Why You Need to Hire Qualified Tree Surgery Professionals for Domestic and Commercial Tree Surgery
Tree surgeons are a specialist role that requires specific and official training to gain their title. There are many people who claim that they are qualified in tree surgery, however, there are many reasons why you should only hire the qualified experts.
Health and Safety for People and Property
Health and safety always comes first, and tree surgery is a dangerous job.
Qualified tree surgeons have received extensive training to ensure that they are safe in high heights, working on trees with heavy machinery.
It is important to hire a qualified tree surgeon, not only for worker protection, but for your community and neighbourhood. Tree surgeons are highly skilled and will be able to accurately predict where the branches will fall, limiting risk to people and property.
Specialist Tree Equipment Training
Professional tree surgeons are trained to use specialist tools and machinery. They can use anything from chainsaws and rigging systems to stump grinders and wood chippers.
This immersive training ensures that every cut is controlled, efficient, and safe.
Hiring unqualified workers, there is no knowing what qualifications they have received, if any! This can lead to serious injuries, costly mistakes, and terrible results.
Expert Tree Knowledge
Tree surgeons undergo extensive training to make them qualified for tree care, tree surveys, and tree maintenance.
Hiring a qualified tree surgeon will ensure you get the best care for your trees.
Legal Compliance
Trees in the UK are subject to strict legal requirements, such as the TPO (Tree Preservation Orders).
Expert and qualified tree surgeons know all these rules to ensure any tree work is done professionally and in compliance with the law.
Tree Surgeon Qualifications within the UK
With all this being said, what certifications do tree surgeons have?
There is an extensive list of qualifications professional tree surgeons in the UK can achieve to ensure their work meets British Standards.
NPTC and City Guild Certifications
The NPTC/City & Guilds Certificates include:
- CS30 for chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting
- CS31 for felling and processing small trees
- CS32 for medium trees
- CS38 covering tree climbing and aerial rescue techniques
- CS39 for aerial cutting using free-fall methods.
First Aid Training
Becoming a tree surgeon is not without its dangers.
That is why every qualified tree surgeon should carry a current first aid certificate, usually an emergency first aid at work or the more comprehensive first aid at work qualification.
This helps protect their team should the unexpected happen.
Member of the Arboricultural Association
Although not mandatory, a good sign that you are hiring a trusted and skilled tree surgeon is if they are a member of the Arboricultural Association.
This membership shows their commitment to maintaining industry standards and that they have undergone a strict screening process.
LANTRA Awards
LANTRA Awards is one of the leading agricultural training bodies for tree surgeons.
If your tree surgeon is LANTRA Awards approved and holds LANTRA Award certifications, it is another good sign they are expertly qualified.
The LANTRA Awards cover specific areas such as Aerial Tree Rigging, Veteran Tree Management, and Utility Arboriculture.
Advanced Qualifications
The more experienced tree surgeons in our team often hold advanced qualifications. These might include:
- Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Arboriculture
- Foundation degrees or full BSc degrees in Arboriculture or Forestry
- Professional Tree Inspection Certificate
- Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture, or Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) credentials.
Qualified Tree Surgeons outside the UK
Looking beyond UK borders, many tree surgeons seek international recognition through qualifications like:
- ISA Certified Arborist credential
- European Tree Worker Certification
Advice Before Hiring an Arborist
When you’re looking to hire a tree surgeon or arborist, always check their certifications. This will ensure your safety, their safety, and compliance with the law.
Any reputable professional should readily provide evidence of their qualifications, show you their current NPTC certificates, and confirm membership in relevant professional bodies.
Professional insurance, including public liability and professional indemnity cover, forms another essential requirement.
Remember that working on protected trees requires local authority permission regardless of the tree surgeon’s qualifications, though professionals with advanced credentials will help ensure compliance with all legal requirements for your tree work.
Contact GGM Landscaping
Looking for a fully qualified and compliant tree surgeon in Scotland? Trust GGM Landscaping to get the job done safely, effectively, and efficiently.
Our trusted team are members of the Arboricultural Association, LANTA Award Approved, and City & Guilds NPTC qualified. This means you can fully trust our service to give you the best quality of care and professionalism.
For expert help and quality of care, trust GGM Landscaping to look after your trees.
Contact our friendly team today on 07946 322717.