Removing trees from the outdoor area

You might have extensions or landscaping works in mind, and need the tree out of the way. The roots of the tree may be causing damage to building foundations, paths, garden walls or underground pipes; or the tree may be stressed, damaged, old or diseased and threatening to drop branches or even fall.

Removing trees to make way for landscape

You might have extensions or landscaping works in mind, and need the tree out of the way. The roots of the tree may be causing damage to building foundations, paths, garden walls or underground pipes; or the tree may be stressed, damaged, old or diseased and threatening to drop branches or even fall.

Consulting with local council

Colin Saul, arborist from Just Love Trees in Queensland, has been in the business of lopping, removing and saving trees for around 15 years. He suggests that the first thing you should do when considering the fate of a tree is to check out the guidelines and regulations put in place by your local council.

"Some councils don't have regulations or restrictions and you can do what you like with the tree," he says. "But some don't let you do anything at all, and you have to leave the tree untouched. Sometimes this will depend on where you live, like if you're backing onto a wildlife corridor."

Most regulations will specify what constitutes a 'significant tree' that is subject to restrictions. Usually it will relate to the width of the trunk and the height of the tree - generally a tree of about 6 metres or higher will be deemed significant.

If you have such a tree, and you have checked your local council guidelines to confirm that you are allowed to remove or lop it, the next step is to call in a tree professional.

Choosing the right tree professional

By and large, tree professionals can be divided into two broad categories: arborists (tree 'surgeons') and tree 'loppers'. Arborists have several years education and training in arboriculture, and therefore have specialist knowledge on tree health, pruning, growth patterns and diseases.

While they tend to be more expensive, they are probably the best choice if your aim is to save a tree and secure its long-term survival. Tree loppers will also have many of the skills of an arborist, but may not have the same breadth of knowledge. However, they can be a more cost-effective choice if you simply want a tree removed.

If you're unsure, the best thing to do is ask around about the quality of each professional's work - you may find that a lopper in your area has a great reputation, while the qualified arborist doesn't.

Another thing to consider is whether or not your professional can take care of the chipping and mulching once the branches or tree is removed, or whether you have to arrange this yourself. Colin says you should also make sure that the person you use has the correct insurance before proceeding.

"It's better to ask up front than be sorry afterwards if something goes wrong," he says.

Contact a tree remover in your area to find out how you can remove old trees from your landscape: