Although trees in the UK only cover about 13% of the total land area, there are an estimated 3 billion of them. That's a lot of trees by anyone's standards!
While some are in areas of managed woodland, others are in gardens, parks or even urban settings, and - wherever they might be - they all need care and attention to a certain degree. Many people feel capable of handling the job themselves, and this is okay, as long as you know what you are doing and take proper precautions.
However, there are occasions when a professional tree surgeon or arborist is required, but it seems that a lot of consumers are still in the dark as to what exactly it is that tree surgeons do. Many people assume that they're not entirely necessary and that anyone can chop a tree down or lop a few branches off! But there's a lot more to this role than that, as we'll see in a moment.
In the Tree Surgeon Pro blog post, we're setting the record straight with a deep dive into the world of the tree surgeon. By the end, you'll know all there is to know about tree surgery, and you'll be able to accurately assess when to call on them for professional help.
If you think a professional tree surgeon’s job is just about swinging a chainsaw around, think again! This is a highly skilled role that blends science, safety, and serious muscle power. Whether working in private gardens, public parks, woodlands, or urban streets, tree surgeons undertake a whole range of tasks to keep trees healthy, people safe, and landscapes looking their best. Hiring a reputable tree services company ensures that all tree work is carried out professionally, safely, and in compliance with industry standards.
Here's a rundown of the different aspects of tree surgery for you to consider - some of them may come as a surprise...
Tree maintenance covers tasks such as pruning trees and trimming branches to improve tree health, shape, and structure while preventing future problems like weak growth, disease, or interference with buildings and pathways. Proper pruning ensures trees grow strong, look great, and stay safe in all weather conditions.
This often includes these different methods:
Regular pruning not only helps trees live longer but also minimises the risk of falling branches, improves aesthetics, encourages healthy growth, and supports biodiversity by maintaining habitats for birds and insects.
Other tree work might include any of the following projects...
Tree surgeons inspect trees for signs of disease, pest infestations, decay, or structural weaknesses that could lead to instability. During tree inspections, they check for fungal infections, insect damage, cracks, and hollowing, which might compromise the tree’s health or safety.
Based on the assessment, they provide expert advice on treatments, pruning strategies, or, in severe cases, safe removal to prevent further spread of disease or potential hazards.
Professional tree surgeons identify and remove dead, dying, or diseased branches before they become a danger to people, property, or the tree itself. Deadwood can break off unexpectedly, especially in high winds, so regular maintenance reduces the risk of accidents.
Removing dead branches also helps improve air circulation, encourages healthy new growth, and prevents decay from spreading further into the tree.
Pollarding is the process of cutting trees back to their main branches at regular intervals to control their size, restrict root growth, encourage dense new growth, and prevent structural weaknesses.
This technique is commonly used in urban areas where trees need to be managed within tight spaces, such as along streets or near buildings. Pollarding also extends the lifespan of certain species by stimulating fresh, healthy regrowth while maintaining a neat, structured appearance.
A traditional woodland management technique where trees are cut down to their base to stimulate vigorous new shoots. This method encourages sustainable timber production, enhances biodiversity, and creates a healthier woodland ecosystem by allowing more light to reach the forest floor. Coppiced trees regenerate naturally, producing strong, straight shoots that can be harvested again in cycles, making it an eco-friendly way to manage woodlands for firewood, fencing, and habitat creation.
For a good tree surgeon, preserving trees is paramount. Where possible, they'll use their knowledge and skills to keep trees healthy and will avoid cutting them down.
However, qualified tree surgeons undertake tree felling if and when necessary.
Even so, it's never a case of simply taking a chainsaw to the trunk! Trees must be felled carefully to avoid harm to people or property damage. In most cases, unless there's enough space to allow the tree to fall in one piece, the tree surgeon will cut off the branches of a tree first before removing the trunk in sections (known as sectional dismantling) using ropes and harnesses. They may also use a crane if necessary.
We might need to remove trees for a variety of reasons, usually if they're storm-damaged, diseased or dying. Sometimes, unfortunately, trees are simply in the wrong place!
Most tree surgeons will get rid of the remaining stump as part of the tree felling process, but it's also a separate service if you have an old tree stump on your premises that's causing problems.
For the most part, stump grinding is the preferred method, as it's quick and efficient, grinding the stump down to ground level (or below, if you wish). A stump grinder is an immensely powerful machine that uses a rotating metal disk with sharp teeth. This machine reduces the stump to shreds in a very short time, although it must be used very carefully.
Other methods include controlled burning, chemical or manual removal, but these are less commonly used, either because of the hazards involved or due to the sheer amount of physical effort in the case of manual removal.
Root removal is often included, as these can cause problems with subsidence as they rot.
Understanding tree stump removal cost can help you budget for this, as prices vary depending on factors like stump size, location, and the removal method used.
Tree surgeons can also plant new trees or relocate existing trees as part of their work. This is vitally important, as trees are essential to our survival, and we need to look after them.
Between 2001 and 2021, the UK lost around 105,000 hectares of tree cover, and millions of trees are brought down by powerful storms. In addition, it's estimated that in the last decade, local authorities have felled around 500,000 trees for one reason or another.
Even so, it's not all bad news; there are more trees in the UK now than at any time in the last hundred years or so! Still, planting more is a great idea for a brighter, greener future.
Tree surveys and risk assessments form a major part of the tree surgeon's role, and this involves a thorough inspection to check the overall health of the tree in question.
These surveys and assessments can be performed for estate agents, surveyors, concerned homeowners or building site managers.
Fallen trees can be dangerous, causing obstructions and major damage. Whether it's through storm damage, disease or age, tree surgeons can be called out at short notice to deal with these and get things running smoothly once again.
This can be extremely hazardous work, so all tree surgeons will follow the guidelines and wear appropriate safety gear while tackling these jobs.
Sometimes, circumstances require tree surgeons to clear an area of trees, shrubs and vegetation, and this must be carried out in accordance with environmental guidelines.
This is usually undertaken for construction work to take place, and tree surgeons are often asked to carry out an environmental impact survey to ensure that any trees around the perimeter are not adversely affected.
Many trees are covered by a tree preservation order (or tree protection order, as it's also known) and these require prior consent before any work is carried out.
Most tree surgery companies work with local authorities and other relevant organisations to ensure that all work is carried out within the guidelines.
Falling foul of the law is not advised, unless you want a huge fine or a prison sentence! All trained tree surgeons are aware of the legal requirements and will always work within the current laws.
All fully trained and qualified tree surgeons are aware of the potential hazards involved in the various aspects of tree surgery and will take necessary precautions and use the correct safety equipment for the job.
When people tackle these jobs themselves, they don't always take into account the potential risks. Even if they do, they tend to cut corners or take unnecessary risks, leading to injury or worse.
Before work begins, tree surgeons carry out hazard assessments to identify the risks involved and will take every effort to minimise the danger to public safety as well as their own well-being.
While there are no specific qualifications needed, most reputable tree surgery or arboriculture companies will prefer candidates with a relevant certificate. However, they often help staff gain qualifications such as a foundation degree or higher national diploma in the following subjects:
In addition, you'll need Lantra/NPTC certificates in chainsaw use, and you must be physically fit and healthy due to the nature of the work.
We've taken a peek into the world of tree surgery, and as you can see, it's tough, physically demanding work that requires strength and knowledge!
Now you have a better understanding of what's involved, perhaps it's wise to think twice before taking on any of these jobs, given the potential risks. Besides, some of these tasks can only be carried out by a professional, and it's essential to find a company you can trust.
So, when you next need some help with anything related to tree care, or you require expert advice, contact Tree Surgeon Pro.
