Why are tree surgeons so expensive?

[zamantha]

Why are tree surgeons so expensive and why do we all pay such exhorbitant prices? I get they need insurance and to deal with tree waste is an expense but in this area they charge hundreds of pounds even for one tree. I find it ridiculous and others I know also feel the same but they seem to get this market rate. Many friends say they fell ripped off and I'm afraid I do too.

Any similar or diff. experiences/opinions?

I have 2 feelings about this - my dd does this and has had to do various courses, equipment isn't cheap etc BUT my son was quoted far less than we were (we're in a more affluent area than him) for similar jobs.

Because it is a highly skilled and very risky occupation.

During the last 9 years 26 UK tree surgeons/arborists have been killed during tree work and nearly 1,400 have suffered an injury.

here's one.

one we knew...

and there's more.

It is a very, very skilled and dangerous job, not to mention the cost of the equipment used.

There are countries where you could get things like that done very cheaply, fortunately there are others in which that is not the case, as no one is faced with the choice of risking their life for a pittance or starving.

Count yourself lucky to live in the latter.