours or more.
Costs vary depending on the tree’s size, location, and how much work is needed. Small jobs may take just an hour or two, while larger, more complex lifts require more time and equipment. We provide free, no-obligation quotes across Manchester and Stockport.
A typical crown reduction removes between 10%–30% of the crown’s height and spread. This keeps the tree balanced and healthy, while achieving the required clearance or light levels. Over-reducing can stress the tree, which is why professional judgement is important.
For mature trees, an inspection every 1–3 years is recommended. Schools, landlords, and commercial property owners in Manchester and Stockport may need more frequent checks to comply with safety obligations.
Yes, when carried out correctly by a qualified tree surgeon. Removing too many lower branches at once can stress the tree, but a professional will know how much to lift without affecting long-term health.
Yes, in most cases, deadwood should be removed. Dead branches are brittle and can fall without warning, creating risks for people, property, and vehicles below. They can also harbour pests and decay, impacting the overall health of the tree. Regular professional deadwood removal improves safety, enhances appearance, and supports healthy growth. In woodland settings, some deadwood may be left for wildlife, but in gardens, schools, and public areas, it’s best managed by a professional arborist.
Stay clear of the area and call a professional tree surgeon immediately. If the tree is posing an immediate risk to public safety, you may also need to contact your local council or emergency services.
We provide tree pruning for a wide range of sites, including:
School grounds
Housing estates
Public buildings and business parks
Commercial car parks
Retail sites
Pubs, nurseries, and industrial premises
Yes — we offer one-off pruning as well as scheduled tree maintenance contracts for long-term site management. We can carry out annual or seasonal visits to keep trees safe, healthy, and compliant with your risk assessments.
Yes — we provide full site-specific RAMS, insurance certificates, LOLER records, and a detailed health & safety policy. We’re also CHAS Advanced accredited, making us fully compliant for commercial contracts and tenders.
You may need a tree survey if you’re applying for planning permission, buying or selling a property with mature trees, managing a school or commercial site, or if you suspect a tree could be unsafe. Councils and insurers sometimes request them to assess risk.
If the tree is on your property, you’re responsible for keeping it safe. If a neighbour’s tree is dangerous and poses a risk to your home, it’s their responsibility — though you can request they take action. Councils are responsible for trees on public land.
Home insurance may cover damage if a healthy tree falls due to a storm or unforeseen event. But if a tree was known to be dangerous and no action was taken, insurers may refuse a claim.
Yes. By reducing the height and spread of the crown, more light can reach your home, garden, or neighbouring properties. It’s a great solution if your tree has grown too dominant without removing it altogether.
Yes. By removing the lower branches, more light can reach under the canopy and into surrounding areas. It’s an effective way to brighten up gardens, lawns, and outdoor spaces without removing the tree altogether.
Absolutely — we offer free, no-obligation quotes, usually within 48 hours of your enquiry.
You can get started by sending us photos of the tree or hedge in question, along with a brief description of what you'd like done. Then, we’ll arrange a site visit, Monday to Friday, between 8am and 3pm.
Once we've seen the job, we’ll provide you with a clear written quote by email or text.
We aim to be fast, fair, and transparent — no hidden fees, no pressure, and no surprises.
If you’re happy to go ahead, we’ll book you in at the next available slot, usually within 2-4 weeks.
When you request a quote, we’ll call or text you to arrange a visit. If your enquiry comes in on a working day, we’ll usually book your quote appointment for within 48 hours — or at a time that suits you.
We carry out quotes Monday to Friday, between 8am and 3pm.
During the visit, we’ll take a look at the trees or hedges in question, discuss the work you need, and answer any questions. Once we’ve agreed a brief, we’ll send a written quote the same day via Xero, our online quoting system.
From your quote, you can:
✅ Accept the quote online
❓ Ask questions or request changes
📅 Get the work scheduled right away
Once you approve the quote, we’ll book your job in — we usually schedule work within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the season and job type.
We usually operate on a 2-4 week lead time for most tree surgery jobs, depending on the size and urgency. For emergency tree work, we often respond the same day.
We can often carry out stump grinding within 48 hours of your enquiry, depending on access and availability.
We offer a range of convenient, secure ways to pay for your tree work — whether you're a homeowner or a commercial client.
At Woodfelder Tree Care, we accept:
💳 Bank transfer (BACS) – our preferred method for fast and secure payment
🔗 Secure payment links – we’ll send you a custom link via email or text so you can pay by card
✉️ Cheque – accepted with limits (see Can I pay by cheque? for details)
Our secure Tide Payment Links support:
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
Diners Club
Google Pay and Apple Pay (with an accepted card)
All invoices include payment instructions and can be tailored to your needs — including receipts, or payment confirmations for accounting purposes.
If you have any questions about how to pay or need help with an invoice, just get in touch — we’re happy to help.
Not necessarily — as long as we’ve agreed the access and scope of work, you don’t need to be there. We’ll carry out the job professionally and send updates or photos if required.
Yes — we pride ourselves on leaving every site clean and tidy. All branches, logs, and chippings are removed and either recycled as mulch or green waste, or left for you if requested.
Yes — just let us know. Many customers choose to keep logs for firewood or woodchip for mulching. We’re happy to leave them neatly stacked in your garden.
Yes — stump grinding is available as an add-on or stand-alone service. We grind below ground level so the area can be re-turfed, paved, or replanted.
Unless otherwise agreed, all stump grindings remain on-site. They can be used to back fill the hole or for mulch for your garden.
Removing a tree stump by hand is possible, but it’s rarely easy. It depends on the size of the stump, the depth and spread of the root system, and the soil conditions. For small stumps with shallow roots, a hands-on approach might be manageable with the right tools and time. It starts by digging around the base to expose roots. Once loosened, the stump is levered out with a pry bar or pulled manually. Afterwards, the hole is filled and levelled to create a level surface ready for the next step.
That said, stump removal is tough, physical work, especially with mature trees, and it can be time-consuming and hard on your tools (and your back). Stumps with deep or widespread roots may require specialist equipment to remove effectively. If you're unsure whether your stump is manageable by hand or you're looking for a safer, faster alternative, our professional stump grinding service can save you the effort. No chemicals, no heavy lifting, and no mess left behind.
Chemical stump removal involves drilling holes into the stump and applying substances to accelerate the natural decomposition of a tree stump. Over time, the wood breaks down, making it easier to remove. But at Woodfelder, we choose not to use this method, and here’s why:
It’s slow: Chemical stump removal can take years to show real results, especially for larger stumps.
Often needs repeating: One treatment is rarely enough. You’ll likely have to reapply the chemical several times, prolonging the process.
It’s messy and unpleasant: As the stump rots, it can smell bad, attract insects, and leave your garden looking worse before it looks better.
It’s not great for the soil: Like weedkillers, chemicals used for stump removal build up in the surrounding soil, harming nearby plants, animals, grass, or trees if overused.
It’s not the safest method: Chemical products require careful handling, including gloves and eye protection, and we do not recommend them around pets or children.
Instead, we use stump grinding: a fast, effective, and environmentally friendly method that removes both stump and surface roots without the use of harsh chemicals. It’s cleaner, safer, and gets the job done in a fraction of the time.
If you're faced with the task of removing a tree stump from your garden, you may be wondering about the cost involved. Stump and tree removal costs can vary depending on factors such as the size of the tree stump, number of stumps, accessibility, and the method of removal. The benefits of removing an unsightly stump can significantly outweigh the cost.
Request a free quotation today from Woodfelder Tree Care for your tree stump removal.
A stump grinder is a piece of machinery that helps remove tree stumps by using a rotating cutting disc to cut the wood. It usually comes with a cutter wheel fitted with durable teeth. The movement of the cutter wheel is managed by hydraulic cylinders, allowing it to shift laterally and vertically for efficient grinding through the stump. A stump grinder can be used for any size of stump, from tree or hedge removal.
If your tree is located in a Conservation Area or is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), you may need permission from your local council before carrying out any work. We’ll check this for you as part of the quoting process and can submit the application as part of the service. Approval typically takes around 6 weeks, or 5 working days for emergency removals.
If the tree belongs to your neighbour but overhangs your property, you’re legally allowed to cut back branches to your boundary, provided you don’t trespass or damage the tree. However, we always recommend discussing the work with your neighbour first — it helps avoid disputes and maintains good relationships.
We’re happy to carry out this kind of work and will do so safely, professionally, and with clear communication. We’ll also advise on whether the tree is protected and what your options are.
If you believe a neighbouring tree is causing damage or becoming dangerous, we can assess it and offer advice — including how to involve your neighbour or report it to the local authority if needed.
Whether the tree is on your land or someone else’s, Woodfelder Tree Care will always ensure the work is legal, respectful, and in line with best arboricultural practice.
Yes — we regularly carry out tree surgery for schools, property managers, letting agents, landlords, housing associations, and commercial premises across Manchester and Stockport.
We’re CHAS Advanced accredited, demonstrating our high standards in health and safety management, which is especially important when working on commercial sites and public spaces.
We provide all the necessary documentation, including:
Site-specific RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements)
Copies of our insurance certificates
LOLER and equipment inspection records
Staff training matrix
Incident and near-miss reporting forms
Whether it's a one-off job or an ongoing maintenance contract, you can count on us to deliver professional, compliant, and reliable commercial tree services.
Yes, we frequently work on trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). When a TPO is in place, we manage the application process with the local council on behalf of the client. We provide supporting information, photographs, and a clear justification for the proposed work. No work is carried out until written permission is granted.
TPO applications typically take around 8 weeks. There are certain exemptions to TPOs. Dead, dying, or dangerous trees can often be worked on without a full application. However, we always consult with the local tree officer and supply photographs as evidence. We have a strong working relationship with all of our local planning departments.
In the UK, if a neighbour’s tree is overhanging your garden, you have the legal right to cut back the branches — but only up to your boundary line. This applies whether the tree is in their front garden, back garden, or even a commercial property next door.
Here’s what you need to know:
You can trim branches that overhang your property, but you can’t go onto your neighbour’s land without their permission.
You must not damage the tree, especially if it’s protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or located in a Conservation Area — in which case you’ll need council permission first.
The cut branches still belong to your neighbour, so it’s polite to return them or ask if they’d like you to dispose of them.
If the overhanging branches are causing issues (e.g. blocking light, dropping sap or leaves, or affecting your roof or gutters), you may want to speak with your neighbour before taking action.
At Woodfelder Tree Care, we regularly carry out boundary pruning and neighbour tree work. We can:
Assess whether the tree is protected
Advise on the safest way to prune it legally
Carry out the work professionally, cleanly, and with minimal disruption
If you’re not sure where your boundary lies, or you're dealing with a tree dispute, we’re happy to help point you in the right direction.
Yes — in the UK, you are legally allowed to cut back tree branches that overhang your property, as long as you don’t go beyond your boundary. This is known as the right to abate a nuisance.
However, there are a few important things to consider:
You must not trespass onto your neighbour’s land or damage the tree in the process.
If the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a Conservation Area, you’ll need written permission from your local council before doing any work — even if it overhangs your garden.
Any branches or waste you remove technically still belong to your neighbour, so it’s courteous to offer to return them (though most people are happy for us to take them away).
It’s always best to speak to your neighbour first to avoid misunderstandings or disputes.
At Woodfelder Tree Care, we regularly help clients with overhanging trees and boundary pruning. We’ll check for legal protections, advise on the best course of action, and carry out the work safely, cleanly, and respectfully.
If you're unsure about your rights or want help dealing with a neighbour's tree, just give us a call — we’re happy to help.
A tree survey is a detailed assessment of the health and condition of trees within a particular area. It involves qualified arborists inspecting the trees to identify any potential risks, diseases or signs of decline. This information helps to create a management plan for the trees, ensuring their longevity and the safety of individuals in the surrounding area. Tree surveys are vital for conservation efforts and urban planning, as they provide valuable data on the ecological importance and benefits of trees in our environment.
Our tree surveys start at £300 plus VAT, with the total cost determined by various factors, including the number of trees, the site's scale, and any additional requirements. Additional factors that may impact pricing could include the complexity of the survey, the accessibility of the site, and any specific client requests.
We offer hedge trimming and all other services in Manchester, Stockport and the East Cheshire area. Contact us today for a free hedge trimming quotation.
Hedge cutting is more than a quick trim. It’s a skilled task involving shaping, pruning, and promoting healthy growth. Types vary from formal to naturalistic hedges, each requiring specific techniques, timing, and tools to thrive.
During nesting season, we always check hedges for birds and other animals before trimming begins, and we’ll advise postponing work if necessary. It’s a responsible part of our role as experienced tree surgeons and an essential step in caring for the wider environment.
If there are active bird nests in your tree or hedge, we may need to delay or adjust the work.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it’s illegal to intentionally damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it’s in use or being built. This means we cannot carry out work that would disturb active nests.
Nesting season in the UK typically runs from March to September, although some birds may nest outside these months.
At Woodfelder Tree Care, we always carry out a thorough pre-work inspection to check for signs of nesting. If we find an active nest:
We’ll clearly explain the situation and any legal restrictions
We’ll either reschedule the work or adjust the scope to avoid disturbing the nest
We can often proceed with non-intrusive work in other areas of the garden in the meantime
Protecting wildlife is part of our commitment to working safely, responsibly, and in line with industry best practices.
If you think there may be birds nesting, just let us know when you enquire — we’ll advise honestly and help plan the best course of action.
Yes — we’re fully trained and insured to carry out tree work near roads, pavements, and public highways. Safety is our top priority, and we’re experienced in working in urban and roadside environments where traffic and pedestrian access must be carefully managed.
We can arrange everything from Chapter 8-compliant traffic management to full road closures if required. We’ll liaise with the local authority, handle the permit applications, and ensure the site is properly signed and protected throughout the work.
Whether it's a tree overhanging a busy street or one that requires access from the road, Woodfelder Tree Care has the experience and procedures in place to manage it safely and professionally.
Yes — we regularly deal with fallen trees after storms or high winds. We can often attend the same day to clear blocked access or make the area safe.
When choosing the right tree service for your needs, it’s helpful to think about what your trees need most. If you want to boost their health and looks, a tree pruning service could be just what you need. Pruning involves carefully removing dead or overgrown branches, which helps sunlight and air flow better through the canopy.
If your trees are showing signs of disease or pests, then a tree removal service might be the best choice to stop the problem from spreading and to keep your other trees safe. And if some trees are too close to phone lines/utilities or structures, a tree trimming service can help create a safe distance.
By taking a little time to look at your trees’ condition and their surroundings, you can pick the best service to keep your trees thriving and healthy. Contact us to speak with one of our team members if you require additional guidance on selecting the best tree services.
When you're choosing a tree service, it's really helpful to do a bit of research so you can find a trustworthy and professional team. Start by checking their certifications and qualifications; these can tell you a lot about their expertise. Take a moment to read reviews and testimonials from other customers to get a sense of the quality of their service. Don't forget to ask about insurance coverage and request a detailed quote before you make any decisions. Spending a little extra time in the process will help ensure your trees stay healthy and beautiful for many years to come.
If you're thinking about choosing us, Woodfelder Tree Care, you'll be pleased to know that all our tree surgeons are fully qualified and insured. Plus, we have a superb 5-star rating on Google reviews from hundreds of happy customers. Our quotation process is clear, and so is the way we work. We get the job done when and how we say we will. Simple..
Tree felling is the process of cutting down a tree in a controlled and safe way. It’s usually carried out when a tree is dead, dangerous, diseased, or growing in a location where it poses a risk to buildings, power lines, or people. In some cases, trees may also be removed to make space for landscaping or construction work.
At Woodfelder Tree Care, tree felling is carried out by fully qualified arborists with the training, experience, and equipment to do the job safely and professionally. Whether you're managing a private garden or a commercial site, we’ll assess the risks, obtain any necessary permissions, and ensure the tree is removed without damage to your property or the surrounding landscape.
Tree felling should never be attempted without professional support, especially in built-up areas like Stockport and Greater Manchester. Always use a fully insured and accredited tree surgeon.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to tree felling costs. Every job is unique, and the price depends on a number of factors, including:
At Woodfelder Tree Care, we don’t charge by the hour — our pricing reflects the skill, experience, and specialist equipment required to carry out each job safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. Whether it's a routine removal or an emergency call-out, you’re paying for peace of mind and professional results.
We offer free, no-obligation site visits so we can assess the job in person and provide a clear, tailored quote. There are no hidden costs, and we’re always happy to explain your options.
A word of caution: Tree felling is dangerous work. Hiring a qualified, insured arborist is essential. Cheaper, unqualified alternatives often come with serious safety and legal risks.
Felling a tree is a highly skilled operation that involves far more than simply picking up a chainsaw. It requires expert knowledge, technical cutting methods, and careful risk management to ensure the tree comes down safely and without damage to nearby people, buildings, or wildlife.
At Woodfelder Tree Care, we carry out all felling work using fully qualified, NPTC-certified arborists with years of experience in both domestic and commercial settings. Safety is always our top priority.
A typical safe tree felling process includes:
Using a chainsaw without professional training is not only extremely dangerous — it can also be illegal in some situations. Chainsaws are powerful tools that require expert handling and protective equipment. DIY attempts often lead to serious injury or costly property damage.
If you’re considering removing a tree, particularly one that’s large, close to a building, or hard to access, always speak to a qualified arborist. Our team at Woodfelder is fully insured, follows strict health and safety standards, and can manage everything from start to finish, including any permissions or environmental considerations.
We offer free site assessments across Stockport, Manchester, and surrounding areas, and we’re happy to advise on the best, safest way forward. Don’t take the risk, let our experienced professionals handle the job with care, precision, and full peace of mind.
Yes — Woodfelder Tree Care is fully experienced in using both cranes and MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) to safely remove large or hazardous trees.
Some trees are too dangerous or inaccessible to dismantle by climbing alone — in these cases, using a crane or tracked MEWP is often the safest and most efficient solution.
We regularly work with:
60-tonne cranes for sectional dismantles in tight urban streets
Spider lifts and tracked MEWPs for trees with difficult access, such as gardens behind buildings or sloped ground
Traffic management teams to coordinate road closures and public safety when working near highways
Our team is trained, insured, and experienced in complex tree removals, and we handle all planning, logistics, and permissions — including risk assessments, road closure permits, and liaising with local authorities if needed.
If you have a difficult or dangerous tree, we’ll advise on the best approach — safely, legally, and with minimal disruption.
When it comes to tree maintenance, it's essential to understand the different techniques involved to ensure the health and longevity of your trees. Crown reduction, crown thinning, and crown lifting are all standard practices used by arborists to shape and manage tree growth.
Crown reduction involves the selective removal or reduction of branches to reduce the overall size and weight of the tree's canopy. This is often done to alleviate stress on the tree and prevent branches from becoming hazardous.
Crown thinning, on the other hand, involves the removal of internal branches throughout the canopy to increase air circulation and sunlight penetration. This helps to improve the tree's overall health and appearance.
Crown lifting, meanwhile, focuses on removing the lower branches of the tree to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles, or pedestrians. By understanding the differences between these techniques, you can work with your arborist to determine the best course of action for your trees.
Crown reduction is a common tree maintenance technique that involves selectively pruning branches to reduce the overall size of the tree's canopy. While the primary goal of crown reduction is to reshape and reduce the size of the tree, it can also include the removal of diseased and dead branches.
This not only improves the tree's aesthetics but also promotes overall tree health by eliminating potential sources of infection and decay. Proper pruning techniques, including the removal of diseased and dead branches, are essential for maintaining the health and vitality of trees in urban environments.
It depends on the tree species and its growth rate; however, reviewing your trees every year can help you understand when it may be best to thin them. If you have reduced light levels, lots of dense foliage, overhanging or dead branches, or issues with the look of the tree, it may be ready for a tree thinning service. If you're not sure, get in touch with the team for advice.
The ideal time for tree pruning is usually late winter to early spring (around January to March) when most trees are dormant. This minimises stress and encourages healthy regrowth. However, professional tree surgeons like us can often carry out pruning outside this window too — especially when it's done with a clear understanding of the tree’s species, health, and growth cycle.
For example:
Some trees, like cherry, plum, and other stone fruit trees, are best pruned in summer to avoid the risk of disease.
Fast-growing species or those causing immediate issues (e.g. overhanging branches or blocked light) can be pruned at almost any time with the right techniques.
Hedge cutting is typically done between late spring and early autumn, but this depends on the species and how formal you want the hedge to look. Some fast-growing hedges may need trimming two or three times a year.
⚠️ It's important to consider nesting birds, as it's illegal to disturb active nests. Nesting season in the UK generally runs from March to September. Before starting any work, we always assess the site and adjust our plans if there’s evidence of nesting.
If you're not sure when to prune your tree or hedge, just ask — we’ll recommend the right timing for safe, healthy, and legally compliant work.
Whether it’s urgent, or you just have a quick question while you’re waiting to hear from us, we’re here. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
