TrustMark, the Government-endorsed quality mark for tradesmen, has seen a huge surge in tree surgeons joining the scheme over the past six months, with a fourfold increase (303%) in just six months.
Over 112,000 search results have been provided to homeowners looking for expert and local TrustMark tree surgeons across the UK since the start of 2014, with 11,234 in October alone.
A key contributor to this growth in trade is the Arboricultural Association (AA), which was awarded scheme operator status for TrustMark in April 2014. The Association has grown its ARB Approved TrustMark membership to over 120 contractors and is set to continue this expansion over the coming months.
Simon Ayers, Chief Executive of TrustMark, said: "Tree Surgery is a specialist trade and the danger to people and property is very high if tree surgeons do not have the appropriate training, experience and equipment.
"Thankfully more and more homeowners are now realising the importance of using quality and reputable contractors and are seeking out ARB Approved TrustMark contractors. We are delighted to see such high figures of contractors both joining the scheme and homeowners who are searching for TrustMark registered tree surgeons, rather than looking on any "˜find a trader' websites, which carry out little or no checks on the firms they are listing."
Paul Smith, Technical Officer of the Arboricultural Association said: " It is a mark of the professionalism of ARB Approved contractors that they have taken up the TrustMark scheme in such numbers. The Association is continually driving the message home that tree surgery is complex and potentially dangerous - consumers need to be able to find competent professionals quickly and easily – the TrustMark scheme provides an unbeatable service in this respect."
The Arboricultural Association was founded in 1964 and is the largest body in the UK for the amenity tree care professional. The Association promotes the sustainable management of trees in areas where people live, work and play and also delivers professional standards and guidance whilst ensuring responsible management of trees.
