Sharing the right information with an arborist before they visit your property means they can arrive prepared, quote accurately, and get the job done safely and efficiently. A little preparation on your part can make a big difference — especially when trees are large, near structures, or subject to local council rules.
Your Contact Details and Property Address
This sounds obvious, but make sure you give your arborist your full property address, including any access notes (e.g. narrow driveway, locked gate, dogs on site). If your property is rural or hard to find, a what3words location or Google Maps pin can be really helpful. Let them know the best way to reach you and your availability for the visit.
What Work You're After
Describe as clearly as you can what you'd like done. Common requests include:
- Tree removal — full removal of one or more trees
- Pruning or trimming — crown thinning, deadwooding, lifting the canopy
- Stump grinding — removing the stump after felling
- Tree health assessment — checking for disease, pests, or structural issues
- Emergency work — storm damage, fallen limbs, or a tree leaning dangerously
If you're not sure exactly what's needed, that's fine — a good arborist will assess and advise. Just describe the situation as best you can.
Tree Species, Size, and Location
If you know the species of the tree, mention it. Some trees (like large macrocarpas, Norfolk pines, or gum trees) require specialist equipment or extra time. Even a rough guess helps.
Try to describe the approximate height and trunk diameter, and note where the tree sits on your section:
- Is it close to the house, fence, or outbuildings?
- Are there power lines nearby? (This is critical for safety planning.)
- Is it on a slope or in a confined space?
- Is access easy for a truck or chipper?
Photos are incredibly useful — send a few through by email or text before the visit if you can.
Council Rules and Tree Protection Orders
This is one of the most important things to sort out early. Many councils across New Zealand have district plan rules that restrict or prohibit the removal or pruning of certain trees. Some trees are listed on a Notable or Scheduled Tree Register, and others may be protected simply because of their size or species.
Before any work begins, check with your local council to find out:
- Whether your tree is protected or scheduled
- Whether you need a resource consent before any work
- What conditions apply to pruning versus full removal
Your arborist can often help you navigate this, but it's worth doing a quick check yourself first. MBIE Building Performance has general guidance on consents, and your council's planning team is the definitive source for local rules.
Neighbouring Properties and Shared Trees
Let your arborist know if the tree is on or near a boundary, or if it's a shared tree with a neighbour. Trees that straddle a boundary can involve both parties legally, and your arborist needs to know this before quoting or planning the work. If branches overhang a neighbour's property, mention that too.
Underground Services and Site Hazards
Before any stump grinding or root work, it's important to know where underground services run — water pipes, gas lines, electrical cables, and telecommunications. You can contact Dial Before You Dig (0800 248 344) to get a plan of services on your property. Let your arborist know what you find out, or flag that this needs checking.
Also mention any other site hazards:
- Septic tanks or soakage fields
- Retaining walls or foundations nearby
- Overhead wires or structures
- Soft or wet ground that could affect machinery access
Health and Safety Considerations
WorkSafe NZ sets out clear expectations for safe tree work. Let your arborist know about anything that could affect safety on site — including pets, children, or other tradespeople working at the same time. If the tree has visible decay, hollow sections, or hanging dead branches, flag this upfront as it affects how the job is planned. You can read more about safe work practices at WorkSafe NZ.
Your Budget and Timeline
It helps to give your arborist a rough idea of your budget range and when you'd like the work completed. This lets them tailor their approach and flag if your expectations are realistic. If you're getting multiple quotes, let them know — most arborists are fine with this and it keeps things transparent.
When to Call a Professional
Tree work — especially removal of large trees, work near power lines, or anything involving climbing — should always be carried out by a qualified, insured arborist. This is not a DIY job. Falling trees and branches are a leading cause of serious injury in New Zealand. A professional arborist will have the right training, equipment, and insurance to do the work safely.
Look for arborists who are members of the New Zealand Arboricultural Association (NZAA) or hold a relevant qualification. You can find qualified local arborists on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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