How to Hire the Best Tree Consultant in the UK 

A tree consultant, otherwise known as an arborist, is insured and qualified to offer professional advice about trees, construction around trees, and tree management. A good tree consultant offers guidance about trees by giving multiple solutions apart from “retain” or “remove”.

Woodland Tree Service 

What is the difference between a tree consultant and a tree contractor?

A tree contractor provides the following services:

• Carrying out felling and pruning of trees.
• Planting of trees.
• Kills or removes stumps.
• Works as an agent to check if your trees are protected.

A tree consultant, on the other hand, offers:

• Impartial advice on the tree’s condition
• Prepares tree management specifications
• Represents you in legal activities
• Works with other stakeholders when need be

Where can you find a tree consultant?

You can check in the Arboricultural Association lists or the Yellow Pages under the title “tree work” where you’ll find the consultants arranged in chronological order. You can contact your preferred one and ask them to provide you with a quote. Ask for two to three quotes, as they can differ considerably. Be clear of what you want, so that you ask the right questions that suit your needs.

A tree consultant may charge for the initial visit, so you should confirm this before making an order. If clarification is needed for the proposed work, such as a Tree Preservation Order or trees are to be preserved in a Conservation Area, the tree consultant may make an application for you and might charge you for this. However, you’re at liberty to make your application and enclose the consultant’s report to your application.

How to choose the best UK tree consultant

You can look at the leaflet provided by the Arboricultural Association online. Obtain written quotations, ask for their qualifications, insurance cover, membership of trade associations such as the International Society of Arboriculture, Arboricultural Association, and also ask for references of their previous jobs.

You should never employ door knockers or hire tree consultants through flyers or leaflets, as they’re likely to have no formal training or knowledge of the law and tree physiology. What’s more, they don’t normally have a business address. 

At Lockhart Garratt, we have professionally trained and highly skilled tree consultants and a proven track record of happy clients who are satisfied with the services we offer.