Tree removal, planned before anyone starts cutting
Dead, dangerous or simply in the wrong place — we look at the tree, the access and everything around it, then give you a fixed price covering the method, the clean-up and what happens to the wood.
- Free site assessment
- Fixed-price quote
- $20M public liability
When removal is the right call — and when it isn’t
We’ll recommend taking a tree down when:
- It’s dead or dying. Dead eucalypts only get more brittle, and they can drop heavy limbs with no warning.
- It has a defect that can’t be managed — a major split, decay at the base, or a root plate that’s lifting.
- It’s damaging something pruning won’t fix, like the liquid amber in Forrest that kept blocking gutters and causing damp inside the house.
- It’s in the way of plans — a driveway, an extension or a new garden.
And we’ll tell you when it doesn’t need to come down. One or two heavy limbs can often be reduced instead, a healthy tree crowding the roof may just need clearance pruning, and a dead tree well away from buildings can be kept as habitat.
How a tree comes down depends on the site
The method is written into your quote, so you know how the job will be done before we arrive.
Climbing and rigging
A climber works down the tree, cutting it into manageable sections and lowering them on ropes, so nothing lands on the roof, the fence or the garden.
Elevated work platform
When a tree isn’t safe to climb, like a dead eucalypt, the arborist works from a platform basket instead of the tree. We hire the right platform for the job.
Crane‑assisted
Over houses and sheds, a crane can lift large sections straight up and clear, which is often faster and safer than lowering them.
Directional felling
Where there’s enough clear space, a tree can be felled whole in a planned direction — usually the quickest and most affordable option.
What your fixed‑price quote covers
Everything we’ll do is listed, so there’s nothing to argue about on the day.
- The method and accessWhat gear comes on site, where it sets up and how the tree comes down.
- Clean-upBranches chipped, and the work area raked and blown down when we finish.
- The wood and chipsLeft on site as firewood rounds or garden mulch, or taken away — your choice.
- The stumpGround out below ground level, or left. It’s itemised so you can decide.
- Anything we’ve spottedLike a nearby limb worth reducing while the gear is there — priced separately, never assumed.
- Permits flagged earlyIf the tree may need a council permit, we’ll say so before anything is booked.
A liquid amber that kept flooding the gutters
A towering liquid amber was blocking gutters, causing flooding and mould inside, and had already failed onto the house once. It came down with rigging over the roof and service line.
How much will it cost?
It depends on the tree: size, species and condition, how close it is to buildings or lines, how easy it is to get gear in, and what you want done with the wood, chips and stump. That’s why we look first. The site assessment is free and your quote is a fixed price for the agreed work — the price we quote is the price you pay.
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.
Can you work on a tree near power lines?
Sometimes — it depends on which line it is and how close the tree is. Around every power line there’s a No Go Zone (3 metres for most local lines), and only Powercor or crews it authorises may cut trees inside it. Keeping trees clear of the service line to your house is usually the owner’s responsibility; trees near the main street lines are handled by Powercor or council.
Tell us about any lines when you enquire. We’ll check on site, work outside the No Go Zone, and tell you if Powercor needs to be involved first — which can mean a wait or an extra cost. Powercor explains the rules.
Is stump grinding included?
Only if it’s in your quote. We list it separately so you can choose — some people want the ground back straight away; others are happy to leave a low stump. See stump grinding.
Will your machinery damage my lawn or driveway?
We plan where machines travel and where sections land before we start. Tell us about soft ground, septic systems, paving or anything underground, and we’ll plan around it. On tight or sensitive sites, more of the work is done by climbing and rigging.
How soon can you do it?
If a tree is dangerous right now, call 0448 762 058 — the line is answered 24/7. For planned work, we’ll give you a date when we quote.
Are you insured?
Yes. We carry $20 million public liability insurance for arboricultural work, and WorkCover for our staff. Every job is planned with a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) before work starts.
Related services
Get a quote for tree removal
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.