ARBORISTS can once again use red diesel in machines and appliances for all tree work – ending the detrimental impact of a year-long ruling.

In a major win for the Arboricultural Association, which has spent months lobbying ministers, HMRC has confirmed the sector will fall under the same rebated fuel rules that have applied to forestry since 2022’s tax change.

That saw the use of red diesel ruled out for use in most machines, vehicles and appliances, with sawmills and wood processors amongst those hardest hit. And while forestry clung onto its exempted status, arb did not.