Tree surgery questions

Normally, unless a Woodland TPO is proposed, only trees over 3.5m in height are considered for a TPO. Hedges, bushes and shrubs will not be protected. A Woodland TPO protects all trees within the defined area, including natural regeneration - seedlings and saplings ie. trees less than 3.5m in height are not excluded.

If you wish to carry out works to protected trees you must first seek the Department’s consent to do so by contacting the Tree Officer in your local Planning Office.

Most trees will cause no damage to buildings, although the roots of certain trees can spread up to 3 times the height of the tree. Subsidence could be an issue and is made worse in dry years. Buildings of up to 4 storeys built before the 1950s often have shallow foundations.

Roots may block drains and branches can cause damage to guttering and roofs. During periods of drought tree roots will draw up all available water and dry out the soil to cause cracking and possible subsidence. Regular tree management can elevate these potential problems.

A tree surgeon (or arborist) specialises in the care, maintenance, and removal of trees. This includes tree pruning, crown thinning, tree felling, stump removal, disease diagnosis, and ensuring trees remain healthy and safe.

Tree surgery costs vary depending on the type of service, tree size, location, and access. Prices typically range from £150 for minor pruning to £1,000+ for large tree removal. We offer free quotes with no obligation.

If the tree is in a Conservation Area or has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), you must apply for permission from your local council before any work is done. Arborlife can check this for you and handle the application process if needed.

Pruning is the selective and skilled cutting of branches to promote tree health and structure. Lopping is a more aggressive, often harmful method of cutting back trees. At Arborlife, we always use professional pruning techniques based on arboricultural best practices.

Yes, tree surgery involves risks such as working at height, chainsaw use, and heavy branches. That’s why it’s vital to hire insured and certified professionals like Arborlife, who follow strict safety procedures.

Signs of a diseased or dying tree include:

• Leaf discolouration or premature leaf drop

• Cracks in the trunk

• Dead or brittle branches

• Fungal growth at the base
  We offer tree health assessments to identify issues and recommend appropriate action.

Yes, but the best time for most tree work is during the dormant season (late autumn to early spring) when trees are not actively growing. However, we provide emergency services and seasonal pruning year-round as needed.

Yes, we always clear and remove all waste unless otherwise requested. We can also leave logs or wood chips for your use, if preferred.

Leaving a stump can:

• Attract pests

• Encourage fungal growth

• Be a trip hazard

• Prevent replanting
  We offer professional stump grinding to remove the stump below ground level.

Yes, our arborists are trained to carry out complex removals safely, including sectional dismantling using rigging or cranes where necessary.

All trees will benefit from regular pruning, usually when the tree is dormant in Winter or late Summer depending on the tree. Where space is tight and the tree is large, this is a job for experts and should not be attempted without due consideration for nearby buildings.

A TPO is made by a Local Planning Authority to protect specific trees or a particular area, group or woodland from deliberate damage and destruction. A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a part of town and country planning in the United Kingdom. A TPO is made by a Local Planning Authority (usually a local council) to protect specific trees or a particular area, group or woodland from deliberate damage and destruction.

The Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is an invasive insect pest that targets oak trees. Its caterpillars strip trees of their leaves, weakening their health and leaving them vulnerable to disease. OPM also poses a serious risk to human and animal health, as the caterpillars shed thousands of tiny toxic hairs that can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues.

OPM is dangerous for two main reasons:

• To trees: The caterpillars feed voraciously on oak leaves, reducing the tree’s ability to photosynthesise. This weakens the tree, stunts growth, and increases susceptibility to disease and decay.

• To humans and pets: The caterpillars have microscopic, barbed hairs that contain a toxin called thaumetopoein, which can cause:

  • Skin rashes

  • Eye and throat irritation

  • Asthma attacks

  • Severe allergic reactions in some individuals

These hairs can become airborne and remain hazardous even after the caterpillars have moved on or died.

OPM is primarily found in southern England, particularly in areas such as:

• Surrey (including Leatherhead, Cobham, Esher, Kingston, Oxshott, and Guildford)

• Greater London

• Parts of Berkshire, Hampshire, and surrounding counties

The infestation is spreading annually, so early detection and treatment are essential.

Signs of OPM infestation include:

• White, silken nests on oak tree trunks or branches (often high in the canopy)

• Caterpillars moving nose-to-tail in long lines (hence the name “processionary”)

• Thinned or stripped foliage, particularly in late spring or early summer

• Caterpillar droppings or shed skin around the base of the tree

If you see any of these signs, it’s essential to contact a professional tree surgeon immediately.

No. Attempting to remove OPM yourself is dangerous and potentially illegal under biosecurity regulations. The caterpillars’ hairs are a health hazard, and disturbing the nests can release them into the air. Always hire a certified arborist or pest control expert with the right protective equipment and removal techniques.

Treatment usually includes:

• Manual removal of nests using long poles or rope-access techniques

• Safe disposal of nests and contaminated materials in accordance with environmental laws

• Targeted insecticide application, if appropriate, to kill active larvae

• Ongoing monitoring and surveys to prevent reinfestation

At Arborlife Tree Services, our trained arborists follow DEFRA and Forestry Commission guidelines to ensure safe, legal, and effective treatment.

Costs vary depending on:

• The size and number of trees

• The height and accessibility of the nests

• The severity of the infestation

Arborlife offers free no-obligation quotes, and we tailor our pricing to the scale of work needed. Investing in early removal often prevents more costly damage to trees and health later on. As we do not charge VAT our prices will normally be 20% cheaper than other companies.

Yes, OPM is a notifiable pest. If you're in a regulated area (such as parts of Surrey or London), sightings should be reported to the Forestry Commission. Arborlife Tree Services can handle the necessary reporting and compliance on your behalf.

Absolutely. Arborlife Tree Services is:

• Fully insured

• RFS (Royal Forestry Society) certified

• Experienced in tree pest control and biosecurity

• Compliant with all national guidelines for invasive pest management

While a single infestation may not be fatal, repeated defoliation weakens the tree, reduces its resilience, and can eventually lead to tree death if not treated. Combined with other stresses (e.g. drought or disease), OPM can be a contributing factor to tree failure.

OPM exclusively targets oak trees, including:

• English oak (Quercus robur)

• Sessile oak (Quercus petraea)

• Other introduced oak species

Other types of trees are not directly affected but may suffer from the overall disruption to the ecosystem.

Preventative measures include:

• Regular inspections of your oak trees in spring and early summer

• Planting a diverse mix of tree species to reduce the overall impact of pests

• Working with professionals like Arborlife for early detection and intervention

Do not attempt to cut or move damaged limbs yourself. Contact a qualified tree surgeon immediately. We provide 24/7 emergency tree services across Surrey for fallen or hazardous trees.

Tree roots can cause issues if planted too close to structures. If you're concerned about root damage, we can assess the risk and suggest root management or safe tree removal where necessary.

This depends on size, access, and safety conditions. Small trees may take an hour or two, while large or complex removals can take a full day. We’ll always provide a clear time estimate before starting work.

While we specialise in tree care, we also offer hedge trimming, crown shaping, and periodic tree maintenance as part of your ongoing garden upkeep.