Tree Surgeon or Gardener – What’s the difference?

When it comes to looking after your garden, you might wonder: do I need a Gardener or a Tree Surgeon?

The two roles often get mixed up, but they’re not the same. Gardeners and Tree Surgeon (also called arborists) both care for plants, but their work, training, and equipment are very different.

We’ve prepared a useful guide to help you understand the difference.

What Does a Gardener Do?

A gardener looks after the general maintenance and design of your garden. This might include:

• Landscape and design
• Lawn mowing and edging
• Weeding and planting
• Flower bed care
• Seasonal planting and maintenance
• Light pruning of small shrubs and bushes

Gardeners keep your outdoor space looking tidy, colourful, and healthy.

What Does a Tree Surgeon Do?

A Tree Surgeon specialises in the care, management, and safe removal of trees. Their work is far more technical and often dangerous, involving climbing and chainsaw use. 

Is there a different between an Arborist and a Tree Surgeon? Whilst both are closely linked, a qualified Arborist will typically have more knowledge on the science of tree health, usually through a formal academic education.

Qualified Tree Surgeons may also have an extensive knowledge of tree health, acquired through years of experience.

Tasks for both roles might include:

• Tree pruning and crown reduction
• Tree felling and sectional dismantling
• Stump grinding and removal
• Disease and pest diagnosis
• Risk assessments for dangerous or storm-damaged trees
• Applications for Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and conservation area permissions

Tree surgeons are trained and insured to handle dangerous work at height with heavy equipment.

Did you know? Chainsaws can weigh up to 10kg, that’s like having two bowling balls hanging around your waist!

Training and Qualifications

• Gardeners may have horticultural qualifications, but not necessarily formal training in tree work.
• Tree surgeons require specialist certifications, such as NPTC/City & Guilds in chainsaw use, climbing, and aerial rescue, plus arboricultural knowledge.

Top Tip: If you have concerns over whether your tree surgeon holds the right qualifications, ask to see evidence. 

Safety and Insurance

Tree work can be hazardous. Professional tree surgeons should have the following cover in place:

• Public liability insurance (usually between £2–£10 million)
• Employers’ liability insurance (if they have a team)

This protects both you and them. Gardeners usually don’t need the same level of cover because their work isn’t as high-risk.

Equipment

Due to the risk and skill involved in tree surgery, a tree surgeon will have significantly different machinery and safety equipment compared to a gardener. 

• Gardeners will typically have; mowers, shears, strimmers, hand tools.
• Tree surgeons will typically have; climbing gear, chainsaws, rigging ropes, chippers, stump grinders, and sometimes cranes.

Should you call a Gardener or a Tree Surgeon?

• Call a gardener if you need routine garden maintenance, planting, hedge trimming, or design advice.
• Call a tree surgeon if you need tree pruning, removal, stump work, or advice on tree health and safety.

Remember: Tree Surgeons can also provide design advice, for example recommending trees for privacy or attracting wildlife to your garden. 

Final Thoughts

Gardeners and tree surgeons both play important roles in keeping your outdoor space beautiful and safe. Think of it this way:

• Gardeners are the day-to-day caretakers of your garden.
• Tree surgeons are the specialists who handle the heavy-duty, high-risk tree work.

Knowing the difference ensures you have the right professional for the job to keep your garden in the best possible shape.

Not sure if you need a tree surgeon?

Call us on 07864 627137 or contact us for honest, expert advice and a free quote.

Your trees and your property deserve the best care.