# Above All Tree Services

> Family-run Sydney arborists working from four bases since 2004. Tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, hedges, palm removal, storm and emergency work, AQF Level 5 arborist reports and council permit help, for homes, strata, schools, councils and commercial sites across Sydney.

- Legal name: Above All Tree Services Pty Ltd (ABN 41 162 658 933, ACN 162 658 933). Not affiliated with any other business called "Above All Tree Services" (e.g. in Perth WA or the USA).
- Four bases, none open to the public: Engadine (head office), Ryde, Gordon and Bankstown, NSW, Australia
- Bases (not open to the public): Engadine (Achilles Road, Engadine NSW 2233) — Sutherland Shire; Ryde (Porter Street, Ryde NSW 2112) — Ryde, the inner west and the lower north shore; Gordon (Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072) — Ku-ring-gai and the upper north shore; Bankstown (Hoskins Avenue, Bankstown NSW 2200) — Canterbury-Bankstown, St George and the south-west
- Phone: 02 9154 5133 · Written enquiries: the quote form (no email address is published)
- Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm; Saturday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm; Sunday Closed. Storm and emergency call-outs outside these hours: call us on 02 9154 5133. We answer.
- Credentials: Two AQF Level 5 consulting arborists; EWP licences (over 11 m) and Electrical Close Approach; RISI, ARTC and Sydney Airport (SACL) inductions; NSW TAFE chainsaw operations teacher on staff
- Insurance: $20 million public liability (XL Insurance Company SE via Brooklyn Underwriting, to 30 June 2027); $20 million products liability (same policy); $5 million professional indemnity; Workers compensation (CGU); Heavy motor vehicle insurance (Allianz)
- Clients include: Downer (formerly Spotless) — school grounds; Cushman & Wakefield — schools; Evolve — schools; Fulton Hogan — Sydney Water projects; Eight Sydney strata management companies; Public and private schools; Construction and landscaping companies
- Google rating: 5.0 from 22 reviews

## Services
- [Tree removal](https://www.tree-services.com.au/tree-removal/): Above All Tree Services removes trees of every size from homes, strata blocks, schools and commercial sites across the Sutherland Shire and across Sydney. We work from four bases: Engadine, Ryde, Gordon and Bankstown. A qualified arborist quotes the job, tells you whether council approval is needed, and the same crew takes the tree down in sections, grinds the stump and cleans up. Quotes are free and no-obligation.
- [Pruning & tree trimming](https://www.tree-services.com.au/tree-pruning/): We prune trees to the Australian pruning standard, AS 4373: deadwood out, branches cleared from roofs, gutters and power lines, and heavy limbs reduced so the tree carries less weight in a storm. Every cut is made at the branch collar, never by lopping. Most councils limit how much you can prune without a permit, and we'll tell you where your council's line is.
- [Hedge trimming](https://www.tree-services.com.au/hedge-trimming/): We trim and reduce tall hedges, like lilly pillies, murrayas, conifers, bamboo and photinias, that have got past a ladder and a pair of shears. We can bring height back to what you want, square up the faces and chip everything on site. Hedges over 2.5 m that block a neighbour's sunlight or view can also be the subject of a Land and Environment Court order.
- [Stump grinding](https://www.tree-services.com.au/stump-grinding/): We grind stumps to 300–400 mm below ground level, deep enough to lay turf, plant a garden bed or pave over. A typical backyard stump takes about half an hour to an hour. The grindings can stay as mulch or we take them away. We grind stumps left by other contractors too, not just our own.
- [Palm removal](https://www.tree-services.com.au/palm-tree-removal/): We remove palms of every size, from backyard cocos palms to mature Canary Island date palms, and grind the stump. Cocos (queen) palms are listed as exempt or undesirable in many Sydney councils, so they can often be removed without a permit, but check your council's list first. Big palms are taken down in sections or lifted out by crane.
- [Storm & emergency](https://www.tree-services.com.au/emergency-tree-service/): If a tree or large branch has fallen, or is hanging over your house, car or driveway, call us on 02 9154 5133, any hour. We make it safe first, then remove it and clean up. In big storms we deal with the most dangerous jobs first. If anyone is hurt or a power line is down, call 000, and stay at least 8 m away from fallen lines.
- [Arborist reports & permits](https://www.tree-services.com.au/arborist-reports-tree-permits/): Need an arborist report for a council tree application? Our consulting arborist Joshua Baber (AQF Level 5) assesses the tree and writes the report your council or development application asks for, and our crews can carry out the approved work. Each report is quoted individually; Josh is usually on site within a week, and the report follows within about another week, depending on complexity.
- [Strata](https://www.tree-services.com.au/strata-tree-services/): Above All Tree Services looks after trees for eight Sydney strata management companies and for facilities managers including Downer (formerly Spotless) and Cushman & Wakefield. We provide scheduled maintenance, risk inspections by AQF Level 5 consulting arborists, emergency call-outs, and the paperwork strata committees need: $20 million public liability, workers' compensation, safe work method statements and certificates of currency.
- [Commercial & schools](https://www.tree-services.com.au/commercial-tree-services/): We work for the facilities managers Downer (formerly Spotless), Cushman & Wakefield and Evolve on school grounds, for Fulton Hogan on Sydney Water projects, and for public and private schools, builders and landscapers. Our consulting arborists audit and report on trees to government standards. Our crews hold rail (RISI, ARTC) and Sydney Airport (SACL) inductions, EWP licences over 11 m and Electrical Close Approach licences. We're insured to $20 million.
- [Rail & airport](https://www.tree-services.com.au/rail-airport-tree-services/): Above All Tree Services crews hold RISI (Rail Industry Safety Induction), ARTC and Sydney Airport (SACL) contractor inductions, EWP licences for over 11 m and Electrical Close Approach licences. We carry out vegetation management, pruning and removals in rail corridors, on airport grounds and near power lines across Sydney, and our consulting arborists write the assessments.
- [Tree lopping in Sydney](https://www.tree-services.com.au/tree-lopping-sydney/): what lopping is, why Sydney councils ban it, and the pruning (reduction, thinning, clearance) to ask for instead. We don't lop; we prune to AS 4373 and remove trees that are wrong for the site.

## Prices
- We don't publish a price list: height, width, access, power lines, cranes and the distance to the property all change the price, so every job is quoted free on site.
- Stump grinding: Stump grinding, per stump $200 – $800; Several stumps in one visit Quoted together from your photos
- Arborist reports are quoted individually.

## Council tree rules (plain-English guides, checked against each council's own documents)
- [All councils compared](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/)
- [Exempt species by council](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/exempt-species/)
- [Sutherland Shire](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/sutherland-shire/) (42 suburbs): Trunk 100 mm or more across at 500 mm high, any bushland vegetation, or anything within 4 m of a creek
- [Liverpool](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/liverpool/) (34 suburbs): Over 3.5 m tall, 4 m spread or 400 mm trunk at 1 m (council’s 2024 guidelines give different figures; check first)
- [Georges River](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/georges-river/) (18 suburbs): 3 m or taller, trunk 100 mm or more at ground level, or 3 m branch spread
- [Canterbury-Bankstown](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/canterbury-bankstown/) (37 suburbs): 5 m or taller (any size on heritage, biodiversity-mapped or foreshore land)
- [Wollongong](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/wollongong/) (14 suburbs): 5 m or taller, or trunk 300 mm or more across at ground level
- [Campbelltown](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/campbelltown/) (34 suburbs): Over 3 m tall, 500 mm trunk circumference at ground level, or 4 m crown spread
- [Bayside](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/bayside/) (26 suburbs): Taller than 3 m, or trunk wider than 300 mm
- [Fairfield](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/fairfield/) (24 suburbs): Over 4 m tall, 3 m spread, or trunk over 75 mm at 1 m (much smaller on riparian land)
- [Strathfield](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/strathfield/) (4 suburbs): 4 m or taller, or trunk girth over 500 mm at 1 m
- [Cumberland](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/cumberland/) (20 suburbs): 4 m or taller
- [Burwood](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/burwood/) (5 suburbs): 4 m or taller, trunk 150 mm at 1.4 m, or crown 2 m or more
- [Inner West](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/inner-west/) (20 suburbs): 4 m or taller, trunk over 150 mm at 1.4 m, or canopy 2 m or more
- [Camden](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/camden/) (22 suburbs): 3 m or taller, trunk 100 mm across at 1 m, or 3 m branch span
- [Randwick](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/randwick/) (14 suburbs): 5 m or taller, 4 m canopy, or 400 mm trunk circumference at 1 m
- [Canada Bay](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/canada-bay/) (16 suburbs): 5 m or taller, trunk over 300 mm at ground level, or canopy over 4 m
- [City of Sydney](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/city-of-sydney/) (28 suburbs): 5 m or taller, canopy over 5 m, or trunk over 300 mm at ground level
- [Wollondilly](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/wollondilly/) (3 suburbs): Over 3 m tall, 450 mm trunk circumference at 1 m, or 3 m branch span
- [Parramatta](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/parramatta/) (24 suburbs): 5 m or taller (3 m on heritage and special character land, any size on biodiversity land)
- [Hunters Hill](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/hunters-hill/) (5 suburbs): 4 m or taller, or stem 200 mm or more at 1.4 m
- [Ryde](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/ryde/) (15 suburbs): 4 m or taller, or trunk 150 mm or more at 1.4 m
- [Woollahra](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/woollahra/) (10 suburbs): Over 5 m tall, or branch spread over 3 m
- [Waverley](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/waverley/) (9 suburbs): 3 m or taller, or 3 m canopy spread (pruning trees under 5 m is exempt)
- [Lane Cove](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/lane-cove/) (8 suburbs): Over 4 m tall, canopy over 5 m, or trunk over 150 mm at 1 m (even dead trees need a fee-free permit)
- [Blacktown](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/blacktown/) (51 suburbs): Over 3 m tall, or trunk over 200 mm at 1 m
- [Penrith](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/penrith/) (34 suburbs): 3.5 m or taller, or trunk over 100 mm at 1.4 m
- [North Sydney](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/north-sydney/) (13 suburbs): 5 m or taller, crown 5 m wide, or trunk circumference 500 mm at ground level
- [Willoughby](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/willoughby/) (12 suburbs): Over 4 m, crown over 3 m, or trunk girth over 600 mm at 1.4 m (local natives at any size)
- [Mosman](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/mosman/) (1 suburbs): 5 m or taller, or trunk circumference 450 mm at 300 mm high (2 m on heritage land)
- [Ku-ring-gai](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/ku-ring-gai/) (17 suburbs): 5 m or taller, or trunk 150 mm across at ground level (no exemptions in Blue Gum High Forest or on heritage land)
- [Hornsby](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/hornsby/) (30 suburbs): Almost any tree that can grow over 3 m (trees within 3 m of the house are exempt)
- [The Hills](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/the-hills/) (23 suburbs): Taller than 6 m, canopy over 3 m, or trunk over 300 mm at the base (trees within 5 m of the house are exempt)
- [Northern Beaches](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/northern-beaches/) (54 suburbs): Over 5 m tall (trees within 2 m of an approved building are exempt)

## Areas
- [Sutherland Shire hub](https://www.tree-services.com.au/tree-removal-sutherland-shire/)
- [All 667 suburbs we cover](https://www.tree-services.com.au/areas/); each has a page at /tree-removal-<suburb>/, e.g. [Engadine](https://www.tree-services.com.au/tree-removal-engadine/), [Cronulla](https://www.tree-services.com.au/tree-removal-cronulla/), [Hurstville](https://www.tree-services.com.au/tree-removal-hurstville/)

## Guides
- [Is it cheaper to grind a stump or dig it out?](https://www.tree-services.com.au/articles/stump-grinding-vs-digging-out/): Grinding is cheaper, faster and far less destructive than digging a stump out. A grinder chews the stump and main roots into chips 300 to 400 mm below the surface in an hour or two, with no excavator, no trench and no truckloads of soil. Digging out only makes sense where the whole root plate has to go, such as for a new slab or a pool. We quote stump grinding from a photo: $200 to $800 per stump.
- [No side access? How a tree comes out when the truck can't get near it](https://www.tree-services.com.au/articles/tree-removal-no-access/): A tree with no access still comes out; it just comes out differently. Most are dismantled in sections by a climber and lowered on ropes, then carried through the side path piece by piece. Where there is room next door or on the street, a crane lifts whole sections over the house. On Sydney's waterfront blocks with no road at all, we have barged the truck and chipper across. Access is one of the biggest factors in the price, which is why we quote on site.
- [The 10/50 rule explained](https://www.tree-services.com.au/articles/10-50-rule-explained/): The 10/50 Code lets owners in a mapped RFS entitlement area remove trees within 10 m of their home, and clear shrubs and other vegetation (not trees) within 50 m, without council approval. It only applies if the RFS online tool confirms your address on the day you clear, and heritage, steep slopes, waterways and some bushland are excluded.
- [Can I remove a tree on my property without council approval?](https://www.tree-services.com.au/articles/can-i-remove-a-tree-without-council-approval/): Often not, but it depends on your council. In NSW each council decides which private trees are protected, in its development control plan. Most protect trees above a set height (usually 3 to 5 m, 6 m in The Hills) or trunk size, and most publish exempt species you can remove freely. Some exempt trees within 1 to 5 m of the house. Heritage properties almost always need approval.
- [How to choose a tree removal company (and avoid the cowboys)](https://www.tree-services.com.au/articles/choosing-a-tree-removal-company/): Check four things: an AQF Level 3 arborist (at least) doing the work, current public liability and workers compensation insurance, a written quote with an ABN, and a clear answer on whether your council needs to approve the job. Be wary of door-knockers offering cheap cash work. Your own home insurance is unlikely to cover someone else's tree work.
- [Do I need approval to remove a dead or dangerous tree?](https://www.tree-services.com.au/articles/dead-or-dangerous-tree-approval/): Sometimes not, but the NSW rule is that the council must be satisfied the tree is dead and not needed as habitat, or that it's a risk to life or property. Most councils want an arborist's assessment and photos, and some want to approve it first. If a tree is failing right now, make it safe, document everything, and tell the council.
- [What are the fines for removing a tree without approval in NSW?](https://www.tree-services.com.au/articles/illegal-tree-removal-fines-nsw/): Removing a protected tree without approval can bring an on-the-spot fine of $3,000 for an individual or $6,000 for a company. In court, penalties can reach $1 million for an individual and $5 million for a company, and the court can order replanting. Councils also usually require two to four replacement trees for every one removed illegally.
- [My neighbour's tree: overhanging branches, roots and hedges in NSW](https://www.tree-services.com.au/articles/neighbours-tree-overhanging-nsw/): You can usually cut overhanging branches back to your boundary, but not beyond, and council tree rules still apply, so a protected tree may need a permit and some councils want the owner's written consent. If a neighbour's tree is damaging your property or a tall hedge is blocking your light, the Land and Environment Court can order work under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act.
- [Is my tree dangerous? Ten warning signs](https://www.tree-services.com.au/articles/signs-a-tree-is-dangerous/): Watch for a lean that is new or getting worse, soil heaving or cracking at the base, cracks or splits in the trunk, fungi or soft decay at the base, large dead branches, a V-shaped union with bark trapped inside, and roots cut by trenching. Any one of these is worth an arborist's inspection, especially if the tree could hit the house or a play area.
- [Trees in strata: who's responsible, and who decides?](https://www.tree-services.com.au/articles/strata-trees-who-is-responsible/): Trees on common property are the owners corporation's responsibility: under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 it must properly maintain common property. Removing a tree is usually an alteration needing a special resolution, and council approval applies just as it would to a house. Exclusive-use courtyards remain common property unless a by-law says otherwise.
- [A tree fell in a storm: what to do, step by step](https://www.tree-services.com.au/articles/tree-fell-in-storm-what-to-do/): Get everyone clear, and stay at least 8 m from any fallen power line. Call 000 if anyone is hurt, the SES on 132 500 if the tree is on your house or blocking access, and the network if lines are involved. Photograph everything before it's moved, call your insurer before authorising work, and don't cut a council tree yourself.
- [How much does tree removal cost in Sydney?](https://www.tree-services.com.au/articles/tree-removal-cost-sydney/): We don't publish a tree-removal price list, and we'd be wary of anyone who does: the price depends mainly on the tree's height and spread, how easy it is to get to, what it would hit if a piece fell (roof, pool, power lines), whether a crane is needed, power lines, how far the truck is from the tree, and whether you want the stump ground. Every job is quoted free, on site and fixed. Stump grinding is the one thing we can price from a photo: $200–800 per stump.
- [Trees near power lines: who's responsible?](https://www.tree-services.com.au/articles/trees-and-power-lines/): In Ausgrid areas, including the Sutherland Shire, you're responsible for your own trees near the service wire on your property; Ausgrid trims council verge trees and neighbours' trees. Anything within 3 m of network lines must be done by accredited workers. Homeowners should never trim near lines themselves, and fallen lines are always treated as live.
- [What's in an arborist report, and when do you need one?](https://www.tree-services.com.au/articles/what-is-an-arborist-report/): An arborist report is a written assessment of a tree's health, structure and risk by a qualified arborist, usually AQF Level 5 (the Diploma of Arboriculture). Councils ask for one for larger or disputed removals, dead or dangerous trees and development sites. Some, including Woollahra and Lane Cove, only accept reports from arborists independent of tree-removal work, and others ask for an independent arborist for certain applications.

## Team
- Wayne Back, Director · consulting arborist · climber: Diploma of Horticulture (Arboriculture), AQF Level 5 (2009), plus Certificates III and IV; Chainsaw operations Levels 1, 2 and 3; Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment; Elevated Work Platform licence (over 11 m); Electrical Close Approach licence; RISI, ARTC and Sydney Airport (SACL) inductions; White Card, Asbestos Awareness, First Aid, Working With Children; Bachelor of Veterinary Science
- Alex Back, Co-owner · manager · quotes: Certificate II in Horticulture (Arboriculture); Chainsaw operations Levels 1 and 2; RISI, ARTC and Sydney Airport (SACL) inductions; White Card, Asbestos Awareness, First Aid
- Joshua Baber, Consulting arborist · supervising climber: Diploma of Horticulture (Arboriculture), AQF Level 5 (2009), plus Certificates III and IV; Chainsaw operations Levels 1 and 2; Elevated Work Platform licence (over 11 m); Electrical Close Approach licence; RISI, ARTC and Sydney Airport (SACL) inductions; White Card, Asbestos Awareness, First Aid
- Nathan Waihi, Groundsman · EWP operator: Elevated Work Platform licence (over 11 m); RISI, ARTC and Sydney Airport (SACL) inductions; White Card, Asbestos Awareness, First Aid
- Daniel Back, Groundsman: RISI, ARTC and Sydney Airport (SACL) inductions; White Card, Asbestos Awareness, First Aid
- Liam McTackett, Groundsman: Sydney Airport (SACL) induction; White Card, Asbestos Awareness
- Kayla Back, Groundswoman: White Card (WH&S Construction Induction)

## Full text and data
- [llms-full.txt](https://www.tree-services.com.au/llms-full.txt): every council's rules in full, every guide, and per-suburb data (canopy, bush fire prone land, heritage areas)
- [Council rules as JSON](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/data.json) · [as CSV](https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/data.csv)

## Site credit
This website was designed and built by System C (https://www.systemc.com.au/).