Question 1

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover Peterborough and a wide area across Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Fenland, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire — including Huntingdon, Cambridge, Ely, Stamford, Wisbech, March, St Ives, St Neots, Ramsey, Spalding, Corby, Kettering and over 51 towns and villages. See our full coverage area at /areas-we-cover.

Question 2

Are you fully insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we carry full public liability insurance. We're happy to provide a copy of our insurance certificate on request. All our arborists are qualified to BS 3998 and hold relevant NPTC/Lantra awards.

Question 3

Do you offer free quotes?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all our quotes are completely free and come with no obligation. We visit your property, assess the work required and provide a detailed written quote before any work begins. There are no hidden costs.

Question 4

How long have you been in business?

Accepted Answer

Tree and Landscape Specialist Ltd has been serving Peterborough and the surrounding area for over 20 years. We have a long track record of completed projects and satisfied customers across Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Fenland.

Question 5

Do you offer a discount for OAPs?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer a 10% discount for OAP customers. Please mention this when requesting your quote.

Question 6

Do I need permission to have a tree cut down?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the tree. Trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) require consent from the local council before any work is carried out. Trees in conservation areas also have automatic protection — you must give six weeks' written notice to the council before carrying out work on any tree with a trunk diameter over 75mm. We check for TPOs as a matter of course before advising on any tree work.

Question 7

What is crown reduction?

Accepted Answer

Crown reduction reduces the overall size of the tree's canopy while maintaining its natural shape. It's used to reduce the weight and wind resistance of a large tree, keep a tree in proportion with its surroundings, or manage a tree that has outgrown its space. We work to British Standard BS 3998.

Question 8

How much does tree surgery cost?

Accepted Answer

Tree surgery costs depend on the size of the tree, the type of work required, access and the complexity of the job. Crown reduction on a small tree typically costs £200–£500; on a large tree, £500–£1,500+. Tree felling ranges from £150 for a small tree to £1,500+ for a large one. We provide free, written quotes for all tree surgery work.

Question 9

Can you remove a tree stump?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer stump grinding, which grinds the stump down below ground level using a stump grinder. This allows the area to be replanted or landscaped over. Stump grinding typically costs £100–£400 depending on the size of the stump.

Question 10

Do you offer emergency tree work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we respond quickly to emergency tree work including storm damage, fallen trees and dangerous branches. We make your property safe and can provide written reports for insurance claims. See our emergency tree work page for more information.

Question 11

Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?

Accepted Answer

In England, you generally don't need planning permission for a permeable driveway (resin bound, gravel, permeable block paving). If you want to install a non-permeable surface (standard block paving, tarmac, concrete) on a front garden, you may need planning permission. We can advise on this as part of your free quote.

Question 12

How long does a new driveway take to install?

Accepted Answer

A typical residential driveway takes 2–5 days to install, depending on size and material. Resin bound driveways are generally quicker than block paving. We'll give you a clear timeline as part of your written quote.

Question 13

What is the difference between resin bound and resin bonded?

Accepted Answer

Resin bound mixes aggregate with resin before laying — the result is a smooth, permeable surface. Resin bonded applies resin to the base and scatters aggregate on top — the result is a textured surface that is not permeable. Resin bound is generally considered the higher-quality option.

Question 14

How long will a block paving driveway last?

Accepted Answer

A well-laid block paving driveway will last 20–30 years. The key is the sub-base — a deep, well-compacted base prevents movement and cracking. We use a minimum 150mm MOT Type 1 sub-base on all our driveway installations.

Question 15

Can you repair an existing driveway?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we can repair sunken, cracked or damaged driveways. For block paving, individual blocks can be lifted, the sub-base relevelled and the blocks relaid. For tarmac, we can patch or resurface. We'll advise on whether repair or replacement is the better option after assessing the driveway.

Question 16

When is the best time to lay turf?

Accepted Answer

Turf can be laid at any time of year except during frost or drought. The best times are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the ground is moist and temperatures are mild. Summer turfing is possible but requires more watering.

Question 17

How much does turfing cost?

Accepted Answer

Turfing costs typically range from £12–£20 per m² including ground preparation, turf and laying. A 50m² lawn costs approximately £600–£1,000. We provide free, detailed written quotes before any work begins.

Question 18

How often should I have my lawn cut?

Accepted Answer

During the main growing season (April–September), most lawns benefit from cutting every 1–2 weeks. In spring and autumn, fortnightly cuts are usually sufficient. In winter, mowing is rarely needed.

Question 19

What is scarification and does my lawn need it?

Accepted Answer

Scarification removes thatch (dead grass and organic matter) from the lawn surface, allowing air, water and nutrients to reach the roots. Most lawns benefit from annual scarification in autumn or spring. Signs your lawn needs scarifying include a spongy feel underfoot, poor drainage and a dull, yellowish appearance.

Question 20

Do you offer garden maintenance contracts?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer regular garden maintenance contracts covering lawn mowing, edging, weeding, pruning and seasonal tidy-ups. Contracts can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly. We also offer one-off visits for specific tasks.

Question 21

Do you offer a full garden design service?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer a full garden design and build service, from initial concept through to completed project. This includes hard landscaping (paving, paths, walls, fencing), soft landscaping (planting, lawns) and any structural elements (pergolas, raised beds). We offer free design consultations.

Question 22

How much does a garden makeover cost?

Accepted Answer

Garden makeover costs vary enormously depending on the size of the garden and the scope of work. A simple patio and lawn refresh might cost £3,000–£8,000; a full garden redesign with hard and soft landscaping can cost £15,000–£50,000+. We provide free, detailed written quotes for all garden projects.

Question 23

How long does a garden makeover take?

Accepted Answer

A typical garden makeover takes 1–4 weeks depending on the scope of work. Larger projects with significant hard landscaping may take longer. We'll give you a clear timeline as part of your written quote.

Question 24

Can you help with garden design ideas?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer free design consultations and can provide ideas and inspiration based on your garden's size, aspect, soil conditions and your personal preferences. We've completed hundreds of garden projects across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire and can show you examples of our work.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Tree Surgery

Driveways & Patios

Lawn & Garden

Garden Design & Landscaping

Still Have Questions?