Arboriculture is the science of caring for trees, shrubs and other woody plants in landscape settings. Whether that is in an urban or rural area. An Arborist is a specialist who is trained in arboriculture and has the knowledge and equipment to carry out the appropriate tree work, that is required.

There are a number of things to consider when selecting a firm to carry out tree work for you. It is worth spending time to choose the right one as well cared for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property and the look of your garden.

Selecting the right firm for the job

Are they qualified? What arboricultural qualifications do they have? If their representative has a business card, his/her qualifications should be on it. Ask them what they are, if they aren't on the card ask them if they have any qualifications at all. You wouldn't use a firm of builders, plumbers, electricians or other trades who weren't qualified why is a tree firm any different?

Are they members of any professional organizations? The Arboricultural Association and the International Society of Arboriculture, represent arborists in the UK. Membership of such bodies shows that they keep up to date with he latest techniques, information and research.

Are they aware of British Standard BS 3998 1989 Recommendations for Tree Work? Do they work to this as a minimum standard? Are they aware of British Standard BS 5837 1991 Trees in Relation to Construction?

Do they have National Proficiency Training Council (NPTC) photocards or certificates? to show they are legally allowed to use chain saws on the ground and in the tree, ask them to show them to you.

Ask to see proof of their insurance and phone their insurer if you are still uncertain. A good firm will have Public Liability Insurance up to at least £1,000,000. You could be held responsible for damage and/or injury resulting from work carried out on your property by an uninsured firm.

Ask for references from customers for whom the firm has done similar work, to that which you want them to undertake for you. Visit previous work sites and speak to their customers and see their standard of work yourself.

Obtain more than one quote for the work, though don't always accept the lowest. Examine the credentials and specification of works they have provided. A properly prepared, typed quote which specifies what work you have agreed to and at what price, is much better than a verbal one given at the site visit or over the phone later on.

Don't assume that a landscaping firm which advertises that it also does tree work, will be able to do the same standard of work to your trees as it did to your garden.

Be suspicious of people offering advice on your trees door-to-door and bargain price tree work to go with it. Reputable firms don't act in this way. Also be wary of firms advertised via fliers pushed through your letterbox, saying that they will be "in your area soon". Often these only have a mobile phone number and no address, you will have no way of tracking them down if something goes wrong.

Reputable tree firms and the arborists whom they employ, will only carry out work which is good practice. For example, an arborist would never use spikes to climb a tree which wasn't being removed as this is injurious to the tree, as it creates entry points for pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, insects and viruses. It is also highly disfiguring especially on smooth barked trees. 'Topping' and ' Lopping' trees are also bad practice and shouldn't be carried out. Also removing an excessive amount of the live crown of a tree by over thinning or excessive crown lifting, is also poor practice.

Remember, just because a tree firm is in the Yellow Pages doesn't mean it is automatically a good one.

Pruning and removing trees, particularly large trees, can be dangerous work. It has the potential to be extremely costly possibly have tragic consequences if improperly executed. Tree work should only be carried out by those trained and equipped to carry out work safely in trees.

You are the one who will have to live with the tree left unsightly, unsafe or unhealthy, after the firm who carried out the work has gone.