At The Patchworking Garden Project, we are dedicated to fostering a safe, peaceful, and inviting space for our volunteers. But when our 100-metre laurel hedge began growing out of control, we knew we needed help! We reached out on social media asking for “gardening heroes” to help us trim three meters off the top of our unruly hedge.
Little did we expect that one company would offer to tackle the entire hedge—completely free of charge! That company was Dave Ford Tree Care, one of the leading arborist companies in the South East.
On the 7th of September, bright and early, a team of six professional tree surgeons arrived at our garden, armed with an impressive array of equipment. Under the capable leadership of Dave Ford himself, the team transformed our wild and overgrown hedge in just one day—a task we expected to take much longer.
The hedge, which had been neglected for some time, now looks tidy and well-maintained, and gives the garden more light and space. The attention to detail and teamwork displayed by Dave’s crew was impressive. They worked together seamlessly, showcasing not just their skills but their enthusiasm for their craft.
On the day of the hedge trimming, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dave Ford. It’s clear that Dave’s love for nature and trees runs deep—so much so that his childhood nickname was “Squirrel”! He set up Dave Ford Tree Care here in Dorking as a local tree surgeon in 2002, with just one team member and an ambition to provide a high-quality service by people that care for trees with pride and professionalism.
Dave has built a reputable business that is proud to be Arboricultural Association Approved Contractors, one of the most highly recognised standards for professional tree work in the UK. He told us that providing good work for good lads is one of the most rewarding aspects of running his business. Dave takes great pride in working with young, enthusiastic arborists, whose passion for the job helps keep him motivated. During the hedge trimming, we saw first hand how much the team enjoys working together. Their hard work and camaraderie were evident throughout the day, making a challenging job look effortless.
When asked why he offered to help The Patchworking Garden Project, Dave shared that he’s known about our charity for years and has been along our popular Open Days. He appreciates the connection between mental health and gardening, and recognises the therapeutic benefits that time spent outdoors can provide. His desire to give back to the community was a major factor in his decision to donate his team’s time and expertise to our project.
Dave’s passion for trees and community is reflected in his team. The six professionals who arrived to trim our laurel hedge worked like a well-oiled machine. Dave emphasised that for a job like this, having a strong team that works well together is crucial—after all, “Team work makes the dream work”!
The team brought along top-of-the-line equipment and tackled the job with precision, ensuring that every branch was trimmed to perfection. Dave advised that it’s important to trim laurel hedges twice a year to keep them in good shape. Thanks to Dave Ford Tree Care, our hedge has been tamed, and our garden feels more open and welcoming.
After witnessing Dave and his team in action, we wholeheartedly recommend them for any tree work—whether you need help with a small garden or a large commercial project. Their professionalism, skill, and dedication to the job are unparalleled, and their commitment to the local community makes them stand out as more than just a business.
If you’re looking for tree care specialists who truly care about the environment and the people they work with, look no further than Dave Ford Tree Care.
To get in touch with them for a consultation or a free quote, visit their website or give them a call on 01306 888 441. Trust us—you won’t be disappointed!