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The Best Arborists and Tree Surgeons in Wellington

Updated 7 September 2023
​Summary:
  • Homeowners all over Wellington 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 Wellington 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 Wellington Arborist guide covers:​​​

MoneyHub's Top Trusted Wellington Arborist

  • Our research highlighted the leading Arborists who deliver results for their clients.
  • We suggest contacting Elite Arboriculture our top Arborist that has proven reviews and have delivered outstanding results to Wellington residents just like you.
  • Contacting an Arborist by phone is the best way to kick things off - you can explain your tree plans and hear how you can get the results you want.

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. 
  • 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?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:
  1. When will the work be started and completed?     
  2. What are the terms of payment?     
  3. If more work needs to be done in addition to the agreed project, what is the hourly rate?
  4. What access to your property will they require?
  5. 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:
  1. Be as specific as possible about the job on the phone - the size of the tree(s), location, access issues, purpose of job etc.
  2. Does the Arborist have specific experience in the procedure you need to be carried out?
  3. 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
  4. 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).
  5. Do you need related services? Ask what other services do they provide.
  6. 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 Wellington Arborist

  • Our research highlighted the leading Arborists who deliver results for their clients.
  • We suggest contacting Elite Arboriculture our top Arborist that has proven reviews and have delivered outstanding results to Wellington residents just like you.
  • Contacting an Arborist by phone is the best way to kick things off - you can explain your tree plans and hear how you can get the results you want.
​

Reliable Wellington Arborists and Tree Surgeons Available Right Now

​Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Wellington. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Wellington, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others.

Elite Arboriculture

Base: Mobile only 
Hours: 24/7
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website:  Elite Arboriculture
Facebook Page: Elite Arboriculture
Email address: jade.elitearb@gmail.com
​Phone:  027 343 8846
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Finishes the job on time
  • Knowledgeable arborists with good climbing skills and equipment
  • Cleans up after themselves
  • Listens to what their client wants with their trees
  • Removes trees with minimal intrusion to property owners 
 
Pros:
  • Offers a reasonable rate and pricing
  • Highly-rated arborists

Cons:
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Elite Arboriculture has 10 years of experience in the tree cutting industry
  • Their service covers Wellington, Porirua, Hutt Valley, Kapiti and Horowhenua
  • Takes down medium to large trees with a professionally trained arborist without causing irreparable damages
  • Provides services for tree dismantling, tree trimming, pruning, stump grinding, hedging and full waste removal 

Urban Tree Services

Base: Johnsonville, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Sun 7 am – 5 pm 
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website:  Urban Tree Services
Facebook Page: Urban Tree Services
Email address: josh@urbantreeservices.net
​Phone:  021 077 1520
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Professional, efficient, and competent contractors
  • Areas are left clean and tidy
  • Highly knowledgeable
  • Arrives on time and finishes the job within the timeframe
 
Pros:
  • Skillfully removes branches without hitting anything
 
Cons:
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Urban Tree Services is lead by a qualified arborist with a Diploma of Arboriculture (AQF level V) – the highest attainable arborist qualification
  • Provides tree removal service and are capable of delivering tree assessments, pest treatments and planting species advice
  • Offers arborist services, including new planting species advice, pest and disease identification, treatment options, tree health, vigour assessments and tree risk assessment

Armes Trees Solutions

Base: Lower Hutt, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website:  Armes Trees Solutions
Facebook Page: Armes Trees Solutions
Email address: info@armestrees.co.nz
​Phone:  021 209 4365
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Provides excellent, friendly and professional service
  • Quickly performs the job as soon as the quote is approved
  • Shows utmost request for the client's property
  • No surrounding yards are affected by tree removals
  • Makes the process easy
  • Highly experienced arborists
 
Pros:
  • After-hours service available for urgent work
 
Cons:
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Armes Trees Solutions operates with thoroughly trained and experienced staff, assuring the highest quality of workmanship
  • Qualified horticulturist, arboriculturist and tree surgeons serving the Wellington and Hutt Valley
  • Provides services for tree pruning, tree removal, hedge trimming and tree stump removal 

Beaver Tree Services Wellington

Base: Lower Hutt, Wellington 
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm 
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website:  Beaver Tree Services Wellington
Facebook Page: Beaver Tree Services Wellington
Email address: office@beavertree.co.nz
​Phone:  0800 423 283
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Works carefully to avoid damaging adjacent shrubs and deck
  • Friendly and professional team of contractors
  • Communicates promptly
 
Pros:
  • Able to quickly cut down trees
  • Services are reasonably priced
 
Cons:
  • Does not operate on weekends 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Beaver Tree Services Wellington has more than 50 years of experience as tree surgeon carrying out advanced tree pruning, tree removal, stump grinding and other tree-related services for all residential and commercial properties
  • Services middle New Zealand, including Christchurch, Wellington, Kapiti Coast District, Horowhenua District, Manawatu, Whanganui Districts and Taupo
  • Offers services for tree removal, tree pruning, stump grinding, tree reports and arboriculture consultations

Living Planet​

​Base: Happy Valley, Wellington 
Hours: Mon to Sun 7:30 am – 2 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Living Planet
Facebook Page: Living Planet
Email address: treedoctors@livingplanet.co.nz
​Phone: 04 971 8583
  
 Customer Feedback:
  • Provides an easy and pleasant experience 
  • Initially seemed expensive but has excellent value in retrospect
  • The owner genuinely cares for trees and is very knowledgeable.
  • Keeps their client well informed 
  • Finishes the job nicely and cleans up all the mess leaving the place spotless

Pros:
  • Able to do work during the weekends 
  • Offering a wide range of tree maintenance services 
  • Uses a 100% eco-friendly biodegradable chainsaw lube
  • Fully insured company 
  • Provides and tree inspection reports that are easy to understand 
 
 Cons:
  • None 
 
 Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Tree Doctors are fully qualified and will promptly assess the trees based on the client's requirements, space, sunlight and garden.
  • They offer a complete lawn installation or renovation service and control weeds, pests and diseases.
  • Apart from their arborist service, Tree Doctors also provide a wide range of landscape maintenance services, including water blasting, repairs to walls, paving, decks, steps and fences, masonry sealing, weed spraying, and more. 
  • Sells mulch for gardens that help reduce hours spent on weeding. 

ARB Innovations Ltd​

Base: Lower Hut, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Sun 7 am to 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.3/5 
Website: Arb Innovations Ltd
Facebook Page: Arb Innovations Ltd
Email address: enquiries@arbinnovations.co.nz
Phone: 04 212 6366
  
 Customer Feedback:
  • Provides excellent all-around service and for a reasonable price
  • Can go above and beyond to meet the client’s expectations 
  • Takes photos and detailed descriptions to note what their client wants 
  • Does everything their client specifies 
  • Cleans up after service 
  • Punctual, friendly, thorough and fair workers 
 
 Pros:
  • Competitively priced 
  • Arrives on time and maintains excellent communication 
  • Available during the weekends 
  • Eco-friendly service 
  • Fully insured 
 
 Cons:
  • None 
 
 Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • ARB Innovations Ltd is an approved contractor for the New Zealand Arboricultural Association and all local councils in the Wellington Region.
  • Their full range of services includes tree removal, stump removal, pruning, transplanting, thinning, woodland management, woodlot harvesting, land clearance, power line clearing and more. 
  • ARB Innovations Ltd also provides tree care such as fertilization, watering, mulching, soil care and tree root protection. 

MoneyHub's Top Trusted Wellington Arborist

  • Our research highlighted the leading Arborists who deliver results for their clients.
  • We suggest contacting Elite Arboriculture our top Arborist that has proven reviews and have delivered outstanding results to Wellington residents just like you.
  • Contacting an Arborist by phone is the best way to kick things off - you can explain your tree plans and hear how you can get the results you want.
​

⚠️​ 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.