About Us
Ashdown Tree Surgeons was founded by Andrew Lafci in 2019, following more than two decades of hands-on experience in arboriculture.
Andrew began working in tree surgery at the age of 21, learning the trade alongside Roger Howard, former Arboricultural Manager at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Under his guidance, Andrew developed a strong foundation in professional tree care, safety and responsible tree management - principles that still shape the way the company operates today.
He later trained at Merrist Wood College and University in Guildford, further developing his technical knowledge and practical skills.
Today, Ashdown Tree Surgeons is a team of highly skilled and friendly professionals who genuinely care about their work. Our approach is centred around conservation wherever possible - maintaining tree health, improving safety and helping trees live longer rather than removing them unnecessarily.
We are fully insured, holding £10 million Public Liability Insurance, £10 million Professional Indemnity Insurance and Employer’s Liability cover, giving our customers complete peace of mind.
We are also committed to environmentally responsible practices. All green waste is recycled through approved recycling centres and processed into biomass. Woodchip is often donated to local schools and community spaces, and we use environmentally friendly oils suitable for use near waterways. Andrew also installs handcrafted bird boxes, made by local craftsman John Guard, to support wildlife and encourage natural habitats wherever possible.
We take pride in our reputation, offering honest advice, reliable service and high-quality workmanship, with the aim of achieving complete customer satisfaction on every job.
Meet the Team
At Ashdown Tree Surgeons, we’re proud to have a skilled and friendly team who genuinely enjoy the work they do. Our arborists bring together many years of hands-on experience, combining practical knowledge with a careful, safety-first approach on every job.
We believe tree surgery is a craft that’s best learned properly, which is why we’re passionate about supporting the next generation of arborists. We actively encourage young people to consider a career in the industry and are happy to offer guidance and opportunities through our apprenticeship scheme.
If you’re hardworking, reliable and enjoy working outdoors, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply or enquire about apprenticeship opportunities, please contact us at hello@ashdowntreesurgeons.com
Andrew
Owner
A true arborist with over 20 years of experience, Andrew founded Ashdown Tree Surgeons and leads the team with a strong focus on conservation, tree health and doing the job properly.
Danny
Senior Tree Surgeon
Fully qualified with more than 20 years in the industry, Danny brings a wealth of practical knowledge and skill to every job.
Joseph
Tree Surgeon
Fully qualified and part of the family, Joseph has grown up around the business and shares the same care and attention to detail in his work.
Charlie
Apprentice Arborist
Following in the family footsteps, Charlie is learning the trade from the ground up and building experience alongside the team.
Roger
Conservation Consulant
Having supported the development of Ashdown Tree Surgeons from the beginning, Roger now leads the consultancy and conservation side, advising on responsible tree management and preservation.
John
Conservation & Wildlife Support
A keen naturalist, John works alongside the team on the conservation side, creating and installing bird boxes to encourage wildlife habitats.
Dameon
Apprentice Arborist
Currently training within the team, Dameon is developing his skills while gaining hands-on experience across all aspects of tree work.
Our Happy Clients
We’re proud to work with a wide range of domestic and commercial clients, from private homeowners to schools, estates and local organisations. Much of our work comes from repeat business and recommendations, and we value the long-standing relationships we’ve built over the years.
Our clients trust us to provide reliable advice, safe working practices and a consistently high standard of tree care, whether it’s routine maintenance or more specialised conservation work.
