General FAQs

Yes we have all necessary insurances these include workers compensation for our staff and public liability for third party and property. You will receive copies of these when we send you the quote.

We are members of the following associations:

  • AA – Arboricultural Australia (former NAAA)
  • ISA – International Society of Arboricultural

Priority Tree Services was established in 1995. Over this time we have built a client base in both the residential and commercial markets that continue to utilise our services on a regular basis and refer ne clients to us.

Tree Removal/Pruning FAQs

Each council has a slightly different TPO (Tree Preservation Order) so if you are not sure check your local council. We also have links and summaries of several councils TPO’s on our website. If you are still not sure our consultant are very familiar with the councils we work in and will be able to advise you on this.

There is typically an application form which needs to be filled out and an application fee usual applies with most councils. These forms can be downloaded from the various council sites. We have some links and downloads on our site so maybe check there first. If you need help please let the consultant now on the day.

Yes we are able to assist you with completing and submitting the application on your behalf. The council fees would be applicable and an administration fee to complete the forms.

If council does not issue consent for the work you have the option to appeal the decision. Under most circumstances they will issue consent for pruning if the declined complete removal of the tree.

Our consultants that do the quotes have qualifications in the field to various levels and several years industry experience. This ensures that we can offer you the best solution to solve the problem.

Yes we take all of the tree debris away as part of our quote unless it is specified otherwise on the quote. If you chose the wood can be cut to firewood length and mulch can be left if you would like to use it on your gardens.

We always leave your property as clean or cleaner than when we arrived. Our existing clients are always delighted at the state we leave their property. Check out the testimonials on the website.

All of work it is done in a controlled manner where we use ropes and pulleys to lower the cut pieces to the ground. This allows us to work around any obstacles. Our staff are very careful and will also move any objects in the work area prior to starting, such as pots, furniture and other items.

We never use “climbing spurs” when we prune trees as these damage the tree. We use ropes and harnesses to access the tree and branches.

This is not typically done anymore as research has shown that the tree has its own means of sealing the wound and preventing decay. If any concerns discuss this with the consultant.

There are several factors we need to consider when removing trees with the most important being safety for our staff and your property. Aside from the traditional method of using ropes and pulleys we use cranes, cherry pickers and in very rare instances helicopters. Our consultant will work out the best solution for your site and discuss this with you.

Our work crews usually consist of a team of three with a climber and two ground crew. On larger jobs or where we need to cart the materials longer distances we may have more staff on-site.

We regularly have clients that are not there when the work gets carried out, but it can be interesting to watch if you have not had tree work done previously .The work crew will have a copy of the quote and will know what needs to be done. The work crew is self sufficient and no power is required.

Stump Grinding FAQs

We use stump grinders of various sizes that grind the stumps and roots into shavings. We typically grind to a depth of 150mm-200mm below ground level but are able to go deeper if required. If you need the stump ground deeper please be sure to let us know.

Our smaller machines fit through a standard width gate. They are climb up standard stair treads. Raised garden beds and retaining walls can be mediated using ramps in most instances.

There is no restriction on size of the stump we are able to remove. We have removed stumps that are larger than the size of a car. Our larger machines are able to grind any size stump with ease.

Yes. We do recommended however that if you are laying turf or paving the area, that the shavings are removed first and replaced with good soil to give the new plants a better growing environment. If you are paving you may want to back fill with paving sand or gravel to prevent subsidence.

If you are not sure if there are any services in the area we recommend that a service location is carried out to clearly locate any services. “Dial Before You Dig” gives you approximate location but cannot be relied upon for accuracy. Test holes or trenches can be dug to a depth of the grinding to check for any services prior to grinding.

If a service location has been carried out and we damage the services it will be our responsibility to fix them at our cost. If no location was carried out then you may be responsible for any repairs. That being said this occurs very rarely as we still dig test holes if we have any concerns and in most instances the services run in a direct line to the point of connection so we are able with a certain degree of accuracy determine where they are.

The larger the stump the more grindings there will be. With smaller stumps the grindings usually get mixed in reasonable well with the soil during the grinding process and will not be a problem. With larger stumps however the excess may need to be removed as it will be made up mostly of wood shavings with little soil content. It can readily be used as a mulch in established gardens, but best not left in a concentrated area as it will not break down very well.