FAQ
Questions and straight answers
The things Canberra homeowners actually ring and ask — about approvals, prices, insurance, neighbours and what to do when something is hanging.
Do I need approval to remove a tree in Canberra?
Very possibly. Under the Urban Forest Act 2023 a tree on leased land is protected once it is 8 m tall, has an 8 m canopy spread, or a trunk 1 m around measured 1.4 m up. Arranging approval is the property owner’s responsibility. Full guide and a free checker here, or the ACT Government’s Tree protection laws page.
How much will my job cost?
It is size, access, and what is underneath the tree. Full cost breakdown, then a free fixed quote on site.
Is the quote free? Is it fixed?
Yes to both. Ben comes out, assesses the tree and gives you a fixed price. No charge, no obligation, and no chasing you afterwards. The quoted number is the invoiced number unless you change the scope.
Are you insured?
Yes. Treetops carries public liability cover and we will send the certificate of currency on request before work starts. You should be asking this of everyone who quotes you — if a contractor is uninsured and something goes wrong on your property, the exposure can end up being yours.
Do you clean up?
Always, and it is in the price. Timber and green waste go into the truck, the site gets raked and blown down. If you would rather keep the wood, tell us before we start.
Will you grind the stump?
Standard removals leave the stump cut as low as we safely can. Full grinding is a separate machine and a separate cost — ask for it at quote time and it goes into the fixed price rather than appearing as an extra later.
How soon can you come out?
Quotes are usually within a week. Scheduled work depends on the week and the weather. Give Ben a call on 0407 573 008 and he will sort out a time.
Do you work outside Canberra?
Yes. Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, Sutton, Wamboin and The Ridgeway are all regular territory, and we travel further for the right job. See all service areas.
Can you save my tree instead of removing it?
Often, and we will tell you when that is the better answer. A crown reduction, a canopy lift or a deadwood clean-out solves a great many problems people assume require removal — usually for a fraction of the price, with no approval needed for minor work.
Do you top or lop trees?
No. Topping removes the leaf area the tree lives on, opens wounds it cannot seal, and triggers dense weak regrowth that fails in wind. It makes the tree more dangerous, not less. If a tree genuinely needs to be much smaller than it is, removal and a replant is the honest answer.
What's the difference between an arborist and a tree lopper?
Training and intent. An arborist is trained in tree biology and structure and prunes to AS 4373, the Australian Standard, so the tree recovers. A lopper cuts wood. Both own chainsaws; only one of them can tell you whether the tree is safe.
My neighbour's tree hangs over my place. What are my rights?
Broadly, the tree is the responsibility of the owner whose land it grows on, and you may generally trim what overhangs your boundary — from your own side only, without entering their property, and without throwing the cuttings back over. If the tree is regulated, approval is still required before pruning it, including the overhanging portion. Talk to your neighbour first.
A branch is hanging in my tree right now.
Keep people and cars out from underneath and do not attempt it yourself. Give Ben a call on 0407 573 008 and he will let you know when he can get to it.
There's a tree on powerlines.
Call Evoenergy on 13 10 93 immediately and stay well clear — treat any fallen line as live. If anyone is in danger, call 000. Ring us afterwards for what remains.
When is the best time of year to prune?
Late autumn through winter suits most established Canberra trees — deciduous structure is visible and the tree is dormant. Flowering ornamentals are best pruned just after flowering. Anything dangerous is dealt with immediately regardless of season.
Do you do bushfire hazard reduction?
Yes. Ring and describe the block. On rural blocks it is usually lifting the canopy and clearing the ladder fuel that would carry a ground fire up into the crown.
Can you look at a tree and tell me what is wrong with it?
Yes, and that is free when Ben is quoting work at the same time. He will tell you what he sees and what he would do about it. More on tree health.
How do I pay?
Ben will confirm payment details when he quotes. Payment is on completion, once you have seen the job finished and the site cleaned up.
Question not answered?
Ring Ben. He would genuinely rather talk you out of unnecessary work than sell it to you.