Tree Surgeons near me in Glasgow

A tree surgeon is a trained professional who specialises in the care, maintenance and removal of trees.

Typical jobs they carry out include:

• Tree pruning

• Tree felling

• Crown reduction

• Stump removal and stump grinding

• Treating diseased or damaged trees

Unlike general gardeners, they are trained in safe climbing techniques, chainsaw use and assessing the health of trees.

If you need more information, our guide to what tree surgeons do outlines everything you need to know.

Chainsaw work requires certificates of competence, usually NPTC or City and Guilds:

- CS30, maintenance and cross cutting - CS31, felling small trees - CS38, climbing and aerial rescue

An NPTC qualified tree surgeon may also hold Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor status, which assesses the business on safety and work quality.

Check public liability insurance, and Environment Agency waste carrier registration if they are taking the arisings away.

Tree surgeons in Glasgow typically charge between £30 and £80 per hour, although the price will vary depending on the complexity of the job and whether emergency work is required.

Typical prices by job include:

• Tree pruning: £150 to £700+

• Tree felling: £300 to £2,500+

• Stump grinding: £60 to £500

Other factors that can affect the price include the size and type of tree, as well as how easy it is to access.

Most local tree surgeons offer free site visits and estimates, so we recommend collecting several quotes to find one you are happy with.

To choose a reliable tree surgeon in Glasgow, assess each business using the following criteria:

• Verified qualifications, such as NPTC certification

• Public liability insurance

• Transparent quotes

• Clear waste disposal practices

• Positive customer reviews and ratings

It is also worth checking whether the business is an Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor, as this indicates that it meets recognised industry standards.

Tree surgeons in the UK are not legally required to hold a specific licence, but they should have qualifications that demonstrate their competence and ability to work safely.

Look for:

• NPTC (City & Guilds) qualifications in chainsaw use and tree climbing

• Qualifications in operating mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) or wood chippers

• First-aid certification

• Public liability insurance

Some tree surgeons may also hold higher-level arboricultural qualifications covering tree health and management, rather than practical skills alone.

Do not hesitate to ask tree surgeons in Glasgow about their qualifications, insurance and practical experience before work begins.

Yes, possibly. You may need approval if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is located within a conservation area.

You will generally need the local council’s consent before carrying out work on a tree covered by a TPO. For certain trees in a conservation area, you must usually give the council six weeks’ written notice.

If the tree is not protected, you generally do not need council approval. Tree surgeons in Glasgow should be familiar with local regulations, so it is worth checking with them before work begins.