Frequently Asked Question

Arborists are tree industry professionals who have obtained an AQF Cert III qualification in arboriculture.

You should always hire an arborist for tree and large plant maintenance and/or removal: they are trained to follow Australian standards of tree pruning and care, ensuring the best results for trees, the ecosystem and the safety of nearby residents.
 
With over 15 years of arboricultural experience, the Arb Culture team are fully insured and qualified (AQF certificate III in arboriculture) to carry out all aspects of tree and plant removal and pruning.

There are a number of reasons why a tree might need pruning. It may present a fire or storm damage risk, its foliage may be blocking solar panels, it may be causing conflict with your neighbours, or you may just want to thin it out.

In NSW, pruning can generally be carried out without council approval if it doesn't harm the tree's health or structure. However, it's always best to check with your council before pruning any trees. With 15+ years of experience operating within multiple Sydney council areas, Arb Culture is well acquainted with the rules and regulations around pruning trees and other large plants and can advise on whether you will need council approval.

It’s recommended that you have at least three metres of clearance between trees, palms, large plants and your building structure (ten metres in bushfire risk areas) to reduce the risk of fire damaging your property. Arb Culture’s specialist building clearance pruning service is designed to remove foliage in line with safety recommendations. We can also assess your property to determine whether any trees or other plants may need to be removed.

The rules around tree removal are complex and vary from council to council. In addition,you are at risk of a hefty fine if you remove a tree without approval.

Therefore, it’s essential that you investigate your local council’s requirements before embarking on any tree removal projects. With 15+ years of experience operating within multiple Sydney council areas, Arb Culture is well acquainted with the rules and regulations around tree removal, and can advise on whether you will need council approval.

The 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme was introduced following the devastating 2013 bush fires in which more than 200 properties were destroyed. If you have a parcel of land within an identified 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement area, the scheme allows you to:

• Clear trees on your property within 10 metres of a home without seeking approval; and
• Clear underlying vegetation (other than trees) such as shrubs on your property within 50 metres of a home, without seeking approval.

There may be other restrictions that apply, such as if your property is on a slope, or there are items of Aboriginal or cultural significance in the area. You can find out more information at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/1050-vegetation-clearing

Costs to remove a tree vary significantly depending on the size of the tree, its condition, its location and the difficulty to remove. For an accurate assessment and quote, contact us today.

Storm damage can be fatal for a tree, but not always. We recommend assessing the damaged tree before deciding on a course of action, taking into account its condition and whether it poses a danger to your property or the surrounding area. For an accurate assessment, contact us today.

There are pros and cons to both approaches; however, it is generally quicker and more convenient to grind a stump than attempt to dig it out. (Bear in mind that some stumps may be so large that they must be ground out!) For an accurate assessment and quote, contact us today.

Most hedges will need to be trimmed at least twice a year, depending on the type of hedge. Arb Culture’s bespoke hedge trimming schedules take into account the species of hedge, growth rate and patterns, its health and structure and your preferences. For an accurate assessment, contact us today.