1. Can I remove a tree myself?
Some circumstances would allow you to remove trees on your own without the need for council approval such as smaller trees or dead trees that won’t require you powerful equipment to cut it or ladder to do it.
However, if you are unsure about it, it is best that you contact a professional arborist right away. This is not only to ensure your safety, but also to save you from the potential costly damages it may bring to your property, neighbouring structures, and the health of other trees and plants nearby. Some tree species are also protected by the local council, which you should seek approval first before cutting.
2. Is it important to remove tree stumps?
Removing tree stumps is the final stage of totally getting rid of the tree. Allowing it to decay on its own may pose serious threat to the health and safety of all living organisms surrounding it. With this, it is a must to remove it. Unless you want to grow the tree back, there is no reason to keep its stump in place.
Stump removal can be performed by using a grinding machine that breaks it down into smaller wood chips. You can then recycle these chips or put to green waste, whichever you prefer. A professional tree removal service can help you find the safest and the most practical way to use or dispose the stump.
3. Do I need permission remove a tree?
Local councils will do whatever it takes to avoid wasting a tree and stop unnecessary removals. This is especially true when the tree species subject for removal is under their protection. With this, it is wise to make sure to check up on the laws of your local council to confirm you have got the right information for your district.
You may easily get an approval from the local to cut at tree if it falls in these categories:
- Dead tree;
- Tree with falling branches;
- Weak tree;
- Infested tree;
4. Can I cut a neighbour’s tree?
Legally, when the main trunk of the tree is located at your neighbour’s yard, then they are the rightful owner. This means you can’t just cut this tree. However, you are free to trim branches that go over your fence and litter your yard but you have to make sure that you don’t compromise the health and safety of the entire tree when doing so. In situations like these, it is best that you contact a professional arborist to prevent any issues and damages.
5. How much does it cost to grind a stump?
Numerous factors impact the cost of stump grinding and removal. As a general guide, removal of:
- For small stumps: can start at $100+
- For medium stumps: $200+
- For large stumps: $350+
Furthermore, stump grinding can range anywhere up to $1000 dependant on other factors involved, and such is inclusive of setup time, making the price based per metre. However, these costs can greatly change depending on other circumstances.
6. What is the best way to remove a tree?
The size of the tree dictates the method of removing it. However, the easiest way to cut down a tree is to use a chain saw. Ensure that you clear the area – not children or pets should be around.
Removing a tree stump takes different forms; you can dig out the stump using a shovel for small stumps.
But if the stump is too big to dig out, use a chemical stump remover. Drill eight holes in the stump and pour the chemical. Give it 4-6 weeks to rot then dig it out with a shovel.
7. How does an aborist differ from a tree surgeon?
An arborist is a trained individual who plants, maintain, as well as perform hazard assessments on individual trees, vines, shrubs or other perennial woody plant species.
By contrast, a tree surgeon basically, works on trees to maintain, i.e., prunes and treats old and damaged trees to preserve them. To be a tree surgeon mean using power tools, to work on tree heights.
8. How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?
Prices for individual jobs for tree surgeons can vary from $100 – $5,000 or more, depending on the requirement and surrounding circumstances.
The average cost of removing a tree is around $850, however the location of the tree on your property can be a defining factor.
Other factors that can play a key part in pricey your quote will be:
Tree species – larger trees with larger branches like gum trees will cost you more
Tree weight – the heavier the tree, the heavier the job and more labour intensive
Accessibility – if the tree is restricted behind a building or anything else it can cause difficulty when trying to carry out the tree work, and slow down the job and cost more money
Risk factor – if there is danger to the tree surgeon when carrying out the work, will mean a higher rate is charged to match the high risk.
9. Why is tree removal so expensive?
Tree removal has many facets. The principal reason for the increased cost is insurance. The tree removal comes with higher risks, which means the high premium for operation. Insurance may be as high as 25 per cent of what an employee earns.
Besides, employees earn skilled labour wages, let alone the equipment being expensive and requiring continuous maintenance or replacement.