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If you are thinking about hiring a professional arborist to work on the trees in your Auckland garden or to help you plant new specimens as part of landscaping, it is important to find a contractor who combines skill, hard work and experience. You want to know that your trees will be in good hands, so it pays to do a little bit of research before choosing your tree surgeon.

A good arborist will be happy to visit your property and discuss the work you need before giving you an estimate. The estimate may vary depending on how much labour is involved and whether any equipment such as stump grinders or cherry pickers might need to be brought on site.

If you are comparing quotes, make sure you are comparing like for like. The cheapest quote is not necessarily the best choice so balance the cost with the service you will be receiving and the reputation of the person doing the work. Check whether the quote is for a fixed price or whether you might end up paying more if the job takes longer than expected or is more complicated than first thought.

If you are planning to have your trees regularly maintained then ask whether the firm offers a package for annual maintenance at special rates.

Before entrusting your trees to anyone, check out their previous work. A reputable tradie will be able to provide references and, in the case of tree surgeons you may even be able to drive past and see work they have done at other Auckland properties. You could also ask if they have any formal qualifications or are a member of a professional organisation.

Before you commit to a price, ask the arborist to explain exactly what they will be doing and how it will benefit your trees, and what the quote includes. For example, check if it includes clearing the site once the work is done.

You might also like to find out whether the firm owns its equipment if heavier machinery like cherry pickers will be needed, or whether it rents or sub-contracts. Check that the company has the relevant insurance and health and safety standards particularly if your trees are large, and the workers may be high up during the pruning.

Lastly, find out if the company offers a guarantee on its work. This could help you in the unlikely situation that damage is caused to your trees, or the work compromises the health of the tree later on.

Before you undertake any work on trees, you should also make sure that none of the specimens on your property are protected because if they are you may find restrictions placed on your changes or you may need council permission for the work. You can check the tree register held by Auckland City Council to determine if any trees near you are protected and get advice from a council planner.