Priority Tree Care

Priority Tree Care works out of Evatt and provides arboricultural services across Canberra, to homeowners at one end of the scale and to government agencies at the other. The business describes 25 years of growth, and the tone across the site is one of steady competence rather than salesmanship: "Our strength as a company lies in our genuine commitment to providing exceptional service with a combination of decades of experience, the highest levels of skills, training and pertinent professional qualifications combined with an enthusiasm for our chosen careers and the ongoing development of all our staff." The stated aim is efficient, personalised and friendly service, and the customer reviews on the site name Brent and Scott among the crew.

The standout capability is power line clearing. Priority Tree Care has held EVO Energy accreditation since it was introduced in the early 2000s, and its staff carry the certificate in CAVC (Close Approach Vegetation Control), the ticket required to work in close proximity to live conductors. The team works to the clearances legislated under the Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulations 2001 (ACT): a minimum of 1m for house service lines, 1.5m for low voltage power lines and greater than 2m for high voltage lines. Where a line needs to be de-energised, the business coordinates that directly with EVO Energy, and it will liaise with them on time extensions if you have been served an infringement notice. Staff attend annual training courses to maintain those accreditations.

The general tree work covers tree removal, pruning, hedge trimming and stump grinding. Removals are the usual Canberra story of trees that have become diseased, lightning-struck, storm-damaged or simply overgrown to the point of blocking access, and the team brings in heavy machinery where a large tree calls for it. Stumps are either ground down or taken out with a stump puller, depending on how they sit. The site also links straight through to the ACT government tree removal application form for regulated trees, which is a practical touch if you are not sure whether your tree is protected.

Two services set the offering apart from a straight cut-and-chip outfit: tree transplanting, and tree surveys and assessments. On the commercial side, Priority Tree Care handles block and land clearing, "whether it is a single tree removal or the removal of hundreds of trees", and works for real estate companies, universities, hospitals, international embassies, government agencies, and building and construction companies, from residential knock down rebuilds through to large commercial and civil developments. The business cites an impeccable safety record built on constantly reviewed and revised SWMS.

The paperwork is published rather than promised: current Public Liability and Workers Compensation insurance certificates sit on the site alongside a Secure Local Jobs Certificate, the ACT procurement credential required to bid for territory government work. Priority Tree Care covers Canberra, is open Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 4:30pm, and can be reached on 02 6258 0071, on 0411 498 474, or at [email protected].