Factors to document before requesting proposals
A provider may need to consider site access, nearby structures, overhead or underground services, the work zone, equipment access, waste handling, stump treatment and any approval conditions. These factors describe scope; they do not produce a reliable price without an onsite assessment.
Property and access
Describe gates, driveways, slopes, shared access and areas that may need protection. Do not climb or enter a hazardous area to collect measurements.
Nearby assets and services
Identify buildings, fences, roads and known utility assets from a safe location. The provider must determine the controls and work method.
Requested outcome
State whether the enquiry concerns pruning, removal, stump treatment, debris handling or advice. Do not assume removal is the only suitable outcome.
Written inclusions
Ask each provider to identify the proposed scope, exclusions, access assumptions, site protection, waste handling and responsibility for approvals.
Provider details
Ask who will assess and perform the work, what role each person has, and what evidence supports any stated qualifications, insurance or permissions.
Changes and unknowns
Ask how concealed conditions, access changes, utility requirements or approval conditions would be documented before extra work proceeds.
Check approval requirements for the property
Tree controls can depend on the council, planning scheme, property, species, location and proposed work. A rule or exemption from one council should not be carried across to another property.
Before authorising work, confirm the current requirements with the council for the property. Ask who is responsible for an application, supporting material, written approval and any conditions. Keep the council's written response with the project records.
Government and industry starting points
These links are starting points, not a national rulebook or property-specific assessment. Check the stated geographic and organisational limits before relying on a source.
Service NSW
Removing trees on your property
A New South Wales only starting point explaining that tree-removal rules differ by council and that property owners should seek advice from their local council before work.
Limit: This source applies to New South Wales only. Other jurisdictions and councils have their own rules and processes.
Open sourceAusgrid
Fallen powerlines
Electrical-hazard guidance for the Ausgrid network area, including keeping away from fallen powerlines and contacting emergency services where life is threatened.
Limit: Ausgrid serves part of New South Wales. For another network area, use the electricity distributor responsible for the property.
Open sourceArboriculture Australia
Arborist directory
An industry association directory that can be used as one starting point when researching arboricultural providers by location and member type.
Limit: This is an industry association directory, not a regulator or endorsement. Check the proposed person, scope, qualifications and insurance independently.
Open sourceCompare the same written scope
Proposals are difficult to compare when one includes stump treatment, debris handling or access equipment and another does not. Give each provider the same information, then compare inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, approval responsibilities and the proposed work method. Ask questions where descriptions differ rather than treating the lowest total as an equivalent offer.
Start a site-specific tree-removal enquiry
Supplier availability varies by location and project. An enquiry does not guarantee supplier contact, a response or a quote. Information submitted to The Wombat is not an inspection, diagnosis, approval or work specification; confirm the provider, scope and property requirements independently before proceeding.
Start a tree-removal enquiry