How we check tree surgeons

Each listing shows three kinds of information, and we're clear about which is which.

1. Waste carrier registration: checked against the register

Tree surgeons who take your branches and green waste away must be registered waste carriers, and householders are expected to check. We match every firm we list against the Environment Agency's public register of waste carriers, by business name and postcode district, and show the date we checked.

Verified: Registered waste carrier We found this firm on the Environment Agency register. The link takes you to its record there.
Not matched means we couldn't match it automatically. That often happens when a firm is registered under a different business name. It does not mean the firm isn't registered: ask them for their registration number and search the register.

We only match strictly (whole business name and the same postcode district), because wrongly showing a firm as registered would be worse than missing one.

2. Approvals and qualifications: as the firm states them

Stated on their website means the firm says it on its own website: for example ARB Approved Contractor (the Arboricultural Association's scheme), TrustMark, or NPTC / Lantra chainsaw and climbing qualifications. We haven't checked these yet. You can check ARB Approved Contractors on the Arboricultural Association's directory; if a firm isn't on it, it isn't an Approved Contractor.

3. Services, customers and areas: from the firm's website

What a firm does, who it works for, and whether it says it handles protected-tree applications or emergency storm work all come from its own website. Contact details come from Google's business listings.

What we don't do

We don't inspect anyone's work or check their insurance, and a listing is not a recommendation. Ask any tree surgeon for proof of public liability insurance before they start. We don't use scheme logos. If something is wrong, tell us and we'll fix it.