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The cost of hiring a tree surgeon in Kirkwall depends on the work involved, access, and the size and type of tree.

Here are some average prices for popular Kirkwall tree services:

• Tree felling: £300 - £3,000 depending on size and location
• Medium birch tree with a 2-person team: £500 - £800
• Large oak tree removal with a full team: £1,000 - £3,000
• Tree trimming: £100 - £500
• Stump grinding: £60 - £150
• Debris removal: £50 - £100

Hourly rate: Around £40 per hour per person, or £120 for a team of three.

Daily rate: Typically £250 - £400 per person, or £700 - £950 for a full team.

Want tailored costs? Use our Request a quote tool to hear back from tree surgeons covering your local area.

A tree surgeon is a trained specialist who maintains, treats, and removes trees safely and professionally.

Tree surgeons in Kirkwall typically work on residential gardens, public parks, woodlands, and business parks, offering a wide range of services:

• Tree pruning and trimming
• Tree felling and dismantling (sectional or full)
• Stump grinding and removal
• Tree planting
• Timber milling
• Diagnosing and treating diseases
• Removing dangerous or storm-damaged limbs

Tree surgery is high-risk work that often involves climbing trees, using chainsaws at height, and working around properties. It takes proper training, equipment and insurance to do the job safely.

That’s why it’s important to hire a checked and qualified tree surgeon in Kirkwall you can rely on.

It depends on your needs. But in most cases, a tree surgery quote in Kirkwall should cover:

• Site visit and assessment
• All labour and equipment
• Removal of debris (or a clear option to leave it)
• Waste disposal and recycling where possible
• Clear health and safety plans

It should also set out a timeline and include VAT if applicable. Try to avoid vague quotes - detail is a good sign.

Not all tree surgeons are equal. Here’s how to find someone who’ll get the job done right:

• Ask for recommendations from neighbours, family or other tradespeople
• Read reviews on Checkatrade to see real feedback from homeowners like you
• Check qualifications and insurance; don’t just take their word for it
• Get at least 3 quotes to compare price and approach
• Ask about British Standards: BS 3998:2010 and BS 5837:2012 show professional practice

You can also post your job to tree surgeons in the local Kirkwall area, and let them come to you.

For small to medium-sized trees, the process usually takes around half a day. That includes preparation, safety checks, cutting, and clearing away any debris.

Larger trees, especially those close to buildings or power lines, can take a full day or more. If stump grinding is included, tack on another couple of hours.

Working with a tree surgeon in Kirkwall means they’ll be familiar with site access issues and likely weather conditions, both of which can impact timings.

They’ll also plan for safety, using rigging systems or sectioning techniques if needed to avoid damage to nearby property

Tree surgeons work year-round, but lead times and job types can shift with the seasons. If you have flexibility, booking during quieter periods might save you money or help you secure a preferred slot.

Winter and early spring (November to March) are often ideal times for pruning and felling. With leaves gone and sap flow reduced, it’s easier to assess a tree’s structure and perform work with less mess. It’s also less disruptive for wildlife during these months.

Summer and autumn are often busier, especially for tasks like tree inspections, disease treatments, and storm damage repairs. Some homeowners also book tree cutting in Kirkwall during the warmer months for aesthetic reasons, especially before selling a property or planning garden renovations.

Tree work tends to be cheaper in late autumn and winter (November to February) when trees are dormant. There's less foliage, making the job quicker and easier. Plus, it’s a quieter period for many Kirkwall tree surgeons, so you might get a better deal.

That said, if a tree poses a safety risk, don’t delay. The right time to act is before it causes damage.

Tree surgery isn’t something anyone can do safely without training.

In the UK, qualified tree surgeons in Kirkwall should hold some, or all, of these key certificates:

• CS30: Chainsaw maintenance and basic cross-cutting
• CS31: Felling small trees
• CS38: Climbing and aerial rescue
• CS39: Using a chainsaw from a rope and harness

Some tree surgeons in Kirkwall may also have diplomas or certifications in arboriculture from City & Guilds or LANTRA, which reflect broader knowledge of tree care and health.

Insurance is equally important as qualifications for tree surgery.

At the very least, your Kirkwall tree surgeon should have up-to-date public liability insurance. This protects you if something goes wrong, for example, if a branch damages your roof or fence.

When you hire through Checkatrade, every tradesperson has verified insurance in place. Plus, if you contact or pay a member through us, you may be covered by the Checkatrade Guarantee (up to £1,000. T&Cs apply).

For peace of mind, always ask for proof of insurance before work begins.

Need help finding an insured tree surgeon in Kirkwall? Use our search tool or request quotes today.

Responsible tree surgeons in Kirkwall will recycle or repurpose as much waste as possible:

• Chipping branches into mulch
• Cutting logs for fuel or donation
• Taking green waste to licensed sites

It's a good idea to ask if removal is included in the price. Some may charge extra. If you prefer, you can use a garden waste removal service.

Yes, you can. Many homeowners in Kirkwall may choose to keep the wood after tree removal for a number of reasons and uses.

If you want to keep the wood, it’s important to discuss this before the job starts. This is because some tree surgeons in Kirkwall include wood removal and disposal in their quote by default.

If you’d prefer to keep logs, woodchips or branches, they’ll usually be happy to leave them behind, and may even cut or stack them for you, depending on the agreement.

Popular uses for leftover wood in the UK include:

• Logs for firewood: Seasoned logs make great fuel for stoves or open fires. Just make sure they’re dried properly! This can take 6–18 months depending on the wood type.
• Chippings for mulch: Shredded branches can be used around the garden to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Garden features: Larger pieces of timber can be repurposed for rustic seating, edging, or wildlife habitats.

You might see both terms come up in your search for Kirkwall tree services, but there is a difference.

A tree surgeon is hands-on. They climb trees, cut branches, fell diseased trees and carry out practical maintenance.

An arborist, also called a tree arborist or arboriculturist, focuses more on the science of tree care. They assess tree health, advise on planting and species management, and create long-term care plans. Arborists in Kirkwall often work closely with councils, developers, or environmental organisations.

In simple terms? Arborists analyse and advise. Tree surgeons take action. Some tradespeople may be qualified in both, but if you need a tree removed or trimmed, you’re looking for a tree surgeon.