FAQ’s

1. What does a tree surgeon do?

A tree surgeon is responsible for the maintenance, care, and safe removal of trees in urban, suburban, and rural settings. Their duties include crown reductions, pruning, deadwood removal, sectional dismantling, tree felling, stump grinding, and emergency tree work following storm damage. Tree surgeons assess the structural integrity of trees, manage risk to property and people, and ensure work complies (British Standard for Tree Work). At Casey Tree Care, our Glasgow-based team uses climbing gear, MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms), and rigging systems to carry out work with precision and safety.

2. Why should I hire a certified tree surgeon in Scotland?

Hiring a certified tree surgeon in Scotland ensures that the work is carried out safely, legally, and to professional standards. Certified tree surgeons, like those at Casey Tree Care, hold NPTC or LANTRA qualifications and are fully insured for public and employer liability. Certification guarantees that the arborist understands safe use of chainsaws, climbing, rigging, and tree biology. It also ensures compliance with Scotland regulations, especially in conservation areas or when dealing with protected trees. Unqualified tree work can lead to property damage, fines, or irreversible damage to your trees.

3. Do I need permission to cut down a tree in Scotland?

Yes, in some cases you need permission to remove or even prune a tree in Scotland. If the tree is subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is located within a conservation area, you must obtain written consent from Glasgow City Council before proceeding. Even on private property, unauthorised work on protected trees can result in legal penalties. At Casey Tree Care, we assist clients with planning applications and communicate directly with the local authority to ensure all tree surgery complies with the relevant legislation.

4. What is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal designation applied by local planning authorities in Scotland to protect specific trees or woodlands. A TPO makes it a criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, or wilfully damage a protected tree without written permission. This applies to both public and private land. Our certified arborists can identify whether a TPO applies to your property using the council’s online mapping system and submit applications on your behalf for any work needed.

5. How much does a tree surgeon in Glasgow typically cost?

Tree surgery costs in Glasgow depend on factors such as tree size, access, complexity of the work, and waste removal requirements. On average:

• Tree pruning starts at £120–£250
• Tree removal ranges estimated from £250–£750+
• Stump grinding typically estimated costs £60–£150 per stump

Emergency callouts or work near utility lines may incur higher charges due to safety requirements. At Casey Tree Care, we offer clear, written quotes with no hidden fees. All prices include debris clearance, and we recycle all tree waste responsibly within the Glasgow area.

6. What qualifications should a professional tree surgeon have in the UK?

A professional tree surgeon should hold City & Guilds NPTC qualifications, including:

• CS30/31 for chainsaw use and cross-cutting
• CS38/39 for climbing and aerial rescue
• Additional tickets for stump grinding, woodchipper use, and MEWP operation

At Casey Tree Care, all team members are NPTC-certified and regularly attend training to stay current with industry standards and local authority regulations.

7. Do you provide free tree care assessments across Scotland?

Yes. At Casey Tree Care, we offer free, no-obligation tree assessments across Scotland and surrounding areas. One of our qualified arborists will visit your property, assess the condition and risks of your trees, and provide expert advice on appropriate work. Whether you require pruning, removal, storm damage clearance, or help identifying tree diseases, our team delivers fast, local support. We also provide written quotes and site risk assessments at no cost.

8. What equipment do you use for tree surgery?

We use industry-standard, professional-grade equipment to ensure safe and efficient tree surgery in Glasgow. This includes:

• Stihl and Husqvarna chainsaws for ground and aerial work
• Petzl and Stein climbing gear with harnesses and ropes
• MEWPs (cherry pickers) for high access
• Woodchippers for on-site green waste processing
• Stump grinders for complete root removal
• Rigging systems for safe dismantling in confined spaces

All tools are inspected regularly and operated by NPTC-certified professionals to maintain safety standards.

9. How do you handle utility line clearance near trees?

We are trained and certified to carry out tree clearance near overhead utility lines in Glasgow. This involves working closely with utility companies and following G55/2 Electrical Safety Guidelines and NRSWA regulations. We conduct a full risk assessment before starting, use insulated MEWPs or rope access where needed, and maintain safety clearances as required by the DNO (Distribution Network Operator). Our team carries out this work safely, quickly, and with full insurance cover.

10. How do I book a tree surgery service in Scotland?

Booking with Casey Tree Care is simple:

1. Call or complete our contact form to request a free quote
2. We arrange a free site visit anywhere in Glasgow
3. You receive a written quote and work plan
4. Once approved, we schedule the work to suit your timeline

We provide digital invoices, public liability coverage, and clear communication from start to finish. For urgent work or storm-related damage, we offer fast emergency response across the Glasgow area.