Important Message to Tree Owners

Thank you for taking the first step in planning your tree work project.

While price is important, you also need to know the risks and conform to local regulations. And make sure you have adequate insurance cover in case something goes wrong.

Below I explain some of the differences between a good vs bad tree service. And give you some of the SAQ’s (should ask questions) that you need to ask before you buy.

Beware of budget tree services

With some industries you can shop around and get almost the same product or service at a fraction of the cost.

Tree services is a dangerous business. There is a right and wrong way of doing things, and a cost to delivering a quality service. Which includes insurance, heavy machinery, qualified staff, to name just a few.

There are lots of low-cost tree services. Some employ unqualified workers, ignore local regulations, and cut corners, resulting in poor safety standards.

This exposes you to unnecessary financial risk and/or prosecution.

Fines for damaging a protected tree

Trees in NSW are regulated by local council. Pruning or removing a tree without a permit could land you with a hefty fine. And some Local Government Areas (LGA) offer rewards of up to $10k for information that leads to a successful prosecution.

There are on the spot fines of $3k. And fines up to $1.1m if the case goes to The Land and Environmental Court of New South Wales.

Tree companies that ignore permit regulations put you at risk. Some LGA’s claim that tree companies deliberately ignore requirements to win the job. Or, cut corners, ignoring safe tree work standards. Which can invalidate your insurance and permit.

Advice to tree owners

The following is an excerpt from a Sydney LGA website:

Tree work is inherently dangerous. Residents, unqualified loppers and arborists are injured, or killed undertaking this work every year across Australia. The following recommendations are provided to assist you in selecting a Contract Arborist:

  • Beware of door knockers offering to cut trees cheaply for cash – they are often intimidating, uninsured and use poor work practices.
  • Poor cutting outside the Australian Standard Pruning Amenity Trees (AS4373-2007) can compromise a tree’s health and structure, making trees unsafe.
  • Only engage an arborist with minimum qualification Australian Qualification Framework Level 3 (Certificate) in Arboriculture.
  • Ensure the contract arborist is fully insured, and that the insurance is for tree work. Gardening insurance has a height limit on works.
  • Most home insurance does not cover tree work. You may be liable for any injury or damage caused by (or to) uninsured persons.
  • Ask to see proof of qualifications and current insurance, including public liability and workers’ compensation.
  • Ask for a detailed written quote with full business details, including their ABN.
https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/living-here/trees/trees-on-private-property

In most cases tree permits are granted on the condition that work is carried out by an AQF qualified arborist. And that all work complies with Australian Standards AS 4373—2007 Pruning of amenity trees. Failure to meet these conditions put’s you at risk.

Some businesses advertise tree services, yet do not have AQF qualified Arborists working for them. Or hire workers that are inexperienced and unqualified. If only one site worker is unqualified, this could invalidate the insurance cover.

Tree work is one of the most dangerous industries. Hiring a professional tree service company will help reduce the risk.

If an accident does occur, you want peace of mind knowing that you are fully covered.

Thanks again for using ConsumerGuide.com.au. We hope you have found this service valuable.

We strive to provide you with quality and accurate information so you can make an informed buying decision.

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