Cost of Tree Felling Services
across the UK

# Tree Felling Services Accreditation

Tree felling work in the UK is governed by strict health and safety standards, and several trade bodies oversee professional standards in this sector. The main accreditations to look for include the Arboricultural Association, which is the leading professional body for arborists and tree care specialists, and LANTRA certification, which provides nationally recognised qualifications in forestry and arboriculture. The National Association of Tree Officers (NATO) also plays a role in setting standards, particularly for local authority work. Additionally, contractors should hold relevant qualifications under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. These accreditations and certifications demonstrate that a provider has undergone proper training in safe felling techniques, environmental considerations, and risk assessment, and commits to ongoing professional development.

To verify a tree felling contractor's credentials, ask for evidence of their accreditations directly and cross-check these with the relevant trade body's official register or membership database. The Arboricultural Association, for instance, maintains a directory of certified professionals on its website. You should also request proof of relevant insurance, including public liability cover of at least £10 million and professional indemnity insurance where applicable. Check that any personnel performing the work hold appropriate certifications such as NPTC (National Proficiency Tests Council) awards in chainsaw use or tree climbing, and ask for references from recent similar projects. Verification matters because unqualified or uninsured operators pose serious risks: they may damage your property, cause injury, breach local regulations, or fail to dispose of waste responsibly, leaving you liable for remedial costs and legal consequences.

Accredited tree felling providers typically charge 15–30 per cent more than unaccredited operators, reflecting the costs of maintaining insurance, training,