We know it would be easier if you could just get a price for tree work over the phone and avoid the small talk over a job you’re still deciding on.
But trees are all different, and a photo doesn’t always tell the full story. Instead of guessing, it’s much better for us to come and take a proper look.
It takes fifteen minutes, not an inspection you need to prepare for. It just means the price we give you is the price you actually pay, with the right work recommended for your tree, no crossed fingers.
What a site visit involves
We’ll arrange a time that works for you and send someone from the team to look at the tree. The visit usually takes fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on the complexity of the work, and what questions you may have.
Here are a few things we check for that a photo alone can’t tell us:
Proximity to buildings and boundaries:
We check how close the tree is to your house, garage, greenhouse, or fence. This affects how the work needs to be carried out, and whether extra precautions are needed to protect anything nearby.
Access for equipment:
Some jobs need a vehicle to get close, others need to be done entirely by hand or with smaller kit. We look at gates, side passages, and general space to work out what’s possible, and whether the work can be carried out using our mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) or by aerial rope access performed by our professionally trained team.
Condition of the tree:
We look for signs of disease, decay, or structural weakness. This can include easily missed defects such as cracks, dead wood, or fungal growth. This tells us whether the tree poses a hazard of collapsing or damaging structures nearby, determining whether the proposed works are suitable or whether more in depth arboricultural management is required.
Tree Preservation Orders and conservation areas:
If a tree is protected by a TPO or sits in a conservation area, this changes what work we’re legally allowed to carry out, and whether permission needs to be granted first. We check this before the site visit and include this information within your quotation, giving you peace of mind.
Wildlife
We look for signs of nesting birds, bats, or other protected species. If we spot anything, we’ll factor this into the timing and method of the work, or arrange a wildlife survey if needed.
Once the visit is done, we’ll follow up with a written quote and our recommendation for the work.
Why access matters
Access to your property determines the kit used, and how a job needs to be done.
For most residential properties, we’ll remove a tree by sectionally dismantling it. This is because gardens often have a fence close by, a shed in the way, or a narrow side passage, and taking the tree down in sections avoids damage to anything nearby. That means climbing, careful rigging, and lowering pieces down safely rather than dropping the whole thing at once.
Depending on access, we’ll either use our MEWP or aerial rope access to get the job done. The kit and complexity involved both influence the quote we provide.
It’s also the main reason a price given over the phone or from a photo can end up being way off. What looks like a straightforward removal can turn into a much bigger job once you’re standing in the garden.
Spotting this during a visit means there are no surprises on the day and that the quote you get actually reflects the work involved. We can also make sure that we have the right equipment prepared.
Our recommendation of works
As qualified arborists, we’re looking at the health and structure of the tree, rather than the easiest job to quote. We’ll explain our reasoning for the recommended work clearly, so you understand why we’re suggesting a particular approach, and our dedicated team are always happy to clarify any information provided in the quotation. From there, the decision is yours.
Depending on your request, we may offer several options for you to choose from, giving you control of your garden.
Why this leads to a more accurate quote
A lot of companies will quote from a photo or a quick phone description. It might be faster, but it means guessing, and guesses can go wrong in either direction. Sometimes that means a surprise bill once the team turns up. Other times it means an inflated price to cover for the unknown.
Seeing the tree in person means we know exactly what the job involves. The price we give you reflects that, with no padding or hidden extras once the work begins.
When a photo is enough
While it makes all the difference sometimes, not every job needs a visit. For simpler work such as stump grinding, a few clear photos are often accurate enough for you to give us an accurate price. You can actually use our live Whatsapp chat, fill out a few key questions with a photo, and we’ll get back to you quickly.
If we think something needs a proper look before we can quote fairly, we’ll let you know. It’s not about making you feel tied to the job, it’s simply getting the whole picture when a photo won’t cut it.
Clear guidance and pricing from the beginning
A site visit might feel like an extra step, but it’s there to protect you just as much as it helps us. It means the quote you get is accurate, the work recommended is right for your tree, and there are no hidden extras once we start.
If you’ve got a tree that needs some attention, get in touch and we’ll arrange a time to come and take a look. Give us a call on 01603 358778 or send a message on Whatsapp.
