Frequently Asked Questions

Arbor Master is an arboriculture and treework specialist based in Christchurch that’s owned and operated by its two founders, Mark Hooper and Simon Street.

Arbor Master works all over Christchurch and mid-Canterbury, and our office is at 9 Grafton Street, Christchurch.

We service all areas of Christchurch and we can travel to other parts of Canterbury.

Arbor Master provides the full range of tree maintenance services including storm damage,  trimming, pruning, thinning, reduction, and crown lifting. We also do stump grinding, section clearing and garden maintenance.

At Arbor Master, the two founding partners are still working in the business, meaning all our customers get expert personal service. We have an in-depth understanding and experience of tree dynamics and the special characteristics of each species. We are tree advocates and will always look for ways to save a tree rather than cut it down.

Yes, our arborists either hold or are working towards their Level 4 arborist certificate, which is a three-year apprenticeship. We are members of the New Arborculture Associate and SiteSafe. We are accredited to work with the Christchurch City Council.

Arbor Master provides free quotes and site assessments. Please call us at 03 337 9776 or contact us through our online form to set up an appointment.

Yes, we work with homeowners, landlords and commercial properties throughout Christchurch.

Customers consider Arbor Master one of the best arborists in Christchurch because they see that we really care about their trees. We also employ locally experienced arborists who know the local conditions and the tree species that grow here.

Arbor Master serves all suburbs in Christchurch, including the CBD, Riccarton, Ilam, Fendalton, Merivale, St Albans, Papanui, Burnside, Bishopdale, Avonhead, Hornby, Addington, Sydenham, Spreydon, Cashmere, Halswell, Wigram, Linwood, Woolston, New Brighton, Sumner, Aranui, Parklands, Shirley, Mairehau, Burwood, Redwood, Mt Pleasant, Westmorland, Avondale, Marshlands, Brooklands, Taylors Mistake, Huntsbury and Heathcote, as well as surrounding areas across Canterbury.

Yes, we provide arborist services across Canterbury outside Christchurch. Get in touch to discuss your trees.

Yes, Arbor Master works in towns like Ashburton, Rolleston, Rangiora and Kaiapoi, and further afield in Canterbury by arrangement.

Yes, Arbor Master provides tree removal services to all suburbs of Christchurch.

A tree should be removed if it’s dead, dying, or diseased. Other reasons can include letting more light into a house, or when dropping leaves is a problem.

We can only give you a cost to remove a tree in Christchurch once we’ve had a chance to visit the site and assess it. There are many variables to be taken into account including location, access, ground conditions, nearby buildings and more. Contact us to arrange a visit by an arborist.

Yes, we can remove large or dangerous trees safely – it’s our specialty. We have all the latest safety gear and safe working practices in place. We are highly experienced in tree removal

Yes, we do offer emergency tree removal services. If you’ve suffered storm damage or if another incident has occurred, call us at 03 337 9776 or get in touch, and we will respond as soon as we can.

Yes, removal of trees close to houses and power lines is another specialty of Arbor Masters.

After a tree is removed, we convert the branches into woodchips, which we then donate to hospitals, schools and churches in Christchurch. Small and knotty logs are given to a firewood merchant. If we get a large piece of timber that is suitable for milling or wood turning, we will try to save it.

Yes, we do offer tree trimming and tree pruning services in Christchurch.

Trimming generally refers to hedges, and pruning is for trees. To trim a hedge, we’ll normally use a hedge trimmer. Pruning is either done with a handsaw or a chainsaw.

The period between trimmings varies. For general maintenance, we recommend 1 to 2 years between trims. We suggest the same interval for safety inspections. The exact interval for trimming depends on the tree species and growing conditions, for example, a warm, wet spring and summer can promote faster growth.

Yes, trimming can improve the health of your tree. Deadwooding and thinning the crown can let light in, reduce the likelihood of a fungal disease, and a light crown reduction can encourage growth.

Yes, we often trim trees to improve safety and reduce risk. We frequently remove dead wood, remove rubbing branches, and clear power lines over footpaths and near playgrounds.

Yes, we frequently shape trees for aesthetic purposes, and we aim to make the result look as natural as possible.

Yes, we provide hedge trimming in Christchurch.

Hedges should be trimmed once every 1 to 2 years, depending on their size, species and growing conditions.

Yes, we can maintain large or overgrown hedges, such as macrocarpa hedges that were once windbreaks.

Yes, provide regular hedge maintenance services to customers all over Christchurch.

Yes, we provide stump grinding in Christchurch.

You could consider removing a tree stump to improve the aesthetics of your property, to plant another tree, extend your lawn, or build.

We grind most stumps from 150 to 200mm below ground level. The actual amount varies by the species.

Yes, we can remove multiple stumps from your property.

Yes, we can assess the health of your trees, from a single specimen to a group of trees.

Some of the signs that a tree is unhealthy or dying are if the upper crown is browning, wilting, or curling. Other signs are fungal brackets (aka shelf fungus), which feed on decaying wood or large patches of decay.

Yes, we can diagnose tree diseases or pest issues and recommend the best course of action.

Yes, we can definitely provide advice on tree care and maintenance. We care about trees passionately and enjoy sharing our knowledge.

Yes, we’re familiar with Christchurch City Council requirements and dealing with protected trees.

Yes, we have and use all the latest professional safety equipment at our work sites.

Yes, we are fully insured with $5million in public liability insurance.

Our arborists are formally trained, qualified and experienced in all aspects of tree work. We follow documented Health and Safety procedures, hold toolbox safety talks, and when our people are up in trees, they are in direct radio communication with their team members on the ground.

Getting a quote from Arbor Master is easy. You can find our contact details here. You can email or call 03 337 9776 – and if we don’t answer because we’re on site, please leave a message, and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

Unless you’re a regular customer, we do need to visit your site before we can quote. There are many variables that we need to take into account that can affect the cost.

It depends on what’s needed, but we always try to accommodate you as quickly as we can.

It varies from one hour to several days, but the average tree job takes about half a day.