What a arborist can help with
- Tree pruning
- Tree removal
- Stump grinding
- Branches near power lines or roofs
- Clearing after a storm
Not on the list? Describe the job anyway and we'll tell you if we can help.

What we check
Before we book a arborist, we check they hold insurance for the work.
What trees costs in NZ
Published NZ prices, so you know roughly what to expect. Every job is different, so your arborist quotes after looking at it. We check that quote against figures like these.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Remove a small tree (under 5 metres)Per job. The source does not say if GST is included. | $400 to $700The Pinnacle List (Tauranga tree removal guide), 2026 |
| Remove a medium tree (5 to 12 metres)Per job. The source does not say if GST is included. | $900 to $1,800The Pinnacle List (Tauranga tree removal guide), 2026 |
| Stump grinding, on top of the tree removalExtra cost. The source does not say if GST is included. | $150 to $400The Pinnacle List (Tauranga tree removal guide), 2026 |
Before you say yes
Good questions to ask your arborist, and the warning signs to walk away from.
Questions to ask
- Is the quote a fixed price, and does it include cleaning up and taking the wood and mulch away?
- Is stump grinding in the price, or extra?
- Do you carry public liability insurance, and can I see the paperwork?
- Is this tree protected by the council, and who checks that before you start?
- How will you protect my fence, roof and lawn, and what happens if something gets damaged?
Red flags
- The price is much lower than every other quote. One guide flags an advertised $250 a tree as a possible red flag.
- They will not show proof of public liability insurance.
- They say they will cut the tree down without checking if it is protected. Some council plans need a resource consent first.
- They ask for the full payment before any work starts.
- The quote is a text message with no detail on what is included, such as stump or cleanup.
How it works
- Tell us the jobType what needs doing and where. That is all we need to start.
- We call you and checkWhere the trade needs a licence, we check the public register first.
- One local tradie, bookedThey look at the job and give you their own quote.
- A fair priceWe check the quote against what the job usually costs in NZ.
Trees questions
Is it free to find a arborist with GoodTradie?
Yes. You pay nothing to us. We're paid by the pros we match you with, and you pay the tradie for the job as normal.
What do you check before booking a arborist?
We check they hold insurance for the work. You can also look up their business on the Companies Office register.
Will I get several trees quotes?
No. We book one checked local arborist. They look at the job and give you their own quote.
How do I know the price is fair?
We check the quote against what the job usually costs in NZ, using published cost guides. You decide whether to go ahead.
How much does trees cost in NZ?
Remove a small tree (under 5 metres): $400 to $700 (The Pinnacle List (Tauranga tree removal guide), 2026). Remove a medium tree (5 to 12 metres): $900 to $1,800 (The Pinnacle List (Tauranga tree removal guide), 2026). Stump grinding, on top of the tree removal: $150 to $400 (The Pinnacle List (Tauranga tree removal guide), 2026). Your arborist quotes after looking at the job.








