Before You Hire a Tree Surgeon in Sussex: Work Specification, Protected Trees and Safe Access

If you need a tree surgeon in Sussex, agree the exact pruning or removal specification and check whether the tree is protected before anybody starts cutting.

Tree work is difficult to reverse.

“Reduce it a bit” can mean very different things to different people.

Describe the outcome precisely

Instead of:

“Cut the tree back.”

ask for a written description such as:

• crown reduction by an agreed percentage/extent;
• remove specified dead branches;
• lift lower canopy to a stated clearance;
• remove the tree to a stated stump height;
• prune away from a structure;
• inspect and advise before deciding work.

The tree surgeon should be able to explain what the finished tree will look like.

Check protection before the work starts

In England, Tree Preservation Orders can protect individual trees, groups or woodlands.

GOV.UK guidance says cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage or destruction of a TPO-protected tree is prohibited without the local planning authority's written consent unless an exception applies.

Trees in conservation areas can also be protected by a separate notification process.

For certain work, a section 211 notice generally needs to be given to the local planning authority six weeks before work unless an exception applies.

Do not assume the absence of a tag or sign means the tree is unprotected.

Decide who checks and who applies

Ask:

“Will you check the tree's protection status and handle any application/notice, or is that my responsibility?”

Either arrangement can work.

The important thing is that somebody clearly owns it.

If an application is required, the work specification submitted should match what will actually be done.

Experience matters more as complexity rises

Tree work can range from:

• small ornamental pruning;
• hedge-tree management;
• large crown work;
• sectional dismantling;
• felling near structures;
• difficult access.

Ask for examples of similar jobs.

A large tree over a conservatory, road or neighbouring garden requires a different level of planning from pruning a small fruit tree.

Access and drop zone need planning

Tell the tree surgeon about:

• narrow gates;
• sheds;
• greenhouses;
• conservatories;
• overhead cables;
• neighbouring property;
• parking;
• slopes;
• public footpaths.

Ask how branches and timber will be lowered or moved.

Professional tree work may involve climbing systems, ropes, rigging, platforms or machinery.

You do not need to design the method.

You should expect the contractor to have one.

Ask about insurance

Tree work can involve substantial risk to:

• people;
• roofs;
• vehicles;
• neighbouring property.

Ask what insurance the business carries and whether the level/type is appropriate to the work.

For a major job, do not rely solely on a website badge.

Waste is part of the quote

Agree what happens to:

• branches;
• woodchip;
• logs;
• stump;
• grindings.

You may want:

• logs retained;
• chip left for mulch;
• everything removed.

If the contractor removes waste, their waste-management obligations may apply.

Make the desired outcome clear before the chipper starts.

Felling does not automatically remove the stump

If a tree is removed, ask:

• final stump height;
• stump grinding included or separate;
• how deep grinding goes;
• whether arisings are removed;
• whether replanting is planned.

Stump grinding can be limited by:

• walls;
• underground services;
• access;
• roots near structures.

Do not assume “remove tree” means every root disappears.

Think about neighbours before the crew arrives

Branches may overhang or work may need access from another property.

If neighbour access is required, agree it first.

Do not put the tree surgeon in the middle of an unresolved boundary or ownership dispute.

If a tree belongs to somebody else, take appropriate advice before commissioning work to it.

Landlords and managers: keep the work specification

For managed property, record:

• tree identity/location;
• photos;
• work specification;
• protection check;
• permissions/notices;
• contractor;
• completion photos.

This is particularly valuable where trees are managed over many years.

Future pruning should build on a known history rather than start from “someone cut it back a few years ago”.

Gardener or tree surgeon?

A gardener may handle routine pruning of suitable small shrubs and trees.

For climbing, chainsaw work at height, major limbs, large-tree removal or complex tree assessment, use a competent tree surgeon.

For routine garden maintenance, gardeners remain the better category.

Check protection before approving the work

Some trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order, and trees in conservation areas can also be subject to controls.

Before pruning or removal, establish whether permission or prior notice is required.

Do not assume:

• the tree is unprotected because it is in a private garden;
• a neighbour’s previous pruning means yours is automatically permitted;
• an urgent-sounding recommendation removes the need to check.

If the tree surgeon is handling an application or notice, make sure you know exactly what work is being described.

The written work specification should match the work eventually carried out.

Ask how arisings and timber will be handled

Tree work can generate a surprising amount of material.

Clarify whether the price includes:

• chipping;
• removing logs;
• leaving firewood;
• stump grinding;
• removing stump grindings;
• sweeping hard surfaces;
• clearing sawdust/debris.

If you want timber left on site, decide where it will go before the job starts.

For landlords and managers, before-and-after photographs are useful where the owner will not attend.

Using TradeKind

You can browse tree surgeons across Sussex or post the job.

A useful brief might say:

“Mature tree in rear garden in Lewes. Looking for assessment and crown reduction rather than removal. Tree is close to garage and neighbour boundary. Side access approx. 900mm. Protection status not yet checked.”

That gives businesses enough information to understand the constraints.

Before booking

Confirm:

• exact work specification;
• protection status;
• who handles permissions/notices;
• access;
• safety method;
• insurance;
• waste;
• stump work;
• neighbour issues;
• final appearance.

For tree work, a precise instruction protects both the tree and the homeowner.