Following a report to the police, Lichfield District Council is concerned that a group of people have been going door-to-door, in Lichfield, posing as reputable tree surgeons.
Gareth Hare, Arboricultural Officer for Lichfield District Council, said: “Reputable tree surgery companies do not go door-to-door to drum up business.
“If you are employing someone to prune or fell a tree in your garden, it’s really important that you use a qualified tree surgeon to work on your behalf. This is because it is a dangerous job that requires specialist training. It also means that the company is properly insured if they have an accident.
“We also recommend that you check with us before doing any work to trees in your garden, because they could be protected, and you could be fined for damaging a protected tree.”
To view the Arboricultural Association’s list of approved registered contractors, please visit www.trees.org.uk.
To report a suspected bogus tree surgeon, please telephone Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455.
To find out if any of the trees in your garden or on your land are in a conservation area or protected under a Tree Preservation Order, please contact Lichfield District Council on 01543 308207 or 01543 308185. You can also email protectedtrees@lichfielddc.gov.uk.
