Find a tree surgeon near you — vetted arborists across the UK

Don't just Google "tree surgeon near me"

Finding a reliable tree surgeon near you can be harder than it looks — and getting it wrong can be costly. TreeMend connects you with vetted local tree surgeons and arborists across the UK, so you can compare specialists and hire with confidence.

Whether you need a tree pruned, removed stump and all, or assessed for safety, our network of approved tree surgeons and arborists is ready to help. Every professional on TreeMend is vetted on the basis of quality and reputation — so you're not just finding someone local, you're finding someone you can trust.

Tree surgery isn't always straightforward. Certain trees require permits before they can be touched, and some jobs simply aren't safe to DIY. Our members handle the full process — from compliance and permissions to the work itself — with transparent pricing and reasonable appointment times.

What is a tree surgeon?

A tree surgeon - also known as an arborist - is a trained professional who cares for, maintains, and removes amenity trees. These are the trees found in private gardens, parks, schools, churches, and commercial properties. The work falls under arboriculture: the science and practice of cultivating and managing trees for the benefit of people and the environment.

Tree Surgeon vs Arborist: What's the Difference?

In everyday use in the UK, the two terms are largely interchangeable. In practice, tree surgeons tend to focus on hands-on services - pruning, felling, stump grinding, and general maintenance. Arborists may also specialise in the science of tree health: diagnosing pests and disease, conducting tree surveys, and advising on planting for development projects. Both types of professional can be found through TreeMend.
For a fuller comparison, see our guide: Tree Surgeon vs Arborist.

Similar professions that may provide tree surgery services

There are many local, independent companies operating in the UK providing tree surgery services. Many other companies may provide some or all of the most common tree surgery services that overlap with tree surgeons and provide additional services.

Landscape contractors, gardeners, and grounds maintenance teams may provide services such as lawn mowing, hedge trimming, ivy trimming, shrub pruning, fertilising, and more to keep your property’s flora healthy and beautiful. For commercial properties, facilities maintenance may also provide routine pruning and other services to maintain the health and beauty of the property.

Furthermore, some arborists may specialise in services such as tree surveys, diagnosing health problems from pests or diseases, and consulting with developers on tree planting, for example.

It's always worth enquiring with a qualified tree surgery company near you so that you get the best possible care for your tree(s).

Why hire a professional tree surgeon?

Tree surgery is skilled, specialist work. It involves working at height with heavy machinery, navigating complex UK regulations, and protecting both the tree and those around it. Here's why hiring a qualified professional is almost always the right choice:

• Safety — tree surgery carries significant risks of injury, property damage, and harm to the tree. Qualified tree surgeons have the training, PPE, and experience to manage these risks correctly.
• Tree health — poor pruning techniques like topping and lopping are no longer used by qualified professionals. The right cuts at the right time promote vitality rather than harm the tree.
• Regulatory compliance — UK law places restrictions on felling certain trees (TPOs, Conservation Areas, felling licences). A professional will know what applies and obtain permissions on your behalf.
• Liability insurance — reputable tree surgeons carry at least £5 million in public and employers' liability insurance. Without this, you may be liable for any damage caused.
• Wildlife protection — trees can be home to bats, birds, and other protected species. Professionals know how to identify and protect habitats in line with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

How much does a tree surgeon cost in the UK?

Tree surgery costs vary depending on the job, the size and species of the tree, your location, and whether permissions need to be obtained. As a general guide:

• Hourly rate: around £100 per hour for most tree surgeons in the UK.
• Day rate: expect to pay £400–£600 for a full day's labour.
• Stump grinding: typically £100–£400 depending on stump size.
• Tree felling: highly variable — a small tree may cost from £150, while large or complex removals can exceed £1,500.

Getting multiple quotes through TreeMend is the best way to find a fair price for your specific situation. All quotes are free and come with no obligation to proceed.

For a full pricing guide, visit our tree surgery prices page.

UK tree protection laws: what you need to know

The UK has several legal mechanisms that protect trees, and property owners who ignore them face serious consequences — including unlimited fines. Here's a summary of the key protections:

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

A TPO is placed on a tree by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) when a tree is considered to provide significant public benefit. Wilfully damaging or removing a TPO tree without permission is a criminal offence and can result in unlimited fines. If you're unsure whether a tree on your property has a TPO, a qualified tree surgeon can check and apply for permissions on your behalf.

Conservation area trees

Trees within a designated Conservation Area are protected regardless of whether they have a TPO. You must give written notice to your local authority at least six weeks before carrying out any work. The authority may then grant permission or impose a TPO. The notice requirement applies to trees with a trunk diameter of more than 7.5cm at 1.5m from the ground.

Restrictive covenants

Some property deeds include restrictive covenants that prohibit or restrict the removal or alteration of trees on the land. These covenants bind the land, not just the current owner. If your property has such a covenant, consult a solicitor before instructing any tree work.

Felling licences

Most homeowners do not need a felling licence to remove trees in their private garden. However, landowners with significant timber volumes may need approval from the Forestry Commission. Your tree surgeon can advise whether a licence applies to your situation.