How to Choose a Tree Surgeon in Crawley

Tree work goes wrong more often than most trades, because the mistakes are dangerous and usually irreversible by the time you notice. Before you book anyone in Crawley, it's worth five minutes checking these.

Ask to see the insurance, don't just take their word

Public liability cover, ideally £5 million or more, matters whenever work happens near a house, boundary fence or a neighbour's garden. A genuine local firm will produce a certificate without being chased for one.

Real qualifications beat "years in the trade"

NPTC or City & Guilds certificates (chainsaw and aerial work units such as CS30, CS31, CS38) show someone was trained to a recognised safety standard. Long experience is reassuring, but it isn't proof of competent, safe practice on its own.

Do they check for TPOs before quoting?

Crawley Borough Council can prosecute unauthorised work on a tree covered by a Tree Preservation Order. A firm that's used to working locally will ask about this, or check the council's records, before giving a removal price — not after.

Watch for the doorstep pitch

"We're already working on your street, we can do yours cheap today" is one of the oldest tricks in the trade, and it's almost always a bad sign. A proper firm quotes in writing and doesn't need cash on the day to get started.

What a solid quote includes

Exactly what work will be carried out (not a vague "tidy up"), who's clearing the arisings, and a written price agreed before anyone climbs the tree. Ask to see photos of previous jobs — a firm with nothing to show is a firm you can't easily check.

Wondering what the work should cost? See our tree removal cost guide.

Want a second opinion before you commit? Call 01293 310077.