TreeServe Company History

TreeServe specialises in local government tree management, and is currently a leading provider of these services within the Sydney Metro and Hunter Region. We are a progressive and innovative company with a service orientated focus.

TreeServe is the recently re-branded company formally operating as Sydney Metro Tree Services. Sydney Metro began operations in Smithfield, New South Wales by the Harris family in 1996.

In the mid 1990s the Harris family who were picking up tree logs from local Sydney based tree contractors to split and sell for firewood decided to move into the Tree business and purchased their first 9” chipper and a 25hp Dosco stump grinder. Operations were based from a 6000m depot at 118 Percival rd Smithfield. During this time the family was also operating felling and processing of firewood from its 2000 acre property in Walcha NSW

During the first winter of ’96 tree operations were placed on hold for 4 months to ensure the core business “Moona Plains Firewood” was not impacted. During the second winter of 1997 head climber Jason Paxton was charged with ensuring the tree business was open for business 7 days a week, while the family maintained the firewood division. SMTS had 3 casual staff at this stage.

By 1998 the tree business was fast becoming the main business and both sons completed Aboriculture techniques at Ryde TAFE.

In the early 2000’s a decision was made to phase out all domestic tree work, in order to focus solely on Government and Asset Management contracts.  Additionally continuous and rapid growth sees the company grow its employees to 15 and move its operations to a large purpose built tree and vegetation recycling depot adjacent to the M7 and M4 motorways off Wallgrove Road, Horsley Park.  The property consists of 44000m2 of usable land and enjoys DA approval for its tree contracting operations as well as for the storage, processing, sales and distribution of related by-products.

In 2005 Sydney Metro Tree Services purchased Sydney’s largest firewood company – Betta Burn Firewood.  This acquisition ensures that Sydney Metro Tree Services can effectively and efficiently recycle large quantities of tree related by products.

In 2007 SMTS successfully tendered on a local Veg Management contract for Endeavour (Integral) Energy -growth into the power line vegetation management area of the tree industry has enabled Sydney Metro Tree Services to consolidate a strong platform for future growth and stability within the industry. Staff numbers increased to approx. 50.

In August 2012 Sydney Metro Tree Services Pty Ltd purchased the business Advanced Arbor Service. This acquisition immediately placed SMTS in a dominate position for council contracting within the Sydney region and as far north as Port Stephens.

In the same month we were also awarded an additional contract with Endeavour Energy for the Narellan region. We currently manage all vegetation within wire clearance for the Holroyd, Fairfield, Liverpool, Camden, Campbelltown and Wingicarrabee LGAS. By end 2012 staff numbers were approx. 100.

2013 saw major consolidation of recent growth and particular emphasis on client retention and process improvement. Major achievements include successful retention of Warringah and Fairfield councils plus Endeavor energy Hoxton Park contract as primary supplier. Implementation of a web based work flow management system where all crews now operate from IPad enabling immediate review and compliance to onsite WHS obligations plus immediate reporting and monitoring capacity. Staff numbers approx. 130.

TreeServe continue year on year to improve and expand capital – Investments have been made in a depot at 370 Pacific Hwy Wyong a 20000m industrial site to provide a long term investment in Central and North Coast councils – the deployment of an in-field App enabling 24hr automated reporting of work completion including photos, we provide this level of reporting to all current clients to enable immediate visual auditing and job status capabilities.

The business, now with approximately 120 full time workers has grown strategically and successfully over many years to now be one of the leading Tree and Vegetation contractors within NSW. Our growth has led management to initiate a corporate restructure and rebrand under the TreeServe name.