Arborists and tree jobs in Nelson Tasman

Nelson, Richmond and beyond

Nelson and Richmond have their own pages. Jobs from Motueka, Māpua or Golden Bay go through the same form.

How tree rules work here

Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council each protect trees through their own plan. Since 1 January 2012, a plan has only been able to protect a tree on an urban section by scheduling it. The question to ask is whether yours is listed.

Those plans stay in force while the new planning system comes in, and councils still enforce the current rules. The new system is expected to be fully in place by 2030. Our tree rules page explains resource consents.

Trees growing towards the lines

The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 set the rules for trees near network lines. If a tree qualifies for its first cut or trim, the lines company pays for that work; after that, keeping it clear is generally the owner's job. The service line from the street to your house isn't covered by the regulations, and it's the property owner's responsibility.

Within 4 m of a network line, trimming is only for qualified and approved utility arborists. The trees and power lines guide explains notices and who pays.

When it's the neighbour's tree

Under the Property Law Act 2007 you can cut back the parts of a neighbour's tree that cross onto your property, as far as the boundary, and Community Law says it's always best to talk first. If talking doesn't work, the District Court can order a tree trimmed or removed, though judges are cautious about it. See your neighbour's tree.