b'To some, a towering tree in the garden is a thing of beautyof the section and the garden in general. These potential and grace to be enjoyed and cherished. To others, itsproblems should all be on the quote. The health of the nothing but trouble. It blocks the sun, obscures the viewtree in question also needs to be discussed, with the and sheds leaves for months on end. Regardless of whicharborist identifying disease, decay and root issues. Also, camp youre in, when it comes to pruning or removingas part of the quote, the arborist will check if resource trees, you should call in the professionals. consent is required. DavidGlennisthepresidentoftheNewZealandYour quote should also detail how the debris is to be dealt Arboricultural Association and notable trees registrar for thewithgetting rid of it is half the job. Do you want it left on Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, so he knows hissite? Chipped and removed to be sold as mulch? Chipped rimu from his rata, his chainsaws from his handsaws. Andand left on site for you to use as mulch? Or chopped intorewood? The quote should be detailed, right down to he knows a good arborist when he sees one. An arborist needs to combine the needs of the personthe size of the wood chips you want, as each of these with the needs of the tree. This is where their skill isdisposal methods takes a different amount of time. crucial, as different trees respond differently to variousWhen youre having a tree felled, stump removal is not treatments, he says. usually part of the job. So, ask for it to be included if you Like any tradesperson, when youre looking to hire anwant it done. How the stump is to be dealt with once its arborist, you should get three quotes. David says referralsremoved should also be in the quotebe aware, a tree from friends and colleagues are an excellent way tondstump can provide a surprisingly large pile of woodchips! a good arborist. The Yellow Pages is another good placeThe tree team will arrive on site with an array of gearup to start. You could also contact your council, as localtove different-sized chainsaws, a wide range of ropes authorities often have a list of preferred contractors. for climbing and roping branches down, handsaws and However, David says that arborists tend to specialise insecateurs for small pruning jobs, a brushwood chipper, a eitherpruningortree-felling.Tree-felling,especiallysmall truck, possibly a small crane to lift branches, and a around houses and powerlines, is very tricky and requiresstump grinder if required. How many people show up will a high level of skill, so in yourphone call to andepend on the job. David says it would take one arboristrst arborist, ask if theyre pruners or fellers. Also ask abouttwo hours to formatively shape a 20-year-old oak tree, their insurancesometimes tree-felling is excluded on abut it would take a three-man team a full day to thin and residential policy. prune a 120-year-old oak. Felling a large tree could take two full days.Aside from pruning and felling trees, a quali ed arborist should be able to advise you of your legal rights forTree work is covered by the OSH code of practice, with neighbouring trees overhanging or shading your property.which all arborists must comply. So, your tree team will have Also, when youre thinking of planting, they can give youhearing and eye protection gear, hard hats, steel-capped sound information on the best choice of tree for the site. boots and the appropriate chainsaw safety equipment. ItsveryimportantthatyourarboristgetsthechanceThe biggest thing to bear in mind, though, says David, for a full consultation prior to providing a quote andis to be sure that when you receive a price for the work, undertaking any work. They will need to visit the propertyyou are absolutely clear as to whether its a quote or an to view the tree in question and identify any issues thatestimate. You dont want any nasty surprises when the could cause dif culties when undertaking the task; thingsbill arrives!like power lines, underground services, roads, the slope 106 |'