Gold Coast Tree Care

What is an arborist?

An arborist is a person who has expert knowledge and training in the science and art of maintaining, caring for and planting of individual trees. An arborist offers a variety of certified services including tree pruning, emergency tree trimming, risk assessment and tree removal, along with the indentification and treatment of pests and disease.

What areas do you service?

Our arborists provide full tree maintenance and care throughout the Gold Coast and hinterland region.

Are you insured?

Yes, we have $20m Public Liability insurance, Worker's Compensation cover, and comprehensive Vehicle insurance.

Can you quote over the phone?

Trees are like people - they are all different, as are the landscapes that surround them. With so many variables that can influence our costs, such as tree size, access and equipment needed, a site inspection is necessary to determine the time, effort and equipment required for the job.

Obligation free site inspections are available where certified arborists can inspect and offer recommendations as to the best strategy for improving or maintaining the health of your trees.

Can I do tree pruning myself?

Yes, anyone can hire a chainsaw, however the larger the tree, the greater the safety risk in pruning and removal, especially when working from heights. The use of high powered arborist equipment is an extremely dangerous practice. Every year, inexperienced homeowners suffer serious injuries due to chainsaw related accidents.

In addition, buildings and structures are often damaged by falling trees and limbs due to a home handyman's lack of training and knowhow.

We suggest all tree pruning, trimming and removal be left with qualified tree care professionals who will get the job done efficiently and safely, while promoting proper growth and health in the trees.

Reputable arborists also have Public Liability insurance, so if an accident was to happen with associated damage, the property owner is covered by insurance.

Is there a difference between tree lopping and tree pruning?

Yes, a huge difference. The accepted practice of tree pruning enhances a tree's appearance and health, while improving it's structure, strength and safety. The complete opposite applies to Tree Lopping, which involves the random removal of branches and limb's for the sole purpose of reducing a tree's size.

Tree Lopping is not recommended due to the long-term negative effects it has on the natural shape, appearance, health and structure of the tree.

Can I keep the mulch and/or timber?

During a site inspection, we will ask whether you would like to keep the mulch or timber sections from the tree. If either are not required, we will include this in the quote and remove for you at the end of the job.

What happens to the tree material that is removed?

All small to medium sized branches and trunk material is put through the wood chipper and becomes fresh mulch. Any limbs or trunk that is too large for the wood chipper, is recycled as firewood.

If I keep the mulch, can I use it on my garden immediately?

Fresh mulch takes at least 12 months to start decomposing. During this time, harmful tannins leach from the mulch, nitrogen is drawn from the soil, and the mulch get's extremely hot. Therefore, we recommend that all fresh mulch is left to decompose for at least 12 months, prior to use in gardens and around small trees.

When is the best time to plant trees?

Trees on the Gold Coast can be planted any time of the year. Plants and trees go dormant in winter, and if not established or protected, can be damaged by dry, westerly winds in August. So planting from September through March gives trees the best opportunity to become established during the optimum growth period.

What happens if a tree falls in my property during a storm?

Contact your insurance company who will advise as to whether your policy covers tree damage, and will give details as to the procedure for requesting quotes and making a claim. Contact one of our certified aborists for an obligation free site assessment and quotation.

Can you remove the stumps?

When it comes to medium and large tree stumps, property owners have two options. Firstly, have the stump and root ball dug out with heavy machinery such as an excavator or backhoe. This can be a costly exercise, that damages the grounds surrounding the stump where the roots have been removed.

Stump removal is suitable for construction sites where clear, clean building pads are required. The stump and root ball may need to be taken to a waste facility for disposal.

The second option is to grind the stump down to below ground level with a stump grinder. This method is relatively inexpensive, with minimal damage to surrounding grounds, Over time, there will be some soil shrinkage with depressions due to root and root ball decomposition.

How long will it take for a stump to decompose naturally?

Depends on the species of tree and the size of the stump. A large hardwood stump could take 20 years for the roots to decompose. During that time, you must live with the inconvenience, unsightly appearance, safety hazard and threat of termite infestation.

What will my property look like after the work is done?

We aim to leave each property looking better than it did when we arrived. We mulch and remove all wood, branches and debris unless otherwise directed by the property owner. We take every precaution to minimise the impact that our equipment has on the landscape.

Do I need Council permission to prune or remove a tree?

If you would like to substantially prune or remove a tree on your property, a Gold Coast City Council application may be required. A GCCC checklist is available which helps determine whether a permit is required to remove or damage a tree. Guidelines are also available on how to make an application.