Do you do free quotes?

Yes. In order to provide you with a free quote we will need to arrange a time for one of our qualified staff to visit your property and talk over the process with you. We may also provide advice at this time depending on the nature of your requirements.

The cost for tree pruning or tree removal depends on many factors. These include such issues as tree size, tree species and site accessibility. We will also need to establish any special needs you may have so that can best service your requirements. Once we have this information we provide a written quotation detailing what we will do and offer the best fee for service we can provide.

Are your arborists qualified?

All Arbortech arborists are qualified and experienced. Our Director, Kym Knight holds an Advanced Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 6). Our works supervisor and team leaders all hold AQF level 5 in Arboriculture and each has many years of experience. All staff members hold AQF level 3 or 4. Arbortech staff members undergo Police checks every 3 years.

Our staff are the kind of people you would like to have working at your property.

Do we do tree reports and how much do they cost?

Each tree is unique and the environment it is growing in differs from site to site. Therefore, each tree is assessed by our qualified arborists on its own merits. There are no fixed answers or reports for all trees. Arbortech arborists can assist you with your tree problems by visiting your site and offering advice. Tree reports can then be prepared to suit your needs where required. The cost of a report will vary on the number of trees, the issues that need reporting on, the level of information required, any liaising with architects/builders to develop design solutions and a range of other variables.

Please call our offices to discuss your tree issues and we can provide you with a more accurate cost for our work.

Is my tree significant?

Trees of a certain size are protected under the Development Act 1993. The legislation changed in November 2011 to include a two tiered system. Regulated trees are those trees that have a trunk circumference of between 2 and 3m. Significant trees are those that have a trunk circumference of greater than 3m. Council approvals may be required for both classes of trees if a tree requires pruning, removal or is in the vicinity of some form of development activity (such as a new building or extension).

Some tree species are exempt from controls under this legislation, such as certain tree species within 10m of a dwelling, other tree species with perceived pest or nuisance issues. For confirmation as to whether your tree is regulated or significant, please call our offices to arrange a site visit with one of our arborists.

When can I remove my regulated or significant tree?

Certain criteria must be met before you can remove your regulated or significant tree. These criteria are set out in each local Council’s Development Plan, which lies underneath the legislation of the Development Act 1993. In general terms, tree removal criteria include one or more of the following:

The tree does not possess any of the attributes worthy of preservation. The tree is diseased with a short life expectancy. The tree represents a significant risk to public or private safety. The tree is causing damage to a notable structure. The tree is exempt from controls.

How much can I prune from my significant or regulated tree?

It is often thought that you can prune up to 30% out of your significant tree without getting council approval. This is not entirely correct. The legislation relating to regulated and significant trees states that you can remove up to 30% of a tree under certain circumstances, including the removal of dead or diseased wood, or branches that pose a material risk to a building or people. This may need to be determined by a qualified arborist and may require Council approval.

Before having your regulated or significant tree pruned, please ensure the following:

The tree pruning works are carried out for valid reasons. The tree pruning will reduce risk to the users of the site the tree pruning complies with the Australian Standard AS 4373-2007 ‘Pruning of amenity trees’. The pruning is carried out by qualified arborists.

If you are unsure how to manage your tree, please contact one of our qualified arborists for pruning advice.

Can I prune my neighbour’s trees that overhang my fence?

It may be possible to prune trees growing over your boundary from an adjacent property depending on the circumstances. You have a legal right of abatement and so can prune branches from overhanging trees. Possible exceptions include; Where the tree qualifies as a ‘significant’ or ‘regulated’ tree, in which case refer to FAQ 6 above. If the tree is growing on the boundary it may be considered to be in joint ownership. It this situation the tree owners must agree on any pruning or other management that is proposed. If you are unsure on any of these matters please contact our office and one of our qualified arborists will assist you.

How do I apply to have a significant tree removed?

You must apply to your local council to have a regulated or significant tree removed by lodging a Development Application Form from your local Council (Council fees apply).

If you have a regulated tree, Council will send an arborist out to assess the application. You may not need to provide a tree report.

If you have a significant tree, you are required to provide council with a tree report from a qualified arborist. It is your responsibility to arrange this.

Please contact our offices to arrange a visit from one of our qualified arborists to assist you in assessing your tree and preparing a report on the condition of your tree.

Arbortech does not have the authority to grant tree removal approvals, this is done by Council.

Do you prune fruit trees?

Arbortech arborists are trained to prune a wide variety of trees, including fruit trees and vines. We can also formatively prune your trees so that they develop a structurally sound form for the future.

Do you deliver mulch?

Arbortech has a number of trucks working in the field and deliver leaf mulch to pre-arranged clients that have their details on our waiting list. We may in some circumstances be able to arrange a mulch delivery at shorter notice. Please contact out office for more details.

Do you remove tree stumps?

Yes. Arbortech Tree Services has a number of stump grinding machines to deal with most stumps. If you need assistance with the removal of a stump please contact our office. We may be able to give you a quote over the phone.

Does Arbortech work in my suburb?

Arbortech Tree Services works across the Adelaide metropolitan area and by arrangement in all parts of South Australia. We will regularly be working in your suburb or passing through in any given week of the year.

If you need assistance on any tree related matter and want assistance from a qualified arborist you can trust, give us a call. We guarantee we’ll do our best for you.