Straight answers.

It depends on the size of the tree, the type of work, access to the site and what happens to the waste. A crown reduction on a medium-sized tree might cost a few hundred pounds; removing a large tree with difficult access can run into thousands. We always give a free, no-obligation written quote before any work begins.

Yes. Every quote is free and without obligation. We'll visit, assess the job and give you a clear written quote. There's no pressure to go ahead.

Fill in the quote form, call 07957 685 655 or email jack@iamlumberjack.com. Photos of the trees help. We'll arrange a time to visit and assess, then send a written quote.

Most garden trees need no permission. If the tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), you need written consent from the council before any work. If you're in a Conservation Area, you must give the council six weeks' notice before working on trees with a trunk over 7.5cm. Even dead trees under a TPO or in a Conservation Area need 5 working days' notice. Unauthorised work on a protected tree can bring an unlimited fine. We check TPO and Conservation Area status before every job.

A legal protection the council places on a specific tree, group of trees or woodland. It's an offence to prune, fell or damage a TPO tree without the council's written consent. We can check whether your tree is protected and handle the application for you.

Yes. For any tree with a trunk over 7.5cm (measured 1.5m above the ground) you must give the council six weeks' written notice: a "Section 211 notice". In that time the council either lets the work go ahead or makes a TPO on the tree. We prepare and submit notices for clients across Kent and South East London.

You can cut back branches and roots to the boundary line, but not beyond it, and the cuttings should be offered back to your neighbour. We can prune to the boundary on your side; anything more needs your neighbour's permission. If the tree has a TPO, the same consent rules apply whichever side you're on.

Yes, with care. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it's an offence to damage or destroy an active bird's nest. Between March and August we check every tree for nests before starting. If we find one, we'll advise delaying that part of the job until the nest is no longer in use. Many jobs go ahead without any issue.

Cutting back the tips of branches to suitable growing points to reduce a tree's height or spread while keeping its natural shape. It's very different from topping, which removes the main growing tip and is bad practice.

Removing selected branches throughout the canopy to let more light and air through, without reducing the tree's overall size. It's often used on ornamental trees and to reduce wind resistance.

Removing the upper branches to encourage a dense head of new growth. It suits certain species, like willows and limes, and needs repeating regularly once started. We can advise whether it suits your tree.

For most deciduous trees, while they're dormant: roughly November to February. Some species have their own windows, and nesting season means a check is needed between March and August. If you're unsure about a specific tree, ask us and we'll give you a straight answer.

Yes. We grind stumps of all sizes, usually 150–300mm below ground depending on what you plan to do with the space, and our grinder fits restricted gardens. It can be done at the same time as felling or separately, and the chippings can be left as mulch or taken away.

Yes. We work in small gardens, next to buildings and over roads, using aerial climbing, cranes and grabs where a straight fell isn't possible. We've worked in some of London's most constrained sites, including beside the Gherkin.

Yes, for storm damage, fallen trees and anything posing an immediate risk to people or property. Call us directly.

A fungal disease (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) affecting ash trees across the UK. Signs include wilting and blackened leaves, bark lesions and the canopy dying back. Infected trees become brittle and hazardous, and as a landowner you're responsible for managing trees that pose a risk. If you have an ash showing symptoms, get it assessed.

An invasive pest whose caterpillars strip oak leaves in late spring. They build white silken nests, and their hairs can irritate skin, eyes and lungs in people and animals. It's found mainly in London and parts of the South East. If you suspect it, don't disturb the nests. Report it to your council or the Forestry Commission.

A full clean-up is standard. Green waste is chipped on site and taken away. Timber can be cut into logs and left for you, or removed. Where it's worth it, we mill trunks into planks for furniture makers and community projects. We're a registered waste carrier.

A crown reduction on a medium-sized tree may take a few hours; bigger or more complex jobs can run over several days. Your quote will include a clear timeframe.

Yes: £5 million public liability and £10 million employers' liability. We can email you the certificates before any work begins.

Our arborists hold NPTC/Lantra qualifications for chainsaw use and aerial tree work, and every operative is certificated for the tasks they do. We are CHAS accredited and hold CSCS cards.

Kent and South East London, from our yard in Fawkham: Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham, Dartford, Sevenoaks, Gravesham, Tonbridge & Malling and Maidstone. Larger and commercial projects take us anywhere in the UK. We've worked at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, in the City of London, and even in France.