British tree surgeons and arborists are commonly regarded as among the best in the world. Let’s take a look at what you should expect from a fully qualified professional tree surgeon here in East Sussex or indeed anywhere else, what qualifications and insurance they usually carry also the rogues that don’t and why you should not use them.
There are many reasons for not trusting an unskilled person to climb 80ft in to a tree with a chainsaw while in your garden, but probably a good enough one is that they might die or seriously injure themselves. If you’re looking for more reasons they may damage your property or someone else’s and if they don’t carry the correct insurance you might end up footing the bill.
The qualified tree surgeon today should possess the following list of skills and have the certificates to prove this. They should also carry up to date photo ID cards stating they are proficient in the use of both chainsaws and land based machinery. Beware, not all so called tree surgeons can show you these things.
Tree Surgeon Qualifications
NPTC CS30 – This is the basic certificate in chainsaw competence.
NPTC CS31 – Felling trees and safely processing the timber.
NPTC CS38 – Tree climbing and arial rescue skills are covered here.
NPTC CS39 – Using a chainsaw from a rope and harness while suspended in the canopy.
NPTC Wood Chipper – Safe use of essential tree surgery machinery.
NPTC MEWP – Also known as a cherry picker, essential for some tasks that cannot be safely carried out from a rope and harness. The mobile elevated work platform or MEWP is becoming more popular with health & safety officials.
First Aid – Your tree surgeon should hold a current first aid certificate.
Plant Biology – Does your tree surgeon know his stuff? A dedicated tree surgeon will have a passion for understanding the trees that he works with, any arborist worth their salt will have applied himself and gained a good knowledge of both plant biology and species recognition. As a potential customer you should ask to see evidence of your tree surgeons academic qualifications. It’s true that this line of work is very hands on however, tree surgery that is effective should be backed up with underpinning knowledge to begin with. Most tree surgery qualifications are graded pass through to distinction.
Arboriculture Theory – Knowledge of current best practices is important as well as the basics through to advanced arboricultural theory. It’s a huge subject when you take into account the different species and situations that a tree surgeon could be presented with so it’s important that your chosen arborist understands his job and is able to prove this by showing you evidence of his competence academically. These certificates of competence are usually graded pass through to distinction.
In addition to this, a professional tree surgeon will carry out all tree surgery operations in accordance with BS3998 and be able to produce proof of Public Liability Insurance. They will also have a place to dispose of both brushwood and timber.
