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    <h1>How to Choose an Arborist in Brisbane: 7 Questions to Ask</h1>
    <p class="hero-sub">Unqualified operators are common in Brisbane's tree industry. These questions will tell you immediat...</p>
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  <span>How to Choose an Arborist in Brisbane: 7 Questions to Ask</span>
</div><p class="blog-intro" style="font-size:1.08rem;font-weight:500;color:var(--dark);margin-bottom:32px;line-height:1.7;">Unqualified operators are common in Brisbane's tree industry. These questions will tell you immediately whether you're dealing with a professional or a risk.</p><h2 style="margin-top:36px;margin-bottom:14px;">1. What's your qualification?</h2><p>The minimum meaningful qualification is AQF Certificate III in Arboriculture. For arborist reports and council applications, AQF Level 5 (Diploma in Arboriculture) is required. "I've been doing this for 20 years" is not a qualification. Ask for the cert number.</p><h2 style="margin-top:36px;margin-bottom:14px;">2. Can you send a Certificate of Currency?</h2><p>Any legitimate arborist can send you their public liability insurance certificate within minutes. It should show: the insurer, the policy number, coverage amount (minimum $5M, ideally $10–20M), and expiry date. If they hesitate or can't provide it, walk away.</p><h2 style="margin-top:36px;margin-bottom:14px;">3. Will you check council VPO status before quoting?</h2><p>A professional arborist will check whether your tree requires a permit before confirming the price. One who doesn't ask or check is either unaware or doesn't care — either way, it becomes your problem if the tree is protected.</p><h2 style="margin-top:36px;margin-bottom:14px;">4. Will the price in the quote change?</h2><p>Get a written quote, not a verbal estimate. The written price should be what you pay. Reputable arborists don't add extras on the day.</p><h2 style="margin-top:36px;margin-bottom:14px;">5. Do you prune to AS4373?</h2><p>For pruning jobs, this is the question that separates arborists from tree loppers. If they look blankly at you, they're a lopper.</p><h2 style="margin-top:36px;margin-bottom:14px;">6. How is the green waste disposed of?</h2><p>Timber is chipped on-site and removed (or left as mulch). If they're hauling unprocessed branches to your verge and leaving them, that's not a complete service.</p><h2 style="margin-top:36px;margin-bottom:14px;">7. Are your crew employed or subcontracted?</h2><p>Some operators quote low then send unvetted subcontractors. Ask who will actually be on your property and whether they carry their own insurance.</p><div style="margin-top:36px;padding:20px;background:var(--green-light);border-radius:var(--radius);"><p style="margin:0;font-size:0.92rem;"><strong>Need a tree arborist in Brisbane?</strong> Call <a href="tel:0474011120" style="color:var(--green);font-weight:700;">0474 011 120</a> or <a href="contact.php" style="color:var(--green);font-weight:700;">fill in our quote form</a>. Same-day response, Mon–Sat 7am–6pm.</p></div></div><div><div class="card" style="padding:24px;position:sticky;top:100px;"><h4 style="margin-bottom:16px;">Get a Free Quote</h4><p style="font-size:0.9rem;color:var(--text-light);margin-bottom:16px;">Call or text photos for a same-day quote across Brisbane's north and east.</p><a href="tel:0474011120" class="btn btn-primary" style="width:100%;justify-content:center;margin-bottom:10px;">📞 0474 011 120</a><a href="contact.php" class="btn btn-outline" style="width:100%;justify-content:center;">Online Quote Form</a><hr style="margin:20px 0;border:none;border-top:1px solid var(--border);"><h4 style="margin-bottom:12px;">More Articles</h4><a href="blog-how-much-does-tree-removal-cost-brisbane-2026.php" style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--green);display:block;padding:4px 0;">How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Brisbane in 2026?</a><a href="blog-8-signs-tree-needs-removing-brisbane.php" style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--green);display:block;padding:4px 0;">8 Warning Signs Your Brisbane Tree Needs to Come Down</a><a href="blog-brisbane-city-council-tree-removal-permits-guide.php" style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--green);display:block;padding:4px 0;">Brisbane City Council Tree Removal Permits: A Plain-English Guide</a><a href="blog-tree-lopping-vs-pruning-brisbane.php" style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--green);display:block;padding:4px 0;">Tree Lopping vs Pruning: What's the Difference and Why It Matters</a><a href="blog-cocos-palm-removal-brisbane-guide.php" style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--green);display:block;padding:4px 0;">Cocos Palm Removal Brisbane: Cost, Council Rules, and What to Expect</a><a href="blog-brisbane-tree-removal-do-i-need-permit.php" style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--green);display:block;padding:4px 0;">Do I Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Brisbane?</a><a href="blog-what-is-an-arborist-report-brisbane.php" style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--green);display:block;padding:4px 0;">What Is an Arborist Report and When Do You Need One in Brisbane?</a><a href="blog-how-long-does-tree-removal-take-brisbane.php" style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--green);display:block;padding:4px 0;">How Long Does Tree Removal Take? A Brisbane Homeowner's Guide</a></div></div></div></div></section><section class="section--sm">
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