Problems with hiring tree surgeons

[Dottierichardson]

Anyone else had problems sorting out a tree surgeon? We’ve interviewed three companies:

one quoted on the spot but can’t find them listed on Companies House although they say are a limited company, is charging more than double the next highest quote, and wants a deposit BUT can fit us in quickly;

one took ages to quote, and still hasn’t provided proof of insurance and seems too cheap, BUT has very good online profile and checks out otherwise plus liked them most in terms of tree knowhow, ease of communication;

the third seemed okay then turned out not to be able to do the work before nesting season;

interviewing a fourth but they want to charge us additional amount for checking we don’t have a TPO, it’s not listed online so involves physical search– we don’t have any TPOs on our trees;

the one recommended by a neighbour never gets back to us.

So, after two months still have no-one booked to do the trees! Do we pay the deposit to the expensive one, even though all online sources say a tree surgeon shouldn’t need one as they can actually schedule the work quickly?

The contractor and homeowner are both liable for work performed on protected trees without permission. A good tree surgeon will check any tree which he suspects could have a TPO and taking the householders word will not absolve him of responsibility.

What makes you so sure there is no TPO by the way? Have you physically checked the list or are you taking the word of the work experience boy/girl in the solicitors office who supposedly checked when you bought the house?

Because the trees had just been planted when we moved in - okay by the time we moved in they were 6 months old!

But it's good to know that checking for a TPO is good practice. Is not being able to identify the type of one of the trees also good practice btw because each tree surgeon has had a different opinion about the evergreen!