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Bob Noakes

The Original Tree Surgeons Limited

“As a youngster, I really would of have loved to have worked with wildlife in Africa or something similar. I love wildlife, but of course there was no career paths and I wasn’t the sort of youngster that would have just up-sticks and taken a punt on something like that, I didn’t have that in me. So, I took a job in an office and I worked there for a year and a week, I counted every day, as I knew I wanted to be outside. When I saw an advert for an apprentice landscape gardener, I took it and I was there for five and a half years in the City of London, working at St Pauls Cathedral and lots of different famous places, which was great. Early on in that, we had a bunch of volunteers as a tree crew, no ropes or harnesses, it was very primitive and I thought; I like the look of that, I wouldn‘t mind doing that.

I was the boy in the crew, who was scared of heights, I still am, high buildings etc are a nightmare for me, I had to overcome that and ultimately started climbing trees. I knew from then that I wanted to do arboriculture. I’ve never done full time study; I’ve done day release courses and evening courses and other courses along the way achieving the second highest qualification that is available in the UK and I knew I wanted my own business one day. Along the way I worked for some big operations in London, I was an operations manager for City Suburban Tree Surgeons with 120 staff for one firm and I also ran the Kent office for Bartlett Tree experts who are one of the biggest tree experts in the world. I built up loads of experience and have now been in the business for over 30 years, climbing for 20 years and even though I’ve a fear of heights, with ropes and harnesses, I’ve been up some big beasts! I’ve really enjoyed my career, it’s been hard work, but I believe that’s the key to my success, I’ve achieved everything through hard work, with a little bit of luck along the way.”

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About the business

Welcome to The Original Tree Surgeons. My name is Robert (Bob) Noakes and I am the company proprietor. To give you a little information about me and my background, I should explain that after completing my apprenticeship with the ‘City of London’ in Grounds Maintenance and Landscaping, I chose to specialise in arboriculture and work within the tree industry. I subsequently spent twenty years climbing and pruning trees before moving into arboriculture management. I have now been in the industry for over 35 years.

We are fully insured with public liability insurance up to £5,000,000, as well as employees’ liability for a similar amount.The Original Tree Surgeons is not a ‘one hit wonder’! From the first occasion that we carry out work for you, we will provide an ongoing service where I will visit your property at least once a year free of charge to inspect your trees to give you full reassurance regarding their safety and maintenance requirements.Based in Tunbridge Wells we offer tree services and grounds maintenance to both domestic and commercial clients in the following areas, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas. We guarantee a reliable service with a quick response to every call.With all this in mind, take up our offer of a free site visit to give you advice on your tree or trees and provide you with a free estimate.

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