How We Can Help With Your Trees

A large tree doesn’t necessarily need to be removed.

Depending on the species, condition and structure of the tree, we may be able to selectively prune or reduce parts of the canopy while keeping the tree looking natural.

If the tree has simply outgrown the space available, is creating ongoing problems or isn’t suitable for where it has been planted, removal may be the better long-term option.

We can have a look and talk you through the practical options rather than automatically recommending removal.

Sometimes.

How much a tree can safely be reduced depends on the species, its condition and the way it has grown.

Some trees respond well to careful reduction, while cutting too much from others can create weak regrowth or permanently damage the tree.

We’ll let you know what sort of reduction is realistic. If we don’t think reducing it heavily is a good idea, we’ll tell you that too.

Often, yes.

Good tree pruning isn’t just about cutting branches off. We look at the overall structure of the tree and try to make changes without leaving it looking hacked or unbalanced.

Depending on what you’re trying to achieve, we may recommend selective thinning, reduction, canopy lifting or removing particular branches rather than cutting the entire canopy back.

Usually, Yes.

Selective pruning can sometimes improve the amount of light reaching your house, lawn or garden without severely reducing the tree.

This may involve thinning selected areas of the canopy, lifting lower branches or reducing branches growing towards the house.

There is a limit to how much foliage should be removed at once, so we’ll recommend an approach that balances what you want to achieve with the health of the tree.

Yes.

We call this a canopy lift.

It can be useful when lower branches are hanging over lawns, paths, driveways, fences or other areas where more clearance is needed.

Rather than cutting branches randomly, we’ll look at the structure of the tree and remove appropriate lower branches while trying to keep the tree balanced.

Yes.

We regularly prune trees around Christchurch and Canterbury properties where branches have grown towards or over houses, garages, gutters and other buildings.

We can selectively reduce or remove branches to provide suitable clearance while trying to maintain the natural shape of the tree.

How much clearance we can achieve will depend on the species and where the main branches are growing.

It’s worth having it looked at.

Small branches brushing against a roof or gutter may only require relatively minor pruning.

Larger limbs growing directly towards a house may require more careful work, particularly if removing them could affect the shape or balance of the tree.

We can assess the tree and work out the most sensible way to create clearance.

We can often improve the situation by pruning branches growing directly over the house, but pruning won’t stop a tree producing leaves altogether.

If the tree is otherwise healthy and well positioned, targeted pruning may provide enough clearance to make gutter maintenance easier.

If the tree has completely outgrown the space beside the house, we can also discuss whether ongoing pruning or removal makes more sense.

Yes, in most situations.

We regularly work around established gardens, lawns, fences, decks, sheds and other areas where care is needed.

Branches can often be lowered using ropes rather than simply dropped onto the ground.

For larger jobs we can plan the work around the site and use appropriate climbing, rigging and machinery to minimize disturbance.

In most situations we can minimize the impact considerably.

On tight residential properties we regularly dismantle trees one section at a time rather than felling the entire tree from ground level.

Branches and timber can be controlled with ropes and rigging where necessary to protect fences, gardens, buildings and other property underneath.

Every site is different, so we’ll look at what is around the tree before deciding how it should come down.

Sometimes it’s obvious. Other times it isn’t.

Tree removal may be worth considering if a tree is dead, badly declining, structurally unsafe, repeatedly causing damage, growing in an unsuitable position or has simply become too large for the space available.

But removal isn’t always necessary.

If pruning or managing the tree is a sensible option, we’re happy to talk you through that as well.

It depends on what problem you’re trying to solve.

If the tree is healthy and the main problem is clearance, size or a few problem branches, pruning may be enough.

If the tree has become unsuitable for the property, is unsafe, in poor condition or would require constant heavy pruning to keep it under control, removal may make more sense long term.

We can look at both options when we quote the work.

We can assess the visible condition and structure of the tree and discuss anything that concerns us.

Things such as large cracks, broken limbs, significant decay, sudden leaning, root movement or major structural defects can sometimes indicate a problem.

At the same time, an unusual-looking tree isn’t necessarily dangerous.

If something about your tree has changed suddenly or you’re worried about it, send us some photos or arrange for us to have a look.

Yes.

We remove everything from small garden trees through to large mature trees requiring climbing, rigging, machinery and carefully planned sectional dismantling.

Large trees are generally broken down into manageable pieces rather than simply felled in one go when there are buildings, fences, gardens or other obstacles nearby.

We also have multiple trucks, wood chippers and a digger with grapple available for jobs where machinery can make processing larger timber more efficient.

Yes.

Tight residential sites are one of the situations where sectional dismantling is particularly useful.

Rather than trying to fell the whole tree, we can remove it piece by piece and lower sections where required.

We’ll need to look at the available working space, access and surrounding buildings before deciding on the best method.

Yes.

A lot of residential tree work involves properties where there isn’t enough room to simply fell a tree.

Trees can usually be dismantled progressively by a climber, with branches and timber lowered or controlled as required.

Limited access can affect how quickly material can be removed from the property, but it doesn’t necessarily prevent the tree from being removed.

Yes

Our truck, chipper or machinery doesn’t need to be parked beside the tree.

If access is limited, tree material can be carried or dragged out to the chipper.

Long distances, steps, narrow paths or steep sections can make a job more labour intensive, so access is something we take into account when quoting.

Usually, yes.

Once our crew, trucks and equipment are already onsite, additional trees can often be completed more efficiently.

If you’re thinking about having several trees pruned or removed, it’s worth showing us everything while we’re there quoting.

We’ll price the job as a whole rather than simply multiplying the cost of one tree.

It varies considerably.

Tree height is only one part of the price. We also look at trunk size, canopy size, access, surrounding buildings and gardens, how the tree needs to be dismantled and how much material needs to be removed.

A tree with excellent access and plenty of room may be relatively straightforward. A similar-sized tree between houses could require considerably more work.

If you’d like a rough idea before arranging a quote, you can use our online Tree Removal Cost Estimator.

For an exact price, we provide free onsite quotes.

Yes. Many large trees can be removed without a crane.

Our arborists can climb the tree and dismantle it progressively, using ropes and rigging to control branches and sections of timber.

Whether this is the best method depends on the tree, access and what is underneath it.

There are jobs where specialist machinery or a crane may be useful, but having a large tree doesn’t automatically mean a crane is required.

Yes.

We can remove broken or hanging branches, clear fallen trees and assess trees that have been damaged by strong winds.

Sometimes a damaged tree can be retained after corrective pruning. Other times the damage may be severe enough that removal is the safer option.

If something has changed suddenly after a storm, send us some photos and let us know what has happened.

A sudden change is worth taking seriously.

Some trees naturally grow on an angle and may have been stable for many years. A tree that has recently started leaning, particularly if there is visible soil movement or lifted roots around the base, can be a different situation.

If you’re concerned, keep people away from the area and contact us so the tree can be assessed.

Not always, but larger dead branches over houses, driveways, paths and areas where people regularly spend time are worth looking at.

Deadwood can eventually break away naturally.

We can remove significant dead branches as part of a general tree prune while retaining healthy growth.

Possibly.

A crack doesn’t automatically mean the entire tree needs to come down.

The location and size of the crack, the tree species and the structure around it all matter.

We can inspect what is visible and discuss whether pruning, monitoring or removal is the most sensible option.

Possibly, but trees around electricity lines need to be treated differently from ordinary tree work.

How the job is handled will depend on how close the branches are to the lines and what type of lines are involved.

Let us know about the powerlines when requesting a quote and we’ll assess the situation before any work is planned.

If a tree or branch is touching powerlines or there appears to be an immediate electrical hazard, stay clear and contact your local electricity network provider first.

Often, yes.

Sloping ground changes how we plan the job and may limit where trucks or machinery can go, but it doesn’t necessarily prevent the work from being completed.

Our climbing and rigging equipment allows us to work in many locations where machinery cannot reach.

We’ll assess access and terrain when quoting the work.

Usually.

These are exactly the types of obstacles we consider when planning tree work.

Branches can often be rigged and lowered into clear areas rather than dropped directly underneath the tree.

Let us know about anything particularly fragile or important when we look at the job.

Yes.

We trim everything from small garden hedges through to large established boundary hedges that homeowners can no longer safely reach themselves.

We can trim the sides and tops, tidy the shape and remove the clippings when we’re finished.

Often, yes.

How far a hedge can be reduced depends on the species and how much live growth remains.

Some hedges respond well to fairly substantial reduction. Others can be permanently damaged if they are cut too far back into old wood.

We’ll have a look and let you know what sort of reduction is likely to give the best result.

Possibly.

If there is healthy foliage further inside the hedge, it may be possible to reduce the width considerably.

Some species don’t regenerate well from old bare wood, so taking too much off at once can leave a hedge with permanent brown or empty areas.

We’ll recommend a realistic amount to remove rather than promising a result the hedge isn’t capable of producing.

For many established hedges, trimming roughly every four to six months keeps them much easier to manage.

Fast-growing hedges may need attention more often, while slower-growing varieties may only need trimming once or twice a year.

Regular maintenance generally produces a better result than allowing the hedge to become heavily overgrown and then trying to cut it back all at once.

Yes.

We provide stump grinding and can include it with your tree removal quote.

Our stump grinder removes the main stump below ground level, generally around 150–200 mm where site conditions allow.

No.

If the stump is somewhere out of the way and you don’t mind it being there, it can usually be left.

Stump grinding is particularly useful if the stump is in a lawn, creating a trip hazard, taking up useful space or getting in the way of future landscaping.

Yes.

We regularly grind existing stumps.

It doesn’t matter whether we removed the original tree.

Send us a photo and an approximate measurement across the widest part of the stump and we can usually get a good idea of what will be involved.

Usually, but planting directly into the exact same spot isn’t always ideal in some situations.

Stump grinding removes the main stump but there will normally still be some deeper roots remaining underground.

If you’re planning landscaping or replanting, let us know. We can discuss how much of the stump needs to be ground and whether moving the new planting position slightly would be easier.

Yes.

Most customers ask us to remove everything.

Branches are generally chipped directly into our trucks and larger timber is cut into manageable sections for removal.

We leave the work area tidy when we’re finished.

Yes.

If you’d like to keep suitable timber for firewood, let us know when we’re quoting.

We can discuss what timber you’d like left and where you would like it placed.

Usually.

If you’d like the freshly chipped material left at your property, let us know before we start.

Fresh arborist chip can be useful around established gardens and trees.

If you’re specifically looking for aged garden mulch ready to spread around your property, we also supply aged arborist mulch through Canterbury Mulch Delivery.

Yes.

We undertake individual tree removals as well as jobs involving multiple trees, vegetation and larger property clean-ups.

For suitable sites we can use our digger with grapple, trucks and wood chippers to process larger amounts of material efficiently.

If you’re clearing a section or have several trees that need work, it’s usually best for us to look at everything together.

Depending on what’s growing there, yes.

We can remove trees, woody vegetation and branches and process the resulting tree material.

For larger sites we’ll look at access and determine what combination of labor, chippers, trucks and machinery will make the job most efficient.

Send us some photos or arrange an onsite quote and we can discuss what you’d like cleared.

Most homeowners won’t need to work this out before contacting us.

Some trees, vegetation and sites in Christchurch are subject to District Plan protections or other requirements, and certain work may require Council approval or resource consent.

If there is any reason to think your tree may be protected, it should be checked before removal or significant pruning takes place.

If you’re unsure, tell us when requesting your quote and we can identify whether further checking is required.

Overhanging branches can often be pruned, but we need to consider where the property boundary is, access to the tree and how pruning may affect its health and structure.

If the tree belongs to a neighbor, it’s usually a good idea to talk with them before arranging significant work.

We can look at the tree and advise what pruning would be practical from an arboricultural point of view.

Usually, yes, providing the work can be completed safely and appropriately.

We don’t want to cut a tree so heavily on one side that it becomes unhealthy, badly unbalanced or unsafe.

If access to the neighboring property is needed, permission will need to be arranged before work begins.

We can generally trim an overhanging hedge or shrub back towards the property boundary, provided the work won’t make the plant unsafe or cause unnecessary damage.

If we need access to the neighboring property to complete the work safely, permission will need to be arranged before we start.

If you’re unsure what can reasonably be trimmed, we can have a look and talk through the options.

Often, yes.

Clear photos of the whole tree, leaves, bark and any flowers or fruit can help.

There are some species that are difficult to identify from photos alone, but in many cases we can give you a good idea of what you’re dealing with when we inspect the property.

Knowing the species can also help us decide how it is likely to respond to pruning.

Absolutely.

Photos are often helpful, particularly if you aren’t sure how to describe the problem.

Try to include a photo showing the whole tree or hedge as well as what is around it.

For larger or more complicated work we’ll still normally want to look at the site before giving you a firm quote, but photos are a great place to start.

Sometimes we can give you a good idea.

For straightforward work, photos can help us understand what you’re trying to achieve.

For large trees, potentially unsafe trees, difficult access or jobs around buildings and powerlines, an onsite look is usually the best way to properly assess the work.

You don’t need to know what type of pruning or tree work to ask for. Just tell us what’s bothering you.

Yes.

Not every arborist job involves a huge tree. When a tree is young it is a great time to prune and promote a good branch structure and prune out any defects. Even freshly planted trees from nursery’s can often benefit from some structural pruning.

We work on small garden trees, ornamental trees and young trees as well as large mature trees requiring specialist climbing and rigging.

If you aren’t sure whether your job is too small, send us a photo.

Yes.

Canterbury Tree Experts is fully insured, including $5 million public liability cover.

We also carry insurance for our equipment and machinery.

Tree work often takes place around homes, vehicles, fences, gardens and other property, so proper insurance and careful work practices are important. Copies of our insurance certificates can be provided with your quote for extra peace of mind.

Tree work is what we do every day.

Ben has worked in the industry for over 15 years, and the experienced qualified arborists in our crew have also spent many years working with trees.

Between the team we handle everything from straightforward residential pruning through to large sectional tree removals requiring climbing, rigging and machinery.

You can learn more about us on our About page.

Yes.

Cleaning up is part of the job.

Branches are chipped, larger pieces of timber are processed and the main work area is tidied before we leave.

If you’ve asked us to leave firewood or woodchip behind, we’ll agree on where you’d like it placed.

Yes.

Canterbury Tree Experts is based in Christchurch, but we regularly travel throughout Christchurch, North Canterbury and the wider Canterbury region for tree removal, pruning, hedge trimming, stump grinding and other arborist work.

A large part of our work is residential, but we also work on lifestyle blocks, larger properties and rural sites where access, larger trees or multiple trees may require more equipment.

If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, send us your location and a few details about the job. For suitable work, we’re happy to travel further across Canterbury.

Yes.

We work throughout the Rolleston, Lincoln, Prebbleton, West Melton and Templeton areas and travel further through Selwyn for suitable jobs.

This includes tree removal, pruning, hedge trimming, stump grinding and larger property clean-ups.

Yes — North Canterbury is an area we work in regularly and would like to do even more work in.

We travel north of Christchurch for jobs in and around Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Woodend, Pegasus, Waikuku, Ravenswood, Cust and Oxford, as well as surrounding rural and lifestyle properties.

We take on everything from individual tree pruning and hedge trimming through to large tree removals, multiple-tree jobs and property clearing.

If you have several trees, a large removal, shelterbelt work or other substantial tree work, don’t assume you’re too far away. Send us the details and we can let you know.

We work throughout Christchurch and the surrounding suburbs.

Our regular work takes us across areas such as  Mairehau, St Albans, Parklands, Belfast, Northwood, Redwood, Marshland, Cashmere, Sumner, Halswell,  Templeton and Rolleston along with surrounding parts of the city.

Because our crews work across Christchurch every week, we don’t restrict ourselves to a small group of suburbs.

Whether you have a small pruning job, an overgrown hedge or a large tree that needs dismantling, you’re welcome to get in touch for a free quote.

Yes.

We travel to Banks Peninsula and Akaroa for tree work, particularly where there is enough work to make a full day.

This can include tree removals, pruning several trees, hedge trimming, shelterbelt work, storm damage and larger jobs.

If you’re in Akaroa or elsewhere on Banks Peninsula, send us some photos and a brief description of what you’d like done. We can usually get a good idea of whether the job is suitable and plan the work so our crew can make the most of the day while we’re there.

Yes.

A reasonable amount of our work is on larger sections, lifestyle blocks and rural properties around Canterbury.

These jobs can involve anything from pruning a few established trees through to multiple removals, large hedges, storm damage and clearing larger amounts of woody vegetation.

For suitable jobs we can bring our trucks, chippers and digger with grapple, which can make handling larger volumes of tree material much more efficient.

Not at all.

The locations listed above are simply some of the areas we work in most often.

We travel throughout wider Canterbury, and whether a job is practical usually depends more on the type and amount of work than the town itself.

If you’re outside our usual Christchurch service area, send us your location, some photos and a brief description of what you need done. We’ll let you know whether we can come out and quote it.