Treeworks takes on the big jobs
‘Nasty' old roadside trees removed
Treeworks NZ cuts down old trees others don't want to touch, especially along roadsides and hazardous areas — near buildings and power lines.
“`We do the nasty jobs others don't want to do,'' says owner Paul Pritchard.
“If there are big trees, we bring in one or two diggers. We either salvage some wood or we cut up the bigger wood for the client if they would like the firewood. We cart the slash away or stack it away from the home so the client can burn it.
“They can get the fire brigade there to support the burn, then we tidy up.
“First, we work out a day rate for the job and put a quote in if the client wants to take it further. Then we put a Hazardous Permit in for a TMP (Traffic Management Plan.)
“We liaise with the client as we go through the job, once they're happy we've done our side of the tree
removal. Anyone who can climb a ladder with an electric chainsaw can cut off a limb themselves. We get called in for hazardous work.
“We are qualified for close-approach on power lines. We have special overalls — if we get hit by the power lines, we don’t get frizzled. This is expensive gear.
“We use all the PPE gear that is necessary, we go through hazard ID every day and have a talk about what’s needed. At a toolbox meeting we identify all the hazards.
“I do emphasise, when we put in a quote, we do everything that is legally required. There’s no shortcuts with our operation,” he said.
Treeworks NZ owns two diggers, a logging truck, a wheeled loader and a bulldozer. For “heavy leaners” they use two diggers. They scarf, back-cut, test push it (lower) when they find they can move the tree, they go up another metre and tip the tree over. They have 20 years’ experience at cutting trees and are based at Pongaroa.
“We can travel anywhere in the Tararua District and offer free, no obligation quotes. Our prices are very competitive,” said Paul.
He has done earthworks most of his life and with his bulldozer can clean up farmers’ tracks and do other earthworks.
“People ring up and say they’re thinking about getting trees cut down, but they’re not too sure.
“I say to them get them down now, because there’s going to be more rules and regulations and it’ll be more expensive to do it later. Get it done now,” he said.