Massively overgrown tree

Evening all.

Next door, lives a lovely old woman. The trouble is, the garden was her husband's project, and he has passed away. She is at the stage in her life when she struggles to walk to the bingo hall a few doors away, let alone maintain the garden.

The trouble for me is she has an overgrown sycamore tree. It's higher than the houses, and one branch in particular overhangs my back garden so much it goes right across to the other boundary.

I know the law allows me to cut the overhanging branches off, but I don't want to ruin her tree.

I was thinking of asking her if we could get a tree surgeon in to do the job properly, and do a 'crown reduction' (see, I've been reading up on the terms). I thought I'd offer to pay at least half the cost, if not all.

Which brings me onto my questions.

Does anyone know how much it would cost to get a tree surgeon in for the day? Are we talking hundreds or thousands?

Also, how would I check that I'm not getting cowboy joe with his pay as you go? I.e. how would I check the person I get isn't going to ruin the tree and risk killing it?

 

I wouldn't have thought much more then a couple of hundred pounds =/ it only cost's about £300 to have a tree felled

 

Thanks folks, that doesn't sound as bad as I was expecting. And thanks for the link Shiney.

That being the case, when I'm next not skint, I might have that chat with the neighbour. If I understand correctly, I'll miss the window of opportunity for this summer, because I'm not ready yet, and I believe major tree work is best not done in summer (unless I've got that well wrong), so maybe the back end of this year or next year. At least now I'm less put off, I was expecting it to cost a couple of grand or more.

Disposing of the wood isn't a problem. If the neighbour has anyone that can use it, I'm happy to chop it into small transportable pieces for her, otherwise I'd chop it and store it, and then give it to my mum who has a proper old fashioned open fire at home.

 

Hi clueless1

First of all thank you for deciding on getting in a professional tree surgeon. Not only will it be easier and safer than having a go yourself, but it also best for the tree; as long as the guy you use is up-to-date on current best arboricultural practice.

In order to keep costs down it would be advisable for you to keep any of the material that comes off the tree. Disposal of limbs and branches can easily add a good £100 onto a quote.

To check if you've got a bona-fide tree surgeon ask to see their qualifications and insurance certificates. They should be able to show you their certificates of competence which include NPTC CS 30, 31, 38 & 39 as a minimum. Public liability insurance should also be available to you should you require them.

Basically, if you get some geezer pulling up in a clapped out van using words such as 'chop', 'lop', 'top' or 'hack' then steer well clear! Someone turning up looking respectable and using proper arboricultural terms should be used.

All the best.