Forest and Garden Timber Services was formed in 1979 as a sole trader based in Surrey, working mainly in the Guildford and Woking areas. Initially working as a sub-contractor in forestry operations until 1981 when the direction changed to working in the private sector carrying out tree surgery works. The company slowly grew by the introduction of employed staff until the storm of 1987, which allowed further expansion to accommodate the addition of more staff, vehicles etc. After the inevitable lull in trade following the clear up, the company continued on a reduced but more even footing, but again changed direction by seeking out more work from the public sector.