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Engaging a Tree Contractor

Hornsby Shire Council does not provide recommendations for tree contractors to undertake arboricultural work.

It is advised you contact a professional Tree Contractor that is a member of the Tree Contractors Association to ensure that you use a professional, fully qualified and insured tree contractor to undertake works on your tree. Refer to the Tree Contractors Association website and select the ‘Find an Arborist’ link.

As tree work is an inherently dangerous task, it is recommended that you engage a Tree Contractor with appropriate qualifications and demonstrated competence in tree pruning and removal works.

When selecting a Tree Contractor to undertake tree pruning or removal works on your property, Hornsby Shire Council recommends the following:

  • Familiarise yourself with Council’s DCP – Hornsby Council Development Control Plan 1B.6 Tree and Vegetation Preservation and discuss with the contractor.
  • Complete Councils online tool to determine if an application is required for the proposed works
  • Familiarise yourself with advice from SafeWork NSW on engaging a professional Tree Contractor
  • Obtain a minimum of three (3) written quotes that includes details of all proposed work and includes business name and ABN, contact details and costs.
  • Sight the contractor’s Public Liability Insurance Certificate and Worker’s Compensation Certificate (Public Liability Insurance should be for a minimum of $20million)
  • Check contractor’s qualifications and industry associations. A contractor should have at least a formal qualification in Arboriculture (AQF Level 2) and/or preferably should have an AQF Level 3 qualification
  • Agree on the extent of work to be undertaken
  • Only pay the Tree Contractor only upon satisfactory completion of the work

Fair Trading NSW recommends that you protect yourself from travelling conmen and complaints and be suspicious of people who:

  • Turn up unexpectedly offering special one-off or today-only deals
  • Ask for cash up-front
  • Offer to drive you to the bank to get money for payment
  • Pressure you into accepting their offer
  • Disappear and leave the job unfinished or in a poor standard

Fair Trading NSW can be contacted at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or call direct on 13 32 20.