Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Stump Grinding Questions
Tree Removal / Pruning FAQ’s
Q: Do I need council permission?
A: Each council has a slightly different TPO (Tree Preservation Order) so if you are not sure check your local council. We also have links and summaries of several councils TPO’s on our website. If you are still not sure our consultant are very familiar with the councils we work in and will be able to advise you on this.
Q: How do I apply for a permit?
A: There is typically an application form which needs to be filled out and an application fee usual applies with most councils. These forms can be downloaded from the various council sites. We have some links and downloads on our site so maybe check there first. If you need help please let the consultant now on the day.
Q: Are you able to do handle the application process?
A: Yes we are able to assist you with completing and submitting the application on your behalf. The council fees would be applicable and an administration fee to complete the forms.
Q: What happens if Council does not approve the work?
A: If council does not issue consent for the work you have the option to appeal the decision. Under most circumstances they will issue consent for pruning if the declined complete removal of the tree.
Q: Will the person coming to do the quote be qualified?
A: Our consultants that do the quotes have qualifications in the field to various levels and several years industry experience. This ensures that we can offer you the best solution to solve the problem.
Q: Will you take away all the debris?
A: Yes we take all of the tree debris away as part of our quote unless it is specified otherwise on the quote. If you chose the wood can be cut to firewood length and mulch can be left if you would like to use it on your gardens.
Q: Will you clean up at the end of the work?
A: We always leave your property as clean or cleaner than when we arrived. Our existing clients are always delighted at the state we leave their property. Check out the testimonials on the website.
Q: How do you protect my property and gardens?
A: All of work it is done in a controlled manner where we use ropes and pulleys to lower the cut pieces to the ground. This allows us to work around any obstacles. Our staff are very careful and will also move any objects in the work area prior to starting, such as pots, furniture and other items.
Q: Will you use spikes “climbing spurs” when pruning my trees?
A: We never use “climbing spurs” when we prune trees as these damage the tree. We use ropes and harnesses to access the tree and branches.
Q: Will you treat the cuts to prevent decay?
A: This is not typically done anymore as research has shown that the tree has its own means of sealing the wound and preventing decay. If any concerns discuss this with the consultant.
Q: How do you remove entire trees or large trees?
A: There are several factors we need to consider when removing trees with the most important being safety for our staff and your property. Aside from the traditional method of using ropes and pulleys we use cranes, cherry pickers and in very rare instances helicopters. Our consultant will work out the best solution for your site and discuss this with you.
Q: How many people will be doing the work?
A: Our work crews usually consist of a team of three with a climber and two ground crew. On larger jobs or where we need to cart the materials longer distances we may have more staff on-site.
Q: Do I need to be there when the work is being carried out?
A: We regularly have clients that are not there when the work gets carried out, but it can be interesting to watch if you have not had tree work done previously .The work crew will have a copy of the quote and will know what needs to be done. The work crew is self sufficient and no power is required.
Stump Grinding FAQ’s
Q: How do you remove the stumps?
A: We use stump grinders of various sizes that grind the stumps and roots into shavings. We typically grind to a depth of 150mm-200mm below ground level but are able to go deeper if required. If you need the stump ground deeper please be sure to let us know.
Q: How much access to you need?
A: Our smaller machines fit through a standard width gate. They are climb up standard stair treads. Raised garden beds and retaining walls can be mediated using ramps in most instances.
Q: Will I be able to lay turf or landscape the area after the stump has been removed?
A: Yes. We do recommended however that if you are laying turf or paving the area, that the shavings are removed first and replaced with good soil to give the new plants a better growing environment. If you are paving you may want to back fill with paving sand or gravel to prevent subsidence.
Q: Up to what size stump can you grind?
A: There is no restriction on size of the stump we are able to remove. We have removed stumps that are larger than the size of a car. Our larger machines are able to grind any size stump with ease.
Q: What about services below the ground?
A: If you are not sure if there are any services in the area we recommend that a service location is carried out to clearly locate any services. “Dial Before You Dig” gives you approximate location but cannot be relied upon for accuracy. Test holes or trenches can be dug to a depth of the grinding to check for any services prior to grinding.
Q: What happens if you damage services in the ground such as phone, water or gas?
A: If a service location has been carried out and we damage the services it will be our responsibility to fix them at our cost. If no location was carried out then you may be responsible for any repairs. That being said this occurs very rarely as we still dig test holes if we have any concerns and in most instances the services run in a direct line to the point of connection so we are able with a certain degree of accuracy determine where they are.
Q: Can the stump grindings be used in the garden?
A: The larger the stump the more grindings there will be. With smaller stumps the grindings usually get mixed in reasonable well with the soil during the grinding process and will not be a problem. With larger stumps however the excess may need to be removed as it will be made up mostly of wood shavings with little soil content. It can readily be used as a mulch in established gardens, but best not left in a concentrated area as it will not break down very well.