What are the typical services of an arboricultural contractor?

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

AC 004 26
AC 004 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.

Common services

  • Tree maintenance operations including pruning, and related works to relevant British Standards (see our Tree Work Terminology page) 
  • Tree removal (felling or dismantling of dangerous trees or trees in confined spaces).
  • Tree planting operations and aftercare/establishment programmes
  • Emergency tree work
  • Tree inspections and reports
  • Stump grinding
  • Advice and guidance on the above

In addition, some contractors may undertake pest and disease (‘P&D’) identification and control, bracing, soil decompaction and amelioration, tree fertilisation, mulching and other operations, including hedge trimming, fruit tree pruning, veteran tree management. However, only those listed above are covered by the ‘ARB Approved Contractor Scheme’

These services are usually performed to an agreed specification which may come from:

  • The contractor after discussion with the client, or
  • A third party such as a Consultant employed, or
  • The Local Authority Tree Officer if a Tree Preservation Order etc. is in place.

In either case it is prudent for clients to obtain a written specification for the work and to agree the specification and price prior to commissioning the contractor.

Why use a professional contractor?

  • Work is carried out safely
  • Trees are managed according to best practice
  • Legal requirements are met

Choosing the right contractor

Look for contractors who:

  • Are insured
  • Hold relevant qualifications
  • Follow recognised standards

Next steps