Bolton Tree Services

In many cases, yes. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can help restore a tree’s health. If you notice signs of stress or illness, we recommend booking an inspection as soon as possible.

Look for symptoms like:

• Leaf discoloration or wilting
• Fungal growths or cankers on the bark
• Holes.

If something doesn’t look right, it’s best to call a professional to assess the tree and recommend treatment.

Work is best considered after any bird activity has ceased as we are legally and morally obliged to stop work until the young have flown the nest which can be over 6 weeks.

Timing depends on the species and the purpose of pruning. It is advisable to seek professional help from a tree surgeon who can advise on the best schedule for your specific trees.

Tree surgery is a specialist service within arboriculture that involves the care, maintenance, and management of trees. A tree surgeon (or arborist) is highly trained to handle tree pruning, maintenance and removal. They are also equipped to handle emergency situations and offer expert advice on all aspects of tree related matters.

You are legally allowed to prune branches that overhang your boundary, but only up to the property line – you must not cut anything beyond it. Open communication with your neighbour is always advised before carrying out any work.

Again we have to seek permission to do work in the area from the local planning authority but we can do that for you. This done via a Notice of Intention application. A decision is then given by the local authority within 6 weeks.

Many councils provide interactive maps on their websites that you can check yourself or alternatively we can do that for you.

Yes – but there are strict conditions:

1. If your tree is diseased or damaged and poses a risk (e.g. potential limb failure), you can apply for emergency work permission with seven days notice to the local council’s Tree Officer. This request should be backed by a tree surgeon’s report – which we can prepare for you.
2. For routine or planned work on a protected tree, you’ll need to apply for permission through the local planning authority. Again, a detailed tree report is beneficial and we’re happy to submit this on your behalf. The application process can take up to 8-12 weeks. If granted, the permission remains valid for 2 years.

Light pruning of small, accessible branches may be safe for homeowners, however, larger or more complex work should always be handled by experienced tree surgeons. Tree surgery often involves working at height with specialised tools – the risks of injury or long-term tree damage are significant if done incorrectly.

The best time to reshape hedges is between October and March, outside the growing season but fast-growing hedges can be tidied up to keep them looking neat.

Not necessarily. While some dead trees can provide valuable wildlife habitats, those near buildings, roads, or utilities may pose a danger and should be removed. A qualified tree surgeon can  inspect the tree and advise you accordingly.

Professional tree surgeons use advanced rigging systems and careful dismantling techniques to minimise any risk of damage. We always work with the utmost care to protect your garden, home, and surrounding structures.