Commercial Tree Services North East
Are you running a business, managing a public space, and looking for someone to take care of your tree maintenance in the North East? Tree surgery isn’t just about keeping things tidy, it’s also about safety and compliance, too.
At The Tree Fella, we’re proud to be the commercial tree surgeons in Sunderland businesses turn to, alongside our teams covering South Shields, Gateshead, and the wider North East, helping businesses, councils, and property managers keep outdoor spaces safe and in great condition all year round.
Tree risk prioritised.
Measurable
We use measurable data to provide valid tree risk assessments for stakeholders and appointed tree managers.
Cost-Effective
We can provide a risk of harm assessment that will reliably inform your tree management process, saving you money!
Cross-Sector
We offer experience conducting tree services, inspections and assessments for commercial, educational, domestic & leisure clients
Our Commercial Tree Services in the North East
The commercial tree services you might need for your site may depend, but as a general rule, the kind of services you can expect (and those we offer at The Tree Fella) include the following:
- Tree stump removal – Safe, efficient commercial tree removal, even in complex or high-traffic environments.
- Tree pruning – Professional tree pruning that encourages healthy growth, reduces risks, and keeps trees looking their best.
- Stump grinding – Quick, tidy stump removal so your land is clear, safe, and ready for its next use.
- Hedge trimming – Sharp, clean hedge trimming to keep your hedges well-maintained and looking smart.
Corporate Governance
“In general, civil law imposes duties upon owners of land with trees (and any party who has control over tree management) to take care for the safety of people and property within the vicinity of those trees according to the standard of a reasonable and prudent landowner.”
The Common Sense Risk Management of Trees – 2nd Edition
We work with duty holders to help them plan and responsibly manage there tree stock in line with this best practice guidance.
In sectors like:
- Local authorities
- Housing associations
- Schools or universities
- Retail or commercial premises
Tree safety typically falls under the remit of:
- Facilities Management
- Estates/Grounds Departments
- Health & Safety Managers
- Property/Asset Management Teams
They must ensure:
- Routine inspections are carried out by a competent person.
- Risks are documented, prioritised, and managed appropriately.
- Maintenance budgets and response procedures are in place.
Tree safety duties in the commercial sector typically fall under several overlapping responsibilities, depending on the type of landowner or organisation. Let’s go on to explore some of the legal and operational duties that apply.
Who We Work With
As the commercial tree surgeons in South Shields where we’re based, we provide commercial tree services across the North East to a wide range of sectors, including:
- Local authorities and councils
- Housing associations and registered providers
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Retail parks and commercial premises
- Utility and infrastructure companies
- Construction and development sites
- Leisure, hospitality, and tourism venues
- NHS trusts and healthcare facilities
Occupiers’ Liability (Common Law & Statute)
Under the Occupiers’ Liability Acts 1957 & 1984, commercial landowners or managers (including councils, schools, housing associations, businesses, etc.) owe a duty of care to:
- Visitors (1957 Act) — e.g. customers, employees, contractors.
- Non-visitors/trespassers (1984 Act) — e.g. people walking along a public right of way or adjacent road. That includes taking reasonable steps to identify and manage tree-related risks (e.g. failing limbs, dead trees) that might affect these people.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
If employees or contractors are working near or around trees:
- The duty holder (usually the employer) must ensure the safety of staff and others affected by their operations.
- This could include zoning off high-risk areas, commissioning tree inspections, or taking proactive remedial action.
This is further reinforced by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; requiring risk assessment.
5-star CONSULTATIONS
“Made the process of pruning a large Ash tree away from the roofline in a conservation area really straightforward.”
johnnyp1970 – Google
“From start to finish, these guys were so professional. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or use them again. Many thanks for the great work lads.”
Lawrence King – Facebook
Highways Act 1980
If a tree on private commercial land endangers the highway (e.g. overhanging branches, unstable trees adjacent to a road or footpath), the local authority can issue what’s called a section 154 notice.
We’ve explored these in detail in a blog article; Dodgy trees near roads and footpaths.
If you don’t carry out the required work the local authority can carry out the works themselves and recharge the cost to you!
“Great service from beginning to end.
Will be getting them back when we need them again, top work.”
Michael Coleman – East Boldon
Let us help you balance the risks & benefits of your trees.
Qualified
Our professional staff have the required qualifications to carry out the tree work we undertake.
Insured
Our team are insured should things go wrong. We’re covered by a range of insurances giving our customers peace of mind.
Recommended
We love our customers, and they love us. It’s what drives our team to deliver their first class service at every single job!
What Services do Commercial Tree Surgeons in the North East Provide?
At The Tree Fella, we are skilled in various commercial tree services. Our expert team of tree surgeons can deliver the following to your commercial spaces:
- Tree inspections, surveys, and mortgage reports.
- Tree pruning and shaping.
- Commercial tree removal for unsafe or unwanted trees.
- Emergency tree works (storm damage, fallen trees).
- Hedge trimming for boundaries and landscaping.
- Stump grinding and removal to clear old roots safely.
Every service we deliver is carried out with full risk assessments, method statements, and compliance with environmental standards.
Commercial Tree Services Near Power Lines
Having trees growing close to overhead power lines is one of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners across the North East.
Electricity network operators maintain their own power lines and infrastructure, but trees growing on private land remain the responsibility of the landowner. Where trees are growing close to overhead lines, The Tree Fella can help coordinate safe, compliant management alongside the network operator.
As a trusted commercial tree surgeon in Newcastle and commercial tree surgeons in Gateshead, South Shields and the wider North East, our experienced team carries out safe, professional tree surgery near power lines for residential customers throughout the region. Whether it’s crown reduction to create the right clearance, tree pruning to remove branches growing toward cables, or tree removal to carefully take down a tree that poses a genuine hazard, we plan every job carefully and work to the relevant industry guidelines.
Working near power lines requires specialist knowledge, the right equipment, and a methodical and safe approach. Our North East tree surgery team understands the risks involved and will never cut corners when it comes to safety, for our team, your property, or the network itself.
If you’re unsure whether your trees need attention, our tree surgeons are happy to carry out an assessment and give you straightforward, honest advice. We’ll let you know if the work genuinely needs doing, what it involves, and whether the electricity network operator needs to be informed or involved before we start.
All tree surgery undertaken by The Tree Fella team near overhead power lines across the North East is planned and carried out in partnership with Northern Powergrid and in line with current industry best practice.
Commercial Tree Services Near Waterways
Working on trees near rivers, streams, ponds and drainage channels needs the right experience and a careful approach. At The Tree Fella, we provide safe, efficient commercial tree surgery near waterways for organisations across the North East, including commercial tree surgeons in North Shields covering the sites and businesses along the Tyne estuary, plus utility arboriculture to help manage trees around key infrastructure like drainage systems, culverts, and water access routes.
Our experienced team is used to the challenges that come with working close to water, from tricky access and ground conditions to environmental and legal considerations. Whether it’s dealing with overhanging branches, managing bankside vegetation, or removing storm-damaged or unsafe trees, we adapt our approach to suit the needs of each site.
We work with councils, landowners, utilities, and commercial clients to deliver practical, environmentally responsible solutions that help protect infrastructure, keep water flowing freely, and reduce risk to wildlife and nearby communities.All waterways tree surgery in the North East is planned and carried out with full risk assessments and a strong focus on environmental best practice.
“OUTSTANDING. A professional service from start to finish.
The team are fantastic and went above and beyond.
Have used this service before and will continue to do so.”
Christina Holt – South Tyneside
What are the Methods of Tree Maintenance?
Tree maintenance covers a range of techniques to keep trees healthy. This can include regular pruning, crown reductions, deadwood removal, stump grinding, and root management.
At The Tree Fella, we tailor tree maintenance plans to each commercial site’s needs, from retail parks and residential development, to public parks. This allows us to ensure a client’s budget is cost effective.
Ready to Work with North East Tree Experts?
Need commercial tree services you can trust? From emergency callouts to long-term site care, The Tree Fella is ready to help your site stay safe and compliant.
Get in touch today for hassle-free commercial tree services from the North East’s trusted professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are your commercial tree surgeons fully insured?
Yes, we hold full public liability and employer’s liability insurance for commercial tree work.
Can you provide maintenance contracts?
Absolutely. We offer flexible ongoing contracts tailored to your site’s specific needs and budgets.
What happens to the waste?
All green waste is responsibly removed and recycled as standard after every job.
Do you offer emergency tree services?
Yes — fast response for fallen trees, storm damage, and urgent hazards. Call us to find out more.
What are our legal responsibilities with trees on commercial land?
Occupiers’ Liability Acts 1957 & 1984
Duty to ensure visitors and (to some extent) trespassers are not exposed to foreseeable risks — including from trees.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Duty to protect employees and others from harm, including risks from trees in the workplace.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Requires formal risk assessments — tree hazards must be assessed and managed like any other workplace risk.
Highways Act 1980
Trees that pose a danger to the highway must be dealt with; local authorities can intervene and recover costs from landowners.
Common Law (Negligence)
Landowners can be sued if harm is caused by a tree they should reasonably have known was unsafe.
How do I choose a commercial tree surgeon?
Choosing the right tree surgeon comes down to three things: qualifications, insurance, and experience.
At The Tree Fella, we offer all three. We pride ourselves on a no-nonsense attitude, clear communication, and a proven track record with a wide variety of businesses across the North East.
What are the benefits of hiring tree surgeons for your commercial space?
Hiring experienced commercial tree surgeons is the best way to make sure that the trees on your site are both aesthetically pleasing and safe. With commercial tree maintenance, you can keep your trees:
Safe for the public, staff, and visitors.
Looking professional and well-maintained.
Compliant with legal and insurance obligations.
Environmentally responsible and sustainably managed.
If you’re looking for a one-off commercial tree removal or an ongoing maintenance contract, our commercial tree services in the North East are designed to protect both your investment and your reputation.
Do you need a licence to be a commercial tree surgeon?
Sadly our industry is under regulated and commercial customers are routinely exposed to rogue traders. While there’s no single “tree surgeon licence” in the UK, professional tree surgeons are expected to hold recognised qualifications in arboriculture and follow strict health and safety practices.
Our professional body, The Arb Association, runs the only professional accreditation in the UK. By using a contractor approved under the Arb Approved Contractor scheme you can rest assured that the firm you’re employing has met or exceeded compliance standards of an SSIP scheme.
Reputable tree care companies are also registered with the TrustMark scheme, a government-endorsed quality mark that ensures tradespeople meet high standards of workmanship and customer service.
At The Tree Fella, our team is fully qualified, fully insured, and keeps up with industry best practices, so you can trust you’re working with true professionals (we’re not cowboys with chainsaws!)