Business Details
22 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Professional Tree Surgery Services in Surrey
Established in 2004, Gristman Tree Surgery has built a reputation for excellence in arboricultural services across Surrey, Guildford, and the wider UK. Our NPTC-qualified team delivers expert tree surgery for domestic, commercial, and local authority clients, prioritising environmental sustainability through practices like green waste recycling and biodegradable oil usage. We adhere to BSI 3998 standards and hold accreditations including CHAS and SSIP, underlining our commitment to quality and safety. Our specialists provide comprehensive services ranging from tree felling and crown reduction to veteran tree management, combining technical expertise with a client-focused approach.With over 18 years of experience, we maintain a strong focus on preserving tree health while addressing safety concerns through methods like sectional dismantling and root rejuvenation. Our dedication to ethical practices and ecological preservation has earned us repeat business from prestigious clients including the Church of England and Guildford Borough Council.
Services
Tree Felling
Crown Thinning
Stump Removal
Pollarding
Deadwood Removal
Veteran Tree Management
Crown Reduction
Hazardous Limb Removal
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- 18+ years of specialist tree surgery experience since 2004
- DBS-checked, NPTC-qualified professional arborists
- Eco-friendly practices including green waste recycling
- BSI 3998 standard compliance for arboricultural services
- Proven track record with local authorities and commercial clients
Associations and certifications
- CHAS
- SSIP
- BSI 3998
What people say
Clean, tidy and very polite
Excellent team
Great work carried out
Efficient and tidy
Superb service
Services
Tree Felling
Professional tree felling services using sectional dismantling techniques to ensure safety in confined spaces. Our NPTC-qualified arborists employ rigging systems and specialist machinery to remove hazardous trees while minimising environmental impact. Ideal for diseased, damaged or TPO-protected trees requiring complete removal.
Crown Thinning
Precision crown thinning to improve tree health and light penetration. We remove secondary branches while maintaining natural shape, reducing wind resistance and promoting healthy growth patterns. This service enhances structural integrity while maintaining aesthetic value for mature trees.
Stump Removal
Comprehensive stump removal using specialist machinery. We assess each site to determine appropriate methods, considering ecological factors like habitat preservation for protected species. Services include complete stump extraction and soil remediation where honey fungus infection is present.
Pollarding
Traditional and modern pollarding techniques to control tree size and promote healthy regrowth. Our arborists create sustainable pollard heads through annual or biannual pruning cycles, maintaining tree health while meeting urban space constraints and safety requirements.
Veteran Tree Management
Specialist management for ancient and veteran trees. We conduct detailed surveys and risk assessments, implementing conservation-focused treatments that balance ecological value with public safety. Services include habitat preservation, structural support, and phased decay management for long-term tree viability.
People
Rob Grist
Managing Director
With over 18 years in arboriculture, Rob leads our NPTC-qualified team. He holds TechArborA NCH accreditation and oversees all operations, combining technical expertise with strategic management to maintain our high service standards.
Darren Sutton
Foreman Climber
Experienced climber with specialist tree access skills. Darren supervises technical operations, ensuring safe execution of complex tree surgery tasks while mentoring junior team members in best practice arboricultural techniques.
Mitch Turner
Arborist Climber
Certified tree climber specialising in canopy work. Mitch implements precision pruning and hazardous limb removal, maintaining strict safety protocols during operations in both urban and woodland environments.
Martin Sleight
Arborist Climber
Skilled climber with expertise in veteran tree conservation. Martin conducts detailed canopy assessments and implements specialist pruning techniques to preserve heritage trees while mitigating safety risks.
Peter Day
Groundsman
Supporting operations with equipment management and site preparation. Peter ensures efficient workflow during tree surgery projects, maintaining tools and assisting with debris clearance and recycling processes.
Questions
What areas do you cover for tree surgery services?
We operate across Surrey, Guildford, and surrounding areas. Commercial clients receive nationwide service. Emergency call-outs cover within 25 miles of our Godalming base.
Are your tree surgeons qualified?
All our arborists hold NPTC qualifications. Our team includes certified climbers and specialists in veteran tree management, with CHAS and SSIP accreditations.
Do you handle Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)?
Yes, we manage TPO-compliant tree work. Our specialists conduct required surveys and liaise with local authorities to ensure legal compliance while maintaining tree health.
What safety measures do you implement?
We follow BSI 3998 standards with DBS-checked staff, sectional dismantling for hazardous trees, and full risk assessments. All operations use industry-approved safety equipment and procedures.
Can you help with conservation area tree work?
Yes, we specialise in conservation area management. Our services include ecological surveys, habitat preservation, and sustainable tree maintenance that meets strict environmental regulations.
What emergency services do you offer?
Emergency tree surgery available 24/7 via 07919 622835. We handle storm damage, hazardous branches, and urgent safety concerns with rapid response teams.
Reviews (3)
Mark Alexander
Dec 21, 2018
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Professional, knowledgeable and entirely reliable! We’ve worked with Rob for over 15 years and can highly recommend his firm.
Michelle Daniels
Sep 18, 2018
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The team did an excellent job supporting us in our application to prune TPO trees in our garden. They handled the application to the planning authorities and negotiated with them on our behalf to reach a successful outcome. Their tree surgery work is excellent and we were particularly impressed by the care and attention they took with the rest of our garden when undertaking the works. They did a great job clearing up too! I thoroughly recommend them.
Janet Lee
May 27, 2017
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What a fantastic company, professional, friendly & truly know what they are doing. They came & felled a huge conifer which was over 40 years old in a fairly confined space, they made it look easy ! When they left my drive was tidier than when they started, thank you guys for a great job Janet Haslemere
