Team & Equipment

Qualified & Experienced. Meet our team

Upton’s are the largest privately owned arboriculture company in Dorset and our management team has a wealth of experience which is extremely valued by our clients. Our Arb teams are highly skilled, and we invest heavily in training our staff to the highest certification levels. Our extensive skilled workforce ensures that we have the capacity to manage short notice or emergency works.

We are accredited by the Arboricultural Association, CHAS, SMAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor and CQMS and go through rigorous assessment each year to ensure that our policies, practices and procedures conform with these high standards. We are also ISO accredited ensuring that we have a robust management system in place.

Our Office Team

Denny Sweet

Managing Director

Denny 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.
Leanne Sweet

Managing Director

Leanne 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.
Luke Grime

Operations Director

Luke 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.
Nicky de Kleijn

Office and Accounts Manager

Nicky 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.
Ed Greatorex

Contracts Manager

Ed 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.
Alex Keyworth

Surveyor

Alex 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.
Craig Lane

Surveyor & Site Supervisor

Craig 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.
Ian Jopling

Fencing Manager

Ian 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!
Tim Doidge

Surveyor

Tim 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

We run a fleet of modern arboricultural, forestry and construction-based equipment which include state of the art Valtra Forestry Tractors, Heizohack whole tree chipper, Excavators with Tree Shears, Timberwolf Chippers, Specialist Arboricultural vehicles, Teupen Access Equipment and Specialist Recycling Equipment. When purchasing vehicles, plant & equipment, then emissions are always at the forefront of our decision making. In 2021 we invested in electric pool cars and chainsaws.