Questions we get asked

Every job is priced on its own merits. Size, species, condition, proximity to buildings and powerlines, access for equipment, and what happens to the debris all change the figure. That is why we quote on site rather than over the phone. A price guessed without seeing the tree is rarely accurate, and we would rather give you a figure we can stand behind.

Yes. Quotes are free and there is no obligation to proceed.

No.

The validity period is stated on your quotation. If it has lapsed, call us — often we can honour it.

No. Photographs help us understand the job before we visit, but a price always follows a site inspection. A photo cannot show us ground conditions, access for equipment, what is under the tree or how the wood is holding together. A firm quote follows a site inspection. Send photos through the Tree Assessment on our Contact page and we will get in touch to arrange a visit.

Access, usually. A tree we can drop in one piece into open ground is a fraction of the cost of the same tree that has to be dismantled in sections over a roof. Species matters too — some timber is far denser than it looks.

Generally yes. Most of the cost of a job is getting the crew and equipment on site, so a second or third tree on the same visit is cheaper than two separate visits.

Payment is due on completion of the job. We invoice once the work is finished and the site has been cleaned up, and the payment details are set out on that invoice. If you need a different arrangement, tell us before we start and we will confirm it in writing.

Yes, quoted prices include GST.

Go to the Accept Your Quote page on this website, enter your quote number and confirm the details. The form records your acceptance and lets you tell us your preferred timing. You are also welcome to accept over the phone on 0400 912 258.

It varies with the season and the weather. Storm periods fill quickly. We will give you a realistic picture when you accept.

No. It is a request. We contact you separately to agree an actual date.

We may reschedule. Wind is a bigger factor than rain — climbing and rigging in high wind is unsafe and we will not do it. We will call you as early as we can.

There is a short checklist on our Preparing for your tree work page covering what to move, how to secure pets, parking and access, and what happens on the day. Reading it beforehand makes the job faster and safer for everyone.

Yes, generally we ask that someone is home while we work. Most people want to be there anyway, and it means anything unexpected can be sorted on the spot. If you can’t be there, tell us beforehand and we’ll agree how to handle it — a neighbour with access, or a plan for work well away from the house on a rural property. Please make sure you’re reachable by phone either way.

Move cars, outdoor furniture and anything breakable out of the work area. Secure pets indoors. Let your neighbours know if we will be working near a boundary.

We will give you an estimate when we quote. Most residential jobs are a single day.

Occasionally. If so, we will tell you at quoting stage and it is worth speaking to them early.

Sometimes, and for emergencies. Ask when booking.

Yes. Trees in tight positions are dismantled in sections and lowered on ropes rather than felled. It takes longer, which is reflected in the price, but it is routine work.

Yes, unless you want to keep it. Tell us before we start if you want firewood lengths or mulch left behind — it is easier to leave it than to bring it back.

Stump grinding is quoted separately. It is worth doing: stumps take years to break down, can harbour termites, and prevent you from turfing or building over the area.

Some, during. None, after. Full clean-up is included in every quote as standard.

Yes, though whether that is wise depends on the tree. Removing a major limb can unbalance a tree or open it to decay. We will tell you if we think it is a bad idea.

It is chipped on site and taken to a licensed facility for recycling.

We take reasonable steps — ground protection, careful machine placement — and we will discuss anything of concern before starting. Heavy equipment on soft ground can leave marks.

Yes. Tell us it is a hazard when you call and we will prioritise it.

Yes. Full site clean-up is included as standard in every quote. Green waste is chipped on site and taken away, and we rake and blow the area down before we leave. If you would like the mulch or the firewood left behind, tell us before we start and we will stack it wherever suits you.

It depends on species, age and position. Young trees benefit from formative pruning every few years. Established trees often need nothing for long periods. Trees near buildings or powerlines need more regular attention.

For most species on the Mid North Coast, late winter through early spring. There are exceptions, and hazard work is done whenever it is needed.

We do not top trees. Topping causes weak regrowth, decay at the cut points and a tree that becomes more dangerous over time, not less. If height is the problem, there are better options — crown reduction, selective removal, or removing and replanting something more suitable.

Removing the lower branches to raise the canopy — for clearance over a driveway, path or roofline, or simply to let more light through underneath.

Selectively removing branches throughout the canopy to reduce density. It lets wind pass through more easily and lets light reach what is growing below.

Removing dead branches. Purely a safety measure — dead limbs eventually fall, and they choose their own timing.

Correct pruning can substantially reduce risk. Bad pruning increases it. This is the main reason to use someone who knows what they are doing.

Yes — formal hedges, screening plants and large shrubs.

In NSW you generally have a common-law right to prune back to the boundary, but there are limits and doing it badly can make you liable. Talk to your neighbour first. If that does not resolve it, get advice before cutting.

Typically 300mm or so below ground level — enough to turf, garden or pave over. We can go deeper if you are building.

You can keep them as mulch or we can take them away. Say which when you book.

Usually. Our machines come in different sizes and access is the main constraint.

No. Once the stump is ground out the root system dies. A few species send up suckers for a while.

Not compulsory, but recommended. Stumps are a trip hazard, attract termites, and stop you using the ground.

Not immediately in the exact position — the ground is full of woody grindings that tie up nitrogen as they break down. Plant a metre or so away, or replace the soil.

Most stumps are done within an hour. Very large ones take longer.

Often, yes. Most councils on the Mid North Coast protect trees above a certain height or trunk size. The rules differ between Kempsey, Port Macquarie-Hastings and MidCoast. Confirming what applies to your tree is the property owner’s responsibility — your council can tell you.

The property owner. Applying to council is your responsibility, not ours. We can tell you at quoting stage whether we think approval is likely to be needed, but the application itself is yours to prepare and lodge.

No. We do not prepare or lodge council applications. That is between you and your council, and their planning staff can tell you what they need.

Typically two to six weeks depending on the council and the job. Emergencies can sometimes be dealt with faster.

A NSW scheme that lets people in designated bushfire-prone areas clear trees within 10 metres of a home and underlying vegetation within 50 metres, without approval. Eligibility depends on your address — it can be checked on the Rural Fire Service website.

Many councils have exemptions for dead trees and genuine emergencies, but that does not always mean no paperwork — you may still need to notify and document. Check the position with your council before the work goes ahead.

Penalties can be very substantial, and councils do pursue them. Do not risk it.

No.

If anyone is in danger, call 000. If it is on or near powerlines, keep everyone well clear and call Essential Energy on 13 20 80 — never assume a fallen line is dead. Otherwise call us on 0400 912 258.

Yes. Call the mobile — do not use a form or the website chat, which are not monitored around the clock.

As soon as we safely can. During and after major storms demand is very high and we prioritise by risk to people and property.

It can be. Out-of-hours work, and work that has to be done under difficult or unstable conditions, costs more.

Treat it as urgent. Hanging limbs come down without warning. Keep people and vehicles out from underneath and call us.

Yes. We can document the damage, photograph the site and provide a written report of the work required.

Have hazardous limbs removed, thin dense canopies so wind passes through, and clear anything already dead. Our Storm and Bushfire page covers this in detail.

Yes. We carry $20 million public liability insurance. Ask and we will send you a certificate of currency.

Our team holds AQF Certificate III in Arboriculture and works in accordance with WorkCover NSW and OH&S requirements.

Yes. We are based on the Mid North Coast and work across the region.

Occasionally, for specialised equipment such as cranes or traffic management. Anyone on your site works to the same standards and is appropriately insured.

Tell us immediately. We are insured, and we would rather resolve something straight away than have you discover it later.

We would strongly advise against it. Tree work kills and seriously injures people in Australia every year, including experienced operators. Chainsaws, height and unpredictable timber are a bad combination, and near powerlines it is potentially fatal.

Yes.

Only where it is safe and lawful to do so. Work within certain distances of powerlines requires specific accreditation and sometimes an outage arranged with the network operator. We will tell you what is involved.

Yes. We work with strata and body corporate managers, commercial property owners, councils, developers, builders, schools and holiday parks. We can quote one-off jobs or ongoing maintenance programs, and we carry the insurance and documentation these clients usually need.