Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the questions we get asked on a regular basis. Remember, if you can't find the answer to your question or you'd like a free quote then please contact us today and we'll be happy to help.
Are you open for business?
Yes. Of course we have some resrictions and limitation but as we work outdoors we do not need to come into contact with our customers. Contact us with confidence to discuss individual circomstances and arrangements.
How much will it cost?
We offer a free no obligation quotation service to allow you to discuss your individual requirements. The nature of our work does not enable us to give a fixed price list, but we offer highly competitive rates that are fair to our customers. We are confident that our low prices promote repeat business and word of mouth recommendations.
How environmentally friendly are you?
Top Tree Services Ltd are Environment Agency-registered waste carriers. Any waste removed is recycled. We split and seaon logs for firewood and our woodchip is used for weed control, biomass or delivered to local allotments where is has a multitude of uses. We sometime provide raw materials to craftsmen for wood turning and whittling. We do not work where there is evidence of nesting birds, bats or other protected wildlife.
What health and safety precautions do you have in place?
We work in accordance with Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAW) 1974. We are also NPTC, City and Guilds qualified and only work using the safest working practices. We have over 15 years industry experience behind us.
Are you insured?
We hold £10 Million public liability insurance for piece of mind. Evidence available on request.
Will you keep my garden tidy?
Yes, we maintain an extremely high standard when clearing up the work site. We always ensure our customers are 100% satisfied before we leave. Many of our independant online reviews from customers say that we often 'leave gardens tidier than when we started'.
When are you available?
Top Tree Services Ltd offer flexible working hours to give free quotations at a time to suit you. We aim to commence work at the earliest opportunity. Typically, work will start within a week or two, unless there is a reason for delay (such as when planning permission is required).
Do you work in all weathers?
Yes, of course we do. Unless it is unsafe to do so, or our customer requests otherwise.
How would I know if I need planning permission for my tree work?
Just ask us, or talk to someone in the Planning Department at your local council. Most tree work can commence without planning permisison, However, a planning application will be needed if your trees/hedges fall within a conservation area or if they have been assigned a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Top Tree Services Ltd routinely check whether or not planning permisison is needed, before commencing any tree work, to ensure that we are working in accordance with The Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
How do I get planning permission for my tree work?
Where planning permission is required, Top Tree Services Ltd apply for planning consent free of charge for our customers, we believe this is just part of ensuring a smooth running, hassle free service for our customers. If you would like to apply for planning permission yourself, you can do so by contacting your local council directly and they should also provide you with guidance information about how to complete your request. However, its a good idea to talk to a qualified tree surgeon first, as you will need to descibe the tree work to be completed in detail on the application. Once the planning application is submitted, changes can be made at a later date but this may cause time delays. Most of our customers ask that we complete this process, in which case, we always keep you well informed so that you are aware of the progress at every stage of the application.
How long does it take to get approval where planning permission is needed for my tree work?
The timescales involved depend on the type of tree work being applied for and which council is involved in your case. Planning permission typically takes 6 weeks, even for routine works from application to approval. Once our quote has been excepted we typically submit an application within 24 hours.