Not sure what your tree needs? Start with a free look.
We’ll look at the tree with you, explain what we see — deadwood, decay, weight, lean and what it could hit — and talk through the options, including leaving it alone.
- Free site assessment
- Fixed-price quote
- $20M public liability
What we look at
Health
How much of the crown is alive, dieback, deadwood and signs of pests or disease.
Structure
Weak unions, cracks, cavities, decay at the base, lean and whether the roots are holding.
What’s underneath
Houses, sheds, driveways, power lines, paths and anywhere people spend time.
The site
Access, slope and soil, and what equipment could safely get in if work is needed.
Signs a tree is worth a look
- Dead branches, or branches that have started dropping
- Cracks or splits in the trunk or where big limbs join
- Fungi, soft wood or hollows near the base
- A new lean, or soil lifting or cracking on one side
- Heavy limbs over the roof, driveway or somewhere people sit
- Damage after a storm, even if the tree is still standing
After the assessment you’ll get a plain explanation on the spot and, if you want work done, a fixed-price quote. The visit is free, with no obligation.
We don’t write formal arborist reports
Some situations need a formal written report — for a council permit, a development application, a tree protection plan or an insurance dispute. Those are prepared by consulting arborists, typically qualified to Diploma level (AQF Level 5) or higher. We don’t provide these reports. If your council asks for one, we’ll tell you, and we can carry out the approved work afterwards.
Are quotes and site assessments free?
Yes. We come out, look at the tree and the site with you, and then give you a fixed-price quote for the work you want. There’s no charge for the visit and no obligation to go ahead.
Can you tell me whether my neighbour’s tree is safe?
We can look at it from your side and tell you what we see. If the situation is heading toward a formal dispute, you’ll need a written report from a consulting arborist. The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria offers free help with tree disputes between neighbours.
Do I need to be home?
It helps. Walking around the tree together means we can talk through options on the spot — but if you can’t be there, we’ll call you afterwards.
Do I need a council permit to remove or prune a tree?
Often, yes. Most native vegetation in the Otways is protected, many properties sit under extra overlays (landscape, vegetation or landslip), and since September 2025 some large trees on town blocks need a permit too. Whether your tree needs one depends on the tree and exactly where your property is.
Check with council before work is booked — Colac Otway Shire (03 5232 9400) for most of the region, or Surf Coast Shire (03 5261 0600) for Lorne. If we think a permit is likely when we look at the job, we’ll tell you. Our plain-English permit guide explains the main rules.
Related services
Get a quote for tree assessments & advice
Tell us what’s going on and where. We’ll call to talk it through, then come and look at the job — free — before giving you a fixed price.
- 0448 762 058Office Mon–Fri 7am–5pm · emergencies 24/7
- otwaytc@gmail.comWe aim to reply within 24 hours
- Based in ColacWorking from Lorne to Lavers Hill, Colac to Apollo Bay
Tree down or dangerous right now? Don’t wait for a reply — call 0448 762 058. Stay at least 10 metres from fallen power lines and call Powercor on 13 24 12, or 000 if anyone is in danger.
Thanks, — your enquiry has been sent.
Here’s what happens next:
- We aim to reply within 24 hours, usually by phone on .
- We’ll arrange a time for a free site assessment in if the job needs one.
- You’ll get a fixed-price quote for the agreed work — no obligation.
Photos help us prepare. Text photos to 0448 762 058 or email them to otwaytc@gmail.com with your name.
Something urgent? Call 0448 762 058 — 24/7 for storm damage and dangerous trees.