Tree surgeon - ARB Approved Contractor?

Profile9506

I am getting quotes from tree surgeons to have the overhanging branches of my neighbour's tree pruned, because some of them broke and fell in my garden.

The neighbour is aware and happy for me to proceed, but not willing to pay or arrange for it, as the tree is healthy. 

I've got a three quotes from tree surgeons at £1440, £900 and £400 for the same job - including VAT , which is very surprising. 

The most expensive ones are in https://www.trees.org.uk/ARB-Approved-Contractor-Directory while the cheapest is not. 

Is being in that registry important? 

Does it offer any protection in case the tree is damaged while pruning? 

Albermarle

In my area, if you get quotes for gardening/tree work, there seems to be two distinct alternatives;

1) Fully registered company, with proper website, marked vehicles etc. You book a time for someone to come and have a look and send you a written quote. The quote usually seems very high, and often they can not book you in anyway for weeks or even months .

2) Someone knocks on the door ' we are working in the street' . Quotes price more than 50% less and will come down further with some pressure. Will only accept cash and are often available that day .

If I was having major work done, I would go with 1), but for general pruning etc. 1) are not really interested in small jobs, hence the ridiculous quotes , and lack of availability, so go with 2) .

Mistral001

You probably know that you will not be able to prune them until the bird nesting season is over, so there is plenty of time to get someone booked.  I would go by personal recommendation if you can.  I have used someone for twenty years now who is not ARB Approved.  He has a cherry picker, wood chipper, a range of other equipment and he does a perfect job.