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About Alba Tree Services

Expert Tree Care Services: Maintenance, Pruning and Tree Removal

Alba Tree Services was established in January 2014. We operate throughout Christchurch and further afield on larger projects including tree removal, site clearance and sectional dismantling. We are professional, reliable and pride ourselves on extensive arborist knowledge and quality workmanship, specialising in all aspects of commercial and domestic tree care.

We have a small tightknit team utilising the latest techniques and equipment available. We regularly discuss our working practices to enhance and develop better understanding and skills throughout the team. This enables us to consistently provide high quality tree work for our customers.

Meet The Team

Alba Tree Services - Business Owner

Michel Winstanley

Michael completed a National Certificate in Arboriculture at Kilmarnock College, Scotland in 2004. Since then he has gone on to work professionally in Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Norway, the United Kingdom and Ireland. In doing so he acquired a wide range of practical skills, techniques and industry knowledge.

Michael also competes at an international level in tree climbing.

Qualifications:

  • June 2004 – NC Tree Management, Kilmarnock College, Scotland
  • September 2004 – NPTC Units CS 30, 31, 38 & 39
  • August 2007 – 1st place South Australian tree climbing championship
  • April 2010 – European Tree Worker Certificate
  • October 2010 – HNC Arboriculture & Urban Forestry
  • October 2010 – International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist
  • October 2010 – ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist
  • August 2012 – Use of Cranes an Helicopters in Tree Work
  • September 2012 – 1st place New Zealand South Island tree climbing championship
  • September 2012 – FdSc Arboriculture
  • February 2013 – 5th place in the ISA Asia Pacific tree climbing championship
  • September 2013 – 1st place New Zealand South Island tree climbing championship
  • October 2013 – 2nd place in the New Zealand National tree climbing championships
  • December 2013 – Practitioners guide to Visual Tree Assessment (VTA)
  • December 2013 – Quantified Tree Risk Assessment System
  • July 2014 – SRT for Tree Climbers
  • September 2014  – 1st place New Zealand South Island tree climbing championship
Arborist / Climber

Russell Squires

Russell Joined Alba in 2016 and has developed his skills, abilities and understanding of the vast knowledge within the industry. There isn’t much you couldn’t ask Russell to do and he would complete the task to a high standard

Up until Russell started with Alba, he had worked mainly on utility services, helping to keep the network running. Russell has also done a stint in the logging industry gaining experience in clear felling operations.

With over 12 years of industry experience and a multitude of qualifications, Russell is a valuable employee with a great attitude.

Qualifications:

2010

  • National Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) Advanced Climber
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the Approved Code of Practice relating to chainsaw use
  • Maintain a chainsaw
  • Operate a chainsaw
  • Manage first aid in emergency situations

2012

  • Carry out tree work in the insulated tool zone around electricity supply lines

2013

  • Process tree stems on a landing
  • Demonstrate knowledge of log making
  • Demonstrate knowledge of factors that affect the performance of forestry workers
  • Demonstrate knowledge of general health, safety, and environmental requirements in forestry
  • Demonstrate forestry foundation skills under supervision for landing operations
  • Use machinery, plant and equipment in an electricity network environment
  • Operate a light four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle in an off-road environment

2014

  • Climb and work on electricity network structures
  • Apply earths to and remove earths from overhead electric line conductors
  • Carry out a rescue from an electrical structure
  • Demonstrate knowledge of electricity supply networks
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and apply health and safety in the electricity supply environment
  • Identify electricity systems in preparation for work
  • Demonstrate knowledge of electricity industry safety statutes and codes
  • Use personal protection equipment within an electricity network environment
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the composition, properties, and principles of electricity
  • Operate light lifting and rigging equipment in the electricity supply environment
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the New Zealand electricity supply industry
  • Carry out tree work in the insulated tool zone around electricity supply lines

2015

  • Assess the worksite, prepare and operate a truck mounted elevating work platform (EWP)
  • Assess the worksite, prepare and operate a trailer mounted elevating work platform (EWP)
  • Describe types of elevating work platforms (EWPs), and legislative requirements for their use
  • Operate power-operated elevating work platforms (EWP) in an electricity supply environment
Arborist / Climber

David Hay

The newest member of the team, Davie started in September 2022 and fitted in straight off the bat.

Davie is a great worker and has the skillset and tireless determination to complete the job at hand.

Davie has been working in the tree industry since 2011 and covered a wide range of roles before settling into Arboriculture in 2014.

  • 2014 – National Certificate (NC) in Forestry, Scottish School of Forestry June
  • 2013/14 Student of the Year for Forestry – Skills and Employability
  • 2012/13 Husqvarna Proficiency Award for best chainsaw performance on the certificate course.
  • City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Aerial Cutting of Trees with a Chainsaw using free-fall techniques
  • City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Tree Climbing and Rescue 206, 306
  • City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Felling and Processing Trees
    up to 380mm 203
  • City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting 201,202
  • City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides – PA1
  • City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Hand Held Applicators – Hydraulic Nozzle – PA6

Lantra Qualifications in:

  • Woodchippers
  • Sit in ATVs – Skid steer all terrain use including loads and trailed equipment
  • Sit Astride ATV – all terrain use including loads and trailed equipment
  • Outdoor Emergency First Aid + Forestry

Our Tree Care Services

Pruning
Tree Removal
Planting
Consultancy

See What Our Clients Have to Say

“

Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value.
Excellent communication and planning. Always perfect completion of tasks.

Krystal McDonald
“

Alba took down six trees for us in a tight space. They did the job exactly as they said they would. Very impressed with the skills.

Josh Brown
“

Alba did a great job removing and stump grinding two large conifers without disturbing the abutting trees. Also trimmed three other trees. Professional job at a reasonable price.

Trish Henderson-Claypoole
“

For prompt, efficient, friendly and reasonably priced work you can't go past these guys. I had my trees removed/pruned last week and been putting off contacting someone after poor service from other tradespeople in recent times. These fears were unfounded in this case as Mik and his team surpassed all expectations by quite a margin. I would highly recommend Alba Tree Services for their expertise, efficiency and a good helping of old-fashioned courtesy.

Janis Russell
“

Thank you very much Mik and your team. Thank you for your professional, efficiency work. I am very happy about the job you have done at my place. Highly recommend.

Liu Jerry
“

Professionalism at it's best.
I had 2 trees removed two months ago.
My neighbour's are having gum trees removed today.
I would definitely recommend Alba Tree Services.

Megan Sutton
“

Thank-you Mik and your awesome team for doing a great job ,yet again at French Farm.

Paul Hill
“

Impressed with the professionalism and competence in removing two trees and shaping another. The work was done with no inconvenience and the place was left extremely tidy. Would highly recommend.

Nev Youngman
“

Very professional, good equipment . Very safety aware. Good value for money.

Angela Larsen
“

Our beloved 130 y/o protected Oak tree at Kate Sheppard House split out and came crashing down. After phoning around - Mik at Alba Tree Services was first to respond and on-site within 15 mins, the next day Mik and his team efficiently took down the remainder of the tree without causing any further damage to the surrounding trees/plants.
I have not the slightest hesitation in recommending Alba Tree Services to anyone who needs the very best advice backed up by effective practical ability.

Julia Burbery
“

Absolutely delighted with the friendly, professional attitude and service from Mik and Russell, and I will be recommending you to friends (and have already) .
Not only did you turn up on time but you adjusted your price to suit the job, were super polite and professional, and most of all you did a really great job aesthetically with (let's face it) a tree that is pretty difficult to make look good. Thanks heaps guys.

L M
“

Have no hesitation in recommending Alba Tree Services unreservedly. This cheerful crew removed a very large tree in a day. Impressive felling, firewood cutting and wonderful clean-up of the debris. Very appreciative that this long-contemplated task was achieved so swiftly and safely, and that it proved stress-free for us.

Liz Wright
“

Our experience with Alba has been fantastic from start to finish. From Mik's prompt response to our original phone query, through an equally prompt furnishing of a detailed and competitive quote, to the thorough and professional job carried out by him and his team, we cannot recommend Alba highly enough.

Brian Cowan
“

Mik, Just A Quick Email to let you know that both Di & I really appreciate the great job you did on our trees, it is very refreshing to meet someone who really does measure up!

Frank - Christchurch
“

Two weeks ago I had Alba Tree Services prune our oak tree back from our house to allow more light in. I would highly recommend Alba Tree Services for their expert knowledge & prompt service. I found Michael a real pleasure to deal with, he was very thorough in explaining the job process with me, assuring me that pruning was the correct decision for my tree.

Claire Parsons - Christchurch
“

We're ultra happy with the great work that Alba Tree Services did on our property. A combination of excellent work ethic and friendly service! Thanks to Mik and the team for the exemplary service!

Malo S
“

Absolutely thrilled with the professional way in which our very large oak tree was felled. Mik was amazing. Cheapest quote of 6 quotes obtained. Being given the option of having some of our timber milled was a great option, not provided by any other arborists contacted. We would highly recommend Alba Tree Services. Prompt service and no damage. Result is spectacular.

Sue & Dave Vincent - Hornby
“

We Employed Mik After Some Recent Storm Damage On Our Property. He arrived promptly and quickly assessed the situation. Everything was cleared up and taken away without any hassle. We were really happy with the professional service and will definitely use Alba Tree Services again.

Denise - Redwood

Book Your Tree Services Today

Transform your landscape with our expert tree care services throughout Christchurch. Our team of Qualified arborists are dedicated to enhancing the health, safety, and beauty of your trees.

Contact Us

Book Your Tree Services Today

Transform your landscape with our expert tree care services. Our team of Qualified arborists are dedicated to enhancing the health, safety, and beauty of your trees.

Contact Us
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