Finding the best tree removal in Gisborne means finding a qualified arborist crew with the equipment and insurance to take a tree down safely, whether it is a storm-damaged gum over the house, a dead pine near a fence line or a palm that has outgrown the section. Tree removal in Gisborne often involves sectional dismantling, stump grinding, branch chipping and work close to power lines, so the right contractor depends on the size of the job and what the tree is near. Long-established firms such as Roberts Tree Surgeons in Awapuni and ArborCare Tree Company on Stanley Road handle everything from backyard removals to council and roadside work.
1Roberts Tree Surgeons
Roberts Tree Surgeons is a Gisborne arboriculture company launched in 2003 by managing director Paul Roberts, working from a base on Innes Street in Awapuni. The team takes on everything from dismantling large trees and removing phoenix palms on residential sections through to council parks, reserves and street tree maintenance. It suits homeowners, schools and property managers who want a local crew with the machinery for bigger removals and a full clean-up afterwards.
Services
- Dismantling of large trees
- Stump grinding and branch chipping
- Pruning and reduction
- Large scale vegetation removal and site clearance
- Emergency and powerline tree work
Highlights
- Established in 2003 as a one-truck family business
- Recognised at the Westpac Business Awards 2013
- Approved contractor with Eastland Network for work near power lines
- Preferred contractor for Gisborne District Council parks, reserves and street trees maintenance
Location & Contact
Name: Roberts Tree Surgeons
Address: 99 Innes Street, Awapuni, Gisborne 4010
Phone: 06 868 6463
Website: robertstreesurgeons.co.nz
2ArborCare Tree Company
ArborCare Tree Company has cared for trees across Gisborne Tairāwhiti and the Wairoa district for more than 25 years, with an office on Stanley Road in Gisborne. Its qualified tree surgeons carry out tree removal, stump grinding and storm damage work for homes and gardens, alongside larger commercial and agricultural jobs. It is a good fit for residential clients who need a tree removed near overhead lines, as the crew is approved to work around the network.
Services
- Tree removal
- Stump grinding
- Storm damage work
- Power line clearance
- Tree inspections
Highlights
- More than 25 years working across Gisborne Tairāwhiti and Wairoa
- Firstlight Network powerline approved
- Carries $10 million in insurance cover
Location & Contact
Name: ArborCare Tree Company
Address: Stanley Road, Gisborne 4010
Phone: 06 862 5785
Website: actco.co.nz
3Advanced Tree Solutions (ATS Group)
Advanced Tree Solutions, trading as ATS Group, is a Makaraka-based contractor that began in 2016 with a focus on storm damage response and tree work near power lines. Its arboriculture division handles complete tree removals, stump grinding and branch chipping across Gisborne City, the wider district and the East Coast. It suits property owners with a tree threatening a house or driveway, or anyone clearing a site ahead of building.
Services
- Complete tree removal
- Stump grinding
- Mulching and branch chipping
- Tree pruning
- Hedge trimming
Highlights
- Approved contractor for work near power lines
- Team includes a Level 4 tree faller and qualified arborists
- Employs more than 20 skilled and qualified staff
- Free no-obligation quotes for residential and commercial work
Location & Contact
Name: Advanced Tree Solutions (ATS Group)
Address: 74 Main Road, Makaraka, Gisborne 4010
Phone: 027 395 9153
Website: ats.kiwi.nz
4Eastland Tree Care
Eastland Tree Care is a Māori-owned whānau company of utility arborists, run by Hop Sadlier, that works across Tairāwhiti from East Cape to Putorino. Its main focus is powerline clearance, and the crew also carries out planned tree removal, emergency storm response and land clearing using elevated work platforms. It is well suited to rural and coastal properties, and to any removal where trees are tangled with power lines.
Services
- Professional tree removal
- Powerline clearance
- Emergency storm damage response
- Land clearing and site preparation
Highlights
- Three generations of arborists in one whānau business
- Utility-approved to work on powerlines up to 400 kV
- Tōtika certified through Safetree and SHEPREQUAL
- More than 20 years working with Firstlight Network
- Team of nine certified utility arborists
Location & Contact
Name: Eastland Tree Care
Address: Gisborne
Phone: 027 203 2642
Website: eastlandtreecare.co.nz
5J. E. Perez Limited
J. E. Perez Limited is an independent, certified arborist business run by Enrique Perez and based in Gisborne. It removes hazardous, diseased or unwanted trees with minimal disruption to the property, and also handles pruning, storm damage clean-up and planting advice. It suits homeowners who want a single qualified arborist to quote, carry out and finish the job personally.
Services
- Tree removal
- Tree pruning and maintenance
- Storm damage clean-up and emergency tree clearing
- Tree planting and advice
Highlights
- Certified arborist, owner-operated
- Health and Safety Pre-qualification through SHEPREQUAL
- Comprehensive insurance
- Free quotes throughout the Gisborne region
Location & Contact
Name: J. E. Perez Limited
Address: Gisborne
Phone: 021 0872 1410
Website: perez-arb.co.nz
Tree Removal in Gisborne at a Glance
| Business | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Roberts Tree Surgeons | Established in 2003 as a one-truck family business |
| ArborCare Tree Company | More than 25 years working across Gisborne Tairāwhiti and Wairoa |
| Advanced Tree Solutions (ATS Group) | Approved contractor for work near power lines |
| Eastland Tree Care | Three generations of arborists in one whānau business |
| J. E. Perez Limited | Certified arborist, owner-operated |
How to Choose the Right Tree Removal in Gisborne
- Qualified arborists: ask whether the crew holds arboriculture qualifications and who will actually be felling or dismantling the tree.
- Power line approval: if a tree is anywhere near overhead lines, use a contractor approved by Firstlight Network to work near them.
- Insurance cover: confirm public liability insurance before work starts, especially for large trees close to houses, sheds or neighbours.
- What is included: check whether the quote covers stump grinding, branch chipping and removal of all green waste, or only the felling.
- Equipment for the site: steep sections, tight access and big trees may need elevated work platforms, cranes or sectional dismantling rather than straight felling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gisborne Tree Removal
How much does tree removal cost in Gisborne?
Tree removal in Gisborne is priced per job rather than at a set rate. The size and species of the tree, how close it is to buildings or power lines, access for machinery, and whether stump grinding and green waste removal are included all affect the price. Most arborists offer a free site visit and quote.
Do I need council permission to remove a tree on my property?
Most trees on private property can be removed without consent, but some trees are protected under the district plan, so check with Gisborne District Council before removing a large or notable tree. Street trees are different: only council-approved arborists can prune or remove them, and residents are asked to report problem street trees rather than touch them. The council explains this on its street trees page.
Who is responsible for trees growing into power lines?
Tree owners are generally responsible for keeping their trees clear of overhead lines, and cutting close to lines without authorisation is dangerous and illegal. The clearance distances and responsibilities are set out in the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003. Use an arborist approved to work near the network, and if a tree has brought a line down, stay well clear and call the lines company.
Is stump grinding included with tree removal?
Not always. Many tree removal quotes cover felling and clearing the wood only, with stump grinding priced separately. Ask for it to be included if you want the ground ready for lawn, paving or replanting.
Can a tree be removed in a small or tight section?
Yes. Where a tree cannot be felled in one piece, an arborist will usually dismantle it in sections, lowering branches and trunk pieces by rope, or use an elevated work platform. This is common for trees close to houses, garages and fences in established Gisborne suburbs.
What happens to the wood and branches?
Most arborists chip branches on site and either take the chips away or leave them as mulch if you ask. Larger trunk rounds can often be left for firewood. Confirm what happens to green waste when you get your quote.
Where can I find a tree removal service near me in Gisborne?
Arborists in Gisborne are based in Awapuni, Makaraka and on Stanley Road, and most travel across the city and wider district. Several also cover the East Coast, Tolaga Bay, Ruatoria and Wairoa, so rural properties outside town can usually be serviced by the same crews.
Should I get emergency tree removal after a storm?
If a tree has fallen on a house, blocked a driveway or is leaning dangerously, call an arborist who offers emergency callouts. Do not try to cut a tree that is under tension or touching power lines yourself, as the wood can move unpredictably.
How We Chose the Best Tree Removal in Gisborne
Every business in this guide was found by searching for tree removal in Gisborne, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Gisborne, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.