FAQs

How much does it cost to cut down my tree?

We wish it was as simple as providing a price list on our website, but there are so many factors that affect the cost of tree surgery services in East Norfolkand Suffolk. Every job is unique, with hundreds of factors that affect the tools we use, the methods we employ, and even the time of day we visit!

However, you can contact Kestrel today to arrange a free quote. We will come to assess your situation and give you a fair price for the amount of work required.

Can you provide a quote over the phone or via email?

Unfortunately not. Even if you were to accurately describe the job you need done, and show us pictures, we wouldn’t be able to give you an accurate quote. We will be more than happy to arrange a suitable time to visit you and provide a free quote after looking at your plants and trees in person.

Why should I employ a tree surgeon to remove a tree?

Tree surgery is a highly skilled profession, involving precision work, extensive training, and a lot of safety measures. As such, it can be dangerous to attempt to fell a tree without the proper experience and qualifications. Attempting to remove a tree yourself could result in serious injury, both to yourself and those around you. Not only that, but falling tree parts can cause a lot of damage to homes and vehicles!

For your safety, and the safety of those around you, we always recommend using a professional tree surgeon for all arboricultural work.

Are you insured?

Yes, we are fully insured and completely covered to safely carry out all work on your property. Our cover includes public and product liability insurance, as well are employer’s liability insurance.

Can you remove the tree stump?

Sure thing! To remove a tree stump, we usually employ a specialised piece of equipment called a stump grinder. As the name suggests, this machine will grind the stump down below the surface of the ground. We’ll then use the wood mulch left over to fill in the hole that is left, leaving the ground even.

What happens if my tree overhangs a busy public area or road?
Rest assured that we’ll take all measures necessary to safely bring down any awkward branches that overhang areas like footpaths and roads. This often involves taking the tree down in sections, or securing large parts of the plant before removing them, instead of allowing the bits to fall to the ground. We plan all jobs very carefully to ensure the site is safe before, during, and after we have carried out the work.

What is a tree preservation order?

A tree preservation order, or TPO, is a status applied to specific trees that makes it an offence to cut down, reduce, damage, uproot, or otherwise destroy the affected plant. They are put in place by the local planning authority, usually to protect trees that contribute to the appearance of an area. The punishment for violating a TPO can be severe, resulting in a fine of up to £20,000.

Are my trees protected by a TPO?

It is important to find out if your trees are protected by a tree preservation order before any work is carried out. To find out if you have any TPOs on the trees you would like to remove, you can contact your local council.

Can I prune a tree that is protected by a TPO?

Any work carried out on a tree protected by a TPO must first be approved by your local council. It can take up to 8 weeks to receive this decision and, assuming you are granted permission, we highly recommend using a professional tree surgeon to perform the work. Any accidental damage caused to the plant through an action you cause can land you in serious trouble with a hefty fine.

Will there be a lot of mess left after you’ve gone?

Kestrel Arboricultural Services takes great pride in leaving areas better looking than when we first found them. A big part of this is cleaning up the mess we leave after we’ve done the job! Pruning, tree felling and all jobs that involve removing parts of a plant generally result in a lot of green debris. We will completely tidy the site before we leave and remove all plant matter to be disposed of safely and responsibly.

How will a diseased tree affect other trees and plants that are near it?

This depends largely on what disease or infection is affecting your tree. Some diseases spread via root-to-root contact, while others can spread through the air. The good news is, a healthy tree is usually well equipped to fight off diseases and infections from other trees, so the problem shouldn’t spread.

Can trees damage my home?

Generally speaking, trees are not a massive problem for your property. Problems might occur if the plant grows very tall and is within two metres of a wall or fixture. In these cases it can be possible for the roots to cause issues by applying pressure to existing structures. This can cause serious damage over time if left unchecked. If you’re worried about a nearby tree or plant, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’ll be happy to assess your plants and provide a quote to fix any potential issues before they become bigger problems.

Can I do anything about a tree in my neighbour’s garden?

You have the right to cut back and prune any part of a plant or tree that overhangs your property. With that being said, you need to be very careful that your pruning does not affect the health or stability of your neighbour’s plant. Also, if you are to attempt even a light pruning, it’s a good idea to ensure there is not a tree preservation order on the tree!

Can you remove a tree that has animals nesting in it?

While any type of bird is nesting in a tree or hedge, that plant is legally protected and cannot be removed. This applies for as long as the nest is in use. As such, nesting birds can cause delays when it comes to cutting down or pruning trees. Birds typically nest between March and the end of July, so if your area has a lot of wildlife, tree removal during these months might be difficult.

What is the best time of year to have work done on my trees and hedges?

It varies from tree to tree, but generally speaking the best time to prune a plant is after leaf fall and before the buds burst. We would be happy to advise on any such plants before you have the work carried out. Just contact us today and we can help you identify the best time to have the work carried out.

What areas do you cover?

We cover all of Norfolk and Suffolk from our head office in Lowestoft. You’ll normally see us working across the area, from Beccles to Great Yarmouth. We’re happy to discuss any request, no matter how big or small, commercial or residential. Why not give the friendly Kestrel team a call on 01502 385052

Thank you for checking out the FAQs for Kestrel Arboricultural Services. If you have any further questions or would like to arrange a free quote, don’t hesitate to contact them directly at 01502 385052.

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