Back to Home

Help & advice

Trusted tree care advice - Whether you're looking after a tree in your garden, managing trees professionally or simply want to learn more about arboriculture, our Help & Advice library brings together trusted, evidence-based guidance from the UK's leading professional body for tree care.

Wales Branch Credit Mike Higgins (10)
Wales Branch Credit Mike Higgins (10)
Back to Home

Help & advice

Trusted tree care advice - Whether you're looking after a tree in your garden, managing trees professionally or simply want to learn more about arboriculture, our Help & Advice library brings together trusted, evidence-based guidance from the UK's leading professional body for tree care.

HA Trees And Countryside Or Wildlife 08

What actions can contractors take to ensure compliance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981?

Contractors have a legal responsibility to avoid harming protected wildlife, including nesting birds and bats.

Public
Wildlife Contractor
HA Trees And Countryside Or Wildlife 14

What can we expect if we find ourselves in breach of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981?

Breaching wildlife legislation can result in prosecution, fines, and reputational damage.

Public
Wildlife legislation
HA Urban Trees 25

What is the minimum distance to plant trees from a house?

There is no single legal minimum distance for planting trees from a house in the UK. The appropriate distance depends on the size of the tree, its future growth, soil conditions, and the type of building.

Public
Buidlings Tree planting
AC 016 26

What are the regulations for working at height?

Working at height includes any work where a person could fall and be injured. It is regulated to help prevent serious accidents.

Public
Work at Height Regulations
AC 003 26

What are the typical services of an arboricultural contractor?

Arboricultural contractors provide a wide range of services related to tree care, safety, and management.

Public
Contractor ARB Approved Contractor
AC 014 26

What are the working regulations for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used to reduce the risk of injury during hazardous work such as tree operations.

Public
Regulations PPE Equipment
Ritt Photo Bird 8083971

What birds are protected?

In the UK, all wild birds, their nests, and eggs are protected by law.

Public
Wildlife Birds legislation
RC 14

What is a tree consultant?

A tree consultant (also known as an arboricultural consultant) is a specialist who provides independent professional advice about trees, rather than carrying out physical tree work.

Public
Consultant Registered Consultant
RC 04

What is the Helliwell system and how much is a “point”?

The Helliwell system is a method used to assess the amenity (public value) of trees.

Public
Tree valuation Helliwell CAVAT iTree
HA Tree Damage Cracked Drive

What should I do if tree roots cause cracks in my driveway or drains – and does it mean my house will be damaged next?

Tree roots can sometimes contribute to damage of hard surfaces or drains, but this does not automatically mean your house foundations will be affected.

Public
Tree Damage
HA Trees And Countryside Or Wildlife 27

What should I do to make sure bats are not affected?

All bat species and their roosts are legally protected in the UK.

Public
bats
HA Trees And Countryside Or Wildlife 09

What’s this fungus growing on my tree? Is it killing the tree and making it unsafe?

Many fungi grow on trees, but not all fungi mean a tree is dying or dangerous.

Public
Fungi
TR AK

Find a professional

Need tree work carried out?

Search for an ARB Approved Contractor – tree surgery businesses that have been independently assessed against the Arboricultural Association's standards.

Need professional tree advice?

Search for an AA Registered Consultant for specialist arboricultural advice, surveys, reports and consultancy.

Wzdigiphoto Acorns 3611112 1920

Email Updates

We'll keep you informed about the latest news, events, training opportunities, technical guidance and other updates relevant to your interests.

You can update your communication preferences or unsubscribe at any time using the links included in our emails.