How much will it cost to have my trees pruned or removed?
All trees are different and are located in different environments. Because there are so many variables, we are unable to give you an estimate without first assessing your trees. Our quotes are always no obligation and free of charge, so give our office a call today to arrange a time that suits you.
How much does it cost to get a quote?
A branch fell off my tree - do I need to have the tree removed?
Falling branches can be a risk homeowners often worry about, especially during storms and high winds. The risk of this happening can be reduced by proper maintenance of your trees. If you have had a branch fail, tree fall or are concerned about the safety of trees around your home, one of our Consulting Arborists can meet with you to advise the best and safest action. We can offer full risk assessments or basic verbal consultation to alleviate your fears and provide some future management plans (see our Tree Consultation tab).
Will I need to get approval from the Government to have my tree pruned or cut down?
The ACT Government has regulations around the removal and pruning of ‘Regulated’ trees in the Canberra region. Base line regulations are: (over 12m in height, over 12m canopy spread or more than 1.5m in circumference at 1m above natural ground level) ACT Tree Felling can advise you if your tree is bound by these regulations, and even apply on your behalf to the Tree Protection Unit should you require assistance. For more information visit: http://www.tccs.act.gov.au/
I got a letter from EvoEnergy (ActewAGL) requiring me to clear my power lines, what do I do now?
• If you are a property owner in Canberra, it is your responsibility to keep your trees away from power lines. This means a clearance of 1m from service lines and power poles, 1.5m from low voltage, and 2m from high voltage power lines. If you have received a notice to clear your power lines, you will need to contact an Evo Energy-accredited tree surgeon to carry out the necessary work. Our team at ACT Tree Felling are accredited to the highest level and we are extremely experienced with clearing power lines, so get in contact with us today for a free quote.
What is an EvoEnergy (ActewAGL)-accredited tree surgeon?
ACT Tree Felling are Evo Energy (ActewAGL-accredited) tree surgeons. This means we are authorised and trained to work in close proximity to all voltages of power lines within the ACT. Legally only accredited tree surgeons are allowed to work near Evo Energy power lines Powerline clearance is a dangerous task, you should only use an experienced and accredited tree services company to ensure your job is completed safely and effectively.
For more information on your requirements for keeping vegetation away from powerlines visit Evo Energy
Will you need to turn the power off to have my trees cleared from the power lines?
Our staff are trained to work around live power lines, so most of the time you won’t need to have the power turned off. In cases where a power outage is required, we will arrange the whole process for you in co-operation with Evo Energy.
I want to heavily reduce the size of my tree or 'lop' the top off. Is this possible?
'Major pruning' or 'lopping' requires Government approval and in most cases is not recommended due to the subsequent damage it causes to the tree afterwards.
The misconception with lopping is that it will control and reduce the height and spread of a tree, but it actually can have the opposite effect. The resulting new sprouts are far more numerous than normal new growth and grow so rapidly that the tree returns to its original height in a very short time – and with a far denser crown. Lopping also makes a tree look quite disfigured and ugly, because its’ natural form and structure is lost forever, combined with the fact that this new ‘stress-related’ growth is poorly attached to the tree can lead to problems with increase branch failures over time.
There are alternative methods of reducing trees, and an inspection from one of our arborists will determine what can be trimmed safely and effectively.
Why is tree surgery expensive?
Tree surgery in general can be quite costly due to many factors, however the main reasons are:
We are comprehensibly insured (with Public Liability and Professional indemnity Insurances) which is obviously imperative in this line of work these insurances have very high premiums (due to being high risk work).
We use the latest high-quality equipment to achieve the safest and best results for you and your trees; this equipment allows us to turn up at your property and undertake all manner of arboricultural work is a safe and highly efficient manner, means we are cleaned up and out of your way sooner.
Our climbing arborists are highly trained with a minimum of Certificate III in Arboriculture (AQF3) and our consulting arborists to a minimum Diploma in Arboriculture (AQF5). We continue to educate our staff with ongoing courses, accreditations and schooling to ensure we abreast of all current standard industry practises and knowledge and your trees will get the best care available.
ACT Tree Felling provides high quality work and we always charge a fair and competitive price for our service. It’s somewhat like eating out, you pay for what you get.
Do you use qualified tree surgeons?
YES - All of our tree climbers are Qualified Arborists (minimum Certificate III in Arboriculture often Diploma in Arboriculture) or are currently undertaking training within our company in conjunction with accredited arboriculture training conducted at nationally recognised institutes.
Do you take the tree debris and material away? And if I keep the firewood or woodchip from my trees will it cost any extra?
• The standard procedure is for all material to be taken off site unless you stipulate otherwise at the time of quotation. You are welcome retain any firewood or woodchips, which we will leave it in a suitable and agreed area on your property. In most cases you will not be charged any extra for this service.
Does ACT Tree Felling work on weekends?
Our general business hours are from 7:30am to 4:00pm weekdays. For the most part we do not operate during weekends.
Do I need to be at home when the work is done?
No, on most occasions we can work without anyone needing to be home, as long as we have good access to the trees and prior arrangements have been made for any pets.
If you have very specific requests and want to be home to check that everything goes smoothly, we absolutely encourage you to stay at home and communicate with our Arborists whilst the work is being undertaken. That way we can ensure you are happy with our service before the job is complete.
Will you use a travel tower or cherry picker to remove or prune my trees?
No, we choose to undertake almost all of our work climbing the tree for several reasons:
Accessibility in Canberra is often limited by climbing we only need to be able to walk to the tree to be able to climb it, no need for lots of space for large machinery!
By climbing a tree, we get to see the tree, and from within the canopy it is often a better viewpoint to choose optimum cut positions.
Safety, we can safely rig tree parts out on ropes without any machinery underneath to create extra hazards.
