What Does a Tree Surgeon Do?

When most people hear the term tree surgeon, they often imagine someone simply chopping down branches or felling trees. While that is part of the job, the role of a professional tree surgeon is far more involved. Tree surgery is a skilled profession that requires both physical strength and expert knowledge in tree biology, safety techniques, and the proper use of specialist equipment.

At Bishops Waltham Tree Surgeons, we provide a complete range of tree surgery services in Hampshire. This includes everything from careful pruning to full site clearances. If you are wondering what a tree surgeon really does, here is an overview of the key responsibilities and services offered.

Tree Pruning

Pruning is one of the most common tasks carried out by a tree surgeon. It involves selectively cutting back branches to encourage healthy growth, improve the overall shape of the tree or prevent branches from becoming a hazard. There are various pruning techniques, depending on the tree and the intended outcome.

AtBishops Waltham Tree Surgeons, we offer formative pruning to help young trees develop a strong structure, crown lifting to increase clearance beneath the tree, and crown thinning to allow more light to pass through. We also carry out crown reduction, which reduces the overall size of the canopy. Each of these techniques requires an understanding of tree species and how they respond to different types of pruning.

Tree Removal

Sometimes a tree needs to be removed. This might be due to disease, structural instability, storm damage or simply because it has outgrown its location. Tree removal is not just about cutting down a tree and walking away. It often involves assessing the safest method of removal, especially in confined or residential areas.

Our team is trained in sectional dismantling, which means we remove the tree in manageable parts using ropes and pulleys to avoid damage to nearby buildings or gardens. We also use modern climbing and rigging techniques when access is restricted. For straightforward jobs, we can carry out felling from the base.

Stump Grinding

Once a tree has been removed, the stump can remain as an unsightly and sometimes hazardous obstacle. Stump grinding is the process of removing the remaining tree stump using a powerful grinder, which turns it into wood chippings. This allows you to reuse the space, whether you are laying a new lawn, planting something new or preparing the ground for landscaping.

At Bishops Waltham Tree Surgeons, we provide stump grinding for all sizes of tree stumps, including those in hard-to-reach places. We remove the stump below ground level to prevent regrowth and to discourage pests and fungi from colonising the site.

Hedge Trimming

Hedges require regular maintenance to keep them healthy and attractive. Tree surgeons are also skilled in hedge trimming, using the correct tools and techniques to ensure a neat finish and healthy regrowth. Whether you have a boundary hedge that needs annual trimming or an overgrown hedge that needs reshaping, we can help.

Our team works with both formal and informal hedges. We can carry out a one-off cut or provide regular hedge maintenance to keep your garden looking tidy all year round.

Tree Surveys and Inspections

Tree surgeons are often called upon to assess the condition of trees, particularly if there are safety concerns or planning applications involved. We provide professional tree surveys and inspections for homeowners, landowners and commercial clients. This involves checking for signs of disease, decay or structural weakness and advising on any necessary work.

If you are managing a woodland or a site with multiple trees, we can offer ongoing monitoring and maintenance planning to help you keep everything in good order.

Emergency Tree Work

Storms, high winds and other unexpected events can lead to fallen or damaged trees. In these situations, a quick response is essential to keep people safe and prevent further damage. We provide emergency tree work for dangerous or fallen trees throughout Hampshire.

Our team is on hand to make the area safe, remove damaged branches or dismantle trees that are at risk of collapse. We are experienced in working in difficult conditions and always prioritise safety for both people and property.

Site Clearance

Whether you are preparing for a construction project or looking to reclaim overgrown land, we offer site clearance services that include the removal of trees, shrubs and other vegetation. Our machinery and manpower mean we can handle large or small areas efficiently while disposing of all green waste responsibly.

Why choose Bishops Waltham Tree Surgeons?



All the work we do is carried out by fully qualified and insured professionals. We take great pride in delivering high standards of work with a friendly and reliable approach. Safety and care for the environment are always central to what we do.

So if you are looking for expert help with any aspect of tree surgery in Hampshire, get in touch with Bishops Waltham Tree Surgeons Ltd. Whether it is a single tree in your back garden or a large estate, we are here to help.