Do you offer free quotes for tree work?

Yes — we’re happy to provide a quote. If you can send a few photos and your location we can often give an initial estimate, and for larger or more complex jobs we’ll arrange a visit.

Do you remove all waste and leave the site tidy?

Yes. All arisings are removed unless you’d like logs or woodchip left on site. We always tidy up before we leave.

Can you grind stumps below ground level?

Yes — stump grinding removes the stump below ground level to a depth suitable for re-turfing or replanting (access and surrounding ground conditions allowing).

Will you check for Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or conservation areas?

If you’re unsure, we can advise what to check with your local council before work starts. If a tree is protected, permission may be required.

Do you work year-round?

Yes — tree work can be carried out throughout the year. Some jobs are weather dependent, and we’ll always prioritise safety and protecting your garden.

What areas do you cover?

We cover South Derbyshire, East Staffordshire and parts of Leicestershire, including areas such as Swadlincote, Burton-on-Trent, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Melbourne, Repton and surrounding villages.

FAQs | Get Expert Answers — Aspen Tree Surgery Ltd

Do I need permission to have work carried out on my trees?

It depends entirely on where you live and the specific tree. You will need formal council permission if:

The tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO): This protects specific trees that bring significant value to the local area.

Your property is within a Conservation Area: In these areas, almost all trees with a stem diameter greater than 75mm (measured at 1.5 meters above ground level) require a 6-week notification to the council before work can start.

My neighbor's tree branches are overhanging my garden. Can I cut them back?

Under common law, you have the right to prune overhanging branches back to your property boundary line, provided:

The tree is not protected by a TPO and is not in a Conservation Area.

You do not cross the boundary line or enter your neighbor's property to do the work.

The pruning does not cause severe damage or destabilize the tree.

Note: Legally, the cut material still belongs to your neighbor, so it's always best to have a friendly chat with them before anyone starts cutting.

Why Employ a Professional Tree Surgeon?

Can’t I just cut the tree down myself or hire a general landscaper?

While a general trader or a DIY chainsaw might seem cheaper upfront, tree surgery is a highly technical, high-risk profession.

Safety & Damage: Felling a tree or rigging heavy limbs requires precise physics and specialized equipment. One wrong cut can send tons of timber crashing onto your roof, power lines, or conservatory.

Tree Health: Poorly executed cuts can leave a tree susceptible to pests, decay, and fatal fungal infections. A professional arborist knows exactly how and where to cut to ensure the tree heals correctly.

What qualifications should a professional tree surgeon have?

In the UK, anyone operating a chainsaw commercially must hold valid NPTC (National Proficiency Tests Council) / Lantra certificates of competence. These prove the operator has been rigorously trained and assessed in specific tasks like chainsaw maintenance, tree climbing, aerial rescue, and precision felling.

Our team is fully NPTC qualified for every piece of machinery and technique we use on-site.

Why is hiring an insured tree surgeon so important?

If an uninsured trader damages your property—or your neighbor's property—you could end up personally liable or stuck in a massive legal battle to recover costs. Furthermore, standard home insurance often explicitly excludes damage caused by DIY tree work or uncertified contractors.

We carry full Public Liability Insurance, giving you total peace of mind that your property is completely protected.

Why is "Tree Topping" a bad idea?

"Topping" involves cutting off the main vertical stem and upper branches of a tree to drastically reduce its height. Rogue traders often recommend this, but it is incredibly damaging:

It causes a massive shock to the tree, destroying its ability to produce food.

The large open wounds leave the tree highly vulnerable to decay and fungal infections.

It triggers a survival response, causing the tree to rapidly grow weak, weakly-attached "epicormic" shoots that are far more likely to snap in a storm.

We practice proper crown reduction techniques that control a tree's size without destroying its health or structural integrity.