Questions our clients ask.

John's Tree Services provides the full range of professional tree services throughout Sydney's North Shore. All work is carried out by AQF-qualified arborists with 40+ years of local experience.

• Complete tree removal
• Tree pruning and trimming (AS 4373-2007 compliant)
• Tree lopping
• Stump grinding and removal
• Land clearing
• 24/7 emergency tree services
• Arborist reports and consultations
• Tree health assessments
• Regular tree maintenance

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are important differences.

Pruning involves selectively removing specific branches to improve tree health, structure and appearance. It promotes healthy growth, removes dead or diseased material, and follows Australian Standard AS 4373-2007 for Amenity Trees.

Trimming typically refers to minor cutting to maintain shape and appearance, often for aesthetic purposes or to clear specific areas.

Lopping means cutting branches and stems between nodes. Done poorly it stresses the tree, triggers weak regrowth, creates hazards, and shortens the tree's lifespan. We only use controlled reduction techniques where the tree's species and condition support it.

Tree removal regulations across Sydney's North Shore vary by council, but generally approval is required when:

• The tree exceeds the council-specific size threshold (typically a trunk diameter greater than 150-200 mm at 1.4 m above ground)
• The tree is listed as a protected or significant specimen regardless of size
• The tree is within a heritage or conservation overlay

Dead or imminently dangerous trees often qualify for expedited or exempt removal, but evidence is needed. We handle the entire council process end-to-end — assessment, documentation, arborist reports, and lodgement with each council we work across (Willoughby, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, North Sydney, Mosman, Hornsby, Ryde, and more).

Every job is carried out by qualified crew with full insurance cover.

• Minimum Certificate III in Arboriculture on every site
• Senior arborists qualified to AQF Level 5 (Diploma of Arboriculture)
• Trained in Safe Work Practices and working-at-heights safety
• Australian Standard AS 4373-2007 compliant pruning techniques

• $20 million Public Liability Insurance
• Workers Compensation Insurance
• Professional Indemnity Insurance

Certificates of currency are available on request before any job starts.

Costs vary based on tree size, access, complexity, and disposal. Indicative price bands:

• Tree removal: $450-$6,500+ depending on size and access
• Tree pruning: $250-$3,000+ depending on size and technique
• Stump grinding: $150-$800+ per stump
• 24/7 emergency response: standard rates plus after-hours surcharge

Every site visit is free. Most standard quotes arrive within 2-3 business days; emergency callouts are dispatched within 1-2 hours during daylight.

Fallen trees and dangerous branches need immediate attention — especially after storms or high winds. Our on-call roster runs 24 hours, every day of the year.

• Dedicated emergency line: 0414 355 510
• Rapid-assessment crew typically on-site within 1-2 hours during daylight
• Priority scheduling for any tree on a dwelling, vehicle, or access route
• Coordination with Ausgrid / Endeavour Energy for power-line interaction

We prioritise situations in this order: tree on a person or home, tree blocking emergency access, tree threatening imminent collapse, hanging limbs over high-traffic areas. After the immediate hazard is resolved we return for cleanup and can document the damage for insurance claims.