Last updated: July 2026

Arborist vs Tree Surgeon: The Quick Answer

In simple terms, an arborist is trained in the science and long-term management of trees, while a tree surgeon carries out practical tree work such as pruning, crown reductions and tree removal.

Many professional tree surgeons, including the team at About Trees, combine practical experience with arboricultural knowledge, allowing them to both assess tree health and safely carry out the required work.

What is the Difference Between an Arborist and a Tree Surgeon | Understanding the Differences Between an Arborist and a Tree Surgeon

If you need a professional to perform tree care work, it’s useful to be able to understand exactly who can help you. In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of the differences between an arborist and a tree surgeon, helping you determine what you need.

Many of us tend to use the terms ‘arborist’ and ‘tree surgeon’ interchangeably (some in the tree care industry even make the mistake!) However, although they share some similarities, arborist and tree surgeon are actually two discrete professions.

By understanding the differences between them, individuals can be better informed about which professional they might need for any tree care work that they need carried out.

So, let’s take a look at the definitions of ‘Arborist’ and ‘Tree Surgeon’:

Definition of Arborist

The most straightforward definition of an arborist is that they are a professional who focuses on the overall health and maintenance of trees. Generally speaking, arborists are trained to understand tree biology, physiology, and the environmental factors that affect tree health. This means that arborists tend to be certified, often through official organisations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or The Arboricultural Association.

In terms of the work they do, arborists provide services ranging from tree pruning to pest and disease management, and from tree planting to soil management.

Definition of Tree Surgeon

Compared to an arborist, a tree surgeon primarily focuses on the physical care and surgical procedures required for trees. Tree surgeons will possess skills when it comes to using specialised equipment to treat trees that are damaged, diseased, or structurally unsafe (including tree/branch removal or crown reduction).

While tree surgeons often also have an understanding of tree health and biology, their primary focus is on the practical aspects of tree care, removal, and restoration.

Do I Need to Hire an Arborist or a Tree Surgeon?

Depending on the work you need done – and the condition of your trees and landscape – you might require either professional.

Arborists will take a holistic approach to tree care, focusing on the entire ecosystem surrounding a tree, including soil quality, sunlight, and tree species compatibility. This approach will be based on the certifications they have acquired.

Contrastingly, tree surgeons tend to have a more task-oriented approach, focusing on the immediate needs of the tree, such as removing unhealthy branches or uprooting a tree that poses a risk. They will offer practical solutions to the immediate problem at hand.

Here are some examples to illustrate when you might require one over the other:

Project Examples for Arborists

1. Tree Planting: If you need to consult a professional about tree planting, arborists will come armed with a degree-level understanding of which tree species are best to plant for your natural environment. They’ll give you practical advice on planting techniques and everything you need to do to make sure your tree thrives.
2. Investigating Diseases: If you notice strange symptoms in your trees – including things like wilting leaves or discolouration – an arborist is required to diagnose the problem. They will inform you about the cause of the disease, offer strategies for disease management, and suggest preventative measures for the future.
3. General Ongoing Maintenance Projects: When it comes to routine tree care management – such as regular pruning or soil testing – an arborist is your best contact. They can create long-term maintenance plans that promote tree health and vitality.

Project Examples for Tree Surgeons

1. Emergency Tree Removal: If a tree has fallen or is at risk of falling due to any number of environmental reasons, a tree surgeon will assess the situation and safely remove the tree, preventing it from becoming a hazard.
2. Structural Repairs: When a tree has split or is suffering from limb decay, a tree surgeon will need to be called to take action. They will trim or brace the tree, preserving it and maintaining safety.
3. Stump Grinding: After a tree has been removed, a tree surgeon can be called upon to grind down the leftover stump, making space for new planting or lawn usage.

How About Trees Combines Both Skills

At About Trees, we don’t believe homeowners should have to choose between an arborist and a tree surgeon. Every job starts with an assessment of the tree’s health, condition and surroundings before any recommendations are made.

Sometimes a tree simply needs careful pruning to improve its health or reduce weight from the canopy. In other situations, removal may be the safest long-term option.

By combining arboricultural knowledge with practical tree surgery experience, we’re able to recommend the most appropriate solution rather than carrying out unnecessary work.

Whether we’re undertaking a crown reduction, removing a dangerous tree or advising on protected trees, our aim is always to provide honest, professional guidance based on what’s best for both the customer and the tree.

Which Professional Do Most Homeowners Need?

For most domestic properties, a qualified tree surgeon with strong arboricultural knowledge is usually the right choice.

Whether you’re dealing with an overgrown tree, storm damage, deadwood, hedge management or complete tree removal, an experienced tree surgeon can assess the tree, recommend the appropriate work and carry it out safely.

Where specialist reports or planning applications are required, additional arboricultural services may also be recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an arborist the same as a tree surgeon?

Not exactly. An arborist specialises in the science and management of trees, while a tree surgeon focuses on carrying out practical tree work. Many professionals have experience in both disciplines.

Which is better, an arborist or a tree surgeon?

Neither is better: they perform different roles. The right professional depends on the work required.

Can a tree surgeon diagnose tree diseases?

Yes. Experienced tree surgeons can identify many common diseases and recommend appropriate treatment or removal where necessary.

Do I need an arborist or a tree surgeon?

For most homeowners, an experienced tree surgeon can inspect the tree, advise on the best course of action and complete the work safely.

Is tree surgery dangerous?

Tree surgery involves working at height with specialist equipment, which is why it should always be carried out by trained professionals.

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between an arborist and a tree surgeon. For most homeowners, the important thing is choosing an experienced company that can correctly assess your trees and carry out any required work safely and professionally.

Need Advice About Your Trees?

Whether you’re unsure if a tree needs pruning, concerned about its health or require safe tree removal, the experienced team at About Trees is here to help. We provide professional tree surgery services across Kent, helping homeowners, businesses and landowners maintain healthy, safe and attractive trees.

Contact About Trees today for expert advice or learn more about our Tree Surgeon Kent services.

Caring For A Tree Near Power Network Lines in the UK – Who is Responsible and What Should I Do? | Do I Need to Trim Trees Near BT/UKPN Cables?

Tall trees can provide an abundance of shade, beauty, and life to our natural surroundings. However, if they come into contact with power lines, they can also be incredibly disruptive – not to mention that they can become safety risks for you, your neighbours, and the entire local area. Here, we’ll explain what to do if a tree on your land is too close to power network cables.

While trees are beautiful additions to our natural landscape, they obviously have a habit of growing in their own way…

For private homeowners or business owners, that can mean trees and their branches growing to such an extent that they are dangerously near BT or UK Power Networks cables.

It should go without saying that this is a major issue for both the owner of the property where the tree is located, and for the companies who oversee the cables (as well as for the local community at large).

In this blog, we’ll take a look at who is responsible for caring for trees that are near/in conflict with power lines, as well as what you can do to sort this issue.

Who is Legally Responsible For Caring For Trees Near Power Cables?

The owner of the property is legally responsible for the care of their trees, meaning they need to make sure their trees aren’t interfering with UKPN cables.

However, what they do about an overgrown tree might depend on several different factors.

UK Power Networks specifically covers London, East and South East and asks on their website for homeowners to contact them if they notice trees or bushes becoming overgrown. Often, this is so that they can report the issue and arrange a visit to the affected area themselves.

Homeowners can freephone 105 to get through to their local network to then enquire about tree trimming.

Once there, they will assess the work that needs to be done. If a tree or bush needs to be dealt with, they will inform the homeowner/business owner and tell them what steps need to be taken next.

What Will Happen Next?

Based on the assessment from the energy company, it is likely that a tree specialist will need to be called to trim the tree and give it proper care so that it doesn’t interfere with power lines.

In terms of who pays for the work that needs to be done, the energy company might decide to cover this themselves. However, legally speaking, the owner of the tree has ultimate responsibility, meaning they should be fully prepared to be responsible for all work and costs.

Should I Hire A Tree Specialist / Arborist?

If you find yourself in a situation similar to those discussed above, you might deliberate about the best course of action.

While some might believe they can sort the issue themselves, there are serious risks involved if you don’t consult a tree specialist.

In this section, we’ll lay out some of the benefits and risks of hiring a tree care specialist to do the work:

Benefits of Hiring a Tree Specialist/Arborist:

• You get the best service: Let’s be clear, an arborist is going to deal with an issue in exactly the way it needs to be dealt with. They will trim your tree to the exact requirements laid out by the energy company and the local authorities. They’ll also do all of this while trying to mitigate any adverse effects brought on by your tree having to be trimmed in the first place.
• You ensure your own safety: Tree care can often be dangerous work – which is why it’s better when it’s carried out by a specialist. The last thing you want is to fall and hurt yourself over the small matter of removing a branch near a power line.
• You are legally covered: Tree specialists will know the legal requirements of their work, and they will carry out their work with this in mind. This means that you won’t run into any legal issues.

Risks of Hiring a Tree Specialist/Arborist:

• Cost: It should be noted that there are no actual risks of hiring a tree specialist to undertake this kind of work, except that it will obviously incur a cost. However, it is important to note that this cost doesn’t always fall on the home/business owner, as sometimes the energy company will cover the cost. Either way, the cost is very small compared to the issues a tree owner will face if they don’t carry out the work they are legally required to do.

Conclusion – Keep Yourself and Your Local Area Safe

By trimming your tree that’s close to power network lines, you’re ensuring that your own property and those in your surrounding area remain safe and risk-free.

If you need to contact a tree specialist to carry out the specific kind of work detailed in this article, contact About Trees for a free consultation.

About Trees – Kent Tree Surgeon and Arborist

About Trees Ltd. is a long established tree surgeon and arborist that offers a professional tree care service around Kent including Faversham, Whitstable, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Ashford, Maidstone and more.

We build long lasting relationships, built on honesty and trust and are Kent Trading Standards Approved and CHAS accredited. Our team has 25 years of knowledge working with trees with all our crews fully trained and certificated as well as carrying up-to-date First Aid qualifications and DBS checks.

If you’re a homeowner, and considering planting trees near your property but unsure on the risks then this blog is especially for you.

Naturally, you’ll want to do everything possible to enhance your property’s value and general appearance. Planting trees is one of the simplest, most cost-effective, and most environmentally friendly ways of doing this – but it can come with risks if not done right. In this article, we’ll take a look at everything you need to consider when planting trees near your property/house Trees go a long way to enhancing your property.

Trees do a whole of things: they provide shade, create a welcoming natural environment, foster biodiversity, and improve air quality. That’s all before mentioning the simple fact that – when kept healthy – they just look great outside your house.

But before breaking ground and planting rows of the nearest available trees outside your property, there are some risks to be aware of, as well as considerations about the best species to plant and the soil type you’re working with within your property.

At About Trees, our tree care specialists have dealt with homeowners who have transformed their gardens into tree-filled nature havens – and others who have called upon us because their tree-planting efforts caused them problems they hadn’t previously foreseen.

Let’s take a look at the risks and considerations you’ll need to keep in mind when planting trees near your property:

The key risks of planting trees near home

While we don’t need to stress again the benefits of planting trees near your home, planting them too close can pose several dangers.

Root damage

Plenty goes on beneath the surface of your trees – and some of it can harm your property’s foundations.

Tree roots can cause structural damage to your home, your footpaths, and your underground plumbing. This is because roots tend to seek moisture and nutrients.

In doing so, they can invade sewer lines or cause upheaval in foundation work. Proximity to buildings should be carefully measured – and if in any doubt, you should immediately contact us for advice.

Overhanging branches

You’ll no doubt have seen haunted house films with unruly tree branches scraping along window panes – but it’s important to be aware that trees planted too close to a property come with their own horror stories…

Overhanging branches can damage roofs, gutters, and façades during storms or high winds, while fallen branches can also pose safety risks to people.

Maintenance burdens

Following on from the overhanging branches consideration, homeowners should be aware that trees will require maintenance – and if they’re planted too close to a property, then that maintenance can quickly become a burden.

Trees planted too close to a homeowner’s property will require frequent trimming or pruning, while trees planted too close to a neighbouring house require plenty of maintenance and could even require tree cutting if they impinge on a neighbour’s land.

The importance of soil type

Trees need good soil for a range of essentials, including air, minerals, nutrients, anchorage, and – importantly – water absorption.

Before you decide on the positioning and the species of tree to plant on your property, it’s vital to assess your soil type. As a Kent based tree specialist, we know that the soil in this region varies, meaning that certain trees might achieve stronger growth in certain soils.

If your property has clay soil, you should be aware that this type drains poorly, leading to problematic root growth for many tree species. Meanwhile, sandy loam (also found in abundance in Kent) offers opportunities for a variety of species to grow well.

A soil test, carried out by a tree care specialist, can provide insights into pH levels and nutrient concentration, which is crucial for understanding the soil and choosing the suitable tree species.

Choosing the right species for your property

To ensure ideal growth and longevity for the trees surrounding your property, getting the species right is important. Here are several tree species to consider if you live on a property based in Kent:

Silver Birch (Betula pendula)

Silver birch trees are great because they thrive in various soil types and are relatively low maintenance. They can also improve biodiversity in the area surrounding your property, as they attract birds.

Yew (Taxus baccata)

Yew trees are aesthetically pleasing and well-known for their longevity. This is an ideal tree choice for your property, providing the planting area you’re working with isn’t overly wet (as it will start to yellow in this type of soil).

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

Rowan trees are known for performing well in poor and rocky soils, meaning they will be well-suited for a whole range of properties. They will also attract plenty of wildlife to your garden!

Optimum planting time of the year

It’ll no doubt make sense that timing is as crucial for growing healthy trees as choosing the suitable species and getting the right soil conditions.

Spring is the best time to plant trees, with warmer, rising temperatures and increased soil moisture. Planting in early spring can ensure that root systems are established before summer (although if you plant too early, your young trees might be affected by a later winter frost – we don’t need to stress that British winters can be unpredictable!)

Later summer/autumn can be a good time for planting trees if you’re in a region with milder winters.

At this time of year, soil conditions will be ideal, and tree roots will be well-equipped to absorb moisture and nutrients by the time the growing season officially begins.

Again, we must stress that planting should occur well before winter, or your tree roots will be frozen before they get a chance to grow.

In conclusion

If you’re considering planting trees near your property, it’s always worth taking onboard the above considerations.

If you are in any doubt about the right choice of species – or whether there are any risks to your choice – please contact the team at About Trees as we are Kent’s tree care specialist.

Reach out to us here.

If you’re wondering how often you need to water newly planted trees, or if you’re simply hoping to find out more about the maintenance behind caring for your new trees, this blog will offer you plenty of advice – including how About Trees expert services can help you maintain your green outdoor spaces.

Planting new trees and caring for them through their growth is one of the most rewarding experiences you can ask for – it’s also a perfect way of engaging with nature, enhancing your garden, and playing a small part in making sure our overall environments stay healthy, thriving, and beautiful.

However, newly planted trees require meticulous maintenance to ensure that they survive all the challenges that nature throws at them.

In particular, these trees need plenty of water to sustain them at the start – and their owners should be prepared to provide them with dedicated care during the early, vulnerable stage after just being planted.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at how often newly planted trees need to be watered, as well as how experienced tree experts like About Trees can help you with your tree-care needs:

Why do newly planted trees need to be watered carefully?

The reason newly planted trees need to be watered so carefully is because these trees will not have established root systems in the beginning, leaving them particularly vulnerable to issues like stunted growth or yellowing.

It is not enough to hope that a newly planted tree will get the sustenance it needs on its own; often, trees that aren’t cared for or given the right amount of water will yellow, wither, or even die.

They need that extra bit of manmade help to get them through that early stage of being newly planted…

Factors to consider when watering newly planted trees

When it comes to actually watering your newly planted trees and considering how often to do so, you’ll need to consider several factors:

Weather conditions

It should come as no surprise that weather conditions will majorly affect how much water your newly planted trees need. If you are from a hotter climate or live in an area where there is little rainfall, you will need to adjust your watering schedule based on factors related to this climate.

Similarly, if your trees are planted in an area where there is a lot of rainfall, you should consider how much supplementary water is needed to ensure your trees have the right amount.

Remember, the distribution of rainfall in the UK can vary widely, meaning you’ll need to understand your own unique patch of the world so that your growing trees have exactly what they need to thrive!

Soil type

The type of soil in which your tree will be planted can affect things like water retention, meaning it can affect the growth of your trees. Soil types can vary widely.

If you are in any doubt, it is often best to consult an expert tree care service provider like ourselves.

Species of newly planted trees

The species of the newly planted tree will, of course, determine the amount of water needed to keep it healthy. Different trees have different requirements. For example, willows have a higher water requirement than pines and oaks.

Monitoring the tree itself

Even if you have done all the research, prepared accordingly, and mapped out a watering schedule, you will still need to adjust your trees’ watering requirements based on your own monitoring of their growth.

Every newly planted tree is different, so constant monitoring is required!

Helpful tips and how to avoid common mistakes

There are helpful tips and ways to avoid common mistakes when it comes to watering newly planted trees.

One tip that can greatly help you is monitoring your soil moisture levels regularly, in order to get a sense of how much water your tree is consuming. You can do this simply by inserting your finger a few inches into the soil to determine how dry it is; this will give you a sense of how quickly the tree is consuming moisture and the frequency with which you should be providing it with water.

On the other side of things, one common mistake that gardeners often make is over-watering their newly planted trees.

We understand there is a temptation to keep pouring litre after litre of water onto your tree in the hope that it will never run dry, but this can often be just as problematic as giving it no water at all. Overwatering can suffocate the roots of trees, limiting their access to oxygen.

If your tree has been overwatered, it will often display soft roots, or there might even be a bad smell coming from the soil. Be watchful of these things, to ensure you’re not pouring too much water on your tree’s roots.

Conclusion: dedication is key – and consulting specialists can help

While a lot of factors will affect your newly planted tree’s growth, you can make sure it stays healthy by staying dedicated, patient, and careful in your approach.

And, if you need any help or advice at all, you should consult with tree care specialists, who will understand exactly what your newly planted trees need. About Trees, located in Kent, is committed to offering an expert service. Find out more about what we do for our customers by clicking here.

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About Trees Ltd is a dedicated tree surgeon based in Whitstable, Kent providing arboriculture and tree care services to homes and properties in Canterbury, Margate, Ashford, Dover, Maidstone, Ramsgate and many more Kent towns and cities.

Spotting the signs and knowing what can happen if Ash Dieback isn’t properly treated

Ash Dieback has become a serious issue in recent decades, with the disease targeting ash trees throughout the UK and causing their death. In this article, we’ll cover how individuals can spot the early signs of Ash Dieback, how they can inform themselves of what happens if the disease isn’t properly treated, and what they can do to stop the disease from spreading.

Ash Dieback is an incredibly destructive disease, which is currently affecting the UK’s native ash species and leading to damage to our natural ecosystems.

The disease, which is caused by a fungus named Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, was first identified in 2006. It is believed to be of Eastern Asian origin, but has spread throughout many parts of Europe in recent decades. Ash Dieback’s spread was so chronic that it even led the New Scientist magazine to ask the question of whether or not Europe’s ash trees were “finished”, due to the disease’s seemingly unstoppable spread.

The disease was first found in the UK in 2012. While there have been many attempts to mitigate or halt the spread of it in the years since then, it continues to be present throughout much of the UK.