10 October 2025 | Ground Up Training Blog

Another busy week of training & NPTC CPD refresher training 

It’s been another busy week here at Ground Up Training in Epping, Essex, where we’ve been running lots of  tree surgery courses. This week we had 8 training groups in, doing complete courses, along with essential NPTC refresher training.  

The importance of Refresher training in arboriculture 

NPTC refresher training is essential in arboriculture to ensure that tree surgeons and arborists maintain up-to-date skills, meet industry safety standards, and comply with legal and insurance requirements. As techniques, equipment, and regulations evolve, regular refresher training helps professionals stay competent and confident in using chainsaws, climbing gear, and other tools safely and effectively. It also reduces the risk of accidents and improves overall job performance. Many employers and clients now expect valid and current NPTC certification, making refresher courses not only a safety priority but also a key factor in staying competitive in the arboriculture industry. 

It is advised that you refresh your City & Guilds NPTC Certificates every 5 years. 

This week’s courses included:

Training to become a tree surgeon usually starts with Chainsaw traininghowever, short courses such as manually fed wood chipper and stump grinder are great short courses, and is very important that tree surgeons have these qualifications. 

Wood chipper Training for tree surgeons 

Wood chipper training provides essential knowledge and practical skills for safely operating and maintaining wood chipping machinery, commonly used in arboriculture and landscaping. The training typically covers key topics such as pre-use checks, safe start-up and shut-down procedures, correct feeding techniques, and identifying potential hazards like blockages or flying debris. Participants also learn about personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency stop functions, and routine maintenance to keep the chipper in safe working condition. By completing wood chipper training, operators can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and improve the efficiency of site operations.

Stump Grinder Training For Tree Surgeons 

Stump grinder training equips operators with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to use stump grinding machines safely and efficiently. The course typically covers key areas such as machine components, pre-use safety checks, risk assessment, and correct operating procedures for different ground conditions and stump sizes. Trainees also learn how to identify hazards like underground utilities, flying debris, or machine kickback, as well as the importance of using the correct personal protective equipment (PPE). Maintenance procedures and safe transportation of the equipment are also included. Our stump grinder training helps reduce accidents, ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, and improves overall job site productivity.

If you’re looking to gain your NPTC or LANTRA tree surgery qualifications, or you want to advance your arborist training in Essex, Ground Up Training in Epping offers a full range of professional courses to help you build your skills and progress your career safely and confidently.

📞 Get in touch with Ground Up Training today to find out more about our upcoming courses or to book your place on our next training week.

 
 

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