Richard Hale – Master Arborist & Environmental Consultant

With more than 30 years of experience in tree surgery and arboriculture, Richard Hale has dedicated his career to understanding how trees grow, interact, and adapt in both urban and rural settings. He began as a climber in the early 1990s and has since worked on thousands of projects across Sutton, Epsom, Banstead, and the wider Surrey area. Richard’s expertise includes tree preservation, woodland management, and advanced felling operations, alongside specialist knowledge in tree health diagnostics, disease prevention, and habitat conservation. Holding multiple NPTC and LANTRA qualifications, he is known for his meticulous approach, ensuring every job is carried out to the highest standards of safety and precision. He founded the Sutton & Surrey Tree Surgeons Blog to share his experience with others — combining technical depth with clear, practical guidance for anyone who works with or cares about trees. His goal is to promote responsible tree management and encourage better understanding of the environmental importance of arboriculture. When not managing projects or writing, Richard enjoys exploring the Surrey Hills, studying veteran trees, and mentoring young arborists entering the trade. His belief is simple: trees are living structures — respect them, work with them, and they’ll stand strong for generations.