Homeowners often use “arborist” to mean anyone who works on trees. In practice, a contractor carrying out pruning or removal and a consulting arborist preparing a formal report may have different roles and qualification requirements.
Do not feel awkward asking direct questions. A reputable provider should be able to explain which role the job needs.
Questions about the people
Find out who will attend the quote, who leads the work and who carries out the climbing. Ask whether subcontractors are involved and who remains accountable for the agreed scope.
For Leaf It To Me, Josh remains directly involved in on-site quotes and performs most of the climbing and technical tree work. Max, Oscar and the ground crew support site operations and clean-up.
- Who will inspect and quote the property?
- Will that person attend the work?
- Who performs the climbing and technical cuts?
- Who is the ground contact during the job?
- Does the job require a separate consulting-arborist report?
Questions about the scope
Ask the provider to identify the tree and purpose of work. Vague terms such as “trim” or “make safe” can mean different things.
For removal, confirm stump height, waste, logs and grinding. For pruning, confirm the problem being addressed and any permit limit.
Questions about evidence
Request current insurance documents relevant to the work. Check the entity name and policy period. If a qualification is important for a council report or contract, verify the claimed level and issuing institution.
Do not rely on a logo, generic badge or verbal “fully covered” statement.
Questions about safety and utilities
Ask how access, people, vehicles, neighbouring property and utilities affect the plan. For overhead wires, the correct answer should involve the electricity network’s requirements and safe approach arrangements.
You are not asking for technical rigging instructions; you are checking whether the provider sees the real hazards.
Questions about the finish
Confirm whether branches, leaves and logs are removed and whether suitable mulch can be retained. Ask what clean-up covers and what landscaping restoration is excluded.
If stump work is included, discuss depth, grindings and underground services.
When to call Josh
Call Josh when the decision depends on the actual tree, property or access, especially when:
- You want to ask Josh these questions directly
- You need the role of a contractor versus consultant clarified
- You want the quote scope and clean-up explained
- You prefer direct owner involvement from quote to completion
Frequently asked questions
Does every tree job need a consulting arborist?
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No. Routine tree work may not require a formal report. Council, development or diagnostic matters may require a suitably qualified consulting arborist.
What experience does Josh bring to the work?
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Josh has more than 20 years of hands-on tree-industry experience and has operated Leaf It To Me since 2010. If a job requires a formal consulting-arborist report, ask what qualification the council or other authority requires.
Can I ask to see insurance before booking?
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Yes. Current evidence should be available for a customer to review. Verify the details rather than relying on website wording.
Keep clear of damaged or unstable trees. Call Triple Zero for life-threatening emergencies and the relevant authority for powerlines, council approvals, plumbing or structural advice. Josh provides a free on-site quote for tree work within Leaf It To Me’s scope.