Frequently asked questions

It depends on your council and whether the tree is protected. Many councils have rules covering trees over a certain height or trunk size, heritage or notable trees, and anything in a significant natural area. Always check your local district plan or ring the council before we start, and we can help you work out what applies to your section.

For most trees in New Zealand, late winter through early spring is ideal because the tree is dormant and you can see the branch structure clearly. Avoid heavy pruning in spring when sap is rising, and stay off stone fruit like plums and cherries in wet weather to reduce the risk of silverleaf. Deadwood and broken limbs can be taken out any time of year.

It comes down to the height, the species, how close it is to buildings or power lines, and how easy it is to get gear and a chipper to the site. A small, open-access tree is straightforward, while a large gum hanging over the house needs rigging and takes longer. We give a free written quote after we've seen the tree so there are no surprises.

Stump grinding is usually a separate job and not always included in a removal quote, so ask us to price it in. We grind the stump down below ground level so you can turf or plant over it. If you want to replant in the same spot, let us know and we'll grind deeper and clear out the chip.

Plenty of trees that look rough can be kept with the right pruning, but some have real problems like fungal rot, big cracks, or roots lifting that make them a hazard. We look at the lean, the root plate, deadwood, and any signs of decay before giving you an honest call. If it can be saved we'll tell you, and if it needs to come down we'll explain why.

Yes. We chip the smaller branches on site and haul away the logs and green waste, then rake and blow the area down so your lawn or driveway is left tidy. If you want the chip left for mulch or the logs cut to firewood length and stacked, just say so and we'll sort it.

Yes, we carry public liability insurance and our team works to recognised safety standards, including safe rigging and exclusion zones around the drop area. Tree work near houses, fences, and power lines carries real risk, so it pays to use a crew that's properly covered. We're happy to show you our cover before the job.

Work close to live power lines is restricted and there are minimum approach distances we have to keep to by law. For anything growing into the lines themselves, the lines usually need to be made safe or shut down by the network company first, and we coordinate that. Never try to cut branches near power lines yourself, as the risk of electrocution is serious.