Tree Work and Climbing Contractor

Homeowners, landlords, farms, small estates, schools, housing associations and local property managers.

A fixed quote per job after a site visit, usually priced by the day of work plus waste disposal. Repeat work comes from landlords, managing agents and neighbours.

• Chainsaw and climbing competence
• Good fitness and a head for heights
• Safety planning and judging risk
• Quoting and dealing with customers

• There is no single licence for tree work in the UK, but customers and insurers usually expect recognised chainsaw and climbing certificates, so check what your insurer requires
• Public liability insurance that specifically covers tree work, and employer's liability insurance once you take on staff
• Tree Preservation Orders and conservation areas: check with your local council before cutting
• Protected wildlife such as nesting birds and bats, which can stop or delay work; check with your statutory nature conservation body if in doubt
• If you carry tree waste for your customers, you may need to register as a waste carrier; check the current rules with the Environment Agency or your national regulator
• Overhead power lines and working near roads or buildings
• Serious injury risk: never work at height or with a chainsaw alone or untrained

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on climbing gear, chainsaws, a chipper, vehicle and insurance. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own kit list before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on the jobs you take, your hours and how much work you win. This is an estimate, not a guarantee.

There is no single licence for tree work, but customers and insurers usually expect recognised chainsaw and climbing certificates. Check Tree Preservation Orders, conservation areas, protected wildlife, waste carrier rules and your insurance cover before cutting.