Our Environmental Statement

At London Tree Surgeons, we focus on sustainability through waste recycling, using biodegradable oils, adhering to the British Standard BS3998 Recommendations For Tree Work, respecting wildlife laws (Wildlife and Countryside Act), minimising noise/emissions (ULEZ compliant vehicles), creating habitat piles, and promoting native tree species.

We believe that being a London tree surgeon isn’t just about cutting trees; it’s about managing the environment responsibly. As a professional tree company operating in one of the UK’s busiest cities, we recognise our duty to minimise our carbon footprint while maximising the health of London’s trees.

Environmental Practices For Our London Tree Surgery Services

Waste Management: We recycle 100% of green waste; we use wood chips for mulch or biomass (to produce low-carbon electricity), and timber for firewood or to create log/habitat piles for wildlife. Any other waste is either recycled or disposed of responsibly through local certified waste management facilities.

High Standards: We follow the British Standard BS3998:2010 Recommendations For Tree Work, which promotes safe, efficient, and ecologically sound practices.

Wildlife Protection: We adhere to the Wildlife & Countryside Act, checking for nesting birds/bats before work, and use traditional methods to cause less disturbance.

Emissions & Noise: We use London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)-compliant vehicles, run machinery efficiently, and use battery-powered chainsaws/equipment, or hand tools where possible.

Materials: We utilise environmentally considerate consumables such as biodegradable chain oils (93-97% biodegradable).

Sustainability: We retain deadwood for habitat, recommend native tree planting, and promote overall tree health, including managing the spread of tree pests and diseases.

London Waste Management

We don’t look at the branches, logs, and leaves we remove as “rubbish.” To us, it’s a valuable resource. We are proud to say that we recycle 100% of the green waste generated from our operations. When we chip branches, that material doesn’t just disappear. Wood chips get a second life as biomass fuel, used to produce low-carbon electricity, or as nutrient-rich garden mulch that helps suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil.

For larger timber, we take a traditional, sustainable approach. Usable logs are processed into firewood, keeping the carbon cycle local and reducing the need for imported fuels. When wood isn’t suitable as firewood, we often use it to create log piles and habitat zones within the gardens we work in. We dispose of any other waste generated by our London tree surgery operations responsibly through local, certified waste management facilities. We want to leave your property tidy, but we also want to leave the planet tidy.

London Tree Surgeons Waste Carriers License

Tree surgeons in London need a Waste Carrier Licence from the Environment Agency if they transport, buy, sell, or dispose of waste, ensuring the legal and environmentally sound disposal of green waste such as branches and logs.

We have an up-to-date upper-tier tree surgeons’ waste carriers’ license, which you can view below.

London Wildlife Protection And Biodiversity

Our work brings us face to face with London’s wildlife daily, and we take our role as guardians of their habitat very seriously.

We strictly adhere to the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, and before we start any job, we check for nesting birds and roosting bats. If we find active nests, no work can begin, and we will always postpone non-urgent work to avoid disturbing habitats.

Beyond just protecting what’s there, we actively try to improve biodiversity and encourage our clients to retain deadwood where safe to do so. Standing deadwood or stacked log piles are excellent habitat for fungi, insects, and the birds that feed on them.

We also champion the planting of UK native tree species, which are far better at supporting our local insect and bird populations than exotic imports. Our passionate London tree planting specialists are always happy to advise on the best native species to plant in your London garden or outdoor space.

Cleaner Air And Quieter Operations In London

Operating in London means we have a responsibility to help keep the air clean. We’ve heavily invested in our fleet to ensure our vehicles are fully compliant with the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). We plan our routes efficiently to minimise fuel consumption and reduce our time on the road. But it’s not just about the vans, arb trucks and lorries; it’s about the tools we use in your garden.

Wherever possible, we utilise the latest battery-powered chainsaws and equipment. These modern tools are an absolute game-changer for urban tree surgery. They produce zero direct emissions and are significantly quieter than traditional petrol saws, which your neighbours will certainly appreciate. When we do need to use petrol machinery for heavy-duty work, we run them efficiently to minimise idle time.

Furthermore, we are meticulous about the consumables we use. We use environmentally considerate products, such as biodegradable chain oils that are 93-97% biodegradable. Using biodegradable chain oils ensures that, while we cut, we aren’t flinging harmful mineral oils onto your soil, plants or property.

Following British Standards For The Long-Term Health Of London Trees

Sustainability isn’t just about recycling; it’s about keeping trees alive and healthy for longer. We strictly follow BS3998:2010 Recommendations For Tree Work. This British Standard promotes safe, efficient, and ecologically sound practices. It ensures that when we prune a tree, we do so in a way that respects its biology, allowing it to heal quickly and resist disease.

We never just “top and lop” trees; we manage and care for them. By promoting overall tree health and controlling the spread of pests and diseases, we help maintain London’s canopy cover. If a tree is diseased, we know how to handle the waste to prevent it from spreading to other trees in the area. Our goal is always to leave the environment in a better state than we found it, ensuring London remains green for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Environmental Statement And Policies

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about London Tree Surgeons environmental statement, policies and practices.

Why do you use battery-powered chainsaws?

Battery technology has advanced massively in recent years. For many tasks, they are just as powerful as petrol saws but come with huge benefits. They are much quieter, which is perfect for residential areas, schools, and hospitals. They also produce no exhaust fumes, making the working environment healthier for our arborists, tree surgeons and your outdoor space.

What happens if you find a bird’s nest in my tree?

If we find an active bird’s nest, we legally have to stop work on that specific tree or area. We will quickly leave the area and reschedule the work for after the nesting season (usually passing by late summer). It might be a slight delay, but it ensures we protect London’s wildlife and stay on the right side of the law.

Can you leave the wood for me so I can use it as firewood?

Yes, of course. Leaving you the timber for firewood is actually the most environmentally friendly option, as we won’t need to transport it. If you’d like to keep the timber for firewood, just let us know, and we’ll allow for this in the quotation. We can cut it into manageable rings for you to split and season for your own wood burner or fire pit.