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Certified Tree Service
Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Honest answers to common questions about tree care, costs, safety, and working with a certified arborist.

General

What services does Certified Tree Service offer?
We provide four core tree care services: tree removal, tree pruning, stump grinding, and land clearing. Every job is led by our owner and AQF Level 3 certified arborist, Daymian McGovern, who ensures the work is done safely, professionally, and to Australian Standards.
What areas do you service?
We service the Central Coast, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, and Sydney's North Shore and Hills District. Our home base is on the Central Coast, and we travel across all three regions for jobs of all sizes.
How do I get a quote?
The easiest way is to fill out the form on our website or call us on 0432 687 647. Daymian will arrange a time to visit your property, assess the trees in person, and provide a clear, written quote — usually within 24 hours of the site visit. There is no cost or obligation.
How quickly can you respond to a job?
For standard work, we typically schedule within one to two weeks of quoting. For storm damage emergencies, we prioritise urgent callouts and aim to respond as quickly as possible — often the same day or next morning depending on conditions.
What is the ROOTS Reliability Framework?
ROOTS stands for Recognise hazards, Organise a plan, Owner engagement, Trusted teamwork, and Secure results. It is our step-by-step process that ensures every job is assessed properly, planned thoroughly, led by the owner, executed safely, and finished to a high standard. It is how we deliver consistent, reliable results.

Pricing

How much does tree removal cost?
Tree removal costs depend on the tree's size, species, location, and access. Small trees in open areas might start from around $500, while large or complex removals near buildings or powerlines can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more. We provide detailed, itemised quotes so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Do you offer free quotes?
Yes. Every quote is free, with no obligation and no pressure. Daymian visits your property in person to assess the work, explains what needs to be done and why, and provides a written quote. We believe in honest, transparent pricing.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfer, credit card, and cash. Payment is due on completion of the work unless other arrangements have been agreed in advance. For larger jobs, we can discuss progress payment options.
What factors affect the price of tree work?
The main factors are the size and species of the tree, its condition, proximity to structures or powerlines, access for equipment, and the volume of waste to be removed. Trees that require technical rigging, crane assistance, or traffic management will cost more due to the additional equipment and safety requirements.

Safety

How do you ensure safety on every job?
Safety is built into everything we do. We conduct a thorough risk assessment before starting, brief the entire crew, set up exclusion zones, use proper PPE and certified equipment, and follow Safe Work Australia guidelines. Our owner is on site for every job to oversee safety personally.
Are you fully insured?
Yes. We carry comprehensive public liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. We are happy to provide certificates of currency to any client, property manager, or body corporate that requires them before work begins.
What certifications does your team hold?
Our owner Daymian holds an AQF Level 3 Certificate in Arboriculture, Working at Heights certification, Elevated Work Platform (EWP) ticket, and Powerline Clearance qualification. Our crew members hold relevant chainsaw, traffic management, and first aid certifications.
Can you work near powerlines?
Yes. Daymian holds a powerline clearance qualification, which allows us to work safely near overhead power lines. We follow all Ausgrid and Essential Energy safe working distances and procedures. For jobs requiring the power to be isolated, we coordinate directly with the network provider.

Services

When is tree removal actually necessary?
Tree removal is necessary when a tree is dead or dying, structurally compromised, posing an imminent risk to people or property, or when it has been damaged beyond recovery by storms. It is also required when trees interfere with construction or are causing significant damage to infrastructure. We always recommend preservation where it is safe and practical.
What is the difference between tree pruning and tree lopping?
Pruning is the skilled, selective removal of branches following Australian Standard AS 4373. It improves tree health, structure, and safety. Lopping is the indiscriminate cutting of branches to stubs — it damages trees, promotes weak regrowth, and often creates bigger hazards over time. We are pruners, not loppers.
What happens to the waste from tree work?
All branches and foliage are chipped into mulch on site. Trunk timber can be cut to firewood lengths for you to keep, or we remove everything from the property. We recycle as much material as possible and dispose of any remaining waste responsibly.
Do you handle council permit applications?
We can advise you on whether a permit is required and what documentation you need, based on your local council's tree preservation order. While the application itself is submitted by the property owner, we provide supporting information, photos, and arborist reports where needed to support your application.

Insurance & Compliance

What does your insurance cover?
Our public liability insurance covers damage to third-party property and injury to third parties arising from our work. Our workers compensation insurance covers our team members. We carry appropriate levels of cover for the work we perform and provide certificates of currency on request.
How do council tree regulations work in NSW?
Most NSW councils have a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or Development Control Plan (DCP) that protects trees above a certain size. Before removing or heavily pruning a protected tree, you generally need to apply for permission. Rules vary between councils — Central Coast Council, Lake Macquarie Council, and local Sydney councils all have different thresholds. We can help you understand what applies to your property.
Can you work on strata or body corporate managed properties?
Yes. We regularly work on strata and body corporate properties. We understand the approval processes, insurance requirements, and access considerations involved. We provide all necessary documentation including certificates of currency, risk assessments, and detailed quotes for committee approval.

Still Have Questions?

Call us on 0432 687 647 or fill out our contact form. We are happy to help.

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