Frequently Asked Questions Questions 1. What happens if I use a company who is not insured? 2. How much does it cost? 3. How quick can the job be done? 4. When is the right time to prune a tree? 5. My tree has a preservation order on it, will you make the application on my behalf? 6. What’s the difference between a tree preservation order (TPO) and conservation area (CON)? Answers 1. What happens if I use a company who is not insured? Top You could be liable for any accident the operator may have. This could be to your property or your neighbours property. It could be personal injury to anyone, including any assistant with the operator or the operator himself. 2. How much does it cost? Top It is practically impossible to cost a tree work job over the phone. Every tree is different, so we offer a free of charge service with no obligation. We will come to your property and inspect your trees and give you professional arboricultural advice, followed by a written quotation. It details the exact works to be carried out with a fixed cost for each item. This is all free with no obligation and arranged at a time to suit you. 3. How quick can the job be done? Top We can carry out the work immediately if the tree is dangerous. But normal turnover of work is approximately 3 weeks. This may be delayed if we need to make a detailed application to the Local Authority, with reference to a tree preservation order or conservation area. We check tree preservation orders or conservation areas on every job when accepted. 90% of works are not covered by any orders. 4. When is the right time to prune a tree? Top Trees vary in species. Most trees can be pruned at any time of the year, with a few exceptions:
Cherry, Plum, and related trees (Prunus species) should be pruned soon after flowering to reduce the risk of bacterial infection.
Maple and Birch should not be pruned in the spring to avoid ‘bleeding’ (exuding sap), which although not considered damaging can be unsightly. Magnolia and Walnut should only be pruned in high summer. 5. My tree has a preservation order on it, will you make the application on my behalf? Top We will make an application on your behalf, at no extra cost. We will keep you informed and process the application as quickly as possible. 6. What’s the difference between a tree preservation order (TPO) and conservation area (CON)? Top A tree preservation order (TPO) covers individual trees or a group of trees and requires a specific application and must receive approval from the Local Authority before works can commence. Trees in a conservation area (CON) require a six week notice of intent application, if after this time no written confirmation has been received, then the works can proceed. | 
