The Best Arborists and Tree Surgeons in Christchurch
Updated 13 July 2026
Summary:
Our Christchurch Arborist guide covers:
Summary:
- Homeowners all over Christchurch know the problems that can come from overgrown trees and their roots - broken pipes, annoyed neighbours with blocked sun and a sense of danger are all too common.
- The managing of trees and shrubs in gardens and communal settings is a specialist profession. An Arborist – sometimes known as a tree surgeon – will be able to help with a wide range of requirements from pruning to removing unwanted trees.
- To help you and put you in the strongest position, we've handpicked a list of reliable, affordable and trusted arborists in Christchurch to save you time and money. Our list of estimated prices indicates what you may pay (although every tree is different, so the costing varies).
Our Christchurch Arborist guide covers:
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Arborists in Christchurch
- Our research highlighted the leading arborists in Christchurch known for expert tree care and safe, efficient tree removal services.
- MoneyHub has a commercial relationship with the businesses featured here. We carefully select our partners based on proven track records and verified customer feedback.
- We recommend contacting Canterbury Tree Experts, Beaver Tree Services and Holland’s Tree Services — trusted arborists with proven reviews, delivering outstanding results to Christchurch residents.
- Contacting an arborist by phone is the best way to start - discuss your tree care needs and hear how they can help achieve the best results for your property.
How much does an Arborist cost?
The cost of hiring an arborist varies widely depending on the job specifics. Here are some general price ranges:
- Tree removal can range from $200 to $20,000 depending on the tree’s size, type, and location
- Smaller jobs like trimming or pruning usually range between $150 and $3000
- Stump removal costs can vary between $150 and $2000 depending on the stump size and accessibility
​How can I get the best price for Arborist services?
- Schedule work well in advance - if you've got an urgent problem, then you could end up paying more and rushing your decision-making process.
- Discuss your tree surgery needs with your neighbours and ask if they need any tree maintenance. If so, an arborist may be able to discount each job by taking on a larger project.
- Removing a dead tree is more expensive than a living tree (in most cases). If you have a troubled tree, don't wait for it to die as this will likely cost more.
Any reputable Arborist will outline their service in a contract - read it carefully. And before signing, be sure to ask:
- When will the work be started and completed?
- What are the terms of payment?
- If more work needs to be done in addition to the agreed project, what is the hourly rate?
- What access to your property will they require?
- What level of cleaning up do they provide as part of the service, and do they take away any chopped branches or other wood, or leave it with you? Disposing of deadwood is fine if you have a fireplace, but otherwise it will be a hassle and worth paying extra to remove it.
Before You Settle on An Arborist Consider the Following:
- A local Arborist may offer you a more cost-effective service
- Ask around friends and family for suggestions - referrals can be cheaper
- Check with your local garden centres to see if they have an Arborist they refer people to
Hiring an Arborist - Further questions to ask before agreeing to a quote
Dealing with trees is a highly skilled job - cowboys can easily botch it up. To make sure you get the best quote, follow these tips:
- Be as specific as possible about the job on the phone - the size of the tree(s), location, access issues, purpose of job etc.
- Does the Arborist have specific experience in the procedure you need to be carried out?
- If it's a big job, always meet the Arborist before you book them for the job to get an idea of who they are and how they respond to questions
- Ask what equipment they use, and assess whether it is well-maintained (if you ask to see their machinery they should be happy to oblige).
- Do you need related services? Ask what other services do they provide.
- Are they fully insured and can they provide evidence of such, and do they follow set Health and Safety regulations and routines?
Be Careful - Scams and Poor Quality 'Professionals' Do Exist
- Be cautious of door-knocking Arborists. New Zealand faced a series of scams in 2019 with dodgy doorstep trade selling. Don't sign up to anyone offering a service without full consideration. Otherwise, you place your home and existing landscape at considerable risk.
- Never pay in advance. Once you've paid, there is no obligation to complete the service.
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Arborists in Christchurch
- Our research highlighted the leading arborists in Christchurch known for expert tree care and safe, efficient tree removal services.
- MoneyHub has a commercial relationship with the businesses featured here. We carefully select our partners based on proven track records and verified customer feedback.
- We recommend contacting Canterbury Tree Experts, Beaver Tree Services and Holland’s Tree Services — trusted arborists with proven reviews, delivering outstanding results to Christchurch residents.
- Contacting an arborist by phone is the best way to start - discuss your tree care needs and hear how they can help achieve the best results for your property.
​
The Best Christchurch Arborists and Tree Surgeons
Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Christchurch. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Christchurch, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others.
Canterbury Tree Experts
Base: Mairehau, Christchurch
Hours: 24/7
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Canterbury Tree Experts
Facebook Page: Canterbury Tree Experts
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 0274 231 538
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: 24/7
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Canterbury Tree Experts
Facebook Page: Canterbury Tree Experts
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 0274 231 538
Customer Feedback:
- The team delivered excellent service throughout the project
- Prompt communication and efficient work allowed them to finish ahead of schedule
- Showed practicality and welcomed cost-saving suggestions
- Always on time and completed a job that could have taken two days in just one.
Pros:
- Operates 24/7
- Provides free quotes
- Offers services throughout the Canterbury region
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Locally owned and operated business
- Some of their services include tree removal, tree trimming and tree felling.
- Their tree removal and hedge trimming is carefully tailored to enhance the natural beauty and health of your trees
- Canterbury Tree Experts are known for their extremely skilled and efficient services
Beaver Tree Services Christchurch
Base: Halswell, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Beaver Tree Services Christchurch
Facebook Page: Beaver Tree Services Christchurch
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 344 6223
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Beaver Tree Services Christchurch
Facebook Page: Beaver Tree Services Christchurch
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 344 6223
Customer Feedback:
- Skilled in handling difficult tree felling with ropes and harnesses
- Exceptional attention to detail, leaving areas tidy
- Takes pride in work and customer service
- Excellent communication before, during, and after the job
- Reliable and efficient with branch removal and cleanup
Pros:
- Available for urgent call-outs and storm damage
Cons:
- None
- Caters to both residential and commercial clients
- Over 50 years of experience in tree services
- Environmentally responsible and community-oriented
- Offers services for tree removal, tree pruning, stump grinding, tree reports and arboriculture consultations
Holland’s Tree Services
Base: Christchurch
Hours: Emergency response available
Google Review rating: 4.5/5 (31 reviews)
Website: Holland's Tree Services
Facebook Page: Holland's Tree Services
Email address: Via website
Phone: 0800 220 990
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Emergency response available
Google Review rating: 4.5/5 (31 reviews)
Website: Holland's Tree Services
Facebook Page: Holland's Tree Services
Email address: Via website
Phone: 0800 220 990
Customer Feedback:
- Strong praise for tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, and hedge trimming done with skill and care
- Clear communication, punctuality, and a friendly, professional team
- Leaves properties spotless with tidy clean-up and natural-looking results
- Easy to deal with and delivers on timeframes and estimates
- Fast and efficient service at reasonable prices
Pros:
- NZQA Level 5 Advanced Arborist qualification held since 2004 - the highest practical arborist qualification in the trade
- Provides free quotes with no obligation
- Offers emergency arborist response for storm damage and fallen trees
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Locally owned and operated with 20+ years experience and 10,000+ jobs completed
- Team has 60+ years combined experience in the trade
- Fully insured and a member of the NZ Arboricultural Association (NZAA)
- Services include tree removal, tree trimming and pruning, site clearance, stump grinding, hedge trimming, and large-scale commercial projects
- Covers all of Christchurch and Canterbury, including residential, commercial, and council work
Arborpro Canterbury Limited
Base: North New Brighton, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Sun 7 am – 7 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Arborpro Canterbury Limited
Facebook Page: Arborpro Canterbury Limited
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 902 209
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Sun 7 am – 7 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Arborpro Canterbury Limited
Facebook Page: Arborpro Canterbury Limited
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 902 209
Customer Feedback:
- Reliable and friendly contractors
- Leaves the property clean and tidy
- Value for money
- Reasonable rates
- Makes the place look great
- Careful and attentive to work
Pros:
- Known for handling tricky tree removals, including in challenging locations like roofs and glasshouses
- Provides free quotes and strives for complete customer satisfaction
Cons:
- Usually booked and busy
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Specialises in tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, and more
- A small team of highly skilled, qualified arborists focused on high-quality, safe service
- Offers cost-effective solutions for both domestic and commercial tree work
Total Trees limited
Base: Mobile only
Hours: 24/7
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Total Trees limited
Facebook Page: Total Trees limited
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 925 8600
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: 24/7
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Total Trees limited
Facebook Page: Total Trees limited
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 925 8600
Customer Feedback:
- Excellent communication and prompt service
- Professional, friendly team that listens to customer needs
- Careful work, protecting surrounding plants
- Thorough cleanup, leaving the property neat and tidy
- Fair pricing and highly recommended by others
- Efficient handling of tree pruning, removal, and stumping tasks
Pros:
- Operates 24/7
- Highly qualified Level 4 arborists based in Christchurch, serving Canterbury
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Specialises in tree removals, pruning, stump grinding, and site clearance
- Provides services for residential, commercial, and rural properties
- Expertise in crown reductions, deadwood removal, and emergency storm cleanup
- Known for completing projects safely, efficiently, and within budget
​Jim's Trees
Base: Somerfield, Christchurch 8024
Hours: Mon to Sat 7 am – 8 pm, Sun 8 am – 3 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Jim's Trees
Facebook Page: Jim's Trees
Email address: Not Specified
Phone: 0800 454 654
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Sat 7 am – 8 pm, Sun 8 am – 3 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Jim's Trees
Facebook Page: Jim's Trees
Email address: Not Specified
Phone: 0800 454 654
Customer Feedback:
- Excellent communication and timely completion of tasks
- Careful work, ensuring no damage to surrounding areas
- Competitive pricing with efficient and tidy service
- Responsive and quick to arrange jobs, even accommodating international requests
- Hardworking, punctual, and well-equipped team
- Reliable and highly recommended for tree removal and trimming needs
Pros:
- Fees remain the same as the quotation
- Operates daily
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Prioritise customer satisfaction by offering free quotes, transparent pricing, and reliable service tailored to individual needs
- Specialise in clearing fallen or hazardous trees after storms, helping restore safety quickly
- Committed to sustainable practices, such as recycling green waste and responsibly managing tree removals to minimise environmental impact
​The Tree People
Base: Woolston, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: The Tree People
Facebook Page: The Tree People
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 384 9630
Customer Feedback:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: The Tree People
Facebook Page: The Tree People
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 384 9630
Customer Feedback:
- Professional and reliable tree care services
- Quick and efficient handling of challenging tasks
- Excellent communication and accurate quoting, with fair pricing
- Friendly and approachable team delivering top-notch results
- Thorough cleanup, leaving properties neat and tidy
- Accepts emergency call-outs
- NZARB approved contractors
- Free consultations and quotes to help you make informed decisions
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Expertise in tree care, offering services like pruning, removals, and stump grinding
- Versatile services catering to both residential and commercial clients
Alba Tree Services
Base: Ouruhia, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 7 am – 6 pm, Sat 8 am – 12 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Alba Tree Services
Facebook Page: Alba Tree Services
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 0831 7293
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Fri 7 am – 6 pm, Sat 8 am – 12 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Alba Tree Services
Facebook Page: Alba Tree Services
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 0831 7293
Customer Feedback:
- Work is done without inconvenience to property owners
- Impressive felling, firewood cutting and clean-up of the debris
- Performs the job with an excellent work ethic
- Friendly service
- Cleans after finishing the job
Pros:
- Fully insured for your peace of mind and property protection
- Free quotes offered for a transparent and straightforward process
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Environmentally friendly practices, including wood recycling and mulch production
- Comprehensive tree care services, including pruning, removals, and stump grinding
- Does consultancy, tree removal, tree pruning, crown reduction, site clearance, dismantling, habitat creation and more.
Arbor Master
Base: Waltham, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm, Sat 9 am – 12 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Arbor Master
Facebook Page: Arbor Master
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 337 9776
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm, Sat 9 am – 12 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Arbor Master
Facebook Page: Arbor Master
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 337 9776
Customer Feedback:
- Listens to what their clients need
- Finishes the job to a high standard
- Great communication
- Arrives and completes the job on time
- Offers a realistic quotation
- Works quickly and cleans up on their own
Pros:
- A member of SiteWise and NZARB
- Approved and certified by the Christchurch City Council
- Makes use of the most up to date techniques and equipment available
- Has a comprehensive Health and Safety Plan and intensive training for their staff
Cons:
- Not available for Sunday appointments
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Arbor Master has been delivering professional arboricultural services since its establishment in 2000
- Their services are tree consultancy, tree pruning, tree felling, tree removal, hedge trimming, shrub trimming, crown thinning, crown reductions, planting, tree stump grinding, brush chipping, milling and reporting
Tree Medic Ltd
Base: Mairehau, Christchurch
Hours: 24/7
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Tree Medic Ltd
Facebook Page: Tree Medic Ltd
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 340 0734
Customer Feedback:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: 24/7
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Tree Medic Ltd
Facebook Page: Tree Medic Ltd
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 340 0734
Customer Feedback:
- Expert handling of large and challenging tree removals on steep slopes
- Careful consideration for neighbours and surrounding areas
- Thorough cleanup, including removal of debris and neatly stacked firewood
- Skilled tree care, including tree "doctoring" for specialised needs
- Minimal impact on property with a spotless finish
- Highly recommended for expertise and quality service
- Available 24/7
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Tree Medic Ltd has ten years of industry experience serving the Canterbury region
- They provide tree pruning and thinning, hedge trimming, tree removal, tree felling, crown thinning, crown reductions, tree reports, site clearance and chipping
- Their services involve utilising the latest techniques and equipment available to execute arboricultural works
Elite Trees
Base: Mobile only
Hours: Undisclosed
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Elite Trees
Facebook Page: Elite Trees
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 354 838
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Undisclosed
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Elite Trees
Facebook Page: Elite Trees
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 354 838
Customer Feedback:
- Punctual and professional tradesmen
- Leaves the yard better than they arrive
- Finishes the job even if it’s beyond their working hours
- Rapid response time
- Easy to work with
- Listens to what their client wants
Pros:
- Offers competitive pricing
- Acknowledged by Christchurch City Council for arborist work
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Experienced arboricultural experts have founded Elite Trees Ltd.
- Elite Trees Ltd provides hedge care, hedge shaping, stump grinding, protected trees management, thinning, pruning, planting, transplanting, tree cutting, tree consultancy and reporting.
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Arborists in Christchurch
- Our research highlighted the leading arborists in Christchurch known for expert tree care and safe, efficient tree removal services.
- MoneyHub has a commercial relationship with the businesses featured here. We carefully select our partners based on proven track records and verified customer feedback.
- We recommend contacting Canterbury Tree Experts, Beaver Tree Services and Holland’s Tree Services — trusted arborists with proven reviews, delivering outstanding results to Christchurch residents.
- Contacting an arborist by phone is the best way to start - discuss your tree care needs and hear how they can help achieve the best results for your property.
​
⚠️ Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz may have financial relationships with some businesses listed on this page due to their acceptance of our invite for additional promotion. We stand by the businesses we work with and believe them to be among the best. The pricing information provided is for informational and guidance purposes only and may not accurately represent the actual quotes or final bills for individual services. Our list should not be considered comprehensive. Please research and obtain quotes directly from a range of businesses to ensure accurate pricing and suitability for your needs.
