Tree cutting and lawn mowing

Whether you are dealing with an overgrown oak or a patchy lawn, hiring a professional ensures the work is carried out safely and legally. This guide covers everything from pricing and regulations to choosing a qualified tree surgeon or gardener for the job.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Inspection: Checking for Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), conservation area restrictions, and signs of disease or structural instability.
• Tree Pruning: Crown lifting, thinning, or reduction to manage size, improve light, and remove hazardous deadwood.
• Sectional Felling: Carefully dismantling large trees in confined spaces using rigging and climbing equipment to protect surrounding property.
• Stump Grinding: Using specialist machinery to remove the root ball below ground level, preventing regrowth and clearing the way for replanting.
• Lawn Maintenance: Precision mowing, edge trimming, and seasonal treatments like scarification or aeration.
• Waste Management: Chipping branches on-site and removing green waste to a licensed disposal facility.

Typical Costs

Prices for tree and lawn work vary significantly based on the height of the tree, its location, and the volume of waste generated. Most reputable tree surgeons will quote per job rather than per hour for major works.

Note: Prices usually include VAT and waste disposal. Expect higher rates in London and the South East due to increased disposal costs and overheads.

How Long Does It Take?

• Standard Lawn Mowing: 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the lawn size and complexity of borders.
• Fruit Tree Pruning: 1 to 3 hours per tree to ensure the health and future yield of the specimen.
• Medium Tree Removal: 4 to 6 hours for a team of two to fell, chip, and tidy the site.
• Large Tree Dismantling: 1 to 2 full days if the tree is near power lines or buildings requiring careful rigging.

DIY or Professional?

Lawn mowing is a standard DIY task, but tree work is a different matter entirely. Working at height with chainsaws is one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK; it requires specific NPTC certifications and specialist insurance.

Warning: Attempting to fell a large tree yourself can lead to serious injury or catastrophic property damage. Most home insurance policies will not cover damage caused by DIY tree surgery.

Professional tree surgeons (arborists) understand tree biology and the British Standard for tree work (BS 3998). They ensure the tree remains healthy and structurally sound, whereas amateur "lopping and topping" often leads to decay or rapid, weak regrowth.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Qualifications: Look for NPTC or LANTRA certificates for chainsaw use, aerial work, and rescue.
• Insurance: Ensure they have Public Liability insurance (minimum £5 million) and Employer’s Liability insurance.
• Written Quotes: Avoid "doorstep" traders; always get a written quote that specifies if waste removal and stump grinding are included.
• Ask these questions: Can you provide a copy of your insurance? Do you work to BS 3998 standards? Will you check for TPOs with the local council?

UK Regulations

• Tree Preservation Orders (TPO): It is a criminal offence to cut a tree protected by a TPO without council permission. Fines can be unlimited.
• Conservation Areas: You must give the local planning authority six weeks' notice (a Section 211 notice) before carrying out work on trees in a conservation area.
• Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981: It is illegal to disturb nesting birds. Most major tree work should be avoided between March and August.
• Waste Regulations: Your tradesperson must hold a valid Waste Carrier Licence to legally transport green waste from your property.

Common Problems

• Illegal Pruning: Proceeding with work on a protected tree without checking the local land charges register can result in heavy fines for the homeowner.
• "Lion's Tailing": Over-pruning the inner branches, leaving foliage only at the tips. This makes the tree unstable in high winds.
• Underground Services: Failing to scan for gas, water, or electric lines before stump grinding can lead to dangerous and expensive utility strikes.
• Poor Cleanup: Leaving sawdust and chippings on a lawn can turn the grass yellow by altering the soil's nitrogen levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permission to cut down a tree in my own garden?

Usually no, unless the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or you live in a Conservation Area. Always check with your local council's planning department before starting work.

When is the best time of year to prune trees?

For most species, the dormant season (late autumn to winter) is best. However, some trees like Cherry or Walnut are better pruned in summer to avoid specific diseases like Silver Leaf.

What is the difference between a gardener and a tree surgeon?

A gardener handles general maintenance like mowing and weeding. A tree surgeon is a specialist trained in the care, management, and safe removal of large woody plants and trees at height.

Can a tree surgeon work in the rain?

Light rain is usually fine, but high winds or heavy rain make climbing and chainsaw work dangerous. Most surgeons will reschedule for safety reasons during storms.

Will a tree surgeon remove the stump as part of the felling price?

Typically, no. Stump grinding requires different machinery and is usually quoted as an optional extra. If not requested, the tree will be cut as close to the ground as possible.