FAQ

A tree surgeon, also known as an arborist, is a professional trained in the care, maintenance, and removal of trees. Tree surgeons perform tasks such as pruning, crown reduction, deadwood removal, and tree felling. They use specialised techniques to keep trees healthy and safe, ensuring that any work done is beneficial to the tree's longevity and structural stability. Tree surgeons like those at Treemedic Ltd. are certified and experienced in climbing, cutting, and handling complex equipment, making them the best choice for any tree-related task.

Tree surgeons play a critical role in:

• Ensuring public safety by managing hazardous trees.
• Enhancing urban green spaces for better air quality and biodiversity.
• Preserving trees to combat climate change by absorbing CO₂.
• Protecting landscapes through expert tree care and disease management.

While both tree surgeons and gardeners work with plants and green spaces, their roles are quite distinct. A gardener typically manages the overall care of plants, lawns, and shrubs, focusing on aesthetic and routine maintenance tasks. A tree surgeon, however, is a specialist in tree care who uses advanced techniques and equipment to handle complex and often dangerous tree work, including large tree removals, high-risk pruning, and managing tree health. Tree surgeons are certified and trained to address structural and health issues in trees that a gardener may not be equipped to handle.

Yes. In the UK you're legally allowed to cut back branches that overhang your property, as far as the boundary line. What you cannot do is cross onto your neighbour's land or climb their tree to do it — that's trespass, even if the branch you're reaching for is on your side.

You also mustn't cut in a way that damages or destabilises the tree, since you'd be liable if it subsequently failed.

And if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or sits in a Conservation Area, you need consent from the council first, even for overhanging growth. See our Surrey tree surgeon page for a council-by-council guide.

No, you do not need your neighbour’s permission to cut branches overhanging your property, as this is considered “abating a nuisance.” However, if the work requires access to their land, you will need their consent. Always remember, if the tree has a TPO or is in a Conservation Area, you must get prior approval from the local council.

No, you are not allowed to cut beyond your property boundary to prevent future regrowth.

Once you have cut the overhanging branches, you must offer them back to the tree owner. If they decline, it becomes your responsibility to dispose of the prunings properly. You cannot simply throw them back over the boundary into your neighbour’s garden. Treemedic Ltd. can assist with responsible disposal as part of our professional tree surgery services.

Yes, you have the right to cut tree roots that grow into your property, just as you can with overhanging branches. However, if the tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is located within a Conservation Area, you must obtain prior consent from your local council before undertaking any work.

If cutting roots weakens a tree and causes it to fall, you would be liable for any damage it causes. The same liabilities apply as with cutting branches. To avoid such risks, exercise caution and seek professional advice for anything beyond minor root work. Consulting a competent tree surgeon or arboriculturist is essential to ensure the work is done safely and responsibly.

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal order made by a local planning authority in the UK to protect specific trees or woodlands. A TPO restricts any unauthorised pruning, felling, or other alterations, ensuring the trees are preserved for their ecological, historical, or aesthetic value. If a tree on your property has a TPO, you'll need permission from your local council before carrying out any work. Treemedic Ltd. can assist you in determining if your trees have TPOs and guide you through the proper steps to obtain any necessary permissions.

A Conservation Area is a designated zone recognised for its special architectural or historical interest, where local authorities aim to preserve and enhance the area's character. Trees within Conservation Areas are protected, meaning you must give your local council six weeks’ written notice before carrying out any pruning, cutting, or removal. This allows the council to assess the tree's importance and decide if a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) should be applied.

If you're unsure whether your property is within a Conservation Area, Treemedic Ltd. can help you check and guide you through the necessary permissions for tree work.

To check if your trees are in a Conservation Area or are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), follow these steps:

1. Contact Your Local Council: Reach out to your local planning department, as they hold records of Conservation Areas and TPOs.
2. Use Online Tools: Many councils provide online maps where you can search for properties within Conservation Areas or see if a tree is protected by a TPO.
3. Seek Professional Advice: Treemedic Ltd. can assist you in determining whether your trees are protected. We can also handle the necessary applications for council consent if work is needed.

Remember, it’s essential to obtain permission before working on protected trees, as unauthorised work can result in legal penalties.

Around six weeks for trees in a conservation area, and up to eight weeks for trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order. Those are statutory periods and there's no way to shorten them, so start early if you're working to a deadline.

The detail varies by authority — we work across nine of them. See our council-by-council guide for what applies where you are.

The best time to plant trees is during the autumn or early spring when trees are dormant but the ground is workable. This timing allows the tree’s roots to establish before the growing season, leading to a stronger and healthier start. At Treemedic Ltd., we offer professional tree planting services, from choosing the right species for your landscape to ensuring optimal planting conditions for long-term growth.

Yes, we can help source and plant a variety of trees and hedgerows.

The ideal time to prune trees depends on the species and the specific goals of pruning. Generally, winter or the start of summer is a good time for most tree pruning because trees are dormant in winter and at the start of summer it gives plenty of time for new growth to establish before the cold weather which reduces stress and the risk of disease. However, there are some exceptions to the rule such as plum trees - which we avoid pruning in winter to reduce the risk of silverleaf disease. At Treemedic Ltd, we assess each tree individually and offer expert advice on the best timing and techniques for pruning to maintain tree health.

The best times to prune wisteria are:

• Summer (July to August): To control excessive growth and maintain shape.
• Winter (January to February): To encourage flowering by cutting back spurs to two or three buds.

Yes, evergreen hedges like laurel, yew, and privet stay green all year.

No, stump grinding removes the visible stump and part of the root system immediately surrounding it, but not all the roots. Over time, the remaining roots will naturally decay.

We consider an emergency as any situation that poses a danger to people or property. If a tree has fallen and is on the ground but not causing immediate danger, this is not an emergency and will be handled during normal hours without a surcharge. For emergencies, we respond promptly, assess the situation, and take immediate action to make the area safe. Waste removal will not be done at night to minimise disruption, but we’ll contact you to arrange a suitable time to complete this.

Yes, chainsaws can be used at night in emergencies, such as removing storm-damaged trees blocking roads or posing immediate risks. However, all work must be carried out safely and responsibly to minimise noise and disruption.

Safety is our priority, so we may postpone work in extreme weather like high winds or storms.

Yes, Treemedic Ltd. accepts both card and cash payments for our services. We aim to make payment as convenient as possible for our clients.

No, as long as we have access and clear instructions, you don’t need to be present.

We’ll do our best to accommodate extra work if time allows. Please let us know in advance if possible. Note that additional charges may apply.

Absolutely! Let us know, and we’ll leave the logs for you.

We require at least 2 weeks notice for cancellations to avoid charges.

We’ll protect your home with dust sheets and take care to minimise disruption.

At the moment, we don’t have any offers running, but check back as we sometimes offer seasonal discounts or promotions.

No, we’re not hiring right now. When we are, we’ll advertise on our social media channels and website.

Let us know, and we’ll assess if further pruning is safe and healthy for the tree.

Your satisfaction is our priority. Contact us, and we’ll work to resolve any complaint promptly.

We can provide advice and details about the planned work, but it’s best if you notify your neighbours directly.

Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency call-outs for storm damage, dangerous limbs and fallen trees. Our first step is to make the site safe (isolate hazards, cordon areas, emergency reductions). Non-urgent waste removal may be completed in daylight. We cover Surrey and South West London.

Possibly. Trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or within a Conservation Area require consent before pruning or felling. We can check protection status, advise on suitable works and handle the council application on your behalf. Typical timescales: ~6 weeks for Conservation Area notices and up to 8 weeks for TPO applications.

Treemedic Ltd is fully insured (public liability and employers' liability), and all climbing and rigging equipment is inspected and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance. Copies of insurance and certifications are available on request.

We comply with wildlife protection laws and will halt work if we discover an active nest. We’ll arrange to return once the nesting season has ended.

No, we can move them if they’re in the way to protect them. Rest assured, we’ll put them back once the work is finished.

For reliable information and advice on tree care, gardening, and plant health, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is an excellent resource. Their website offers expert guidance on everything from tree planting and pruning to pest and disease management.

OPM stands for Oak Processionary Moth, a pest affecting oak trees. The caterpillars strip oak leaves, weakening the tree, and their hairs cause skin rashes, eye irritation and breathing difficulties in people, dogs and horses. Old nests stay hazardous for years after the caterpillars have gone.

Never touch a nest, knock it down, or pressure-wash it — that puts the hairs into the air across a wide area. Photograph it from a safe distance and send it to us; identification is free. See our OPM removal page for what to look for and what we do about it.

Honey fungus is a group of parasitic fungi that attack and kill trees, shrubs, and woody plants by decaying their roots. It is recognized by clusters of honey-coloured mushrooms in autumn and a distinctive white, thread-like mycelium under the bark. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent its spread.

The box tree caterpillar, the larva of the box tree moth, feeds on box plants, causing defoliation and severe damage. It is identifiable by its green body with black and white stripes. Prompt treatment with insecticides or biological controls can help protect your plants.

You can call 020 3488 8694 or 07522 167 197, email office@treemedicltd.co.uk, or use our website enquiry form. We’re based in Hersham, Surrey and respond promptly during business hours. For urgent issues, please phone so we can prioritise your call.

Yes, we are VAT registered (GB443333221). VAT is included in the final price of the quote.

Yes, we remove all waste generated during the work, including branches, leaves and other debris. Treemedic Ltd is a registered waste carrier with the Environment Agency (CBDL644967), and everything is transferred only to appropriately licensed facilities in accordance with our Duty of Care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The exception is stump grindings, which are used to backfill the hole and settle naturally as the ground compacts. We don't remove soil. Grindings removal and topsoil backfill are available at additional cost — see our stump grinding page.

Treemedic Ltd is based in Hersham, Surrey, and covers Surrey and South West London across nine planning authorities.

Surrey: Hersham, Esher, Cobham, Walton on Thames, Weybridge, Thames Ditton, East Molesey and Shepperton.

South West London: Kingston, Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington and Wimbledon.

Plus plenty of places in between. See everywhere we cover, or give us a ring and we'll tell you straight away.

Yes - free, no-obligation quotes. We can assess from photos for simple tasks, but for accurate pricing we recommend a site visit to review access, tree condition, proximity to structures and waste volume. We’ll provide a clear written quotation and timescale.

Yes. Councils are explicit that both the tree owner and the contractor are liable. "My tree surgeon said it was fine" isn't a defence, which is why it's worth asking whether they've checked before work starts.

Sometimes — but read our advice page first. Most cats come down on their own, and there are things you can try that work better than a climber. If it does need us, it's a chargeable call-out and we'll explain exactly how that works.

Check insurance certificates, NPTC or Lantra qualifications, BS3998 compliance and Environment Agency waste carrier registration — and whether they check protected status before quoting. We've written an honest checklist, including the red flags worth walking away from.

Different from scheduled work. When you ask us to attend urgently, you're asking us to start straight away — which means the 14-day cancellation right you'd normally have for something booked over the phone doesn't apply once the work has been done.

Call-out fees for urgent attendance are payable in advance, and they stand once we're on our way. The two weeks' notice policy applies to scheduled work only.

Hosepipe bans (officially "Temporary Use Bans") get introduced by water companies during periods of low rainfall and high demand, usually over summer. They're not permanent, and different water companies in Surrey can be affected at different times depending on their supply - some years none apply here at all. Check your water company's website or your bill to confirm who supplies you and whether a ban is currently in place.

Hosepipe bans typically still allow watering cans and water butts - it's hosepipes and sprinklers that get restricted. For a newly planted tree, water deeply once or twice a week rather than little and often, so the roots are encouraged to grow down rather than staying near the surface. A layer of mulch around the base helps keep moisture in. If we've planted a tree for you recently, get in touch and we can talk you through what it needs for its first summer.

Yes. Even mature trees can show leaf scorch, early leaf drop or wilting during a prolonged dry spell, and the stress can make them more vulnerable to pests and disease afterwards. It's usually not something to panic about with an established tree, but if you're seeing dieback in the crown or bark splitting, that's worth getting looked at.

Established hedges generally cope fine without extra watering. It's hedges planted in the last year or two that need the help - use a watering can rather than a hosepipe, and water at the base rather than over the top. If you've had a hedge planted by us in the last year or so, we're happy to advise on how much it needs.

Yes, generally. Hosepipe bans usually only restrict hosepipes and sprinklers - watering by can, or using water collected in a butt, is normally unaffected. Rules and exemptions vary slightly by water company, so it's worth checking your supplier's website if you're unsure where you stand.