Every tree is different, so we need to gain as much information as possible. This can be done via a telephone conversation and/or a description with photos sent via text or email. This will enable us to give you a ball park figure. If you would like to proceed and have a more detailed quotation one of our tree surgeons will come to your property, inspect your trees and give you professional arboricultural advice, followed by a written quotation. This will detail the exact works to be carried out with a fixed cost for each item.

If the tree is dangerous, we can usually carry out the work immediately, but normal turnaround of work is approximately 2-3 weeks. The process may be delayed if a detailed application needs to be made to the Local Authority with reference to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or if the tree is within a Conservation Area (CON). We check Tree Preservation Order and Conservation Area status before every job is undertaken. We can handle the planning application for you. There will be nominal administration fee for this service.

Most trees can be pruned at any time of the year, with a few exceptions: Cherry, Plum, and related trees (Prunus species) should be pruned soon after fruiting to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Maple and Birch should not be pruned in the spring to avoid 'bleeding' (exuding sap), which, although not considered damaging, can be unsightly. Magnolia and Walnut should only be pruned in high summer.

A Tree Preservation Order covers individual trees or a group of trees and requires a specific application and approval must be received from the Local Authority before works can commence. Trees in a Conservation Area require a six week notice of intent application, and if, after this time, no written confirmation has been received, then the works can proceed.

We will make an application on your behalf, for a nominal administration fee. We will keep you informed of progress and process the application as quickly as possible.

You could be liable for any accident the operator may have. This could be damage to your property or your neighbour's property. It could also be for personal injury to anyone, including the operator himself or any assistant with the operator. All works undertaken by us are covered by a £10 million Third Party Public Liability Insurance.

It is imperative to have a maintenance plan because climate change could lead to an increase in the number of cases of subsidence. As summers get longer and dryer, the growing season is extending, so trees are getting larger and their roots also have to reach further to absorb enough water. A properly pruned tree can lessen the risk of subsidence by limiting root extension.

In addition, a regular maintenance programme allows structural defects in a tree to be noticed and dealt with before branches (or trees!) fall down and cause damage or injury. Pests and diseases can also be dealt with before they become terminal for the tree. If necessary, trees can be taken down in a controlled manner to minimise danger and damage.

Our office is based in North London and we have an operational yard in East London. We do cover a wider area as shown on the map.

An arborist (or less commonly arboriculturalist) is an American term for a tree surgeon. So there's no difference – they're both someone who carries out tree surgery.

In all cases we recommend that you talk to your neighbour about your concerns and their tree.

• If the tree is dead and dangerous and you cannot contact the owner, you then need to contact your Local Authority’s tree department who will be able to advise you of the best course of action.
• If the tree overhangs your property, it should be possible to cut it back to the boundary, sensitively, once you have permission from the owner of the tree and any relevant planning approval from the Local Authority.
• If you decide to prune or cut down a tree that does not overhang your property, without approval from the owner of the tree, you could be liable for criminal damage.