Why Be A Tree Surgeon In Norfolk
It’s 6.45am in Norfolk. The truck’s warming up, boots are on, kit checked, harnesses loaded. Another job lined up near Eaton – removal of a storm-damaged ash tree hanging over a garage. And that’s just Monday. Life as a tree surgeon in Norfolk doesn’t follow a script. And that’s exactly why we do it.
It’s not for everyone - and that’s the point
Let’s be clear: if you’re after a clean, comfy office job, this isn’t it. Being a tree surgeon in Norfolk means working in the cold, the wind, the rain – often up a tree with a chainsaw before most people have had their morning coffee. But for those of us who live for the outdoors, for movement, for the quiet concentration of a clean cut and the buzz of machinery, there’s nothing else quite like it.
Why Norfolk is an incredible place to work in tree surgery
Norfolk offers a unique blend of urban, suburban and rural jobs. One day we’re dealing with a tight rear garden in NR3 where access is only through a kitchen, the next we’re out near Wroxham removing wind-blown conifers from a field boundary.
Plus, there’s the added layer of Conservation Areas and Tree Preservation Orders. You can’t just rock up with a saw and start hacking. We’ve got to know the rules, liaise with the council, and plan our work around wildlife protections and nesting seasons.
So if you’re a tree surgeon in Norfolk, you’re not just a cutter. You’re part biologist, part climber, part diplomat.
Tools of the trade (and the trade-offs)
Let’s talk gear. You’re carrying £3,000+ worth of equipment most days:
- Stihl or Husqvarna climbing saws
- 20m+ ropes and cambium savers
- Harnesses, helmets, and spikes
- Chippers that eat brush like breakfast
- Grinders that can chew out a stump in 15 minutes
It’s not just about looking the part. Every bit of kit matters when you’re working at height or felling in a confined garden. And everything gets checked, sharpened, and tested – because up there, you don’t get second chances.
And yes, sometimes the work is hard on your body. Shoulders take a battering. Knuckles crack in the winter. But we wouldn’t swap it for sitting behind a desk.
What people think we do vs. what we actually do
A lot of folks think we just cut trees down. In reality, most of our work involves careful management:
- Reducing crown size to avoid conflict with buildings
- Selective pruning to preserve shape and health
- Deadwood removal for safety
- Planning tree work for construction projects
- Emergency callouts after storms
We’re not in the destruction business. If we can keep a tree alive and stable, we will.
A true career - not just a labour job
Tree surgery isn’t a dead-end trade. Far from it. You can specialise in:
- Climbing and rigging
- Consultancy and arboricultural surveying
- Forestry and woodland management
- Planting and aftercare services
We’ve had lads start with us as groundies who are now quoting six-figure contracts or running their own firms.
And in Norfolk, with all the estate development, heritage preservation, and garden work, there’s no shortage of opportunity.
What clients never see - but we always do
Here’s what the customer doesn’t always notice, but it’s where real professionalism lies:
- Checking anchor points before every climb
- Calling off a job if wind speeds are too high
- Not cutting in nesting season – even if the job’s booked
- Tidying up better than we found the site
- Giving honest advice when a tree doesn’t need work
That last one matters. We’ve walked away from plenty of jobs because the tree was fine. Long-term trust beats a short-term payday every time.
Norfolk-specific jobs that keep things interesting
- Felling overgrown leylandii with no drop zone
- Working within listed property grounds
- Navigating through terraced homes with limited access
- Grinding stumps near historic flint walls
- Liaising with Norfolk Council on protected trees
We once removed a fallen beech in Thorpe St Andrew, where access required winching pieces up a steep driveway and navigating around a koi pond. Jobs like that teach you more than any course.
Would we recommend this to someone new?
Absolutely – but only if they’re serious. You need the right training (CS30/31/38/39 at minimum), a decent mentor, and a willingness to learn fast and listen more. There’s no room for ego up a tree.
But if you’re the sort who wants a job with purpose, movement, and daily problem-solving – and you don’t mind mud, midges or chainsaws – then this might just be for you.
Conclusion
For those of us who work as a tree surgeon in Norfolk, the job is more than just a way to pay the bills. It’s a craft, a calling, and a daily challenge. If you’re thinking of getting into the trade – or just need advice from someone who knows the ropes – we’re always happy to chat.
