Arborist Near Me: How to Find a Qualified Tree Specialist in the UK 2026
Chris
Arborist Near Me: How to Find a Qualified Tree Specialist in the UK 2026
What Is an Arborist?
An arborist — sometimes called an arboriculturist — is a professional who specialises in the science and practice of cultivating, managing and studying trees, shrubs and other woody perennial plants. The discipline combines elements of horticulture, ecology, engineering and risk management, and at its highest levels requires a deep understanding of tree biology, biomechanics, soil science and the legal frameworks that govern tree management in the UK. In the UK, the term "arborist" is not legally protected — anyone can use it. However, in practice, it tends to be used by those with formal qualifications, professional body memberships, and experience beyond basic tree cutting. When searching for an arborist specifically, you are generally looking for someone who can do more than just remove or trim a tree — someone who can assess, advise, and produce formal reports.
Arborist vs Tree Surgeon: What Is the Difference?
The two terms are frequently confused, and in everyday UK usage they often refer to the same person. However, there are meaningful distinctions worth understanding:
| Arborist | Tree Surgeon | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Tree health, assessment, management | Physical tree work — pruning, felling, climbing |
| Qualifications | Often degree-level or higher (BSc Arboriculture, ISA Certified Arborist) | NPTC/City & Guilds chainsaw and climbing certificates |
| Services | Surveys, reports, consultancy, planning applications, expert witness | Crown reduction, felling, stump grinding, pruning |
| When to use | When you need an assessment, report, or specialist advice | When you need physical work carried out on a tree |
| Professional bodies | ISA, Arboricultural Association (technical/consultant members) | Arboricultural Association (Approved Contractors) |
In practice, many UK tree surgeons are also qualified arborists — able to both assess and carry out work. The most experienced professionals operate comfortably across both roles.
When Do You Need an Arborist Specifically?
There are several situations where you need arboricultural expertise specifically — not just tree cutting skills:
Tree Surveys for Planning Applications
If you are applying for planning permission for a development near trees, or if trees are present on a development site, a BS 5837 tree survey is typically required by the local planning authority. This is a formal assessment and report that only a qualified arborist can produce. It categorises trees by their quality and value and defines a root protection area for each tree to inform site design.
Tree Health Assessments
If you have a tree that appears diseased, is showing signs of structural decline, or has been flagged as potentially hazardous, an arborist's assessment produces a written report documenting the tree's condition, the likely cause of any problems, and the recommended course of action. This report can be important for insurance purposes and provides evidence that you have acted responsibly as a landowner.
Tree Risk Assessment
A formal risk assessment by a qualified arborist evaluates the probability of tree failure and the likely consequences if failure occurs, helping landowners make informed decisions about management. This is particularly important for trees near public areas, highways, or occupied buildings.
Expert Witness Reports
In tree-related legal disputes — boundary disputes, planning appeals, damage claims — an arborist qualified to act as an expert witness can produce a report that carries weight in legal proceedings.
Advice on Diseased or Declining Trees
When a tree's health is a concern, a qualified arborist can diagnose the problem, assess its severity, and advise on treatment options or management priorities. This requires knowledge of tree pathology that goes beyond what most tree cutters possess.
Arborist Qualifications: What to Look For
Given that the title is unprotected in UK law, checking specific qualifications is essential when hiring an arborist for specialist work.
ISA Certified Arborist
The International Society of Arboriculture's Certified Arborist credential is internationally recognised and requires passing a comprehensive examination covering all aspects of arboricultural theory and practice, plus ongoing continuing education to maintain certification. It is one of the most meaningful indicators of professional knowledge in the industry.
Arboricultural Association Membership
The Arboricultural Association offers several membership grades. Technical Members and Fellow Members are typically highly experienced professionals. Approved Contractors have been independently assessed for operational standards, insurance and qualifications.
Academic Qualifications
Degree-level qualifications in arboriculture, horticulture or a related science (BSc Arboriculture, BSc Forest Management) indicate a strong theoretical foundation. The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Merrist Wood College, Myerscough College and the University of Aberystwyth are among the institutions offering recognised programmes.
LANTRA / City & Guilds Level 3 Awards
Level 3 qualifications in arboriculture or horticulture from accredited providers indicate a substantial level of practical and theoretical training above the basic NPTC chainsaw certificates.
How Much Does Hiring an Arborist Cost in the UK 2026?
Arborist costs vary significantly depending on whether you need a physical survey and report, consultancy time, or the combination of assessment and tree work.
| Service | Typical Cost Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Initial tree health assessment (verbal) | £75 – £200 |
| Written tree health report (single tree) | £150 – £350 |
| BS 5837 tree survey (single property) | £400 – £1,200 |
| BS 5837 survey (development site) | £800 – £3,000+ |
| Risk assessment report (per tree) | £100 – £300 |
| Expert witness report | £500 – £2,000+ |
| Ongoing consultancy (per hour) | £75 – £150 per hour |
| Combined assessment and crown work | Varies — assessment included in work quote |
Finding a Qualified Arborist Near You
Arboricultural Association Consultant and Technical Members
For high-level assessment work — surveys, reports, expert witness — the Arboricultural Association's consultant and technical membership registers list qualified professionals. Search at trees.org.uk.
ISA Certified Arborist Directory
The International Society of Arboriculture maintains a searchable directory of Certified Arborists at isa-arbor.com. This is particularly useful for finding highly qualified professionals for complex or specialist work.
Arboricultural Association Approved Contractors
For tree work carried out to professional standards, the AA Approved Contractor directory lists companies assessed for qualifications, insurance and quality. Many Approved Contractors also have qualified arborists on staff for assessment work.
What a Good Arborist Will Do
- Visit the site before providing any assessment or advice
- Ask about the tree's history, any previous work, and any concerns you have
- Conduct a thorough visual inspection and — where indicated — recommend further diagnostic investigation
- Provide a clear, written report with findings and recommendations
- Explain their reasoning and answer your questions without jargon
- Be transparent about the limits of what a visual inspection can determine
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Arborist
- ✅ What qualifications do you hold — ISA Certified Arborist, AA membership grade?
- ✅ Are you experienced in the specific type of assessment I need?
- ✅ Will you provide a written report and what will it cover?
- ✅ Are you familiar with the relevant British Standards (BS 5837, BS 3998)?
- ✅ Can you provide professional indemnity insurance documentation?
- ✅ Have you carried out surveys for planning applications with this local authority before?
- ✅ Can you provide references from previous similar work?
The Difference Between a Visual Inspection and an Advanced Assessment
A standard arborist's visual inspection — the most common type — involves a careful examination of the tree from the ground and, where appropriate, from within the canopy. It assesses visible signs of health, structural condition, root plate stability, presence of fungi, cavities and other indicators of risk. For trees where internal decay is suspected but not visible from outside, advanced diagnostic tools can provide additional information:
| Tool | What It Assesses | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Resistograph | Internal wood density and decay columns | Suspected internal decay in trunk or major branches |
| Sonic tomography | Internal decay mapping | Large trees where full decay mapping is needed |
| Fractometer | Wood elasticity and strength | Assessing structural integrity of wood under load |
| Aerial inspection | Upper canopy condition from within | When ground inspection cannot fully assess upper canopy |
These advanced assessments add cost but can be essential for making informed decisions about high-value or high-risk trees.
Arborists and Tree Preservation Orders
A qualified arborist is an invaluable ally when dealing with Tree Preservation Orders. They can:
- Confirm whether your tree has a TPO through knowledge of local planning records
- Prepare and submit consent applications to the local planning authority
- Write supporting statements justifying proposed work for the council's tree officer
- Negotiate with the council on your behalf where applications are contested
- Advise on permitted development rights and exemptions
Many homeowners find that working through a qualified arborist rather than approaching the council directly produces faster decisions and more favourable outcomes for complex applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an arborist or a tree surgeon?
If you simply need physical tree work carried out — pruning, felling, stump grinding — a qualified tree surgeon with appropriate NPTC certificates and AA Approved Contractor status is the right choice. If you need a written assessment, survey report, planning application support, or expert advice on tree health or risk, you need someone with arboricultural qualifications at a higher level.
Can an arborist tell me if a tree is dangerous?
Yes — a formal tree risk assessment by a qualified arborist evaluates the likelihood of tree failure and the probable consequences if it occurred. The resulting report documents the assessment and any recommended management actions. However, even the most thorough visual assessment cannot guarantee that a tree will not fail — this is an inherent limitation of any external inspection.
How long does a tree survey take?
A BS 5837 survey for a single domestic property typically takes two to four hours on site, with the report taking a further half to full day to write. Larger development sites will take proportionally longer. Most arborists aim to provide the completed report within five to ten working days of the site visit.
Will an arborist's report help me get planning permission?
A BS 5837 tree survey is a standard requirement for planning applications where trees are present. A well-prepared report that demonstrates the trees have been properly assessed and that the proposed development respects their root protection areas significantly strengthens a planning application. A qualified arborist familiar with local planning authority expectations is the best person to produce this.
What is an arboricultural impact assessment?
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is a document that accompanies a planning application, examining the impact of proposed construction on existing trees and setting out mitigation measures. It is often required alongside a BS 5837 survey. A qualified arborist prepares both documents.
Conclusion
Finding a qualified arborist near you — rather than simply any tree cutter — makes a real difference when you need genuine expertise. Whether you need a tree health report, a planning survey, a risk assessment, or simply the most knowledgeable professional available to advise on a complex situation, the qualifications, professional memberships and experience of the person you hire will directly determine the quality and reliability of what you receive. Use the AA and ISA directories as your starting point, check qualifications carefully, confirm professional indemnity insurance, and always ask to see examples of previous reports or work of a similar nature. An arborist who meets these standards will give you advice you can genuinely rely on.
Find a Qualified Arborist Near You → Search our free UK directory to find qualified, insured arborists and tree surgeons in your local area. Compare credentials, read reviews and request a quote today.