Tree Surgery Advice & Guides
Practical, straightforward guidance on tree care, permissions and knowing when to call in a professional, from the team working across Marlborough and Wiltshire.
In This Guide
Do You Need Permission to Cut Down a Tree?
TPOs, Conservation Areas, and what the rules mean for your tree.
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How Often Should Trees Be Pruned?
A simple schedule for young, established and high-risk trees.
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5 Signs Your Tree Needs Attention
The warning signs that mean it’s time to call a tree surgeon.
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What Affects Tree Surgery Pricing?
The main factors that go into every quote, from access to permissions.
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What to Look for When Hiring
How to vet a tree surgeon: insurance, qualifications and more.
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Do You Need Permission to Cut Down a Tree in the UK?
Not every tree can be worked on freely. Depending on where it stands and what protections apply, you may need permission before any cutting, pruning or removal takes place. Here’s what to check before you start.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
A TPO is issued by the local council to protect a specific tree, group of trees, or woodland. If a TPO applies, it’s a criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or destroy the tree without the council’s written consent. TPOs can apply to trees of any species, and many are placed on trees that are simply healthy and visually significant within their setting.
Conservation Areas
If your property sits within a designated Conservation Area, different rules apply even without a TPO in place. You must usually give the council six weeks’ written notice before carrying out work on a tree with a trunk over a certain size, giving them the chance to assess whether a TPO should be applied before work goes ahead.
Trees Without Protection
If a tree has no TPO and isn’t in a Conservation Area, you generally don’t need permission to carry out work on it, although other protections can still apply, such as restrictions during bird nesting season or rules covering trees within a garden that borders a boundary. It’s always worth checking before assuming a tree is unprotected.
Not sure if a tree is protected? Check with your local council’s planning department, or ask ArborCore to check as part of your free quote.
How Often Should Trees Be Pruned or Crown Reduced?
There’s no single answer for every tree. How often pruning or crown reduction is needed depends on the tree’s age, species, condition, and how close it is to buildings, paths or other high footfall areas. As a general guide:
Young Trees (Every 1-2 Years)
Newly planted and young trees benefit from formative pruning every one to two years. This early shaping encourages a strong structure, corrects any competing or crossing branches, and helps prevent problems from developing as the tree matures.
Established Trees (Every 3-5 Years)
Once a tree is mature and structurally sound, a maintenance prune every three to five years is usually enough. This keeps the canopy balanced, removes any deadwood or crossing growth, and maintains a healthy shape without over-pruning, which can stress the tree unnecessarily.
Trees Near Property or High-Footfall Areas (Every 1-2 Years)
Trees growing close to houses, driveways, footpaths or other busy areas need closer attention, typically a check and prune every one to two years. Regular monitoring here reduces the risk of storm damage, falling deadwood or branches encroaching on structures and power lines.
Not sure when your tree was last pruned? We offer free consultations to assess its condition and recommend a sensible schedule.
5 Signs Your Tree Needs Attention From a Tree Surgeon
Most tree problems don’t happen overnight, and there are usually warning signs beforehand. Here are five things worth keeping an eye out for.
Deadwood in the Canopy
Dead branches can fall without warning, especially in wind or storms, and are one of the clearest signs a tree needs professional attention.
Fungus at the Base or Trunk
Fungal growth often signals internal decay or root damage that isn’t visible from the outside, and can affect the tree’s structural stability.
A Noticeable or New Lean
A tree that has started leaning, or leans more than it used to, can indicate root failure or soil movement and should be assessed promptly.
Cracks, Splits or Included Bark
Cracks in the trunk or major limbs, and bark that’s folded in rather than grown around a branch union, are weak points that can fail under load.
Storm or Wind Damage
Snapped branches, exposed roots or a visibly disturbed base after severe weather are signs the tree’s stability may have been compromised.
Spotted one of these signs? We offer free, no obligation consultations across Marlborough and the surrounding area.
How Much Does Tree Surgery Cost? What Affects the Price
There’s no single price list for tree work; every job is priced individually based on its own circumstances. Here are the main factors that influence the cost of a quote:
Tree Size and Species
Larger, taller or denser trees take longer to work on safely and require more equipment, which is reflected in the price.
Site Access
Easy access for vehicles and equipment keeps costs down. Restricted access, narrow gateways or long carry distances can add time and complexity.
Proximity to Buildings, Structures or Power Lines
Working close to property, greenhouses, fencing or overhead cables demands extra care, planning and sometimes specialist techniques.
Permissions Required
If a tree has a Tree Preservation Order or sits in a Conservation Area, the additional paperwork and council liaison can affect timing and cost.
Waste and Timber Removal
Chipping, hauling away arisings, or splitting and removing timber all add to the job, whereas leaving material on site can reduce the price.
Crane or Specialist Rigging
Some trees can only be safely dismantled with cranes or advanced rigging techniques, which involve additional equipment and expertise.
Stump Work
Stump grinding or removal is usually quoted separately from the main tree work, depending on the size and location of the stump.
Every job is priced individually, so the best way to know what your tree will cost is a free, no obligation quote.
What to Look for When Hiring a Tree Surgeon
Tree work can be dangerous when it isn’t done properly, so it’s worth taking a few minutes to check who you’re hiring before work begins. Here’s what to look for:
Proof of Public Liability Insurance
A reputable tree surgeon should hold public liability insurance and be able to show you evidence of current cover on request.
Relevant Qualifications and Certifications
Look for recognised qualifications such as NPTC certificates for chainsaw use, climbing and aerial rescue.
A Registered Waste Carrier Licence
Anyone removing and disposing of tree waste, or arisings, on your behalf is legally required to hold a registered waste carrier licence.
A Written Quote Before Work Starts
A clear, written quote sets out the scope of work and price upfront, and helps avoid misunderstandings once work is underway.
Reviews and Past Work
Checking reviews or examples of previous jobs can give you a good sense of the standard of work to expect.
Taking a few minutes to check these details can save a lot of hassle, and helps make sure the job is done safely and properly.