Qualified & Experienced. Meet our team
About Upton’s – Dorset’s Leading Arboriculture Company
Upton’s are proud to be the largest privately owned arboriculture company in Dorset, trusted by homeowners, businesses, and local authorities across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, and the surrounding areas.
Our management team brings a wealth of arboricultural experience, which is highly valued by our clients. With a large and highly skilled workforce, we have the capacity to deliver projects of all sizes, including short-notice and emergency works.
Skilled Arboriculture Teams
• All arborists are trained to the highest certification levels.
• We invest heavily in ongoing training and professional development.
• Our extensive workforce ensures fast response times and reliable service.
Industry Accreditations & Certifications
We are proud to hold leading health, safety, and industry accreditations, including:
• Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor
• CHAS, SMAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor, and CQMS
• ISO Accredited – demonstrating a robust and reliable management system
Each year, we undergo rigorous external assessments to ensure our policies, practices, and procedures continue to meet the highest standards in the industry.
With Upton’s, you can be confident that all tree work is carried out safely, professionally, and to the highest quality.
Our Office Team
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Denny Sweet
Managing DirectorDenny Sweet started his career with Keith Banyard tree surgeons before moving to Daniel C Upton Ltd, a specialized tree service company in East Dorset. In 2009, he led a management buyout, forming Upton Specialised Tree Services Ltd (USTS), which now employs over 50 professionals offering a wide range of services like tree surgery, forestry, site clearance, stump removal, and hedge trimming across southern England.
Denny is passionate about both arboriculture and business, staying up-to-date with industry trends and modern machinery to continually improve operations and efficiency. Outside of work, he enjoys quality family time, exploring Dorset’s beautiful countryside, and expanding his knowledge through reading and engaging in various intellectual pursuits.
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Leanne Sweet
Managing DirectorLeanne is a highly accomplished professional who has made a name for herself in the world of finance and business. She spent the early part of her career working as a trade support worker for various hedge funds and investment banks in the UK, Asia, and New York.
In 2015, Leanne became a director of Upton Specialised Tree Services (USTS). Since joining the company, Leanne has played a key role in its growth and success. She has used her expertise in finance and business to help streamline operations, improve efficiency, and expand the company's reach.
Outside of work, Leanne enjoys, socialising, spending time with her family and exploring the beautiful countryside around Dorset with Colin the family's Cockapoo.
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Luke Grime
Operations DirectorLuke Grime is Operations Director at USTS, bringing over 10 years of senior management experience and a strong leadership background. Before entering the arboricultural industry, Luke worked for the UK's largest insurance broker, gaining invaluable expertise he now applies in his role.
Luke recently completed a course in Business and Climate Change at the University of Cambridge, further expanding his understanding of sustainable practices. Committed to making a positive impact, he actively seeks ways to integrate eco-friendly approaches and innovative solutions into his work within the industry.
Outside of work, Luke is an avid runner, having completed the Amsterdam marathon and is currently training for the Jurassic Coast Ultra marathon.
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Nicky de Kleijn
Office and Accounts ManagerNicky manages accounts, HR, and training for us and has over 20 years’ experience in business management including marketing, communications, HR, and finance.
For 10 years she was at Director at a number of London based Marketing and PR agencies before moving on to Management roles within the IT, HR software and Hotel Industries, which included 10 years living and working in Australia. She has a BA (Hons) in Business Studies and has a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
In her spare time Nicky enjoys catching up with friends and family and loves getting out and enjoying the best of our local Dorset beaches, countryside and enjoying the great pubs and restaurants.
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Ed Greatorex
Contracts ManagerEd Greatorex is one of the Contracts Manager at Uptons Specialised Tree Services, spearheading operations in Wiltshire. With a strong focus on highway ash dieback management and mechanical tree removal, Ed brings a wealth of expertise to the field of arboriculture.
Ed is dedicated to enhancing the industry through his work and his extensive knowledge and experience enable him to deliver efficient and effective solutions, ensuring the preservation and maintenance of trees in various challenging environments.
In his spare time Ed enjoys conquering rugged trails on his mountain bike. As a sports enthusiast, Ed is an avid fan of rugby and Formula 1 racing. However, his greatest joy comes from spending quality time with his wife, two sons, and his beloved cocker spaniel, Duke.
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Alex Keyworth
SurveyorAlex has been with Upton Specialised Tree Services Ltd. since 2019 and brings over 14 years of industry experience.
Originally joining as a lead climber and team leader, he is now the surveyor for West Dorset, overseeing all Dorset Council and National Trust work. Alex holds a National Diploma in Arboriculture and has recently passed his Professional Tree Inspector qualification with the Arb Association, which enhances his technical knowledge and expertise in arboriculture, particularly in tree health, safety assessments, and sustainable practices within the industry.
In his free time, Alex enjoys being outdoors, whether it be walking, wild camping, swimming, or simply relaxing at the beach with his wife and young son, cherishing family moments, adventure, and nature’s beauty.
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Craig Lane
Surveyor & Site SupervisorCraig is a dedicated professional with over 11 years of experience in the arboriculture industry, Craig began as a trainee arborist at Upton Specialised Tree Services and over the 9 years at the company, has progressed to become a trusted and accomplished tree surveyor.
Craig has a National Diploma in Horticulture with multiple NPTC certificates in Arboriculture and has passed his Professional Tree inspection Course through the Arb Association.
As a tree surveyor Craig conducts ash die back surveys for Wiltshire Council and the surrounding areas.
In his free time Craig likes to be outdoors as much as possible enjoying it with his family.
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Ian Jopling
Fencing ManagerIan Jopling is a highly experienced and dedicated Fencing Manager with an impressive track record of 30 years in the industry. With vast experience working on various sites across the country, Ian has developed a deep understanding of both commercial and domestic fencing projects.
Ian's expertise lies in managing teams and ensuring that projects are completed within budget and on schedule, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. He has successfully handled complex fencing installations, repairs, and maintenance projects for a diverse range of clients.
In his spare time Ian enjoys playing Darts and was at one time ranked 81st in the world!
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Jason Cuff
SurveyorJason brings over 20 years of arboricultural experience to Uptons, having worked across Australia, the south of England, and London. His career has taken him from the rigours of tree climbing to the strategic oversight of contract management, giving him a well-rounded and practical understanding of the industry at every level.
At Upton, Jason serves as both a surveyor and manager of small commercial contracts. He holds professional qualifications including Lantra Professional Tree Inspection and LOLER Inspector certification, ensuring high standards in both safety and tree health. Known for his keen eye and methodical approach, Jason is a valued member of the team. Outside of work, he enjoys travelling, motor racing, football, and spending time in nature.
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Tim Doidge
SurveyorTim has been working as an arborist since 2008. He is passionate about tree preservation and loves pruning. Tim is currently working on expanding his knowledge, having just completed his level 4 award in arboriculture and intends to move on to the certificate and eventually the diploma. His dedication to furthering his expertise ensures that he stays up-to-date with the latest techniques and industry standards.
When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the New Forest, and taking his son to the bike track.
Equipment
Modern Arboricultural & Forestry Equipment
At Upton’s, we operate a fleet of modern arboricultural, forestry, and construction equipment, ensuring every job is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest professional standard. Our investment in state-of-the-art machinery allows us to handle projects of all sizes – from domestic tree work to large-scale forestry and site clearance.
Our Specialist Equipment Includes:
- Valtra Forestry Tractors – Powerful, reliable machinery with roof mounted timber cranes for large-scale forestry work.
- Heizohack Whole Tree Chipper – Efficient tree processing and wood recycling.
- Excavators with Grapple Saw – Safe and effective tree removal and land clearance.
- 30m Rotating Telehandler with Grapple Saw – Reaching new hights and safely removing trees
- A Fleet of Timberwolf Chippers – High-performance wood chippers for arboricultural projects.
- Specialist Arboricultural Vehicles – Designed for safe and efficient tree work.
- MEWPs (mobile elevated work platforms)– 4 of our own precision access platforms for working at height.
- Specialist Recycling Equipment – Ensuring sustainable waste management.
- ATVs with Mounted Sprayers – For efficiently and safely managing weeds
Our Environmental Commitment
When investing in new plant, vehicles, and equipment, emissions and sustainability are always key considerations. In 2021, we expanded our fleet to include electric pool cars and electric chainsaws, reducing our environmental impact while maintaining the highest level of service.
By combining cutting-edge machinery with a commitment to sustainability, we deliver efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible tree and forestry services across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, and Dorset.
