Independent Arboricultural Consultancy

Hillside Trees is an independent Arboricultural Consultancy based in Somerset 

Alister Rankine, Business Founder

In 2026, after nearly 30 years Alister is retiring from the business and will be concentrating on his voluntary work with the Forest of Avon Trust and the Western Forest, and on enjoying life!  He will still be on hand to act as Technical Advisor for Sue as and when needed

Sue Rankine, Consultant

Sue has a degree in Rural Environment Studies and a Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture. Sue started her career with a job in conservation and has also worked in marketing and horticulture.  Sue joined Hillside Trees full time in 2018 and is now the main contact for Hillside Trees

Hillside Trees is committed to continuous professional development and recent examples include a 2 day course on Understanding and Managing Veteran Trees and webinars on Tree Decay, Ancient Trees and Planning and Why We Lose So Many Trees.


Sue is a member of the Arboricultural Association and is a volunteer verifier for the Ancient Tree Inventory

Although based in Somerset, Hillside Trees Ltd is not restricted to the South West and has clients in many other parts of the UK. Hillside Trees Ltd has full Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance.

Services Offered

Hillside Trees offers a full range of arboricultural consultancy services which includes: