With more than 25 years of experience as an arborist in New Zealand and around the world, Special Branch Tree Care NZ’s owner and New Zealand Arboricultural Association member, tree surgeon, David Craig knows a thing or two about tree care. David has an agricultural qualification from City and Guilds in London, NZQA levels 4, 5, and 6 in Arboriculture, and has worked in London and France and volunteered in Central America. 

Today, Special Branch Tree Care NZ works extensively across Christchurch and the Canterbury region. We're a specialist company working with both native and exotic trees, with a focus on sustainability. That includes helping trees maintain healthy growth and develop thriving ecosystems, responsibly dealing with any waste - we reuse wood for firewood or mulch if possible - and using eco-friendly, electric  equipment wherever possible.

As a hands-on owner-operator, you'll usually find David out on the job himself, backed by a trusted team. Even Charley, the dog, pops along to most jobs to supervise things. We offer expert assessments of your trees and hedges, and because we love talking about trees, we're always happy to discuss your options in depth and offer advice on the best course of action. Importantly, we are also across the required legislative frameworks governing trees. Often there are requirements, especially in your district plan, for tree work to be carried out to a specific standard, or limits on what type of work can be carried out. Where these do apply, we are happy to provide advice so you get the right work done.