Tree and bush cutting

Whether you are dealing with an overgrown leylandii hedge or a protected oak tree, hiring a qualified tree surgeon (arborist) prevents costly damage and potential legal fines. This guide covers the essential costs, regulations, and practicalities of tree and bush cutting for UK homeowners.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Assessment: A professional will inspect trees for structural integrity, signs of disease (like ash dieback), and proximity to buildings or power lines.
• Crown Pruning: This includes "crown lifting" (removing lower branches), "crown thinning" (removing selective branches to let light through), and "crown reduction" (reducing the overall size).
• Tree Felling: For trees that are dead, dying, or dangerous. This is usually done via "sectional felling," where the tree is dismantled piece by piece using ropes and rigging.
• Hedge Maintenance: Professional trimming, shaping, and height reduction of garden hedges and large shrubs.
• Waste Management: Most quotes include chipping branches on-site and removing all green waste, though some homeowners keep the wood for fuel.
• Stump Grinding: Using a specialist machine to grind the remaining stump below ground level to allow for replanting or turfing.

Typical Costs

Tree surgery costs vary significantly based on the size of the tree, its location, and the complexity of the equipment required. Prices below include VAT at 20%.

Factors affecting the final price include restricted access (e.g., carrying waste through a house), proximity to public highways requiring traffic management, and the overall health of the tree.

How Long Does It Take?

• Hedge Trimming: 2–4 hours for a standard domestic garden; 1–2 days for large boundary hedges.
• Small Tree Removal: 3–6 hours for a single tree with easy access.
• Large Tree Dismantling: 1–3 days depending on the size, canopy spread, and safety requirements.
• Stump Grinding: 30 minutes to 2 hours per stump.

DIY or Professional?

While minor shrub pruning and low-level hedge trimming are manageable for many homeowners, anything involving ladders or chainsaws should be left to professionals. Tree surgery is one of the most dangerous professions in the UK.

Professional intervention is mandatory if:

• The work requires climbing or working at height.
• The tree is near power lines, public footpaths, or buildings.
• The tree is subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a Conservation Area.
• Heavy machinery, such as woodchippers or stump grinders, is required.

Warning: Improper pruning (such as "topping") can permanently damage a tree's health, making it more likely to fail in high winds. Always use a professional for structural work.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

Tree surgery is an unregulated industry, meaning anyone can buy a chainsaw and call themselves a tree surgeon. To protect your property, follow these steps:

• Check Qualifications: Look for NPTC (National Proficiency Test Council) or LANTRA certificates. These prove the operative is trained in safe chainsaw use and climbing.
• Insurance: Ensure they have Public Liability Insurance (minimum £5 million) and Employer’s Liability Insurance. Ask to see the certificates.
• Accreditations: Membership in the Arboricultural Association or being an "Approved Contractor" is a sign of high standards.
• Written Quotes: Avoid anyone offering a "cash price" at the door. Get a written quote that details waste removal and stump treatment.

Questions to ask:

• "Will the work be carried out to British Standard BS 3998:2010?"
• "Are you going to check for nesting birds or bats before starting?"
• "Is waste removal and stump grinding included in this price?"
• "How will you protect my lawn or driveway from heavy machinery?"

UK Regulations

Before any work starts, you must ensure you are not breaking the law. UK councils are increasingly strict regarding tree protection.

• Tree Preservation Orders (TPO): It is a criminal offence to cut, prune, or damage a tree protected by a TPO without council permission. Fines can be unlimited.
• Conservation Areas: If you live in a Conservation Area, you must give the local planning authority six weeks' notice (a Section 211 notice) before carrying out work on trees.
• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: It is illegal to intentionally damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. This typically limits heavy hedge and tree work between March and August.
• Felling Licences: If you are felling a large volume of timber (usually more than 5 cubic metres in a calendar quarter), you may need a licence from the Forestry Commission.

Common Problems

• Nesting Birds: Starting a job in late spring only to find nesting birds, which legally halts all work and leaves you with a half-finished garden.
• Poor Pruning: "Topping" or "lopping" trees, which leads to rapid, weak regrowth and future safety hazards.
• Underground Services: Stump grinders hitting gas or water pipes because the homeowner wasn't aware of their location.
• Boundary Disputes: Cutting back a neighbour's tree past the property line without permission. You are legally allowed to trim overhanging branches back to the boundary, but you must offer the cuttings back to the owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my tree has a TPO?

You can check with your local council's planning department. Many councils now have interactive maps on their websites where you can search by postcode to see protected trees and conservation area boundaries.

Can I cut my neighbour’s overhanging branches?

Yes, under common law you can trim branches that overhang your property line. However, you must not cross the boundary to do so, and you should technically offer the "arisings" (cuttings) back to your neighbour, though most prefer you dispose of them.

When is the best time of year to prune trees?

For most deciduous trees, the dormant season (late autumn to winter) is best as it reduces stress on the tree and makes the structure easier to see. However, some species like Cherry or Plum should be pruned in summer to avoid Silver Leaf disease.

Will a tree surgeon remove the stump as standard?

No, stump grinding is usually an additional service. If a tree is felled, the surgeon will typically leave a "monolith" or a low stump. If you want the stump removed entirely, ensure this is specified in your quote.

What is the difference between an arborist and a tree surgeon?

The terms are often used interchangeably. However, an arborist typically focuses on the health and science of the tree (consultancy/diagnosis), while a tree surgeon performs the physical maintenance and felling.