How to Choose a Commercial Tree Contractor in Perth (And What to Ask Before You Sign)

Hiring the wrong contractor for a commercial tree job doesn’t just risk a bad result — it risks a safety incident, a compliance breach, or a project that drags on and disrupts your site for weeks longer than it should. Here’s what to check before you sign off on a commercial tree contractor in Perth.

Ask About Insurance Levels

Public liability cover for tree work on a commercial or government site should be well above a typical residential policy. Ask for the actual figure and a certificate of currency — not just “we’re insured.” All Trees Perth carries $20 million in public liability cover, plus property damage and workers’ compensation, as standard on every job.

Ask About Equipment & Access Solutions

Large or complex sites need more than a chainsaw and a ute. Ask what equipment a contractor actually owns and operates — elevated work platforms (EWPs) for tight or elevated access, articulated mini loaders that protect turf, stump grinders, and the trucks and chippers to process material at scale. If a job needs a crane, ask whether they’ve managed crane-assisted removals before, not just quoted one.

Ask About Experience With Government & Multi-Stakeholder Projects

Government and precinct-scale jobs come with tender processes, hold points, progress inspections and multiple stakeholders signing off at each stage. A contractor who’s done this before will have a track record you can check. We’ve delivered tree and vegetation management for DPIRD, Optus Stadium, the City of Vincent and other WA organisations — you can read how we approached some of these projects on our case studies page.

Ask How They Handle Live or Public Sites

If your site stays open during works — a shopping centre, a park, a stadium precinct — ask how the contractor manages pedestrian and traffic safety around the job. Look for a clear answer involving signage, temporary fencing, spotters and a schedule that’s been communicated to tenants or the public in advance, not worked out on the day.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Vague or unverifiable insurance figures
• No mention of SWMS, site inductions or WHS compliance
• Unable to name past commercial or government clients
• No plan for green waste removal or site clean-up
• Quotes that seem unusually low with no explanation of scope

If you’re comparing contractors for an upcoming commercial project, we’re happy to answer any of the above directly. Contact us for a free, obligation-free quote, or see our commercial tree services.