Tree Work Checklist
Use this free checklist to prepare a stronger Sydney tree services enquiry. It covers scope, access, council rules, insurance, safety and the questions to ask before approving work.
Sydney tree services checklist
Use this free checklist to prepare a stronger tree services enquiry in Sydney. Tick each item before you request your written quote.
Before you request a quote
- Decide the goal: removal, pruning, stump grinding, palm care, hedge trimming or arborist report.
- Note the tree species, approximate height and whether it looks dead, diseased or unstable.
- Take photos from several angles showing the tree, access route and nearby structures.
- Identify any power lines, fences, pools, sheds or neighbouring roofs close to the work zone.
- Check whether the tree is on your property, a boundary or council land.
Council, Tree Preservation Order and legal checks
- Visit your local council website to check Tree Preservation Orders or Development Control Plans.
- Confirm whether the tree is exempt, requires a permit, or needs an arborist report.
- If the tree is on a boundary or shared with a neighbour, discuss the work in advance.
- For strata properties, confirm the owners corporation has approved the work.
Safety and access
- Point out overhead power lines to the contractor before work starts.
- Clear vehicles, toys and outdoor furniture from the drop zone.
- Tell the contractor about steep slopes, retaining walls, underground services or pool fences.
- Ask how the crew will access the rear yard or confined space.
What to ask the contractor
- Are you insured for public liability and workers compensation?
- Do you employ qualified arborists and work to Australian Standard AS 4373?
- Will you confirm council TPO status before work begins?
- Is stump grinding, waste disposal and site clean-up included in the quote?
- Can you provide a written fixed-price quote with scope, timing and payment terms?
After the work
- Walk the site with the contractor to confirm the agreed scope has been completed.
- Check that green waste, mulch and debris have been removed or left as agreed.
- Keep the written quote, invoice and any council approval or arborist report for your records.
- Ask for advice on aftercare, watering or a follow-up pruning schedule.
Download and print
Print this page or use it on your phone during the site visit. Tick each item as you go and share the completed checklist with any contractor quoting your job.
How this checklist is built
The checklist is based on common Sydney tree services project steps, council Tree Preservation Order processes, SafeWork NSW guidance for work near power lines, and Australian Standard AS 4373 for pruning of amenity trees. Use it as a conversation guide, not a substitute for professional advice.
Quick glossary
- Arborist — a qualified tree professional trained in tree biology, risk and safe pruning.
- Pruning — selective trimming of branches to improve health, safety or shape.
- Tree Preservation Order (TPO) — a council rule that protects certain trees from removal or heavy pruning without approval.
- Stump grinding — mechanically removing a tree stump and major surface roots below ground level.
- AS 4373 — the Australian Standard for pruning of amenity trees.
Method: how this checklist is built
This checklist is built from common Sydney tree services project steps, council Tree Preservation Order rules, SafeWork NSW safety guidance, AS 4373 pruning standards and the questions reputable contractors expect before a site visit. Use it as a conversation starter when you request your written quote.
Start planning
Use the checklist, then get your quote
A well-prepared enquiry leads to a clearer scope, fewer surprises and a better price.