Business Details
34 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Professional Tree Surgery Services in Hertfordshire
Established in 1992, Franks Forestry Contractors has built a reputation as a trusted provider of professional arboricultural services across Hertfordshire. Our team of fully qualified and insured arborists specialises in tree pruning, felling, stump removal, and comprehensive tree management, adhering strictly to British Standards 3998:2010. Accredited by the Arboricultural Association since 2012, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. Our services extend to both residential and commercial clients, including Harpenden Town Council and St Albans District Council, ensuring tailored solutions that balance tree health with client needs. With decades of collective experience, we prioritise transparent communication, punctual service, and meticulous attention to detail.Our 24-hour emergency response team addresses urgent tree-related risks, while our routine management plans help maintain long-term tree vitality. Backed by industry-leading accreditations such as CHAS, Trustmark, and ISA, we consistently deliver work that meets rigorous quality benchmarks. Client testimonials highlight our reliability, competitive pricing, and ability to handle complex projects, from storm-damaged tree restoration to large-scale planting schemes. Our dedication to biosecurity and sustainable practices underscores our role as responsible custodians of the natural environment. Whether managing individual trees or entire woodlands, we strive to exceed expectations through professionalism and technical excellence.
Services
Crown Thinning
Stump Removal
Tree Preservation Orders
Dead Wooding
Tree Surveys
Conifer Hedge Pruning
Ornamental Tree Pruning
Routine Tree Management
Tree Planting
Biosecurity Services
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer a 24-hour emergency tree service for urgent situations
- Our work complies with British Standards 3998:2010 for arboricultural practices
- Arboricultural Association-accredited contractors with biennial external audits
- Experienced team with 30+ years of combined industry expertise
- Proven track record with local councils and commercial clients
Associations and certifications
- Arboricultural Association
- CHAS
- Trustmark
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
- Harpenden Town Council
- St Albans District Council
What people say
Prompt, reliable, professional
Highest standard of work
Excellent guidance on conservation
Sympathetic and efficient completion
Outstanding safety approach
Services
Crown Thinning
Crown thinning selectively removes branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration while maintaining tree health. Our arborists follow British Standards 3998:2010 to enhance structural integrity and reduce weight on upper branches. This service promotes long-term tree vitality while addressing potential risks to properties and structures.
Stump Removal
We completely remove unsightly stumps using specialist equipment, restoring land usability and preventing regrowth. Our method ensures minimal disruption to surrounding areas while eliminating tripping hazards and improving aesthetics. This service is particularly valuable for property owners preparing land for development or landscaping projects.
Tree Preservation Orders
We manage legal tree protection applications and notifications for clients, ensuring compliance with the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Our team prepares detailed reports, submits applications to local authorities, and provides expert guidance on conservation area regulations to facilitate lawful tree management.
Dead Wooding
This essential maintenance service removes dead, diseased, or damaged branches to enhance tree health and safety. By eliminating decaying wood that harbours pathogens, we reduce disease spread risks while improving structural integrity. Particularly recommended after storm damage or prolonged shading of lower branches.
Tree Surveys
Our comprehensive surveys produce detailed reports on tree health, structural integrity, and recommended management actions. Using professional assessment methods, we identify priority works to establish cost-effective maintenance programmes. This service is crucial for property transactions and long-term tree management planning.
People
Jon Franks
Director
With over 30 years' experience in arboriculture, Jon leads our team of qualified arborists. His expertise in tree risk assessment and preservation has earned recognition from local councils and commercial clients. Jon ensures all work meets British Standards while maintaining the natural beauty of trees.
Questions
What areas do you cover for tree services?
We operate across Harpenden, St Albans, and the wider Hertfordshire area, serving both residential and commercial clients.
Do you handle emergency tree work?
Yes, our 24-hour emergency service responds to dangerous trees and blocked access situations promptly and safely.
Are your arborists qualified?
All our team members are fully qualified, insured, and accredited by the Arboricultural Association and other industry bodies.
How do you handle protected trees?
We manage Tree Preservation Order applications and Conservation Area notifications, ensuring full compliance with legal requirements.
Can you help with conifer hedge maintenance?
Yes, we specialise in professional conifer hedge pruning to maintain dense coverage and desirable shapes while ensuring plant health.
What biosecurity measures do you follow?
We implement strict biosecurity protocols to prevent pest and disease spread, including equipment cleaning and planting stock checks.
Reviews (5)
Penny Lowe
Dec 27, 2021
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Big thanks to Franks Forestry for helping to cut back some trees within our communal car park. Super quick to respond to enquiry and questions. Super efficient with getting applications in for approval. Did a great job and left the place looking like it was when they arrived.
Peter Revell
Dec 23, 2021
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Franks Forestry were recommended to us by our gardener and we were not disappointed. They reduced a run of overgrown conifers for us and got them back into a manageable state. All cuttings were removed and all was left tidy. We will have other work necessary to reduce several large trees near our property and I will be happy for Franks to do this.
Alice Mears
Dec 04, 2021
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Jon and his team were great. Very responsive with a quick turn around, and left our garden neat and tidy after a tree removal and stump grind.
Rob Spink
Nov 29, 2021
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Have now used Jon and his team for multiple jobs from tree felling to stump grinding / removal and hedge/shrub removal. Always great value and excellent quality of work - will happily use again should the need arise!
Lisa Goodman
Nov 21, 2021
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Such a great experience with Franks Forestry today. Fantastic job, such a friendly helpful team and great job cleaning up afterwards. Highly recommended!!
