Arborists
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An arborist looks after the trees on your property, from formative pruning and canopy reduction to full removals, stump grinding and health assessments. In Australia there is no occupational licence for tree work, so qualifications matter: reputable arborists hold AQF Certificate III or Level 5 Diploma in arboriculture, carry public liability and workers compensation insurance, and prune to Australian Standard AS 4373.
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List your business, freeHow to choose a good Arborist
- Ask for AQF Certificate III in arboriculture for climbing and pruning work, or a Level 5 Diploma for reports and assessments.
- Confirm current public liability insurance, ideally $10 million or more, plus workers compensation for anyone climbing on your property.
- Check they prune to Australian Standard AS 4373 rather than lopping, which damages trees and invites regrowth problems.
- Ask whether your council requires a permit before removal or major pruning, and who will lodge the application.
- Get an itemised written quote covering climbing, rigging, traffic control if needed, green waste removal and stump grinding.
- Read recent reviews and look for photos of comparable jobs, especially removals near houses, fences or powerlines.
Questions to ask before you book
- What arboriculture qualifications do you hold, and can you show your public liability certificate of currency?
- Does this tree need a council permit to remove or prune, and will you handle the application?
- Will you prune to AS 4373, and exactly how much of the canopy will be removed?
- Does the quote include green waste removal, stump grinding and site clean-up?
- Who is doing the work on the day, and are they covered by workers compensation?
What does a arborist cost in Australia?
Most arborists quote free after a site visit. Hedge pruning and small prunes often start around $300 to $600, larger canopy reductions run $600 to $1,500, and full removals range from roughly $500 for a small tree to $5,000 or more for large trees with difficult access. Stump grinding is usually $100 to $400 extra. Size, access, proximity to structures and powerlines, and green waste volume drive the price. Quotes from GST-registered businesses should include GST.
Frequently asked questions
Do arborists need a licence in Australia?
No state issues an occupational licence for general tree work. Instead, look for AQF qualifications: Certificate III in Arboriculture for climbers and pruners, and a Level 5 Diploma for tree reports and risk assessments. Always confirm public liability and workers compensation insurance, since unqualified operators are common and tree work is genuinely dangerous.
Do I need council approval to remove a tree?
Often, yes. Most Australian councils protect trees above a certain height, trunk size or canopy spread, and some suburbs sit inside heritage or significant tree overlays. Fines for unauthorised removal can be substantial. A good arborist will tell you whether a permit is needed, and many will prepare the report and lodge the application for you.
What is the difference between pruning and lopping?
Pruning to AS 4373 makes selective cuts at the right points so the tree stays healthy and structurally sound. Lopping means cutting branches or the trunk indiscriminately, which stresses the tree, encourages weak regrowth and can create a future hazard. Many councils will not accept lopping, so ask any arborist to confirm they work to the standard.
When is the best time of year for tree work?
Routine pruning can happen year round in most of Australia, though some species are best pruned after flowering or in cooler months. Storm season is the busiest period, so booking ahead in spring and summer helps. Also flag wildlife: arborists must check for nesting birds and possums, which can delay works.
Is tree removal covered by home insurance?
Usually only when a tree has fallen and damaged an insured structure, or in some policies when it poses an immediate declared risk. Preventative removal of a healthy or slowly declining tree is generally not covered. Check your policy wording, and keep the arborist's report and photos, since insurers often ask for evidence of condition.
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