Response times depend on location, current workload, and the nature of the situation. We prioritise calls where there is an immediate risk to people or property and aim to attend as quickly as possible. Call 0203 902 0618 directly for an honest assessment of availability and to discuss the urgency of your situation.
If the tree is unprotected, no prior permission is needed. If the tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order or sits within a conservation area, emergency works can be carried out without prior consent where there is an immediate risk — but the works must be limited to removing the danger, and written notification must be submitted to the London Borough of Croydon within five days. Qualitree handles this documentation on your behalf.
Emergency callouts carry a premium over standard scheduled work, reflecting the immediate mobilisation of a team and equipment. Costs depend on the size and species of the tree, access conditions, the volume of material to be removed, and the time of the callout. We provide a clear assessment and quote on arrival so you know exactly what you are agreeing to before we proceed.
Yes. Where a protected tree poses an immediate danger, works can proceed without waiting for consent, provided they are limited to removing the hazard and the council is notified within five days. We manage this notification as standard on every protected-tree emergency.
Yes — we cover Croydon town centre, South Croydon, Shirley, Addiscombe, and the wider borough. If you are unsure whether we cover your specific street, call 0203 902 0618 and we will confirm immediately.
This is a common concern after storm events. Generally, liability depends on whether the tree owner was aware of a defect or disease that made the failure foreseeable. Qualitree can provide a written account of the condition of the tree at the time of our attendance, which may be useful for insurance purposes. We recommend contacting your insurer promptly after any incident involving third-party property.
Yes — all Qualitree tree work, including emergency operations, is carried out in accordance with BS 3998:2010 (Recommendations for Tree Work), the British Standard for arboricultural practice. This is not an optional extra — it is a baseline requirement for any professional tree surgery contractor.
Yes. Clearing access — whether a private driveway, communal road, or public pavement — is often the first priority on a storm damage callout. We work methodically to remove the canopy and section the stem to restore access safely. If the obstruction involves a public road, we advise that you also notify the council, and we can assist with any follow-up documentation required.
