Question 1

Are you an insured business and do you guarantee your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes I carry Professional Indemnity insurance that covers advice I offer my customers. All advice confirmed in writing.  Never had any issues in 21 years of business as I am wary and risk averse in matters relating to trees and customers.

Question 2

How did you decide to get into your line of work?

Accepted Answer

I was working as a town planner at a Council and I was not really happy assessing house plans against Council's development plan . It wasn't for me. When the tree legislation was introduced, I was asked to undertake tree related development assessments.   I obtained qualifications in Arboriculture to augment my existing training and ventured out into consultancy after I found I liked and appreciated helping people deal with tree issues and often crazy bureaucracy across urban Adelaide. I also won some large tree audit and environmental design contracts which reinforced the confidence the market showed in my abilities and I haven't looked back for 21 successful busy years... until now.

Question 3

Do you have a favourite customer story you would like to share?

Accepted Answer

A special story is generated with every customer and job I undertake. There is always something there to make the solution to the problem special and at times remarkable.   I recently provided Arboricultural reporting for a retired medico who wanted to divide his inner city home via Council DA. I found out he was a long lost family acquaintance from an early part of my life who knew my parents, so it was a special opportunity to pay some back.

Question 4

What do you like most about your job?

Accepted Answer

I like solving problems and assisting those who need help to achieve their property management objectives whether it be preserving a tree, gaining Council approval to remove a tree or undertaking development. I have a lot of experience assisting developers retain valuable trees on development sites.   I enjoy providing advice and argument that no-one else has thought of or can see. I like finding clever yet practical solutions to difficult problems.

Question 5

What questions should a customer ask to hire the right service professional?

Accepted Answer

Customers should be aware of the difference between a consultant and a contractor.  I offer qualified Consultant Arborist advice about trees and matters associated with trees, building damage, development, risk, neighbour disputes, and Council applications.  I don't offer to undertake contract work such as tree pruning and removal to avoid conflict of interest and transparency of my advice for the benefit of my customers.  Reports and advice offered by contractors is often rejected by Councils as its unclear whether the work sought is really needed or not. They will quote and take a fee often fully knowing this, leaving you the customer poorer and without resolution of their problem.  This may not be a issue for minor work where the contractors quote is low or advice required is pretty straightforward, but this changes when the matter is potentially serious and/or Council is involved.  Customers should try to minimise their risk exposure to contractors by asking for who's interests is he really working for? Yours or theirs?

Question 6

What questions do customers commonly ask and how would you answer them?

Accepted Answer

The most commonly asked question is more of an expressed concern about the safety of or risks posed by a tree. Most people don't understand that just because a tree drops a limb doesn't mean its unsafe or should be removed.   I like to help people manage their trees so the tree won't pose unacceptable risk, can be safely kept and enjoyed and avoid costs associated with unnecessary removal of a tree. Sometimes I help them understand how the emotion of risk interferes with their perception and measurement of real risk as this matters in Council applications.

Question 7

What makes you the most reliable and trustworthy person for the job?

Accepted Answer

I make appointments at times which suit you.   Often I will visit and inspect on Saturdays when all parties are present in order to avoid repeating advice. I can also attend and inspect when the property is vacant or your at work. I don't need to venture inside unless its to map internal cracking damage and then its under your supervision and presence if needed. This saves time so that all communications are clear and everyone (invited) is party to that advice. I then confirm advice in writing.  If I make a time, I turn up. If I can't make it, I will ring and reschedule. I have a strong work ethic and I am thorough.

Question 8

Why should a customer hire you over another service provider?

Accepted Answer

I am not a contractor and therefore the advice offered is made directly to you in your interests without bias or conflict of interest. I also advise on common law, applicable legislation  and duty of care issues about the management of trees.

Question 9

What are the typical things that you need to know before you can provide a quote to a customer?

Accepted Answer

I prefer to visit your property and inspect the tree to understand the full situation and offer the most appropriate advice. I charge a set fee for that service but I can also charge on a time basis if necessary.   I don't charge for travel but I do provide short written confirmation of inspection findings and advice.  If the matter requires a submission for Council or other agencies, a fee can be quoted for preparation of a more formal report that meets Council requirements.   Of course my advice may be that you don't need such a report but if you do, it can be arranged to accompany a Development Application submission to Council .

Question 10

How can a customer save money before you start the work? Please give 3 tips

Accepted Answer

Beware the contractor who offers tree advice as the contractor may claim something to be more dangerous than it really is or claim that a tree or branch requires removal or thinning when it possibly doesn't. Avoid them by engaging me and save.  I can inspect the structure health and situation of trees that may not be posing problems at present and can advise that unless modified in some way will cause problems and expense later on, which you can avoid or reduce now.

Question 11

Are there any special offers you would like to offer to Oneflare customers?

Accepted Answer

I'm happy to briefly discuss your tree related issue over the phone for no charge as this can sometimes resolve your problem without cost.

Question 12

What makes your pricing competitive?

Accepted Answer

I aim to help you determine whether reporting is needed, whether your strategy is reasonable or whether it would be acceptable at Council. This aims to save you from unnecessary costs and maybe identify other remedies that would fix the problem.  I make a living from the quality of advice I offer and its in my interests to help you save money and avoid unnecessary expenditure or work by providing honest direct and practical advice.

Question 13

How do you normally charge for your service?

Accepted Answer

My fees are divided into two stages.  I have a call-out fee where I meet with you on site, inspect the tree(s) and situation, provide immediate advice about what to do or what might be happening. Fees between $150 to $350 can be expected depending on number of trees, time spent on and off site.  If the problem or matter requires a report to Council, a letter of notification or a specification describing pruning works, fees are quoted separately after initial inspection, based on fixed fee or hourly rate.

Question 14

Is there a particular aspect of your trade or industry that you specialise in?

Accepted Answer

I provide advice free from conflict of interest that otherwise can occur when you consult with an arborist who is also a contractor. You will never know whether the advice or the expenditure they are recommending is reasonable or necessary as they will generally fulfil their interests before yours.   I have developed a tender system so works specified to your tree can be priced by a range of contractors (of your choice) so you get the best price for the same work without having to explain over and over and without having to interpret different recommendations from those contractors.  Call me to find out what my initial consultation fees are.

Question 15

What experience, skills, qualifications or training do you have to make you the right person for the job?

Accepted Answer

In response to requests associated with my former design business Tree Assessment Services commenced providing Aboricultural services in year 2000. In 2003 I obtained Arborist qualifications (Dip Arboriculture, AQF Level 5)  In 2004 I sat the first exam held in Australia by the International Society of Arboriculture and gained Arborist Certification -# AU004. Apart from the numerous educational seminars offered, I gained accreditation in Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA-UK) in 2006, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ-ISA) in 2014 and 2019 and provide consulting services for about 1,000 customers per year to 2020.  I have expertise and have developed specialist expertise and reporting products over this time in response to a wide range of tree related situations involving the tree, development, councils, common law, legislative procedures, damages and cross design/legislation procedures.  I can handle straightforward tree health related matters or deal with multiple complexities across differing trees, sites and developments.

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