Tree felling quotes from experienced local teams

Felling, dismantling or pruning?

Taking a tree down sounds like one job, but it's priced according to how it has to be done. "Felling" in the strict sense means cutting the trunk at the base and letting the tree fall in one piece, which needs a clear area the full height of the tree.

In most suburban gardens there isn't that space. Instead the tree is dismantled in sections: a climber or a crew in a cherry picker cuts it from the top down, lowering heavy pieces on ropes so they don't land on the roof, the wall or the neighbour's car. It's slower, needs more skill and equipment, and costs more, but it's the only safe way to remove a large tree close to buildings.

Pruning removes selected branches to reduce weight, let in light or clear a roof or power line. Good pruning cuts back to a branch junction, so the tree heals; lopping the top off a tree leaves it weaker and often makes it regrow faster and more dangerously.

Stumps and clean-up

Removing a tree usually leaves a stump. A stump grinder chews it down below ground level so you can plant, lay lawn or pave over it. Grinding is normally quoted separately from felling, and so is removing the wood, branches and chips, so check what's included. Some owners keep the firewood; others want the site left clear.

Protected trees and permission

Some indigenous trees are protected by law. Under the National Forests Act, 1998, you may not cut, damage or remove a listed protected tree without a licence from the national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, even on your own property. The list is published each year and includes trees such as several yellowwoods and the baobab.

Trees on the pavement outside your property usually belong to the municipality. Don't fell or prune them without permission. Some municipalities also have their own rules about trees in heritage areas.

At the other end of the scale, some trees in South African gardens are listed invasive species, such as certain gums and wattles, and owners are required to control them. If you're removing one, mention it when you ask for quotes.

Power lines

Never let anyone fell or prune a tree touching or near overhead power lines without the supply authority's involvement. Contact Eskom or your municipality: they may need to switch off the line or do the work themselves. A reputable tree company will tell you this before you ask.