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Selecting an Arboricultural Association ARB Approved Contractor
- When making an appointment with an ARB Approved Contractor clients should advise the contractor whether advice on trees is required, or if a specification for works already exists against which the contractor’s quotation is sought
- Clients are advised to obtain more than one estimate or quotation for the purpose of comparison, but should remember that price is only one factor in selecting a service provider
- Estimates or quotations will normally be provided free of charge when quoting against a specification, however, a fee may be charged if advisory work is involved. Clients are advised to be clear with the contractor from the outset
- When asking for an estimate or quotation indicate when you would like the work undertaken. The contractor will advise whether or not this is practical or possible
- Respond to estimates or quotations quickly – try to advise the contractor within 7-10 days whether or not you wish them to undertake the work and make clear the terms of acceptance
- Ensure issues of tree protection legislation including TPO’s/Conservation Area or other restrictions, i.e. covenants/third party trees are consented/resolved prior to commissioning works
The directory lists Arboricultural Association ARB Approved Contractors by region, however, some will operate throughout the UK and even abroad.
In the unlikely event that clients are not satisfied with services from an ARB Approved Contractor a complaints procedure may be followed.
Whist the Arboricultural Association makes every effort to ascertain the competence of ARB Approved Contractors it cannot accept liability in respect of any persons or companies named in this directory. The Arboricultural Association cannot be held responsible for the advice or actions of any persons or companies named in this directory.
Arboricultural Association ARB Approved Contractors
Contractors listed in this directory listing have submitted their businesses and their tree work to the Arboricultural Association for assessment and have been found competent to provide arboricultural contracting services to clients.
The Arboricultural Association’s assessment of Approved Contractors is not limited to their knowledge of trees and tree maintenance but
- Their understanding and practical application of current arboricultural practice
- Their compliance with legislative requirements of arboricultural contracting
- Their compliance with health and safety requirements of arboricultural contracting (endorsed by the CHAS scheme)
- Their high levels of service to clients through efficient business management.
Each Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor is required to identify a principal or manager who is responsible to the Association for the company’s standards. The standard required by the Association is very high and Approved Contractors are subject to reassessments at regular intervals to ensure that standards are maintained. The standards themselves are regularly reviewed to ensure that they reflect contemporary arboricultural research findings, legislative and health and safety requirements, business practices and customer expectations.
The Association requires that Approved Contractors within this directory must hold insurances to levels appropriate to liabilities that their work may generate, and in all cases Public Liability insurance to a minimum of £5,000,000 with a maximum excess of £250 in any one incident. Employers’ Liability insurance (as applicable) to an appropriate level commensurate with the size of the business is needed. Professional Indemnity insurance, to a minimum of £500,000, may also be required if the contractor provides independent written advice. Inclusion of a contractor within this directory should not be regarded as proof of current insurance cover. Before entering into any contractural agreement clients should satisfy themselves that appropriate insurance is in place by asking for evidence from the contractor and/or their broker.
Typical services
Services typically required of an arboricultural contractor are:
- Tree maintenance operations including pruning, and related works to relevant British Standards (see our Tree Work Terminology section)
- Tree planting operations and aftercare/establishment programmes
- Tree felling, including dismantling of dangerous trees or trees in confined spaces
- Advice and guidance on the above.
In addition some contractors may undertake pest and disease (‘P&D’) identification and control, bracing, soil decompaction and amelioration, tree fertilisation, mulching and other operations, including hedge trimming, fruit tree pruning, veteran tree management. However, only those listed above are covered by the ‘ARB Approved Contractor Scheme’
These services are usually performed to an agreed specification which may come from:
- The contractor after discussion with the client, or
- A third party such as a Consultant employed, or
- The Local Authority Tree Officer if a Tree Preservation Order etc. is in place.
In either case it is prudent for clients to obtain a written specification for the work and to agree the specification and price prior to commissioning the contractor.
Be safe, be sure
There is no shortage of people and companies offering tree work services, but how do you choose between them? The Health and Safety Executive says,
“…clients engaging contractors to undertake tree work need to carefully check they have the necessary skill and competence. Tree work is hazardous; to be done safely it requires properly trained and experienced people… Arboricultural trade associations can supply details of approved contractors and information to help you choose a competent tree work contractor…”
It is equally important that advice given in respect to trees is correct and from reliable professionals.
People and companies in this directory have satisfied the Arboricultural Association that they are competent to provide the consultancy and contractor services as described.
Beware
This is not a set-up but a real-life situation captured on camera. So what's wrong?
PEOPLE AT RISK:
CLIMBER
No head injury protection (helmet)
No eyesight protection
No hearing protection
No fall protection (platform, rope and harness etc.)
No cut protection (chainsaw resistant trousers and boots)
GROUNDSMAN
No head injury protection (helmet)
No protection from traffic (high visibility clothing, road signing and traffic management)
OTHER PEOPLE
Pedestrians and residents at risk of being hit by timber
Vehicles at risk of being hit by timber
PROPERTY
Damage to fencing and other garden features
Damage to street infrastructure
Damage to a valuable tree
You could be at risk if you employ a tree surgeon or tree advisor who works like this.
Spot the difference
No helmet |
Helmet |
No eyesight protection |
Eyesight protection |
No hearing protection |
Hearing protection |
No fall protection |
Fall protection |
No cut protection |
Cut protection |
Outdated chainsaw |
Modern chainsaw with safety features |
Choose carefully
By choosing tree specialists from this Directory you have the security of knowing that each person or company had passed the Arboricultural Association’s rigorous and industry recognised standards of safety and tree care. All home/landowners have a responsibility* to engage competent people to work on their property.
If you choose to use a contractor not listed in the directory the following checklist can help you establish the contractor’s competence.
*Common law duty of care responsibilities and sometimes liabilities under the Occupiers’ Liability Acts of 1957 & 1984
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