Tree Surgery Method Statement UK
A tree surgery method statement explains how arborist work will be carried out safely, step by step, and forms a key part of your RAMS when working on commercial sites. On many commercial jobs it is the most scrutinised document in the submission — reviewers use it to assess whether the work has genuinely been planned or whether a generic document has been recycled.
This guide covers what a tree surgery method statement must include, how it differs from a risk assessment, what structure commercial clients expect to see, and why generic examples consistently fall short on real commercial sites.
What is a tree surgery method statement?
A method statement is a structured document that explains how work will be carried out in practice — the sequence of operations from site arrival to completion, the equipment that will be used, and how the controls identified in the risk assessment will be applied throughout the job. Where the risk assessment identifies what could go wrong and how risks will be controlled, the method statement explains what will actually happen on site.
For tree surgery, the method statement is often the document that commercial clients and principal contractors read most carefully — it is where they assess whether you understand the job, whether your approach is professional, and whether your documentation reflects how tree work actually runs on site rather than how a generic H&S template assumes it does.
What a tree surgery method statement must include
A professional tree surgery method statement should follow the actual sequence of work from arrival to completion. Each step should describe what will happen, who will carry it out, what equipment will be used and how the risk controls apply during that stage of the operation.
Site arrival and sign-in
Operatives arrive on site, report to client or site contact, complete any required site induction and review the RAMS before work begins. All operatives confirm they have understood the method statement and risk assessment.
Equipment pre-use checks
All equipment is inspected before use in line with PUWER requirements — chainsaw chain brake, chipper emergency stop, climbing equipment condition. Defects are recorded and defective equipment taken out of service.
Site setup and exclusion zones
Work area established, exclusion zones set up using barriers and signage, vehicle and equipment positioned safely. Communication method confirmed between climber and ground crew. Banksman deployed where required.
Aerial access
Climber ascends using approved technique (SRS or MRS) or MEWP deployed where specified. Equipment inspected before weight applied. Communication confirmed with ground crew before climbing begins.
Tree work operations
Pruning, dismantling or felling carried out using appropriate techniques for species, structure and site conditions. Sections lowered under rigging control where required. Ground crew manage exclusion zone and process arisings.
Ground operations and chipper use
Arisings processed through chipper in line with PUWER pre-use check requirements. Logs stacked or removed as agreed. Exclusion zone maintained throughout chipper operation.
Site clearance and completion
All arisings processed or removed. Signage and barriers taken down. Site left safe, tidy and in the agreed condition. Client or site contact notified of completion. RAMS and site records retained.
ArbDesk RAMS system — structured for UK commercial arborist work.
Why generic method statement examples get rejected
Describes tree work in general
Steps like “carry out tree work” or “ensure site safety” describe nothing. Commercial reviewers need to understand the specific sequence for this job on this site.
Not linked to the risk assessment
A method statement should reference how the control measures from the risk assessment are applied in practice. Generic examples rarely do this.
No equipment references
Commercial clients expect to see how equipment will be used and what checks have been carried out. Generic examples rarely mention specific equipment or PUWER obligations.
Missing emergency detail
How a rescue would be carried out, where the nearest A&E is, and what the communication method is between climber and ground — often completely absent.
No competence references
Principal contractors want to know that the people doing the work are qualified. Method statements should reference operator competence, not assume it.
Doesn’t match the actual job
A method statement reused from a previous job without adapting it for the specific site reads as exactly that. Reviewers recognise this immediately.
The legislation behind tree surgery method statements
Requires that work is planned and managed so risks are controlled. A method statement demonstrates that planning has taken place and the work sequence has been properly considered for the specific site.
On construction-type sites, principal contractors require method statement documentation from subcontractors before work starts. Method statements are a CDM requirement for many commercial arborist operations.
Climbing and aerial work must be planned and carried out by competent persons. The method statement should describe how aerial access is managed and what the rescue plan is.
Equipment use must be planned and carried out by trained persons. Method statements should reference equipment checks and operator competence rather than assuming these are implied.
AFAG guidance informs best practice for arboricultural method statements. Commercial clients assess submissions against AFAG-aligned working practices as the industry standard.
HSE guidance on arboricultural operations sets out expected safe systems of work that should be reflected throughout a professional method statement.
Written by a practising arborist
ArbDesk was built by Christian, a working arborist with direct experience submitting RAMS to principal contractors, local authorities and commercial clients across the UK. Every document in the ArbDesk system reflects what actually gets reviewed on commercial sites — not what a generic H&S template assumes reviewers want to see.
The system has been shaped by real submission feedback — what causes rejections, what gets accepted first time, and what commercial clients and councils actually check when they review arborist documentation.
“Proper system built around how arborist work actually runs. Not just a generic template.”
Tree surgery method statement — frequently asked questions
Get a complete tree surgery RAMS system
ArbDesk gives you fully structured method statements, risk assessments, COSHH and site records built for UK commercial tree work — editable Word documents, used on real sites, built by a practising arborist.
Instant access · No app · No subscription · Fully editable documents