We do understand, good work can feel expensive and sometimes we all need to make savings. It is also sensible to shop around, but when we do it is important to be well informed. Cheap doesn't always mean good and sometimes it is the gateway to VERY expensive problems. It's a scenario we see far too often: a homeowner hires someone offering cut-price tree surgery, thinking they've scored a bargain. A few months later, they're left with dying trees, safety risks, or huge fines, and the job ends up costing far more than they ever anticipated, and can come with legal challenges and very stressful disputes.
In a city area like South-East London, where trees are often very close to homes, gardens, and public spaces, the risks of using unskilled, unqualified contractors are high. Here's why those “too-good-to-be-true” quotes are often exactly that—and why professional tree surgery is worth the investment.
The Appeal of Cheap Quotes
We understand the temptation. When faced with multiple quotes, it's natural to lean towards the cheapest option. After all, "isn't tree surgery just cutting a few branches off?". It really isn't.
Here's the problem: There's a lot more to know about trees than people realise, and this is why tree surgery is a highly skilled and regulated profession, which involves much more than trimming or felling. Every tree, and type of tree is unique, and it takes proper training, experience, and equipment to carry out work that enhances the tree's health, appearance, and safety. When you hire someone unqualified or underpriced, you're not just risking poor results—you're risking serious problems for your property and your trees.
What Happens When Tree Work Goes Wrong?
Cheap tree surgery often leads to one of two outcomes: visible damage that you notice immediately or hidden issues that emerge over time.
Take, for example, the trees we've seen left over-pruned or "topped" by unskilled contractors. At first, it might look like a quick fix, but as months pass, the tree struggles to regrow, becoming weak, lopsided, or even hazardous. In some cases, the damage is so severe that the tree dies completely—and now you're faced with the cost of removal and replacement.
Then there are the hidden dangers. A contractor without arborist training may not spot signs of disease, decay, or structural issues. They might cut a branch that seems fine but destabilises the tree, or miss the early stages of rot that could lead to a collapse later on.
The Costs You Didn't Plan For
While a cheap contractor might promise to save you money, their mistakes often lead to much bigger expenses down the road:
Expensive Remedial Work: Fixing a badly pruned tree takes time, expertise, and often multiple visits.
Property Damage: Unskilled work frequently results in falling branches that can damage roofs, fences, cars, or neighbouring gardens.
Safety Risks: Overcutting or improper tools can leave a tree unstable, increasing the risk of accidents during storms or high winds.
Fines and Legal Trouble: In areas like Blackheath, Lewisham, Greenwich and Bromley, trees are often protected by conservation rules. If your contractor doesn't know how to check for Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and complete the correct paperwork and inspections, you could face fines of up to £20,000, and other legal costs.
Suddenly, that "bargain" doesn't look quite so appealing and you realise good work is actually an investment and insurance against the potential financial nightmares.
Why Cheap Doesn't Mean Safe
One of the biggest dangers of hiring cheap contractors is their lack of proper insurance and safety practices. Ask yourself: if a branch falls and damages your neighbour's property, who's responsible? Or worse, what if someone is injured?
Reputable tree surgeons, like London Treescapes, are fully insured with £10 million in public liability coverage. This not only protects you financially but gives you peace of mind that the work is being done safely and responsibly.
It's Not Just the Tree—it's Your Whole Garden
In South-East London, where gardens are often compact and tightly packed, trees have a big impact on the surrounding space. When a tree is poorly pruned, it doesn't just look unsightly—it can block light, cast heavy shadows, and even affect neighbouring properties.
Inexperienced contractors often fail to consider the bigger picture. They might hack away at branches without shaping the tree's canopy, leaving you with an unbalanced, awkward silhouette that takes years to recover—if it recovers at all.
The Role of Proper Tools and Techniques
A professional tree surgeon invests in specialised equipment and knows how to use it safely and effectively. By contrast, many of the so-called "cheap" options are landscapers or gardeners who decide to add tree surgery to their list of services. They may climb trees without proper harnesses, use dull or inappropriate tools, or cut branches in ways that harm the tree.
These shortcuts can lead to:
Torn or jagged cuts that invite disease.
Overuse of heavy tools that stress the tree unnecessarily.
Dangerous working conditions, putting people and property at risk.
When it comes to tree care, the right tools make all the difference—and so does the expertise behind them.
How to Spot a Professional Tree Surgeon
So, how do you avoid the pitfalls of cheap tree surgery? Start by asking the right questions:
Are they qualified? Look for recognised credentials, like City & Guilds NPTC certification.
Are they insured? Any professional should carry public liability insurance of at least £5 million.
Do they provide a written quote? Avoid anyone offering vague estimates or refusing to commit to a clear price.
Do they understand local regulations? Professionals will know how to check for TPOs and work within conservation rules.
At London Treescapes, we're proud to tick all these boxes and more.
Protect Your Trees, Your Property, and Your Peace of Mind
In the end, tree surgery is an investment—not just in your trees, but in the safety, beauty, and value of your property. A professional job done right will save you money, protect your trees' long-term health, and give you the confidence that your garden is in good hands.
If you're facing a tough choice between quotes, remember: the cheapest option today could cost you much more tomorrow.
Ready to work with professionals you can trust? Contact London Treescapes for expert tree care across South-East London. We're here to keep your trees safe, healthy, and beautiful—no shortcuts, no surprises.