Tree Removal

Tree Removal in Canberra — Done Properly, Done Legally

Dead, diseased, dangerous or in the wrong place — removal handled cleanly by vetted ACT crews, with the council side sorted first.

Removal is a last resort — but sometimes it is the right one

Not every tree can, or should, be saved. When a tree is dead, structurally failing, seriously diseased, or genuinely in the wrong place — lifting a driveway, undermining foundations, or shading a whole block into moss — removal is the honest answer. The vetted Canberra crews we connect you with carry it out cleanly and safely, from a single dead radiata pine in Weston Creek to a storm-split gum leaning over a Gungahlin roof.

But it always starts with an arborist assessment. Removal is irreversible, it can be expensive to get wrong under ACT law, and sometimes a tree that looks doomed can actually be kept with a crown reduction. We would rather you knew that before the chainsaw started.

How a removal is carried out

  • Site assessment — species, condition, hazards, access and legal status confirmed.
  • Method chosen — straight fell where there is room, or sectional felling where there is not.
  • Controlled dismantle — the tree is taken down in a planned sequence, protecting the house, fences, gardens and anyone nearby.
  • Clean-up — branches and green waste chipped and mulched, the site left tidy.
  • Stump — ground out or fully extracted if you choose complete stump removal.

The council side, handled first

This is where Canberra removals differ from most cities. Under the Urban Forest Act 2023, a private-land tree is protected once it hits 8m tall, an 8m canopy, or a 1m trunk circumference at 1.4m from the ground — or if it is on the ACT Tree Register. Many mature backyard eucalypts clear that bar easily.

Removing a protected tree without an approved tree activity application from City Services can bring penalties of up to $80,000, plus a canopy contribution of two replacement trees or $600 each. The arborists behind these crews check your tree's status and prepare or guide the application before removal — so the job is lawful, not a liability.

Vetted crews, verified standard

Every removal we refer goes to a Trade Guardian verified Canberra crew — independently vetted, appropriately insured, and holding a 5.0 rating from 17 Google reviews. That matters for a job with this much risk to person and property.

Get a removal assessed

Call (02) 6105 9664 and we will connect you with a qualified crew to assess your tree on site. Explore the full services hub or head back to home.

More services

Explore our other services

Arborists & Tree Surgeons

Qualified arborists assessing tree health, risk and council requirements across Canberra.

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Complex Tree Felling

Controlled, sectional felling for large or tight-access trees near structures and power lines.

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Complete Stump Removal

Full stump and root extraction, plus grinding options, for a clean, usable block.

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Crown Reduction & Lopping

Size and shape management, including dead-wooding, to keep trees safe and healthy.

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Pruning

Structural and maintenance pruning to Australian Standard AS4373.

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Hedge Care

Ongoing shaping and trimming for hedges and screening shrubs.

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Clean-Up & Mulching

Full site clean-up with green waste chipped and mulched on-site where possible.

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Storm & Emergency Response

Fast response for storm-damaged, fallen or hazardous trees threatening property.

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Land Clearing

Vegetation and tree clearing for blocks, subdivisions and building sites.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How much does tree removal cost in Canberra?

It depends on the tree's size, species, condition and access, and whether it is protected. A small ornamental in an open yard is a very different job to a large eucalypt over a roofline. That is why the crews assess on site before quoting — you get an accurate price for your specific tree, not a guess over the phone.

Can you remove a tree close to my house or fence?

Yes. Tight-access trees near structures, fences or power lines are usually taken down in sections rather than felled whole. For the most difficult cases this becomes a complex felling job, using rigging to lower each piece under control.

What happens to the wood and mess afterwards?

The crews clear the site as part of the job, chipping and mulching green waste where possible so you are not left with a pile to deal with. Stump removal is a separate option if you want the ground fully clear.

Free, no-obligation

Get your free quote today

Call (02) 6105 9664