The image most people have of tree felling is a single cut at the base and a tall trunk crashing across an open paddock. On a typical infill section in Tauranga, Hamilton or Wellington, that is rarely possible. There might be three metres between the tree and the house, a fence on one side, a garage on the other and power lines overhead. In those situations, arborists take the tree down in pieces, from the top, in a process known as sectional felling.
Knowing how it works helps when you are reading quotes, preparing the section or deciding whether removal is the right step at all.
How sectional felling works
A climber or an operator in an elevated work platform starts at the top of the tree and works down. Branches are cut in manageable lengths and either dropped into a clear landing zone or lowered on ropes. Once the canopy is gone, the trunk is taken down in sections, again either dropped or rigged.
Rigging is the key skill. Ropes are run through a pulley or friction device anchored higher in the tree, then the cut piece is controlled by a ground worker who lets it down slowly. This allows heavy sections to be lowered between buildings, over glasshouses or past fragile garden features without hitting them.
On some jobs, a crane lifts sections out entirely. That approach can be quicker for very large trees or where there is nowhere safe to lower material, but it brings its own access requirements and cost.
Preparing the section beforehand
Good preparation shortens the job and reduces the risk of damage. A few days before work starts:
- Move vehicles, outdoor furniture, pot plants and children’s toys well clear of the work area.
- Let neighbours know when work is planned, especially if branches overhang their side.
- Identify underground services such as gas, water and drains in the drop zone, since heavy sections can crack shallow pipes.
- Clarify where the chipper and truck will park, and whether a driveway or berm needs protecting.
- Check whether any part of the work needs traffic management on a busy street.
Arborists will normally do a site visit before quoting. It helps to be there, so you can point out anything they might not see, such as a septic tank, an irrigation line or a buried power cable.
Costs, time and the factors that change them
Sectional felling usually costs more than open felling of a similar tree because it takes longer and needs more skilled labour and gear. Quotes vary widely. A medium tree in a moderately tight spot might cost somewhere from several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, while large trees with difficult access, cranes or power line management can cost considerably more.
Factors that tend to push costs up include:
- Height and spread, and the weight of the wood.
- Restricted access for the chipper or truck.
- Proximity to power lines, which may require the network operator’s involvement.
- Decay or structural defects that make climbing unsafe and require a platform or crane.
- Stump grinding and removal of all material from site.
Getting two or three quotes is sensible. Ask each arborist to describe their method, so you can compare like with like.
Ask too about insurance and safety planning. A reputable arborist will be happy to explain how they manage risk on site and what happens if something is damaged.
Biosecurity, rules and what to check
Before any tree comes down, check whether it is protected under the district plan. Some councils list notable trees, and many have rules about native vegetation, trees in heritage areas or near waterways.
Biosecurity matters too. If a tree is suspected of having a serious pest or disease, the movement of wood and green waste may need care. The Ministry for Primary Industries has information on pests and diseases affecting trees in New Zealand, and on reporting anything unusual.
Soil and climate shape which replacement trees will thrive on a small section. Geothermal areas in particular have unusual conditions, and this article on choosing trees for geothermal soils around Rotorua looks at what grows well where the ground is warm and acidic.
Frequently asked questions
Can a homeowner do sectional felling themselves? It is not recommended. Rigging loads, working at height and using chainsaws in a confined space carry real risk of serious injury and property damage. Small trees under a few metres may be manageable, but larger work suits trained arborists.
How long does a sectional removal take? A medium tree might take half a day, while large or complex removals can take a full day or more, plus clean-up and stump grinding.
Will the arborist need access through my neighbour’s property? Sometimes. If lowering or chipping requires access over a neighbour’s land, talk to them early and agree on arrangements before the work date.