REPORTS of rogue tree surgeons operating in Wyre Forest have been brought to light by Wyre Forest District Council.

Residents are being urged by the council to check the qualifications and experience of tree surgeons before going ahead with work.

A professional tree surgeon will have at least a Level 2 Arboricultural qualification in addition to NPTC chainsaw certification along with appropriate public liability insurance.

Alvan Kingston, the council’s arboricultural officer, said: “We have come across several situations where home owners have been swindled out of thousands of pounds for work which wasn’t needed.

“These rogue traders use scare tactics to get people to part with their money.

“We advise anyone who is considering undertaking work on their trees to make sure the people they hire are bona fide.”

District councillor John Campion, cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration, said: “We want to encourage people to enjoy their gardens but also be wary that they have got the right people carrying out work on their property.”

A list of approved tree surgeons can be found on the Arboricultural Association website trees.org.uk For more information, or assistance, call the Worcestershire Hub on 01562 732928.