Question 1

How long has Treemendous Tree Care been in business?

Accepted Answer

Treemendous Tree Care has been providing professional tree services throughout Sydney's Hills District and surrounding areas since 2005. During this time, we've completed thousands of successful tree projects across residential and commercial properties, establishing ourselves as one of the most trusted arboricultural specialists in the region.

Question 2

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Treemendous Tree Care is fully licensed and insured. We hold all required qualifications and licences for tree work in NSW, including AQF Level 5 certification for our consulting arborists. Our comprehensive insurance coverage includes public liability insurance to protect your property. Our team members are also covered by workers' compensation insurance for complete peace of mind during all tree operations on your property.

Question 3

What areas of Sydney do you service?

Accepted Answer

We provide our professional tree services throughout Sydney's Hills District (including Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville, Dural, Glenhaven, and surrounding suburbs), as well as parts of North Western Sydney, Northern Suburbs, and Western Sydney. We're happy to travel to most locations within approximately 40km of the Hills District for tree service projects.

Question 4

How do I get a quote for tree work?

Accepted Answer

Getting a quote is easy! Simply contact us via phone or through our online enquiry form with details about your tree service needs. For accurate quotes, we typically arrange a site visit to assess the trees, evaluate access considerations, discuss your specific requirements, and identify any potential challenges. This on-site assessment allows us to provide a detailed, transparent quote tailored to your specific project. Our quotes are obligation-free and include a comprehensive breakdown of the recommended work and costs.

Question 5

Do you provide emergency tree services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency tree services throughout our service area. Our emergency response team is equipped to handle storm-damaged trees, fallen branches, trees threatening structures, and other urgent tree situations. In genuine emergencies, we prioritise rapid response with an average arrival time of under 2 hours in the Hills District. Our emergency crews are fully equipped with the specialised tools needed to safely manage hazardous tree situations and prevent further property damage.

Question 6

Do I need council approval to remove a tree on my property?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Most councils in the Hills District and Sydney region have tree preservation orders or similar regulations that require approval before removing trees over a certain size (typically trees over 3-5 metres tall or with trunks wider than 15-30cm in diameter). Each council has different specific requirements. We can help determine if your tree requires council approval and assist with the application process, including providing supporting arborist reports if needed. Removing trees without required approvals can result in significant fines, so it's important to check before proceeding with any tree removal.

Question 7

How much does tree removal cost in the Hills District?

Accepted Answer

Tree removal costs vary significantly based on several factors including tree size, species, condition, location, access difficulties, and whether stump removal is included. As a general guide, small tree removals (under 5m) typically range from $400-$900, medium trees (5-10m) from $900-$2,500, and large trees (over 10m) from $2,500-$5,000+. Complex removals involving cranes, difficult access, or proximity to structures will be at the higher end of these ranges. We provide detailed, itemised quotes following an on-site assessment of your specific tree removal requirements.

Question 8

How do you ensure safety during tree removal?

Accepted Answer

Safety is our absolute priority during all tree removal operations. Our comprehensive approach includes: thorough pre-work risk assessments; establishing clear drop zones and exclusion areas; using appropriate personal protective equipment; employing qualified climbers and experienced ground crews; utilising specialised equipment like cranes when necessary for high-risk removals; implementing traffic management when working near roads; and following Australian Standard safety protocols. Our team members hold relevant certifications including working at heights qualifications, and we maintain all equipment to the highest standards to ensure safe, controlled tree removals.

Question 9

What's the difference between tree lopping and proper pruning?

Accepted Answer

Tree lopping refers to indiscriminate cutting of branches with little regard for tree health or structure, often involving removal of large sections of the canopy or topping (cutting off the top of the tree). This practice is highly damaging to trees, leading to stress, disease entry, unstable regrowth, and often shortening the tree's lifespan. In contrast, proper pruning follows Australian Standard AS 4373 guidelines, making specific cuts at appropriate points that maintain tree health and structure while achieving objectives like clearance, weight reduction, or deadwood removal. Professional arborists like our team use proper pruning techniques that consider the tree's biology and long-term health.

Question 10

When is the best time to prune trees in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

The ideal pruning time depends on the tree species and your pruning objectives. For most deciduous trees, late winter to early spring (August-September) is optimal when trees are dormant but about to enter the growth phase. For flowering trees, pruning is best after flowering has finished to avoid removing flower buds. Native Australian species like eucalyptus can generally be pruned year-round but often respond best to pruning in late summer to autumn. For deadwood removal or hazard reduction, pruning can be done at any time of year. During your consultation, our arborists can recommend the optimal timing for your specific trees and pruning goals.

Question 11

Why should I remove a tree stump from my property?

Accepted Answer

There are several important reasons to remove tree stumps: 1) They're trip hazards and obstacles for mowing and landscaping; 2) Stumps can harbour pests including termites that may eventually move to your home; 3) Tree roots can continue to grow from living stumps, potentially causing infrastructure damage; 4) Stumps take up valuable space that could be used for new plantings or features; 5) They're unsightly and detract from property aesthetics; and 6) Some species will continue to produce suckers from the stump, requiring ongoing maintenance. Professional stump grinding eliminates these issues by removing the stump and major roots below ground level.

Question 12

How deep do you grind tree stumps?

Accepted Answer

We typically grind stumps to a depth of 15-30cm below ground level, which is sufficient to eliminate the stump and allow for most landscaping or construction purposes. For certain situations, such as when new construction is planned over the stump location, we can grind even deeper upon request. We also trace and remove major surface roots to approximately the same depth. This level of removal ensures the area can be successfully replanted, built upon, or turfed without the stump interfering with future use of the space.

Question 13

How much does stump grinding cost?

Accepted Answer

Stump grinding costs are primarily determined by the stump diameter, with additional factors including tree species, age of the stump, accessibility, and whether root removal is required. As a general guideline, small stumps (under 30cm diameter) typically cost $150-$250, medium stumps (30-60cm) range from $250-$400, and large stumps (over 60cm) from $400-$800+. We offer discounted rates for multiple stumps on the same property. Factors that may increase costs include difficult access, particularly hard timber species like ironbark, or extensive root systems that require removal.

Question 14

What happens to the wood chips after stump grinding?

Accepted Answer

After grinding, the resulting wood chips and debris can be handled in several ways based on your preference. By default, we use the wood chips to fill the hole left by the stump, which provides a natural mulch that will decompose over time and improve soil quality. Alternatively, we can remove the wood chips entirely if you plan immediate replanting or construction. Many clients request that excess chips be spread as mulch in garden beds or around other trees on the property. We're happy to accommodate your preferences for managing the grinding debris.

Question 15

Can you remove stumps in hard-to-reach areas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we specialise in accessing and removing stumps in challenging locations. Our equipment includes narrow access stump grinders that can fit through standard gates (as narrow as 87cm) and reach stumps in backyards, tight corners, and other confined spaces. For extremely difficult locations where machinery access is impossible, we offer alternative removal methods including manual techniques or chemical treatments. During our initial assessment, we'll determine the best approach for your specific situation and provide appropriate recommendations and pricing.

Question 16

What qualifications do your arborists hold?

Accepted Answer

Our consulting arborists hold minimum AQF Level 5 qualifications (Diploma of Arboriculture) with many having advanced certifications in specific areas like tree risk assessment. All our consulting arborists are members of professional organisations such as Arboriculture Australia and regularly undertake continuing education to stay current with industry best practices. Our climbing arborists hold relevant certifications including ChainSaw Operation, Working at Heights, and First Aid. We invest heavily in ongoing professional development to ensure our team remains at the forefront of arboricultural knowledge and techniques.

Question 17

How do I know if my tree is diseased or dying?

Accepted Answer

Common signs of tree decline or disease include: unusual leaf discolouration, premature leaf drop, thinning canopy, dead branches (especially on one side), fungal growth on the trunk or major branches, cracking or splitting in the trunk, peeling bark in non-shedding species, presence of pests, bleeding or oozing from the trunk, and visible cavities or decay. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's advisable to have a qualified arborist assess the tree. Our arborists can diagnose specific issues, determine the extent of decline, and recommend appropriate treatment options or management strategies based on the tree's condition and prognosis.

Question 18

Can you save a damaged or diseased tree?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Many tree health issues can be effectively managed if identified early and addressed with appropriate treatments. Our approach to tree preservation includes accurate diagnosis of the specific problem, implementation of targeted treatments (which may include soil improvements, proper pruning of affected areas, pest management, or application of appropriate treatments), and ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The success of treatment depends on factors including the tree species, the specific condition affecting it, how advanced the problem is, and the tree's overall vigour. During our assessment, we'll provide an honest evaluation of the tree's prognosis and treatment options.

Question 19

What's involved in a tree risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

Our professional tree risk assessments follow the internationally recognised Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) methodology. The process includes: detailed visual inspection of the tree from ground level, assessment of structural integrity and defects, evaluation of the tree's health and vigour, identification of potential targets (people or property that could be impacted by failure), analysis of site conditions that might affect tree stability, consideration of species characteristics and failure patterns, and determination of the likelihood and consequences of potential failures. Based on these factors, we provide a risk rating and specific recommendations to mitigate identified risks while preserving the tree when possible.

Question 20

Do you provide arborist reports for council applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we specialise in producing comprehensive arborist reports for various council applications including tree removal permits, development applications, construction near trees, and pruning approvals. Our reports comply with all local council requirements throughout the Hills District and broader Sydney region. Each report includes detailed tree assessments, photographic documentation, specific recommendations with justifications based on arboricultural principles, and relevant supporting information. Our reports have a high success rate with council applications because they provide clear, objective assessments based on established industry standards and local environmental regulations.

Question 21

Do I need council approval for land clearing in the Hills District?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. The Hills Shire Council and surrounding councils typically require approval for removing trees and clearing vegetation, especially for blocks over a certain size or in environmentally sensitive areas. Requirements vary based on your specific location, zoning, and the extent of clearing planned. We're thoroughly familiar with local regulations and can handle the entire approval process, including preparing documentation, submitting applications, and liaising with council officers to secure the necessary permits before work begins.

Question 22

How much does land clearing cost?

Accepted Answer

Land clearing costs vary significantly based on several factors: property size, vegetation density, terrain difficulty, access constraints, and whether stump removal is required. As a general guide, small residential blocks might cost $3,000-$8,000, while larger acreages can range from $10,000-$50,000+. We provide detailed, transparent quotes following an on-site assessment, breaking down all costs including any council application fees, machinery requirements, labour, and debris management.

Question 23

How do you manage environmental concerns during land clearing?

Accepted Answer

Environmental responsibility is central to our land clearing approach. We implement several strategies to minimise ecological impact: conducting pre-clearing assessments to identify significant vegetation or habitat features; developing staged clearing plans that minimise soil exposure and erosion risks; implementing appropriate sediment and erosion controls; preserving selected trees and vegetation where possible; mulching cleared vegetation on-site when appropriate to return organic matter to the soil; and ensuring compliance with all council and state environmental protection requirements. For properties with sensitive environmental features, we can work with ecological consultants to develop appropriate management strategies.

Question 24

Can you clear land for bushfire protection?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide specialised bushfire protection clearing services that comply with NSW Rural Fire Service requirements for properties in bushfire-prone areas throughout the Hills District. This includes creating and maintaining asset protection zones (APZs), strategic fuel reduction, and implementing bushfire mitigation measures. Our team understands the specific requirements for different bushfire attack levels (BALs) and can develop clearing plans that maximise protection while complying with environmental regulations.

Question 25

What happens to all the trees and vegetation after clearing?

Accepted Answer

We offer several environmentally responsible options for managing cleared vegetation. Our preferred method is on-site mulching, which converts trees and undergrowth into valuable mulch that can be used for erosion control, soil improvement, or landscaping on your property. For larger quantities, we can arrange removal with much of the material being recycled into commercial mulch products. For quality timber, salvage for milling may be possible. We discuss all options during the quoting process to find the most suitable approach for your specific project.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Tree Care Questions