Top 8 tree removal and tree lopping services in Sydney
Sydney's best rated tree removal services, from the Sutherland Shire to the Northern Beaches and out to Western Sydney. Every business here has an ABN that matches its name, a real local base and a strong record of Google reviews. Most Sydney councils protect larger trees, so check the rules below before anything comes down.
- 8top picks from 60+ checked
- 4.9average Google rating
- 6offer 24/7 emergency work
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What we check for every listing
- A real businessAn ABN that matches the trading name, a named owner and a real local base. No call-forwarding fronts.
- ReputationA strong record of Google reviews built up over years, not a handful.
- Qualified crewArborist qualifications and insurance as the business states them. Ask to see certificates.
- Direct contactPhone numbers and links go to the business itself.
The best tree loppers in Sydney
Ranked on reputation, qualifications, experience and the range of work each business takes on. Ratings are from Google Maps.
Rankings are editorial and no business pays to be listed or to move up. Any paid placement is labelled Featured. Qualifications and insurance are as each business states them, so ask to see certificates. How we make money
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1
Bob & Ben The Tree Men
Kirrawee base, covers the Sutherland Shire and surrounding suburbs
Best for Sutherland Shire homes, strata and crane jobs
- Working in the Sutherland Shire for more than 25 years, the business says
- Arboriculture Australia member, according to the company
- Offers crane hire and power line clearing for harder removals
- 24 hour emergency and after hours response, the business says
More about Bob & Ben The Tree Men
Bob & Ben The Tree Men is a Kirrawee tree service that has worked across the Sutherland Shire for more than 25 years, the business says. It now employs more than 10 people and serves homes, strata complexes, commercial sites and government departments.
The crew removes, prunes and lops trees, grinds stumps, clears land and works around power lines, and offers crane hire for bigger jobs. It is an Arboriculture Australia member and carries public liability and workers compensation cover, according to the company, with a 24 hour emergency response.
- Based in
- Kirrawee
- Qualifications
- Arboriculture Australia member, qualified arborists, the business says
- Insurance
- $20 million public liability plus workers compensation
- Does
- Removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Emergency
- Emergency
- 24/7, the business says
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2
Shane's Trees
Kirrawee base, covers the Sutherland Shire, St George and wider Sydney
Best for big removals with reports and emergency cover
- Kirrawee base covering the Sutherland Shire, St George and wider Sydney
- Team of about 25 qualified arborists, the business says
- Writes arborist reports and runs a 24/7 emergency line, according to the company
- Handles big removals, palms, stump grinding and land clearing
More about Shane's Trees
Shane's Trees works out of Kirrawee in the Sutherland Shire and is run by a second generation arborist, the business says. It has a team of about 25 qualified arborists, according to the company, and covers the Shire, St George and wider Sydney.
Crews handle residential removals, pruning, stump grinding, palm removal and land clearing, with a round the clock emergency line. The company writes arborist reports and carries public liability, professional indemnity and workers compensation cover, the business says.
- Based in
- Kirrawee
- Qualifications
- Team of about 25 qualified arborists, the business says
- Insurance
- Public liability, professional indemnity and workers compensation
- Does
- Removal, Arborist reports, Emergency, Large trees
- Emergency
- 24/7, the business says
-
3
Arbor Pride
Thornleigh base, focus on the Hills District and North Shore, covers greater Sydney
Best for North Shore and Hills removals with reports in house
- Member of Arboriculture Australia, the TCAA and ISA, the business says
- Arborists qualified up to AQF Level 5, according to the company
- Writes arborist reports, impact assessments and tree protection plans
- Thornleigh base covering the Hills District and North Shore
More about Arbor Pride
Arbor Pride is a family-run tree care company working from an office in Thornleigh, with most of its work in the Hills District and the Upper and Lower North Shore. Its arborists hold qualifications from AQF Level 2 up to Level 5, and it belongs to Arboriculture Australia, the Tree Contractors Association and the International Society of Arboriculture, the business says.
Crews handle removals, pruning, hedges and stump grinding for homes, strata and commercial sites. The consulting side writes arborist reports, impact assessments and tree protection plans for council applications. The company says it is ISO certified for quality, safety and environment and carries public liability and professional indemnity cover.
- Based in
- Thornleigh
- Qualifications
- Arborists qualified up to AQF Level 5; Arboriculture Australia, TCAA and ISA member, the business says
- Insurance
- $20 million public liability, plus professional indemnity and personal injury cover
- Does
- Removal, Pruning, Arborist reports, Stump grinding
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4
The Tree Cutting Company
Beecroft base, covers Hornsby, the Hills, Ryde and the North Shore
Best for beecroft, Epping and Hornsby gardens
- Serving Sydney's north for over 20 years, the business says
- Arboriculture Australia member, according to the company
- Offers tree protection zone fencing for building sites
More about The Tree Cutting Company
The Tree Cutting Company is based in Beecroft, near Epping, and has served Sydney's north for more than 20 years, the business says. Its patch runs from Hornsby and the Hills down through Ryde, Epping and the North Shore.
The team says it is made up of qualified, licensed arborists and is a member of Arboriculture Australia. Work covers removals, pruning, stump grinding, branch removal, land clearing for development sites and tree protection zone fencing, plus strata and rental property jobs. Insurance certificates are available on request, according to the company.
- Based in
- Beecroft
- Qualifications
- Qualified arborists, Arboriculture Australia member, the business says
- Insurance
- Insured for the amenity tree industry, with certificates available on request
- Does
- Removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Land clearing
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5
Pro Climbing Tree Services
Newport base, covers the Northern Beaches, North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, Hornsby and the Hills
Best for climbing removals on Northern Beaches slopes
- Serving Sydney homes since 2009, the business says
- Run by Adam Barnes, who has over 20 years in arboriculture, according to the company
- 24/7 emergency callout across the north and east
More about Pro Climbing Tree Services
Pro Climbing Tree Services is led by Adam Barnes, who has more than 20 years in arboriculture, and has served Sydney homeowners, strata and property managers since 2009, the business says. It works from the Northern Beaches and covers the North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai and the Hills District.
As the name suggests, the crew does a lot of climbing work, handling removals, pruning, palm removals, hedges, stump grinding and land clearing. Its arborists are Level 3 certified and work to the Australian pruning standard, according to the company, and it offers a 24/7 emergency callout.
- Based in
- Newport
- Since
- 2009
- Qualifications
- Level 3 certified arborists, the business says
- Insurance
- Up to $20 million public liability
- Does
- Removal, Pruning, Emergency, Palms
- Emergency
- 24/7, the business says
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6
AA Tree Services
Ermington base, covers Parramatta, Ryde and greater Sydney
Best for tight-yard removals around Parramatta and Ryde
- Arborist with more than 15 years of tree work, the business says
- Owner is an Arboriculture Australia member, according to the company
- Climbing, rigging and crane removals for tight yards
- Free written quotes and a 24/7 phone line, the business says
More about AA Tree Services
AA Tree Services works out of Ermington, between Parramatta and Ryde, and takes on homes, strata, builders and commercial sites across Sydney. Its team includes an AQF Level 3 qualified arborist with more than 15 years of tree work, and the owner is a General Member of Arboriculture Australia, the business says.
Crews remove, prune and lop trees, trim tall hedges and grind stumps. The business uses climbing, rigging and crane removals where there's no open drop zone, gives free written quotes and carries $20 million public liability cover, according to the company.
- Based in
- Ermington
- Since
- 2021
- Qualifications
- AQF Level 3 arborist; owner is an Arboriculture Australia member, the business says
- Insurance
- $20 million public liability
- Does
- Removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Emergency
- Emergency
- 24/7, the business says
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7
Trees Down Under
Dural base, mainly covers the Hills District and the Upper and Lower North Shore
Best for Hills District removals and crane jobs
- Doing tree work since 2005, the business says
- Arborists certified at AQF Level 3 to 5, according to the company
- 24/7 emergency service and crane removals, the business says
- Prepares arborist reports for council approvals
More about Trees Down Under
Trees Down Under keeps its heavy machinery at Dural and has been doing tree work since 2005, the business says. Its main patch is the Hills District and the Upper and Lower North Shore, with residential and commercial clients.
The team is made up of AQF Level 3 to 5 certified arborists, according to the company, and handles removals, pruning, felling, stump grinding, green waste and crane assisted removals. It also prepares arborist reports and helps with council paperwork, and it runs a 24/7 emergency service.
- Based in
- Dural
- Since
- 2005
- Qualifications
- AQF Level 3 to 5 arborists, the business says
- Insurance
- Public liability, professional indemnity, workers compensation and equipment cover, the business says (amounts not published)
- Does
- Removal, Emergency, Arborist reports, Large trees
- Emergency
- 24/7, the business says
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8
Top Cut Tree Services
Shanes Park base, covers Blacktown, Penrith, Parramatta and the Hawkesbury
Best for Western Sydney removals with council reports
- Owner and arborist Warrick Butler started the business more than 20 years ago, the company says
- More than 20 staff, according to the business
- Prepares arborist reports for council removal applications
- Emergency callouts across Western Sydney
More about Top Cut Tree Services
Top Cut Tree Services is a Western Sydney tree company based at Shanes Park, between Blacktown and Penrith. Owner and arborist Warrick Butler started it more than 20 years ago, the business says, and Ryan Butler works alongside him as an arborist.
The company says it has more than 20 staff and takes on homes as well as schools, golf courses, developments and road projects. Services cover removals, pruning, stump grinding, land clearing, palm removal and arborist reports for council applications, plus emergency callouts.
- Based in
- Shanes Park
- Qualifications
- Qualified arborists, reports for council applications, the business says
- Does
- Removal, Arborist reports, Stump grinding, Emergency
- Emergency
- 24/7, the business says
How much does tree removal cost in Sydney?
Typical ranges for Sydney. Your quote depends on the job, so get two to compare.
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Small tree removal, under 5 m | $290 to $920 |
| Medium tree removal, 5 to 10 m | $920 to $2,880 |
| Large tree removal, 10 to 20 m | $2,300 to $5,750 |
| Very large tree, over 20 m | $5,200 and up |
| Pruning or trimming, per tree | $230 to $1,380 |
| Palm removal, per palm | $290 to $1,380 |
| Stump grinding, small stump under 30 cm | $170 to $350 |
| Arborist report | From about $350 |
Typical ranges in metropolitan Sydney from published Australian cost guides, checked November 2026. Prices include GST where the source gives it. Access, powerlines, the species, how much green waste goes, whether a crane is needed and council approval move a quote the most.
Do you need council approval in Sydney?
Your local council protects many trees on private land. Check before any work starts, because fines for removing a protected tree without approval can be large.
What's protected
Each council's development control plan decides. The City of Sydney protects trees 5 m or taller, with a canopy over 5 m or a trunk over 300 mm across at ground level. Parramatta protects trees and palms 5 m or taller, or 3 m if planted. Heritage trees usually need development consent.
Common exemptions
Species on your council's exempt list, such as privet, cocos palm and camphor laurel under 10 m in the City of Sydney. Small trees: under 5 m on the Northern Beaches, under 3 m in Parramatta. The NSW Government says that under 2026 changes, protected dead or dying trees need a permit, and a dangerous tree can only go without one if council confirms in writing that the risk is imminent. Some council pages still show the older exemptions, so ask your council.
Pruning
Light pruning to the Australian Standard AS 4373 often needs no permit: up to 5% of the canopy in the City of Sydney, by an arborist with at least AQF level 2, or up to 10% in any 12 months on the Northern Beaches. Heavier pruning needs a permit, and the Northern Beaches won't approve lopping or topping.
Approval and fees
Apply to your council before work starts. Fees vary: the City of Sydney charges $98. Councils have 28 days to decide or the application counts as refused, and you can appeal to the Land and Environment Court within 3 months. A permit may require a replacement tree. Fines start at $3,000, and court penalties reach $1 million.
Official source: NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure: protecting urban trees.
Trees near powerlines
Sydney has two networks: Ausgrid in the east, north and south, and Endeavour Energy in Greater Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Both say trees on your land are yours to keep clear of powerlines, including your service line and any private poles. If a neighbour's tree is too close to your service line, the network deals with it. Never prune near powerlines yourself.
Neighbour's tree over the fence
Talk to your neighbour first, and check with council before cutting overhanging branches, because a protected tree can need approval even on your side. If the tree is damaging your property or could injure someone, or a hedge of two or more trees over 2.5 m severely blocks sunlight to a window or a view from your home, the Land and Environment Court can make orders under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006. The Court expects you to have tried to sort it out first.
Storm damage
A tree down on the house or across the driveway? Get people clear first, then call for help. 6 of the businesses on this list say they do 24/7 emergency work.
Lopping, pruning or removal: what are you asking for?
Most people say lopping when they mean any tree work. To an arborist, lopping means cutting branches back to stubs between natural branch points. Arborists generally discourage it, because the tree regrows weak shoots that can break off later. Pruning to AS 4373, the Australian Standard for pruning amenity trees, cuts at natural branch points instead.
Pruning takes out selected branches to lift, thin or reduce the crown while keeping the tree healthy. Removal takes the whole tree down, usually piece by piece on a suburban block, and the stump is ground out as a separate job.
Not sure which you need? Ask for a quote on both. A good operator will tell you when pruning will do the job.
How we chose these tree services
We built the list from public information, then checked each business by hand.
- 1
Build a long list
We started with tree services in Sydney found through Google Maps, Arboriculture Australia and local searches across metropolitan Sydney.
- 2
Weed out the fronts
Tree lopping is full of keyword websites that forward calls to whoever pays. We checked each business's ABN, owner and base, and dropped any we couldn't confirm.
- 3
Check reputation
Shortlisted businesses needed a strong, consistent record of Google reviews over years. A few glowing reviews wasn't enough.
- 4
Read their own details
Qualifications, insurance, services and service area come from each business's own website. If a detail was unclear, we left it out.
- 5
Rank the list
Ranked on reputation, qualifications, experience and the range of work each business takes on.
What doesn't affect ranking
- Payment. No business pays to be listed or to rank higher.
- Size or advertising spend.
- Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll recheck it.
Tree removal in Sydney: questions people ask
How much does tree removal cost in Sydney?
A small tree under 5 m usually costs $290 to $920 to remove, a medium tree of 5 to 10 m $920 to $2,880, and a large tree of 10 to 20 m $2,300 to $5,750. Access, powerlines, the species and green waste removal move the price most. Stump grinding is usually quoted separately.
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Sydney?
It usually depends on your council. Each Sydney council decides which trees on private land need a permit, and many protect any tree over a set height or trunk size: the City of Sydney, Parramatta and Northern Beaches councils generally need a permit for trees 5 m or taller unless an exemption applies. Check your council's rules before work starts, because on-the-spot fines for clearing without approval start at $3,000 for an individual.
What qualifications should a tree lopper have?
Qualifications vary a lot in this industry, so ask. Look for a crew with an AQF Level 3 arborist qualification, current public liability insurance you can see a certificate for, and a Level 5 consulting arborist if you need a report for council.
Can I trim a tree near powerlines myself?
No. Keep well away and use a professional. Ausgrid says any trimming within 3 m of its powerlines must be done by accredited workers, and Endeavour Energy says to keep 3 m clear. In Sydney, Ausgrid (13 13 88) covers the east, north and south, and Endeavour Energy (131 003) covers Greater Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Trees on your land, including near your service line and private poles, are the owner's responsibility to keep clear.
Should I get the stump ground at the same time?
It's usually cheaper to book it with the removal, because the crew is already on site. Most tree services quote stump grinding as a separate line item, so ask for it in your quote.
Get 2 quotes in Sydney
Tell us about the job once. We'll pass it to up to 2 local businesses that cover your suburb.
General information only. Always confirm qualifications, insurance, council approval and price directly with the business before work starts.