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Arborist Brisbane

The Best Arborists in Brisbane

Updated 8 March 2023

Summary

  • Tree maintenance is an important aspect of property management and requires the expertise of trained and experienced professionals.
  • Finding the right arborist can be daunting, especially when you are not familiar with the costs involved or the work involved. For example, it’s frustrating and far too common for Brisbane homeowners to spend $300+ on having a problem tree pruned back only to have it removed (at more expense a few weeks later) because of a lack of planning or experience.
  • To help you choose the right arborist for your needs, our guide includes information on what to expect in terms of pricing, essential concepts and questions to ask, and frequently asked questions.
  • We look at the costs involved in arborist services, essential concepts and questions to ask before hiring an arborist, frequently asked questions and list trusted and reliable arborists in Brisbane with a proven track record.
  • In terms of quotes, obtaining at least three estimates and comparing them is the best method to guarantee the best pricing for your tree maintenance. You will then be able to pick the contractor that offers you the best deal.
  • Important: The prices provided are intended as a general reference, and actual quotes may vary based on the specific requirements of the project and the work involved – every tree is different, as is the pricing.

Know This First: What is an Arborist?

An arborist has studied arboriculture science and undertakes safe tree management in urban areas. They are well-versed in a wide range of arboricultural techniques and approaches, which allows them to provide expert tree advice to ensure a safe and aesthetically pleasing outcome. They evaluate the location of the trees, how they behave in Brisbane climates and surroundings, and how to maximise their health. They also understand tree species and how they will react to various forms of pruning.

Arborist Brisbane Cost

How Much Does an Arborist Cost?

A price reference for arborists who charge by the job will depend on the size of the work. 

  • The average stump removal cost is around $225, but it can cost as much as $800 and as little as $75, depending on its size and accessibility.
  • Small tree removal can range between $300 to $950. Medium trees may cost between $500 to $1,000, and large tree removal can range from $1,000 to $10,000. 
  • Arborists typically charge around $200 to $1,000 for tree pruning; however, their fees may not reflect the true cost of the operation. The cost will be determined by other criteria, including an arborist consultation which can cost up to $450, and the number of workers required for the job. Additional equipment, such as a truck hoist to reach tree branches, will be required. Truck hoists typically cost around $170 per hour.

Factors that determine the price: 

  1. Tree size – The size of the tree significantly impacts the overall cost of the service. A big tree will take longer to prune, lop, and remove. It will also necessitate greater safety procedures, on-site team members, and shipping charges. On the other hand, a small tree might be done much faster and less expensively than a big tree because it does not require climbing or heavy machinery to break down.
  2. Type of tree and its condition – The type of wood in a tree is very critical for removal and stump grinding. This is because of the time and work required to break down the wood and remove the roots; softwood stump removal expenses are often lower than hardwood stump removal costs. Furthermore, the tree’s current state is significant when determining the cost of a tree service since it influences the level of risk, the strategic approach, and, ultimately, the length of time required for the job.
  3. Location – Restricted access to a tree will increase the cost that an arborist may charge you because of the extra time required to get to it and remove waste. The kind of terrain on a site significantly impacts the amount of time and cost necessary for tree removal, stump removal, or tree pruning service. A steep slope or uneven ground might slow down the job and raise the cost of tree or stump removal.

Arborist Brisbane Questions

Questions to Ask When Getting a Quote

What services do you offer?

If an arborist is experienced, they will provide a variety of services – tree removal, tree trimming, tree pruning, stump grinding, and stump removal. Many of the services are skills that require years of experience and training to perform correctly. 

Do you have insurance?

Tree maintenance can be a very dangerous job, even without the use of heavy machinery. Therefore, it is critical to understand their insurance policy to avoid being held accountable for any injuries that may occur on your property. If your arborist has public liability insurance, you will not be liable for any damages and any legal cases will be covered by the arborist’s insurer.

Are your staff qualified?

Companies will often have at least one person with a Certificate II in Arboriculture (horticulture) to carry out ground-level work and additional personnel with a Certificate III in Arboriculture (horticulture) to manage tree climbing operations. Making sure that the company you pick has the appropriate credentials for you will be essential in ensuring that the project is completed stress-free.

How long will it take for you to complete the job?

Some arborists require two days to accomplish a job, while others may require a few hours. This will rely on the job’s complexity and ability to do it safely and efficiently.

Arborist Brisbane DIY Options

DIY Options 

We suggest describing, in detail, what job you want to do during your initial conversation with an arborist. Doing so may save yourself some time if an Arborist doesn’t believe your job isn’t significant enough to warrant their services.

It is possible to perform some minor tree maintenance tasks yourself, such as pruning small branches and shaping the tree. However, it is important to note that many tree maintenance tasks, such as removing large trees, climbing tall trees, and handling dangerous tree limbs, are best left to the professionals. These tasks can be hazardous and require specialized equipment, knowledge, and expertise.

DIY arborist work can be risky for several reasons:

  • Lack of proper equipment: Professional arborists have access to specialised equipment, such as bucket trucks, safety harnesses, and cutting tools, which are essential for performing tree maintenance tasks safely.
  • Lack of knowledge and expertise: Tree maintenance requires specialized knowledge and skills, such as understanding the biology and structure of trees, identifying tree diseases, and pruning techniques.
  • Safety risks: Tree maintenance tasks, such as cutting and removing large trees, can be dangerous and pose serious risks to property and people.
  • Potential property damage: Improper tree maintenance techniques can damage property, such as broken windows, damaged roofs, and ruined landscaping.

For these reasons, hiring an experienced arborist for all but the most basic tree maintenance tasks is highly recommended. The costs of professional arborist services are an investment in the health and safety of your trees, property and personal safety. 

Know This: To avoid fines or penalties, some native trees may require a permit or Brisbane City Council approval before removal – this Sydney example explains the risks of acting without permits. To find out if your property has protected vegetation you can request a map and report online or contact Council.Arborists Brisbane Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions 

When is the best time to cut down a tree?

The optimum time to cut down a tree is before it becomes a hazard, and the second best time is when it is a hazard. The longer a dangerous tree remains in your yard, the greater the risk. In addition, every windy day or period of extreme weather weakens the tree, increasing the likelihood that it will fall and cause damage to your property or your neighbour’s.

If a tree has a disease, it’s usually best to wait until the insects are less active, which is mid-late autumn or early spring, before cutting it down, however this depends on the disease and an Arborist will advise accordingly.

What is the best time to prune trees?

The best time to prune trees depends on the tree species and the reason for pruning. Generally, the best time to prune trees is during the dormant season, typically late fall to early spring, before the buds swell. However, there are some exceptions to this rule:

  1. Flowering Trees: Prune flowering trees after they have finished blooming, usually in late spring or early summer. This allows the tree to set buds for the following year’s blooms.
  2. Fruit Trees: Prune fruit trees during the dormant season before the buds swell. This promotes new growth and fruit production.
  3. Evergreen Trees: Prune evergreen trees in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  4. Trees with Weak Wood: Prune trees with weak wood, such as maple, birch, and dogwood, during the dormant season to avoid damaging the tree.
  5. Trees with Disease or Damage: Prune trees with disease or damage as soon as possible, regardless of the time of year.

Why should I prune my trees?

Trees are pruned for various reasons, including safety, aesthetics, and tree health. Damaged or dead branches could fall anytime and prove fatal; therefore, carefully maintaining them can help keep you safe. Branches that grow too wide for the tree pose safety and potential damage risks to your property. Properly maintaining your trees minimises property damage and can even improve your property’s value and day-to-day life, as pruning can clear a nice view.

What methods do arborists in Brisbane use to remove trees safely? 

The methods used depend on the size and location of the tree and any surrounding structures or power lines. Techniques may include:

  • Using ropes and harnesses for support.
  • Using specialised equipment such as cranes or aerial lifts.
  • Carefully cutting the tree into manageable sections.

What safety measures do arborists take when working with trees?

Arborists take various safety measures when working with trees, including wearing protective gear such as hard hats and safety harnesses, using proper tools and equipment, and following industry-standard best practices for tree care and removal. They also regularly assess the stability and risk of the tree before starting work to minimise the risk of injury or damage. You’ll need to stay clear of the area when an arborist is at work in your property. 

What should I look for when hiring an arborist in Brisbane?

It’s important to look for someone with proper qualifications, a proven reputation and a solid track record of quality work. You should also consider the arborist’s experience and expertise in the specific services you require, such as tree removal or pruning, and look for someone insured and able to provide references or testimonials from previous clients.

How do arborists determine the best way to prune or trim a tree? 

The best way for arborists to prune or trim a tree depends on several factors, including the tree species, its age, overall health, and any specific goals for the pruning, such as removing dead or diseased branches, improving its structure, or promoting fruiting. An experienced arborist will use their expertise to determine the best pruning method for each tree.

Can arborists in Brisbane treat or diagnose tree diseases?

Many Brisbane arborists are trained and equipped to diagnose and treat various tree diseases, including those caused by pests, fungi, or other factors. An arborist can provide insecticide applications or fungicide treatments to help the tree recover and advise on how to prevent future diseases from affecting the tree.

What services do Brisbane arborists offer besides tree removal and pruning? 

In addition to tree removal and pruning, arborists may offer a range of other tree care services, such as tree planting, tree assessment and evaluation, stump grinding, and cable bracing for weak or unstable trees. They may also offer advice and recommendations for tree care and maintenance and consult on the best trees to plant for specific landscaping goals.

What should I do if I have a tree emergency?

If you have a tree emergency, such as a tree that has fallen or is in danger of falling, it’s important to take immediate action to ensure the safety of yourself and others. You should contact a professional arborist as soon as possible, who can assess the situation and determine the best course of action. It’s also a good idea to contact your home insurer if there has been any damage to your property.

What kind of maintenance do trees in Brisbane require, and how often should they be inspected?

Maintenance depends on the tree species, its age, and how it behaves with the Queensland climate and conditions. However, as a general rule, an arborist should inspect trees at least once a year to check for any signs of disease or structural weakness. This may include pruning or removing dead or damaged branches, fertilising, and addressing any other identified issues.

The Best Arborists Brisbane

Map of Best Brisbane Arborists

We’ve put together the top Brisbane Arborists and have collated them into a map for you to help show you where they’re located.

The Best Brisbane Arborists

North Brisbane Trees

North Brisbane Trees

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Efficient and professional service. 
  • Considers the customer’s concerns and limitations. 
  • Provides high quality work at a fair price.

Services offered (but not limited to): Tree removal, tree maintenance, commercial tree services, tree lopping, fire wood, earth moving, landscaping services.

Brisbane Trees and Gardens

Brisbane Trees and Gardens

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Competitive pricing.
  • Professional and efficient in their work.
  • Provides valuable additional services, such as assessing the health of other trees and offering advice.

Services offered (but not limited to): Tree removal, tree maintenance, commercial tree services, tree fertilising, pest management, safety.

Ashgrove Tree Services Brisbane

Ashgrove Tree Services

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Reliable and professional.
  • Efficient in their work and thorough in clean-up.
  • Excellent communicators and responsive to inquiries.

Services offered (but not limited to): Tree removal, tree maintenance, commercial tree services.

Michael's Tree Services Brisbane

Michael’s Tree Services

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Efficient and professional team.
  • Affordable pricing and timely service.
  • Excellent communication and ability to handle difficult situations calmly.
  • They make safety their top priority.
  • Wide range of services are offered.
  • Will retain mulch at no extra cost.

Services offered (but not limited to): Tree removal, tree maintenance, commercial tree services, tree trimming, tree pruning, land clearing.

Evergreen Tree Care Brisbane

Evergreen Tree Care

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Professional and kind service.
  • Provides excellent value and care for trees.
  • Responsive and knowledgeable about tree care and maintenance.

Services offered (but not limited to): Tree removal, tree maintenance, commercial tree services, tree lopping.

Brisbane Treeworx

Brisbane Treeworx

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provides an excellent service.
  • The team is professional, respectful, and punctual.
  • Great past experiences with Treeworx. 
  • Competitive pricing.

Services offered (but not limited to): Tree removal, tree maintenance, commercial tree services, land clearing, tree pruning, arborist assessment.

Ecological Tree Services Brisbane

Ecological Tree Services

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Professional, efficient, and considerate of the customer’s needs.
  • Provides quality work and communicates well with the customer.
  • Able to complete the job in a timely manner and at a good price.
  • Ecological Tree Services is family-owned, offering a wide variety of tree services at affordable prices.

Services offered (but not limited to): Tree maintenance and removal, stump grinding and removal, tree and hedge pruning, block clearing, palm cleaning, and dead wooding.

Tree Care Specialists Brisbane

Tree Care Specialists Brisbane

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Friendly and professional team.
  • Great work at reasonable prices.
  • Known for their professionalism, promptness, friendliness, and clean-up efforts.
  • They prioritise affordable, high-quality tree care and offer job personalization

Services offered (but not limited to): Tree removal, tree maintenance, commercial tree services, tree lopping, emergency tree removal, tree pruning, land clearing.

River City Trees Brisbane

River City Trees

Overview: