• A specialist carrying out work on a tree.

It sets out in some detail how to select a tree surgeon with a high degree of technical competence, supported by training and experience and the leaflet includes some key questions you should ask a tree specialist before they undertake any work for you.

Council tree expert Bryan Wilson says:  "Anyone can call themselves a tree surgeon or arborist, place an advert and offer a service.  But this alone does not guarantee quality of work or that it will be carried out safely.

"If work is carried out to a poor standard it could lead to injury to people, damage to property and irrovocable damage to your trees. 

Competent arborists will have certificates which show that they have been trained and  assessed. 

They will often have other academic qualifications in arboriculture and will use safety equipment to protect you, your property and themselves."

A reputable arborist will be happy to provide the following:

Portfolio holder for economy and planning, councillor Jeremy Heron says: "The council welcomes the chance to share its specialist knowledge in this way. 

I urge anyone contemplating taking on a specialist contractor to undertake work on trees to first obtain a free copy of this highly informative leaflet."

A Printed version is available free from NFDC offices or by telephoning the tree group on 023 8028 5330.