The Best Arborists and Tree Surgeons in Christchurch
Updated 13 October 2021
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:
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:
How much does an Arborist cost?
The job of an Arborist is so varied that giving an exact cost is impossible, and even an approximation difficult. For example, if you need a tree cutting down and removing the cost depends on the size, type, and location of the tree, and can range from between $100 to $1,000.
Whatever the job, always ask for a written quote in advance, and be as detailed as possible with your specifics. The size of the tree and access issues (e.g., fences, buildings, other trees) will directly affect the quote.
- The average cost is somewhere between $250 and $500.
- For smaller jobs, such as trimming and pruning, you may get quotes of between $75 and $250.
Whatever the job, always ask for a written quote in advance, and be as detailed as possible with your specifics. The size of the tree and access issues (e.g., fences, buildings, other trees) will directly affect the quote.
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.
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.
No Christchurch Arborist has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any Arborist below.
No Christchurch Arborist has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any Arborist below.
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:
- Has well-managed tree clearing operations
Cons:
- Usually booked and busy
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Arborpro Canterbury Limited provides both commercial and residential arboricultural works.
- They provide tree maintenance and tree removal projects for houses, private gardens and lodges, commercial developments, farms, institutions and schools
- Some of their other services include site clearance, tree felling and hedge trimming services.
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 professional service
- Cleans up after work
- High-quality workmanship at an affordable rate
- Gets the job done in no time
- Carefully discuss in detail the work which was to be carried out
Pros:
- Operates 24/7
- Makes the process hassle-free for property owners
- Has a vast knowledge of arboriculture and trees
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Total Trees Limited provides service to all of Canterbury from Rangiora to Christchurch.
- They provide tree pruning, tree removal, crown reductions, deadwood removal, crown thinning, and site clearing service.
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 454 654
Customer Feedback:
- Highly professional and easy to deal with
- They leave the site clean after the job
- Easy to work with
- Completes the job on time
Pros:
- Fees remain the same as the quotation
- Operates daily
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Jim's Trees are qualified arborists covering the whole Christchurch area.
- They have been providing tree removal and stump grinding services since 1997.
- Jim's Trees is known for their reliable and speedy services across a broad range of residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
- Some of the services they offer include tree felling, branch chipping and others.
Four Seasons Tree Care
Base: Woolston, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Four Seasons Tree Care
Facebook Page: Four Seasons Tree Care
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 384 9630
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Four Seasons Tree Care
Facebook Page: Four Seasons Tree Care
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 384 9630
Customer Feedback:
- Delivers top-notch quality service
- Great client communication
- Arrives at the site on time
- Quick to take action
- Experts on powerline clearing operations
Pros:
- Provides realistic and reasonable quotation
- Accepts emergency call-outs NZARB approved contractors
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Four Seasons Tree Care provides various tree service management to residential, commercial and industrial properties.
- They offer commercial tree work and tree services, tree transplanting, land clearing and powerline 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: 0800 422 328
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
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: 0800 422 328
Customer Feedback:
- Highly knowledgeable in arboriculture
- Cleanly dispose of all cuttings
- Prompt and efficient contractor
- Works fast and efficient
Pros:
- Receptive to all requests and instructions
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Beaver Tree Services Christchurch is an expert arborist providing tree removal, tree pruning and stump removal services.
- They started their business in Christchurch more than 50 years ago and has expanded their reach to Wellington, Kapiti Coast District, Horowhenua District, Manawatu & Whanganui Districts and Taupo.
- Beaver Tree Services accepts tree removal, tree reduction, tree shaping, pruning, and arboriculture consultation services.
Alba Tree Services
Base: Burwood, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 7 am – 6 pm, Sat 8 am – 12 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Alba Tree Services
Facebook Page: Alba Tree Services
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 083 1 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: 5.0/5
Website: Alba Tree Services
Facebook Page: Alba Tree Services
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 083 1 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:
- Uses the latest technologies and equipment
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Alba Tree Services is a Christchurch based company providing tree management services throughout Canterbury.
- 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: 4.5/5
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: 4.5/5
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 operating since 2000 and has been providing professional Arboricultural services since then.
- 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:
Pros:
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:
- Promptly provides quotation
- Works quickly and within the client’s specifications
- Great clean up
- Communicates well with the client
- Reasonable pricing
Pros:
- 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: 4.4/5
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: 4.4/5
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
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.
NZ Trim & Grind
Base: Addington, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 6 pm, Sat 8 am – 3 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: NZ Trim & Grind
Facebook Page: None
Email address: None
Phone: 022 385 2905
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 6 pm, Sat 8 am – 3 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: NZ Trim & Grind
Facebook Page: None
Email address: None
Phone: 022 385 2905
Customer Feedback:
- Promptly provides a quotation
- Finishes the job quickly and professionally
- Takes great care to not damage any other plants or garden fittings in the surrounding area
- Offers affordable service rates
- Helps their client come up with proper decisions on tree management
- Leaves the place tidy
- Communicates well with their clients
Pros:
- Has available ramps and latest stump grinders for better tree navigation and service
Cons:
- Closed during Sundays
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- NZ Trim & Grind is a locally owned and operated company.
- They specialise in hedge trimming and stump grinding but also capable of other arboricultural works.
Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship, financial or otherwise, with any of the companies listed on this page. Quotes and final bills for tree surgery and related Arborist services will vary, and our pricing guide is for informational purposes only.
