Southern Tree Craft

Southern Tree Craft Professional Arborist Service
Fully qualified and Insured
Tree Care and Removal Experts

Height reductions done right 🌳✂️Not every tree needs a haircut — but when it does, how it’s done makes a huge difference...
25/04/2026

Height reductions done right 🌳✂️

Not every tree needs a haircut — but when it does, how it’s done makes a huge difference.

A proper height reduction by an arborist isn’t just “cutting it shorter.” We’re selectively reducing back to natural growth points so the tree keeps its shape, stays healthier, and handles wind better. Done properly, it can extend the life of the tree and reduce risk without turning it into a hedge or a bunch of ugly stubs.

Using machines (like hedge trimmers or saw heads) definitely has its place — they’re great for shelterbelts, farm lines, and situations where speed and uniformity matter more than long-term structure. But on specimen trees around homes? That approach usually leads to fast regrowth, weak attachment, and the need for constant re-trimming… which adds up over time.

If you’re wanting to keep your trees long term, a one-off or occasional arborist reduction is often the better investment compared to yearly machine trimming.

Not sure if your tree actually needs reducing? That’s the first question we ask too. Sometimes a tidy-up or weight reduction is all that’s needed — sometimes it’s best left alone.

Feel free to flick us a message if you’re unsure 👍

Post wind postWe have been flat out since the big blow.Thanks to all our clients who have been patiently waiting and to ...
16/12/2025

Post wind post

We have been flat out since the big blow.

Thanks to all our clients who have been patiently waiting and to all those we have had to shuffle around to make space for urgent work.

We are feeling as though we are slowly getting on top of things and will have some space free sooner than we thought.

To all those still waiting or thinking you may be able to tackle it yourself, please be careful. Chainsaws aren't forgiving and without the proper training and experience windblown trees are the most dangerous form of tree work there is.

Don't hesitate to reach out if you're unsure or just want that peace of mind. We offer full comprehensive tree risk assessments and hazard reports anywhere in Southland.

Western Red Cedar deadwood and lift in NasebyDeadwooding large trees is important for safety, tree health, and appearanc...
27/06/2025

Western Red Cedar deadwood and lift in Naseby

Deadwooding large trees is important for safety, tree health, and appearance. Removing dead or dying branches reduces the risk of falling limbs, especially in high-traffic areas, and helps prevent disease and pest issues. It also promotes the tree’s overall vitality and maintains its natural shape.

Copper Beech reduction in Drummond With a thoughtful approach, we aim to find the right balance between healthy trees an...
27/06/2025

Copper Beech reduction in Drummond

With a thoughtful approach, we aim to find the right balance between healthy trees and satisfied clients. At this property, the owners loved their tree but needed more natural light in the home. A careful light reduction, lift, and thinning allowed both the tree and the living space to thrive.

Mature trees provide essential ecosystem services, including air purification, carbon sequestration, stormwater management, and temperature regulation through shade and transpiration. They also enhance urban biodiversity, offering habitat for birds and insects, and contribute significantly to mental health and social cohesion by creating more livable, aesthetically pleasing spaces.

Since our move down to Southland, we have been wondering when we would end up doing one of the many overgrown shelter be...
07/04/2025

Since our move down to Southland, we have been wondering when we would end up doing one of the many overgrown shelter belts in the area.

This one had been going strong for 30 years since the last trim on the top, practically returning back to individual trees again, some measuring around 700 - 800mm in diameter from where we cut them.

In no means is this ever the best way of maintaining trees for their health but in this situation as a shelter belt on a dairy farm it was the better option rather than starting again.

Big thanks to the owner Dave for cleaning up immaculately behind us after each day we spent on site so we could work safely the next, not a pinecone in site!

Swipe through for some action 👍

Hedge transformation, swipe through to see the finished product!While machines can typically do these types of hedges fa...
21/03/2025

Hedge transformation, swipe through to see the finished product!

While machines can typically do these types of hedges faster and more affordable than we can. We offer a different approach by doing everything by hand climbing and using chainsaws to make cleaner cuts ensuring better health of the trees and containing the mess. The client was very pleased with the outcome of this letting a substantial amount more light into their vegetable gardens, and it's fair to say we were pretty chuffed too.

Get in touch if you have a hedge similar and would like a free quote 👍

Heavy leaning Eucalyptus dismantle todayAfter a neighboring tree fell over it was fair to say this client was concerned ...
14/03/2025

Heavy leaning Eucalyptus dismantle today

After a neighboring tree fell over it was fair to say this client was concerned that this guy would be the next to go. With some controlled rigging of limbs the TĹŤtara below came away unscathed.

The bird life around this place is incredible, bell birds, tui & piwakawaka hanging around on our ropes and in the canopy as we work is pretty special.

Not a bad Friday 👌

Address

Riverton

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 7am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm
Friday 7am - 5pm

Telephone

+642041549733

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