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Expert Tree Removal Services for a Safer, Healthier Landscape

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Expert Tree Removal Services for a Safer, Healthier Landscape

CONTACT US
Safe, Swift and Secure Tree removal services 

Your trusted choice for Tree Removal Services in Canberra

For over a decade, Rick's Trees has been dedicated to enhancing the safety of properties by managing hazardous trees. Based in Goulburn, servicing Canberra and surrounds, our certified arborists specialise in expert tree removal services. As professional and qualified tree surgeons, we provide reliable, efficient, and sustainable tree management solutions to protect and enhance the look of your landscape.

Whether you need tree removal, maintenance, or landscape renovation, Rick's Trees is your trusted, one-stop solution for all your tree care needs in Canberra and surrounding areas.

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Canberra's Trees and

Removal Regulations

Before considering tree removal, it's crucial to understand Canberra's urban forest and the regulations


1. Protected Trees: A tree on private land is considered protected if it meets any of the following criteria:

  • It is 8 metres or taller (the threshold has been reduced from 12 metres).
  • It has a canopy of 8 metres or more.
  • Its trunk circumference is 1 metre or more, measured at 1.4 metres above the ground.
  • The law protects dead native trees with a trunk circumference of 1.88 metres or more.

2. Approval Requirements: If a tree meets any of these criteria, approval is required for removal. You must submit an application to the ACT Government, and if approved, you will enter into a Canopy Contribution Agreement. This often involves either:


Replanting two trees on your property for each tree removed, or


Paying a financial contribution (around $600 per tree, up to $1,200) if replanting isn't feasible.

3. Penalties: Cutting down or harming trees without permission can lead to big fines. Individuals may face fines of up to $80,000. Corporations can be fined as much as $405,000. Approval is required for not only removal but also pruning and construction work that may impact protected trees.

4. Exceptions: Trees that don't meet these criteria may be removed without approval, but it's recommended to consult a professional arborist to assess the situation before taking action.

Identifying the Root Cause: Common Reasons for Tree Removal

Here are some common reasons for tree removal - 

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Dead or Dying Trees: Having dead or decaying trees on your property poses significant risks to both your safety and the integrity of your home. As trees decay or rot, they become weaker over time, increasing the likelihood of falling during storms or strong winds, which can cause serious damage to structures and landscapes. 

By utilising our expert tree removal services, you can prevent these dangerous situations.  Rest assured, the removal of hazardous trees, followed by professional stump removal, ensures that your outdoor space is clear, safe, and ready for new growth.

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Storm Damaged Trees: At times even a healthy and well-managed tree can fall or become unable during a storm. To prevent further risks, we offer 24/7 emergency services, ensuring fast and professional tree removal and stump grinding after a storm. Whether a tree is leaning dangerously or branches are obstructing power lines, we handle it swiftly, prioritising property safety.

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Property Development: If you’re planning to build new structures, expand your home, or demolish existing buildings for new construction, tree removal may become a necessary step in the process. While we prioritise tree preservation whenever possible, certain trees can obstruct development and must be removed.

At Rick's Trees, our experienced team of tree surgeons collaborate closely with property developers to ensure that the tree removal process adheres to all local regulations and industry standards. 

After clearing the trees, we also offer stump removal services to prepare the area for development, ensuring a smooth transition to your new project.

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Obstructive Trees: Trees growing too close to power lines, buildings, or other infrastructure often require removal to prevent potential hazards. As EVOEnergy (ActewAGL) accredited contractors, we specialise in removing trees around power lines, following strict safety protocols to protect both the property and the utility lines. For less severe cases, where full removal isn't necessary, we also offer regular trimming and pruning services to maintain safe distances and prevent future issues.

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Pest-Infested Trees: Insects and Pests may be small in size but pests can pose major risks to the health of your trees. Infestation from insects like termites, beetles, aphids and other bugs can weaken the trees leading to decay and potential collapse. If not treated at the right time they can even spread to other trees compromising their health and structural stability, eventually threatening your entire property!

Our certified arborists specialise in identifying pest-infested trees and providing effective tree removal and pruning solutions. Don’t let these pest-infested trees compromise the safety of your property, contact Rick’s Trees to get rid of pest-infested trees TODAY!

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Areas prone to fire hazards: In areas prone to fires removal or trimming of trees becomes essential to protect your property and land from damage. To prevent this damage early contact Rick’s Trees. 

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Our Tree Removal Process

Initial Inspection & Assessment:

Assessing the trees and surrounding areas helps us determine the best removal approach. Our team of professionals do thorough assessments to identify trees that can be preserved and those that need to be removed. 

Safe Tree Removal

We are equipped with the best tree-cutting equipment and safety gear. We carefully remove trees without damaging nearby structures.

Stump Grinding

Besides other tree felling services, if needed we also offer stump removal services to prevent regrowth and provide a smooth finish.

Debris Clean-Up

We understand that cutting down a tree can leave a huge mess! After cutting or trimming the tree we leave your property clean and tidy and responsibly dispose of all the tree and debris.

Our Services

Choose Rick’s Trees for all your tree-felling needs!

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Expert Arborists

Our team of highly qualified tree surgeons bring extensive experience in tree lopping, tree-cutting, stump grinding, and other comprehensive tree maintenance services throughout Canberra, Moss Vale, Bowral, Mittagong, and Goulburn.

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Affordable Pricing

With our competitive pricing, we deliver outstanding value without compromising on quality, making tree care accessible for everyone. 

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Cutting-Edge Solutions

As certified tree surgeons we stay ahead of the curve by using cutting-edge equipment and the latest industry techniques, ensuring seamless tree removal.

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Commitment

to Safety

Safety and well-being are the cornerstones of our services. We prioritise the safety of your property and our team while delivering exceptional tree-cutting, trimming and other tree maintenance services ensuring that your landscape thrives and looks its best. 

We achieve this by adhering to local regulations. This ensures that your property is not only safe but also complies with local laws, minimising the risk of penalties or fines.

Prompt and Reliable Services

Whether it's planned tree removal or an urgent situation, our 24/7 support and swift response time mean we're always ready to help you with your tree management needs in Canberra and surrounding areas.

Tree Removal or Tree Lopping: Rick’s Trees has the right solution for you!

Have you ever wondered whether you need to remove an entire tree or simply trim certain parts? In many cases, cutting down the whole tree isn’t necessary, and that’s where we come in to provide the right solution.

Tree Removal is precisely what it sounds like the complete process of cutting down an entire tree. This is often necessary when a tree poses safety risks or is dead or dying.

Tree Lopping, on the other hand, involves trimming large sections of a tree to reduce its size or to remove dead or diseased branches. This process helps prevent further damage and promotes the overall health of the tree.

While tree removal creates space for new developments, tree lopping is focused on maintenance, aesthetics, and the health of your trees.

Still unsure whether you need tree removal or lopping? Rick’s Trees' experienced team of arborists is here to help you make the right decision for your property!

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Serving in Canberra and surrounding regions of NSW

We proudly offer our tree lopping and removal  services across Canberra and surrounding areas including:

Belconnen

Gungahlin

Woden Valley

Tuggeranong

Inner North & South

Moss Vale

Bowral

Mittagong

Goulburn

FAQs About Tree Removal

  • How much does tree removal cost in Canberra?

    Costs vary based on the range of the service we provide. Tree removal may be more expensive than lopping or pruning, Our prices also depend on the tree's size and location. For an accurate estimate, contact us today for a free quote!

  • Will removing a tree damage my property?

    Our team of experienced and certified arborists are trained to expertly remove and trim trees while taking every precaution to protect nearby structures, gardens, and power lines. We follow strict safety protocols to minimise any potential risks during the process. 


    While we take every precaution and follow strict safety protocols, certain risks are inherent in tree removal, and we cannot guarantee that no damage will occur.

  • Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Canberra?

    Yes. When deciding to remove or trim trees, it’s important to check the protection status, especially if you’re in the Australian Capital Territory. In ACT  trees that are considered as “protected trees” are protected under the Urban Forest Act 2023 and may or may not require approval before starting any sort of tree clearing or maintenance. However, we are able to assess the tree and provide advice based on the situation. 


    While we can assist with the approval process, it is the property owner’s responsibility to verify the protection status of their trees and get all the necessary approvals before proceeding with tree removal or maintenance.

  • What Trees can be cut down without permission?

    You should check the protection status and registration of your trees before the removal as protected trees i.e. trees on public land and trees of a particular height or species on private land cannot be cut down in the ACT region without all the required approvals.


    We advise checking with local authorities or consulting with us to ensure compliance with all regulations 

  • How do I know if my tree is a protected or registered tree?

    Protected trees include all trees on public land and trees on private land of a certain size.  If you suspect that a tree on your property is protected,we recommend verifying the protection status of trees through the Tree Register or by contacting the relevant authorities to avoid penalties.


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