ARB Approved Contractor: The Benchmark for Tree Surgery

At Great Oaks, we’re proud of our status as an ARB Approved Contractor. This accreditation acts as a hallmark of excellence in tree surgery and arboricultural services. Awarded by the Arboricultural Association, it signals our commitment to industry-leading standards, environmental stewardship, and customer satisfaction.

Whether you’re a local authority, commercial property owner, or private homeowner, choosing Great Oaks means working with a contractor you can trust.

What Is an ARB Approved Contractor?

The ARB Approved Contractor scheme, operated by the Arboricultural Association, is the only comprehensive accreditation for tree service businesses in the UK. First introduced in the 1970s, it has been internationally recognised for its quality management systems. It stands as a symbol of safe and reliable arboricultural contracting.

As an ARB Approved Contractor, Great Oaks has been thoroughly vetted and continues to meet the Association’s exacting standards. Our inclusion in this scheme demonstrates that we don’t just get the job done: we do it safely, professionally, and to the highest quality.

ARB Approved Contractor accreditation badge

How Do You Become an ARB Approved Contractor?

Becoming an ARB Approved Contractor, or ArbAC, involves undergoing a rigorous assessment process. To meet the standard, you need to demonstrate:

  • Health and safety compliance
  • High-quality work
  • Technical knowledge
  • Adherence to insurance and legal requirements
  • Environmental management
  • Excellent customer service
  • Administrative efficiency

Gaining ArbAC status involves meeting the Arboricultural Association’s standards across four modules: worksite safety inspection; work quality inspections and arboricultural knowledge; customer care and office procedures; and health, safety, environmental management and workplace inspection.

During the inspection process, assessors carefully review our work, including tree planting, crown lifting and crown reduction. We are also required to meet the highest safety and environmental standards at our workplace.

Importantly, this isn’t just a one-time assessment: reassessments are required every two years to maintain ArbAC accreditation. Great Oaks’ ARB Approved Contractor status is a sign of our dedication to consistently being leaders in our field.

Benefits of Working with Great Oaks as an ARB Approved Contractor

The ARB Approved Contractor scheme acts as a mark of quality in our industry. This means that when you hire Great Oaks, you can rest assured that you’re choosing trusted, reliable arboricultural specialists. You can expect:

  • Certified expertise backed by the UK’s leading arb industry body
  • Safe and sustainable practices aligned with environmental best practices
  • Fully insured and legally compliant tree services
  • Transparent and reliable customer service from initial quote to job completion
  • Experienced, trained staff who meet continual professional development requirements

Whether it’s tree removal, pruning, site clearance, or consultancy, our ARB Approved status ensures peace of mind and superior outcomes.

Further Accreditations for Great Oaks

Our ARB Approved Contractor award isn’t the only sign of Great Oaks’ high standards. Another important accreditation received by our team is Constructionline Gold. This distinction reflects our robust compliance in:
  • Health & Safety (SSIP certification)
  • Environmental care
  • Quality management
  • Equal opportunities and diversity
  • Financial and business standing
As well as these acknowledgements, we’re proud to be ROSPA members, as well as being Once For All Accredited. To learn more about the benefits of these schemes, view our full range of accreditations.
Constructionline Gold accreditation badge

Our Work Across Sectors

Holding both ARB Approved Contractor and Constructionline Gold certifications, Great Oaks is an ideal partner for:
  • Local councils & government contracts
  • Housing associations
  • Facilities and land managers
  • Commercial developers
  • Private estate owners
No matter the scale or complexity of the job, our credentials underscore our ability to deliver top-tier tree services while complying with the strictest standards in the UK.

Choose the Best When You Hire Great Oaks

Whether you need routine tree maintenance or complex consultancy, trust the team that’s been vetted, tested, and proven to deliver. We work across the North West, Yorkshire and North Wales, and support commercial clients, the public sector, and private homeowners alike.

Get in touch with Great Oaks, your local ARB Approved Contractor and Constructionline Gold-accredited partner in professional tree care.

📞 Tree Works Enquiries
07884 274693
✉️ office@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk

📞 Training Centre Enquiries
01772 369694
✉️ training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk

Train with Us

At Great Oaks, we don’t just provide exceptional arboricultural services – we also help to train the next generation of tree care professionals. We offer industry-recognised training courses led by experienced instructors who meet the highest safety and technical standards. We offer courses in:

  • Chainsaw maintenance
  • Felling and processing small trees
  • Using a chainsaw from a rope and harness
  • Tree climbing and aerial rescue
  • Safe use of a wood chipper
  • Ground-based chainsaw operation

Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to upskill, our courses are designed to equip you with both practical knowledge and real-world confidence.

Ready to elevate your tree care career? Explore our training courses here.