Qualified, Certified, & Competent London Tree Surgeons

Why our 11 teams of arborists, tree surgeons, and tree surveyors are among the most qualified in the London arboriculture industry.

Qualifications To Look For: The NPTC Standard

In the UK tree care industry, holding a chainsaw does not make you a tree surgeon or arborist. To operate legally and safely, professional tree surgeons and arborists must have certificates from the National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC) / City & Guilds or LANTRA.

Having the correct qualifications is essential as insurance policies, including our own £10m public liability policy, are often void if the operator does not hold the specific “ticket” for the task they are performing.

We employ 11 full teams of tree surgeons and arborists and strictly enforce a “No Ticket, No Cut, No Operate, No Perform” policy. This “No Ticket” policy means that every individual on site holds the relevant qualifications for the work they undertake.

At London Tree Surgeons, we never cut corners when it comes to training, qualifications and health and safety practices.

The Essential Qualifications We Hold At London Tree Surgeons

To help you understand the competence of our teams, we have listed the core NPTC units that form the baseline of our training. Every lead climber and ground worker holds the qualifications relevant to their role.

Ground-Based Operations (Tree Surgeons & Ground Crew)

Every team member handling a saw on the ground holds these verified competencies:

• NPTC 0039-20 (Formerly CS30): Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting. Proof that they can maintain the saw safely and cut timber on the ground.
• NPTC 0039-21 (Formerly CS31): Felling and Processing Small Trees (up to 380mm). The standard qualification for felling and processing small trees from the ground.
• NPTC 0039-33 (Formerly CS32): Felling and Processing of Medium Trees (over 380mm and up to 760mm). Advanced felling techniques for medium trees, including handling leaning, complex, hung-up trees, and winch use.
• NPTC 0020-61: Safe Use of Manually Fed Wood Chipper. Certified competence in the safe use of manually fed wood chippers (one of the most dangerous machines on site).

Aerial Operations (Tree Climbers & Arborists)

All our arborists hold these vital qualifications for tree climbing and aerial tree operations. You should never allow someone to climb your tree without these specific tickets:

• NPTC 0039-22 (Formerly CS38): Tree Climbing & Aerial Rescue. Ensures the climber can access the tree safely and, crucially, rescue an injured colleague in an emergency.
• NPTC 0039-23 (Formerly CS39): Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness. The critical qualification for using a chainsaw while suspended in a harness.
• NPTC 0039-31 (Formerly CS40): Aerial Tree Pruning. Specialised tree pruning techniques to industry standards.
• NPTC 0039-32 (Formerly CS41): Aerial Tree Rigging. The advanced skill of dismantling a tree in sections using ropes and pulleys to prevent damage to the ground below.

Why We Don’t List Every Certificate Online

With 11 operational teams, our workforce is extensive. Between our apprentices, ground crew, climbers, surveyors and consultants, we hold hundreds of individual NPTC certificates, LANTRA awards, and First Aid at Work qualifications.

Listing every single certificate on this webpage would make it impossible to navigate. However, transparency is one of our core values.

Arborist and Tree Surgeon Qualifications Available Upon Request

We are happy to provide the specific credentials for the exact team scheduled to work on your property.

For Commercial Clients: We can provide a full training matrix and competence pack as part of your tender or pre-start process.

For Residential Clients: If you would like to see the NPTC qualifications of the arborists and tree surgeons arriving at your home, contact us, and we’ll happily provide the proof you require.

Comprehensive Safety Training

Being a professional tree surgeon or arborist is about more than just cutting trees. Our teams also receive training in:

• First Aid at Work (+F): Specialised First Aid training for forestry environments.
• Traffic Management: For roadside tree works (Chapter 8).

LOLER (Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations)

LOLER-Approved Lifting Equipment: We have all climbing kits and rigging equipment independently inspected every 6 months, as required by law.

Hire the Qualified London Tree Surgery Experts

Never take risks with tree surgery in London, or any arboricultural project. When you hire London Tree Surgeons, we guarantee you’ll only be dealing with safe, insured and qualified tree professionals.