“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” —Greek proverb
Arboriculture
Why work with us?
We are professionally trained arborists who deploy the latest industry techniques in all our work.
We are committed to your satisfaction and will work with you to achieve an outcome you are happy with.
We believe trees are living beings that require care and nurturing to reach their full potential. All work we do it is with the tree’s wellbeing in mind.
Arborist Services
Our professional arboricultural services can help you with all your tree needs.
Tree Pruning
Formative pruning which includes aesthetic pruning to improve the overall look of your tree and structural pruning which includes guiding its growth to make a strong healthy tree. One key component is to remove all dead wood from the tree. Of course our tree work can include both at the same time.
Crown Lifting
Removing lower branches to show the structure of the tree and let more light in. This is done with an eye to keeping the integrity of the growth and structure of the tree. Crown lifting also allows any garden scrubs or beds underneath to have more light and room for growth. It can make a marked change to your garden, creating a more designer look.
Reducing Tree Size
The arboricultural industry no longer recommends topping trees due to the damage it causes them. Indiscriminate cutting of trees back to an arbitrary line can damage the tree which in turn can lead to the tree becoming damaged or dying.
The alternative is to reduce the size of the crown while maintaining the aesthetics of the tree. This can be done by thinning and strategically cutting back by no more than 30%. Any more than that will make it hard for the tree to recover. If a tree needs to be reduced by more than that it can be done over successive years with periods of recovery in between. The other alternative is to remove the tree but careful consideration of rainwater runoff needs to be done especially in Wellington’s hilly sections.
Crown Thinning
In order to let more light through, branches can be selectively removed. This can also improve the health of the tree and allow more air thereby reducing the possibility of diseases.
Tree Removal
Sometimes the best solution is to remove a tree. This can be due to the tree being diseased, structurally unstable or dead. In other cases it may have become too big or encroaching on your neighbour’s property. Our arborist services can remove trees securely and efficiently. We will thoroughly assess the removal to minimise any risks to your garden or structures.
Clearing Power Lines
Trees growing among power lines are a serious risk. Electricity will need to be turned off while the work is underway but this can be easily organised with your provider.
Storm Damage
Post storms, trees that have been damaged can pose a real risk to properties. It is very important to have a professional arborist assess any damaged or fallen trees. We can remove any debris, remove damaged trees and structurally repair trees that are restorable.
Tree Care
In nature, trees are usually surrounded by other trees and environments that ensure their health. Where possible we believe in mimicking nature and therefore we recommend mulching the soil around trees and where possible leaving fallen leaves of deciduous trees. This provides the best environment for the soil food web and protection for tree roots. Healthy roots and healthy soil go hand in hand. If a boost of nutrients is required we will apply organic fertilisers and if needed mycorrhizal fungi.
Hedge and Scrub Trimming
In order to look their best hedges and scrubs need to be trimmed regularly to encourage growth and maintain the structure of the garden. It is important to consider aesthetic aspects when trimming as well as hedge health. Whether it is for hedges or scrubs, our work will include shaping, height reduction, removing dead or diseased branches and thinning out crowded areas to ensure your hedges look their best. We recommend feeding hedges at the time of trimming to ensure recovery. Hedges are an important part of a garden. We recommend regular care to maintain them.
Ongoing Maintenance
We recommend ongoing care for any trees we work on whether it is tree work or soil work. Each tree will differ in the time frame it requires.
Stump removal
We can organise for stumps to be removed. Whether a stump can be removed can depend on access so it is not possible to remove all stumps.
Section Clearing
Sometimes you just want to start with a clean slate. If you need a section or part of a section cleared, we can do that for you.
Testimonials
“I would recommend Max for any arborist work you require. Max has just thinned out our large Pohutukawa, removing dead and damaged branches and did a fantastic job. Our backyard was left tidy, a collection of firewood stacked under the deck from the trimming and now the Kaka, Tui and Kereru can fly easily through the tree.” Grant (Khandallah)
Max and his team has worked for us several times, pruning and trimming various trees. His work has been excellent – he is a skilled arborist and has a very good eye. He is reliable, turning up when he says he will and communicating well. He is also very pleasant to have around. I recommend him highly. Jane (Ngaio)
“Max has done arborist work for me. I was impressed at the careful way he shaped the trees to look natural and balanced. He tidied up efficiently at the end of the project. Max is professional and personable.” Elaine (Northland)
Our Approach
1. Tree Assessment
We will visit your garden to assess and discuss with you the work that needs to be done. Following acceptance of our quote the work will be scheduled.
2. Safety Evaluation
All tree work will commence with a site assessment to identify any safety risks and to confirm the work with the client.
3. Efficient Execution
Tree work will be undertaken with efficiency and care for the surrounding environment.
4. Through Clean Up
All debris will be removed and the site will be fully cleaned up.
Why Use an Arborist?
Proper technique is vital when working on trees. A bad cut can make a tree vulnerable to disease, weaken its structure, impede growth and cause long-term harm. A properly done cut will enhance growth, improve structure and create a beautiful looking, long lasting tree.
Trimming too much or at the wrong time causes unbalanced ugly trees with poor growth and permanent damage. Structural training of a tree through pruning is extremely important for the long life and health of a tree. It can reduce instability and falling branches.
Every variety of tree has its own challenges and special needs. Our tree team has knowledge of many types of trees and what they require.
Arboriculture is a mix of expert knowledge and a strong design sense. It is a balance between ensuring your tree is healthy and beautiful to enhance your garden.
Faqs
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Frequency of pruning depends on the variety of the tree and the growth rate.
Young fast growing trees should be pruned twice a year in spring and autumn, especially when establishing a good structure.
Trees that need remedial work to their structure may need a yearly prune.
Larger established trees should be pruned every 3 to 5 years.
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The best time to prune trees is during winter for various reasons. Growth has slowed down which means the tree is not trying to heal and grow at the same time.
Also there are fewer parasites around that can damage the post cutting, open wounds on the tree.
And with deciduous trees it is easier to see the structure when they don’t have leaves.
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When you prune your trees it helps them grow healthier and stronger by encouraging new growth. With better air circulation there is a reduction in diseases. Pruning decreases the risk of broken branches and the tree falling down in storms. And of course it will make your tree more beautiful. Trees are the backbone of a garden and a beautiful tree elevates the space.
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It’s better if you get a professional to work on your trees.
To begin with there are many risks in tree work, falling out of trees, hurting yourself with chainsaws, falling branches, working near power lines. Arborists have training in how to mitigate all risks.
Then there is the risk to the tree, death from over pruning, disease from cutting it incorrectly.