How often should I prune?

Most established trees are happy with a light prune every 3 to 5 years. Newly planted trees need formative work in years 2 and 4. Heritage trees we recommend looking at every 2 years.

Is pruning the same as topping?

No, and we don't do topping. Topping is cutting branches back to stubs, which makes the tree shoot weak regrowth and rot from the cut point. Proper pruning cuts to a branch collar at a junction, the tree seals the wound and grows on.

When is the best time to prune in Melbourne?

It depends on the species. Eucalypts and most natives are happiest in September to November. Fruit trees prefer late winter (July to August). Deciduous shade trees (oaks, planes, liquidambars) are best in mid-winter when they're dormant. We'll tell you what's right for your tree.

Will pruning hurt the tree?

Done right, no. Done wrong, badly. We work to AS4373 standards and stay under 25% canopy removal in a visit. After a proper prune, the tree should look better, not worse, and you shouldn't see it stressed by the work.

Do you do hedge trimming too?

Yes, hedges are part of our garden maintenance service. Different gear, different price point. Just ask when you call.

Tree services

Tree pruning to AS4373.

Crown lifts, crown reduction, crown thinning, deadwooding, and formative pruning across Melbourne. All work to Australian Standard AS4373 (Pruning of Amenity Trees).

Get a free quote 0468 077 782

Hilly's climbing arborist high in a mature Melbourne eucalyptus during a pruning visit, with a ground arborist watching the descent line

AQF Level 5 arborists$20M public liabilityCouncil permits handledSame-day responseAcross Melbourne

What we do

AS4373 pruning for residential and council trees.

AS4373 sets out four pruning types for amenity trees: crown lifting (raising the lowest live branches), crown reduction (reducing overall canopy height or spread), crown thinning (selective removal of secondary branches to let light through), and selective pruning (removal of specific branches for clearance, safety, or formative shaping). We use whichever type the situation calls for, and explain why on the site visit.

We do not top, lion-tail, or remove more than 25% of live canopy in a single visit. These practices stress the tree, trigger weak regrowth, and shorten its life. They appear on cheaper quotes because they're quicker to execute. They're also the reason most trees we're called to remove ended up that way.

Pruning timing varies by species. Eucalypts and most natives respond best to pruning in spring (September to November). Deciduous trees including oaks, planes and liquidambars are typically pruned in mid-winter when dormant. Fruit trees are pruned in late winter for productivity. We schedule the work to the species, not the calendar.

What we prune for

Clearance

Powerlines, gutters, the neighbour's roof, the driveway, the street. Raising the canopy to fix a real problem without ruining the shape.

Safety

Deadwood, included bark, co-dominant stems about to split. Spot the failure before it happens.

Shape

Reduction pruning that brings a leaning crown back over the trunk. Formative work on young trees so they grow into the right shape.

Health

Selective thinning to let light and airflow through. Removing crossing or rubbing branches. Watering and mulching follow-up advice on the day.

What it costs

Pruning is priced by complexity, not by tree.

A small ornamental might take an hour. A mature gum might take a day. Here's the range so you know what to expect.

Small to medium

$350 to $750

Backyard ornamentals, fruit trees, clearance pruning under 5m.

Half-day on site
Chip + clean-up included

Mature tree

$750 to $1,800

Crown reduction, lift, or thin on an established mature tree.

Full-day on site
Rigging where needed
AS4373 compliant cuts

Heritage or complex

$1,800 to $5,000+

Heritage-overlay trees, formal estate trees, multi-tree visits.

Multi-day project
Written prune plan
Arborist on site

How we work

The standard process.

Step 01

You call or send a photo

We'll come back the same day with a site-visit time.

Step 02

Free site visit

We look at the tree, talk through what's actually needed, and explain the difference between what you want and what the tree wants.

Step 03

Written plan in your inbox

A clear scope, price, and timing. Usually within two business days.

Step 04

Pruning day

Right cuts, right places, chipped and raked. The tree should look better, not different.

Out on the job

Real work, real Melbourne sites.

Climber in eucalyptus canopy making cuts with a hand-saw

Dramatic upward shot of climber working a mature gum

Arborist pointing at fungal decay on a trunk during a health inspection

Suburbs we cover

Across Melbourne, focused on the east and south east.

OakleighCarnegieBentleighCaulfieldMalvernGlen IrisChadstoneElwoodCarrum DownsEndeavour HillsBrightonHawthornCamberwellMount WaverleyAshburtonMurrumbeenaWheelers HillSurrey Hills

FAQs

The questions we get most.

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Request a quote

Book a site visit.

Free, on-site, by AQF qualified arborists. Written quote in your inbox within two business days.

0468 077 782 ashley@hillystrees.com.auMon to Sun, 24/7 emergency

AQF Level 5 arborists$20M public liability5.0 on Google