How to Choose a Tree Removal Company in Perth

Q: What qualifications should a tree removal company have?

At minimum, the lead arborist should hold a Certificate III in Arboriculture (AQF Level 3). This is the nationally recognised qualification for practical tree work in Australia. For complex jobs involving large trees near structures, look for Certificate IV or Diploma level qualifications. All crew members should have current chainsaw and elevated work platform (EWP) tickets where applicable.

Q: How much public liability insurance should a tree remover have?

A reputable tree removal company should carry at minimum $10 million in public liability insurance. For work near high-value properties, some homeowners and councils require $20 million. Always ask to see a current certificate of currency and verify it covers tree work specifically. Do not accept expired or insufficient coverage.

Q: Should I get multiple quotes for tree removal?

Yes, we recommend getting at least 3 quotes from different qualified arborists. This allows you to compare pricing, scope of work, and professionalism. Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others, as this may indicate the operator lacks insurance, qualifications, or plans to cut corners. We can connect you with multiple qualified arborists through our free quote service .

Q: What should be included in a tree removal quote?

A professional written quote should include: the company's full legal name and ABN, a description of the work to be performed, the number and species of trees, method of removal (crane, climb, EWP), whether stump grinding is included, waste disposal details, estimated timeline, total price (including GST), payment terms, and any exclusions or conditions. Verbal quotes are not sufficient.

Q: Do tree removers need to handle council permits?

A good tree removal company should be knowledgeable about council permit requirements and be able to advise you on whether a permit is needed. However, obtaining the permit is usually the homeowner's responsibility. Some arborists offer a service where they prepare the arborist report and assist with the council application for an additional fee.

Hiring the wrong tree removal company can be costly and dangerous. Here are the 8 essential things to check before you hire anyone.

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Why Choosing the Right Company Matters

Tree removal is one of the most dangerous occupations in Australia. Every year, injuries and fatalities occur when unqualified operators attempt work they are not trained for. Beyond safety, hiring the wrong operator can result in property damage, legal liability, council fines, and substandard work.

Perth has a mix of highly qualified arborists and unqualified operators who advertise tree removal services. The difference is not always obvious from an advertisement or a quote. This guide helps you identify the markers of a professional, qualified tree removal company so you can make an informed decision.

At Perth Tree Removers, we connect homeowners with qualified arborists who meet all the criteria outlined in this guide. Every professional in our network has been verified for qualifications, insurance, and experience.

8 Things to Check Before You Hire

Certificate III in Arboriculture (AQF Level 3) Minimum

The most important qualification for practical tree work in Australia is a Certificate III in Arboriculture (AHC30820 or its predecessor AHC30816). This is the nationally recognised minimum standard for anyone performing tree removal, pruning, or related work. It covers chainsaw operation, climbing, rigging, tree biology, and safe work practices.

Ask to see the lead arborist's qualification certificate. For complex removals near structures or powerlines, Certificate IV (AQF Level 4) or higher is preferred. All crew members should hold relevant competency units even if they do not have the full certificate. Be cautious of operators who claim "years of experience" but hold no formal qualifications.

$10 Million or More in Public Liability Insurance

Tree removal is inherently dangerous work. A falling branch can cause catastrophic damage to property, vehicles, fences, and people. Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong. The industry standard minimum is $10 million, and many councils require this level for any tree work in their jurisdiction.

Ask for a current certificate of currency and verify the policy specifically covers tree work (not just general construction). Check the expiry date. If the operator cannot or will not provide proof of insurance, do not engage them. You could be personally liable for any damage or injury if the operator is uninsured.

Workers Compensation Insurance

In Western Australia, any business employing workers must carry workers compensation insurance. This is a legal requirement under the Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981. If a worker is injured on your property and the operator does not have workers compensation, you could face legal liability.

Sole traders without employees are technically exempt from workers compensation requirements, but a reputable sole trader will still carry personal accident and income protection insurance. If you see a crew of two or more people, the operator must have workers compensation. Ask for proof.

Council Permit Knowledge

A qualified tree removal company should know whether your tree requires council approval before it can be removed. They should be familiar with the Tree Preservation Orders and planning policies of the councils they work in, and be able to advise you on the permit process.

A good arborist will ask about your council area during the quoting process and advise you if a permit is likely needed. Be wary of operators who say "don't worry about council" or suggest removing a protected tree without approval. This could result in significant fines for you as the property owner. See our council tree removal guide for details.

Appropriate Equipment

Professional tree removal requires specialised equipment. Depending on the job, this may include chainsaws, rigging gear, climbing equipment, wood chippers, stump grinders, elevated work platforms (EWPs or cherry pickers), and cranes. The company should use well-maintained, current equipment that meets Australian safety standards.

Ask how the tree will be removed. For trees in tight access areas, climbing with rigging is standard. For large trees near structures, a crane may be needed. The operator should explain the method and equipment they will use. If they only have a chainsaw and a ute, they are likely not equipped for safe, professional tree removal.

Demonstrated Experience

Experience matters in tree removal. An experienced arborist can read a tree's structure, anticipate how it will behave when cut, and adapt their approach based on conditions. Ask how long they have been operating, how many jobs they have completed, and whether they have experience with your type of tree and access conditions.

Look for online reviews on Google, social media, or industry directories. Ask for references from recent jobs in your area. Check if they have photos or case studies of similar work. A company that has been operating for several years and has a solid reputation is generally a safer choice than a new operator with no track record.

Written Quotes with Clear Scope

Never accept a verbal quote for tree removal. A professional company should provide a detailed written quote that clearly describes the work to be performed, what is included, and the total price. This protects both you and the operator if there is a dispute about what was agreed.

The quote should include: company name and ABN, description of trees to be removed (species, location, approximate size), method of removal, whether stump grinding is included and to what depth, waste removal and clean-up details, estimated timeline, total cost including GST, payment terms, validity period, and any exclusions. Compare quotes on scope, not just price.

References and Reviews

A reputable tree removal company should be happy to provide references from recent customers. Online reviews on Google Business Profile, Facebook, and industry directories give you an unfiltered view of their work quality, reliability, and professionalism.

Look for patterns in reviews. Occasional negative reviews are normal, but consistent complaints about punctuality, clean-up, damage, or communication are red flags. Check that the business has a physical presence and is not just a mobile number. Ask your neighbours if they have used anyone they would recommend.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of any tree removal operator who exhibits the following warning signs:

No written quote. Verbal quotes leave no paper trail and are impossible to enforce if there is a dispute.
Cannot provide proof of insurance. If they avoid the question or promise to send it later, assume they are not insured.
Significantly undercuts other quotes. A quote that is 40-50% below competitors often means no insurance, no qualifications, or cutting corners.
Door-to-door solicitation. Reputable arborists do not go door-to-door looking for tree work. This is a common scam tactic.
Demands full payment upfront. A reasonable deposit (10-30%) is normal, but full payment before work begins is a red flag.
No ABN or business registration. A legitimate business should have a registered Australian Business Number.
Suggests removing a tree without council approval. This puts you, the property owner, at risk of fines.
Uses the term "tree lopper." While this term is common in Perth, professional arborists typically avoid it as it is associated with unqualified operators who indiscriminately cut trees.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

What arboriculture qualifications do your team hold?

Can I see your current public liability insurance certificate?

Do you carry workers compensation insurance?

Have you worked with my local council before?

What method will you use to remove the tree?

Is stump grinding included in your quote?

How will you handle waste removal?

What is your estimated timeline for the work?

Can you provide references from recent local jobs?

Will you need council approval for this tree?

Hiring a Tree Remover FAQs

What qualifications should a tree removal company have?

How much public liability insurance should a tree remover have?

Should I get multiple quotes for tree removal?

What should be included in a tree removal quote?

Do tree removers need to handle council permits?

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