Anyone can call themselves a tree lopper
The RFS says it plainly: “Tree removal does not require a trade licence in Australia.” So the checks are up to you.
The four checks
1. Qualifications. The trade qualification is the Certificate III in Arboriculture (AQF 3). Sutherland Shire Council tells residents to use only arborists with at least AQF 3. For reports and risk assessments, look for AQF 5, the Diploma of Arboriculture.
2. Insurance. Ask for the certificate of currency for public liability (ours is $20 million) and workers compensation. It matters more than people think: the RFS warns that “your home insurance policy is unlikely to cover tree works”, and the Financial Rights Legal Centre notes many home policies exclude damage caused while you, or someone you hire, is cutting or lopping trees.
3. A written quote with the business name, ABN and exactly what’s included: removal, clean-up, stump, taking away the timber.
4. Council approval. A good contractor asks about it before you do. If they say “don’t worry about council”, worry. You, the owner, can be fined as well as them.
Red flags
Sutherland Shire Council warns about door-knockers offering cheap cash work, calling them “often intimidating, uninsured and use poor work practices.” Watch for:
- cash only, no written quote, no ABN
- “we’ve got a truck in the area today”
- pressure to decide on the spot
- offers to “top” or “lop” a tree, which isn’t an accepted practice under the pruning standard AS 4373
- no mention of council rules
Safety standards
SafeWork NSW’s Tree works code of practice has applied since 27 March 2026, replacing the 1998 amenity tree industry code. It covers anyone doing tree work, including arborists, tree removalists, gardeners and landscapers, and it’s what a court looks at to decide what “reasonably practicable” safety looked like. Clear felling is generally only used where there’s at least two tree lengths of open space in every direction, so in suburban backyards the tree comes down in sections, lowered on ropes or lifted by crane.
About us
Above All has been in the Shire since 2004. Two AQF Level 5 consulting arborists, crews with EWP and Electrical Close Approach licences, $20 million public liability, and independently certified quality, safety and environmental systems. When you call, you speak to the people who do the job. Meet the team.