Do I need a tree surgeon?

[123rd]

We have a big apple tree in our back garden that has been left to go a bit out of control. The whole canopy needs reducing and a few of the lower branches need to r chopped off. Is this a job for a proper tree surgeon? It would defo need a chain saw to get through some of the branches but how much can I expect to pay? Total newbie to gardening here...so fudging as we go along. Also, is this the best time to do this sort of work?

[Rhubarbgarden]

Apple trees need careful treatment. The sort of major renovation work that you describe needs to be done by someone who is experienced with fruit trees, when the tree is dormant, and phased across two or three years.

This could be done by a properly qualified and experienced gardener or tree surgeon. Just make sure they don't remove too much all in one go or the tree will react by sending out masses of vertical water shoots at the expense of fruit.

[RoganJosh]

I know I'm meant to prune our Apple tree around feb. I'm not sure if the same logic applies for a bigger cut back. I think you would need a tree surgeon and they'd be able to advise.
In yorkshire it cost us about £300 to have a big tree cut back.

[Ilikepie]

Either a tree surgeon or a good gardener/landscaper with chainsaw training and insurance to use one. As pp said, old apple trees need a lot of tlc and quite a bit of know-how to bring back into management, so get someone who has actual tree or horticultural qualifications. Beware; some tree surgeons can be a bit over-enthusiastic for apple tree pruning.....
Prune over the winter months.