TWO arb contractors have been stripped of their approved status after committing serious offences. 

One of the arborists was axed from the Arboricultural Association’s Approved Contractor Scheme after video evidence emerged of dangerous work practices adjacent to the highway. The other was found to have knowingly worked on protected trees without the relevant permissions.

This contractor was also guilty of a similar offence in 2021, but had been issued with a final warning in the hope that the same mistakes would not be made again.

READ MORE: How to pass the Arboricultural Association’s Approved Contractor Scheme (Pt. II)

However, the company persisted in this behaviour, and was removed from the Scheme for a repeated breach of the organisation's ethics code. 

John Parker, the AA's chief executive, said: "If the AC Scheme is to continue to be regarded as a robust, credible accreditation system and a badge of quality for those who achieve it, then it is essential we maintain standards and hold to account any contractor who fails to meet those standards. 

"We will always try to work with contractors to encourage them to improve, but sometimes the ultimate sanction of removal is necessary. In accordance with our Complaints Procedure, complaints are reviewed by the CEO and – if validated – are sent for consideration to a panel made up of Association members who volunteer to help with this task.

"Recommended sanctions are then reviewed by Standards Committee and a final decision made and issued.

"Whilst it is regrettable that we have to occasionally take action such as this, we hope that in doing so we are sending a clear message. 

Forestry Journal: John Parker said he hoped the action would send a clear message John Parker said he hoped the action would send a clear message (Image: FJ/Jack Haugh/Stock)

"To private tree owners, the AC Scheme’s online register should be the first port of call for anyone looking for an arborist. 

"To local authorities, you can have confidence when directing members of the public to contractors who are part of the Scheme, and it is worth including AC Scheme accreditation as one of the requirements to work on your trees. 

"To those contractors who are not part of the Scheme, we invite you to consider it. And to those contractors who are already members of the Scheme, we hope this demonstrates that we share your determination to keep improving standards in arboriculture."