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Protected Tree Work

YOUR LOCAL ARBORISTS

Whether your reasons for pruning are to promote strong and healthy trees, manage tree size, or purely for aesthetic purposes. Our highly trained team are here to help.

In some areas, protected tree work requires a resource consent from the local council. This is because trees can be protected under the District Plan due to their contribution to the area’s character, rarity, or heritage value.

Before any work, such as pruning or development near a protected tree, it’s crucial to consult the District Plan or contact the council to determine if a resource consent is needed. Failing to obtain the necessary consent can result in significant fines, and where Tree Technician can help.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We understand it’s important to ask the right questions when choosing a qualified professional, if you don’t see the answer to a question you have, please reach out!

A protected tree is one identified by local councils—like Waimakariri or Christchurch City Council—as having significant environmental, historical, or aesthetic value. These trees are often listed on district plan schedules or covered under blanket protections.
Yes. Any work—whether trimming, pruning, cabling, or removal—requires written consent from the local council. Unauthorized work can result in substantial fines.
We can help check local schedules and GIS mapping tools. Alternatively, contact your council’s planning department or visit their website for public records.
Absolutely. We offer guidance and documentation support for consent applications, including tree assessments, photos, and professional arborist reports to improve your application’s success.
Councils may expedite consent if a tree is hazardous. In emergencies, we can provide immediate safety works (like limb removal) and notify authorities with supporting documentation.
It depends on the extent and the council’s conditions. Light shaping may be permitted, but structural changes or significant reductions often require thorough justification. Obtaining consent or permission is still required.

• Arborist report outlining tree health and justification for work
• Photos and site plan
• Description of proposed work and mitigation (e.g. replacement planting if removing)

Usually 10–20 working days once the application is lodged, though complex cases can take longer—especially if public consultation is required.
Often encouraged, especially when removing a protected tree. The council may even require it as a condition of consent.
NO. Any work, including minor pruning, typically requires council consent. Unauthorized actions can result in significant penalties.
We use council GIS mapping tools and tree schedules to verify protection status. If in doubt, we’ll assess and advise you step-by-step.
Yes. We’ll compile the necessary arborist reports, site plans, justifications, and photographs to support your application. We’ve done this many times—it’s part of the service.
Emergency work may proceed under council guidelines, but documentation is essential. We’ll secure the site, take photographic evidence, and notify the appropriate authorities.
Possibly. Light shaping if it fits under the rules in the district plan, but structural pruning or height reductions often require stronger justification and formal approval before any work starts.

• Tree assessment by a qualified arborist
• Site photos and plan
• Photographs
• Description of proposed works
• Justification and risk assessment
• Mitigation measures (e.g. replacement planting)

Yes. Some native species (e.g. totara, kahikatea) may fall under biodiversity protections. We’ll advise based on your specific species and location.
Standard applications usually take 10–20 working days, though this varies. We help avoid delays by submitting high-quality applications.

Yes – and it’s often a requirement. We’ll help you choose a replacement tree that suits the property and satisfies council regulations.

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