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FAQs

Built on Integrity and Vision

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost?

Each job is unique, so our costs are variable. Contact us, and we’ll happily visit your property to provide a tailored quote.

No, lopping or ‘topping’ has been shown to increase the risk of failure, impairing the tree’s structural integrity. This practice is considered unacceptable within Australian Standards 4373-2007. If a tree is too large for the space it’s in, we generally recommend reduction pruning. This is a method of pruning a tree in a way that maintains its natural structure and health while also making it work with the space it’s in.
Cutting down trees is our last resort. We are a team of qualified arborists, and as arborists we are specialists in the care and maintenance of trees. Qualified arborists have been specially trained in the biological needs of trees and how to manage their health and wellbeing, including proper pruning and removal techniques. As arborists, we know that trees offer immeasurable value to our land and society, providing oxygen we breathe, habitat for species, reducing ambient temperature, providing shade/shelter, and lowering power use. Research has also shown that people are happier when they live and spend time in areas with more trees.

We’ll always try to preserve a healthy tree if we can. Additionally, we are bound by the laws in Canberra (the Urban Forest Act 2023) which requires you to obtain approval before removing a protected tree, even if it is on your property.

We are proud to be based in Canberra, where our local laws are industry leading in the preservation and protection of urban trees. The Urban Forest Act 2023 sets the requirements for working on, or around, protected trees on private and public land in our urban environment.

A tree on private land is protected if it:

  • is ⪰8m tall
  • has a canopy of ⪰8m
  • has a trunk circumference of ⪰1m, at 1.4m above natural ground level
  • is a dead native tree and, at 1.4m above natural ground level, has a trunk circumference of ⪰1.88m
  • was planted in the last 5 years as part of a canopy contribution agreement
  • is a registered tree. This means the tree has been identified as being of exceptional value and is listed in the ACT Tree Register.

If your tree is a protected (regulated) tree, it will require approval for works deemed major pruning or removal. The ACT Government has plenty of information on their website, which summarises the requirements under the Urban Forest Act 2023 and has loads of handy links. If you’re not sure, reach out with your job details, and we’ll be able to help you out.

Yes, we are happy to submit TAA’s on behalf of clients to seek government approval before undertaking tree work, however, we do charge for this service.

Charging a fee for site visits allows us to provide you with the best service for the management of your tree. It means we can provide impartial advice when quoting work, often saving you hundreds by taking the time to really understand the issue, rather than recommending work which may be unnecessary, have negative consequences on the tree’s health and structure, or not solve your issue. It reflects the value that we place on being progressive, responsible and engaged arborists.

To promote biodiversity and habitat for many other species of plants and animals and to limit the release of carbon back into the atmosphere.

Not inherently. Each tree is different and it will depend on what caused it to die as well as its current structure and form. Habitat pruning can reduce risks while allowing you to keep the deceased tree for biodiversity. It is recommended that we reinspect the tree every 3 years to provide an updated risk assessment.

Habitat pruning involves pruning dead trees and creating artificial hollows within a tree, to provide essential homes for native fauna, such as ghost bats and native birds. Creating artificial hollows requires specific tools, knowledge and specifications, as each animal has different needs when it comes to housing. Habitat pruning can be done to living or deceased trees; just contact us if you want to know more.

Getting us to do the job ensures the stump is removed safely without disrupting your underground services and minimises additional damage to the surrounding environment. If you’ve never tried, you can take our word for it; it’s far quicker and more effective than digging it out by hand

While stump grinding is very effective, without removing the entire root system, some species might regrow; however, this is rare. We can use chemicals and pesticides however we prefer to explore this after we’ve exhausted all our other options. Sometimes re-grinding after new growth has occurred will do the trick and avoid any chemicals being used.

We tailor our approach and equipment to the size, complexity and unique needs of each job. Generally, we’ll use the following resources during physical tree work:

  • climbing arborists
  • ground staff
  • hand and pole saws
  • woodchipper
  • stump grinder
  • chainsaws

We also regularly use Elevating Work Platforms (EWP), such as cherry pickers. These platforms can provide additional safety and efficiency on high jobs and can access small spaces to do tight-access work.

We recognise the need for special equipment on sensitive sites and use rigging to minimise risk to your property or garden during arborist work. If required, we will also source cranes owned and operated by a professional subcontractor to reduce the risk of damage.

We always encourage replanting (or new planting), but it is required when a regulated tree is removed, following approval from the ACT Government under the Urban Forest Act 2023.

At present, the ACT government requires most homeowners to replant two new trees for each regulated tree that is removed, these amounts differ for non-homeowners or if you already have a large percentage of canopy cover on your property. We can offer this service as part of the removal process, or if you’re happy to do it yourself, we can advise on the right species to replant in your yard.

Yes! We will happily complete large-scale replanting projects or provide professional arboricultural advice to maintain biodiversity and encourage regeneration and growth.

If you can make a positive identification of the tree, take a look at the Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005 to find out if it’s a listed weed in the ACT. You can use Google image search or other apps to help identify it.

Many pest species are very fast-growing and can sprout up in multiple places in your yard. If you notice this, contact us.

Our team of specialists take great care to identify pest species and selectively target these through manual removal and, if required, direct application of chemical treatment.

We can work in public areas with relevant permits to manage trees on private properties, or where work has been approved by the government as part of a development or construction project. The ACT Government is responsible for tree management on government (public unleased) land.

We use qualified local contractors when we need traffic control.

We consider several things when we assess a tree for transplanting, including its current condition, potential new location, species and chances of survival. We will happily quote and come out for a site visit, and if a transplant isn’t a viable option, we will provide options for replanting or achieving your desired outcome with the tree in situ.

If we’re under the pump and the client does not want mulch on site, we will endeavour to find a local resident to deliver to on our route. If this isn’t feasible, all extra green waste is taken to a local green waste facility that makes mulch for the public. The only exception is if the mulch contains a known pest species or contaminated waste, which we dispose of responsibly.

Absolutely – just let us know, and we’ll leave it in a convenient location on your property.

Yes, but contact your insurer first to get your claim approved to ensure your claim is covered.
Each insurer is a little different so best to call your company in the first instance.
Local Arborists, Exceptional Safety

Your Trusted Canberra Arboriculture Experts

As Canberra’s leading tree care specialists, Timbertops delivers reliable, expert arborist services, ensuring safety, sustainability, and exceptional quality for your home, business, or government projects.

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