From Zero to Fully Booked: How NZ Arborists / Tree Services Specialists Get Their First 10 Clients

Starting out as an arborist or tree services specialist in New Zealand can be a bit daunting, especially when you’re trying to land those first 10 clients. But with a friendly, practical approach and strategies tailored to Kiwi communities, you can build trust and steadily grow your bookings. This guide offers 10 actionable tips designed specifically for arborists and tree service pros who want to get fully booked.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Start with Your Personal Network

Your first clients often come from friends, family, and neighbours. Offering discounted or free tree assessments or small pruning jobs can help build early trust and get valuable referrals.

A Wellington arborist kicked off his business by helping local residents and quickly expanded through word-of-mouth.

Weirdly enough, these personal connections often become your steady client base.

2. Engage in Local Facebook Groups

Join groups like “Christchurch Neighbours” or “Auckland Gardeners” where locals regularly seek trusted tree services.

Offer helpful advice on tree care, share before-and-after photos, and post testimonials without the hard sell.

Neighbourly is another platform where thoughtful local recommendations can generate leads.

3. Create a Mobile-Friendly Website

A clean website detailing your services, client testimonials, pricing, and contact info boosts professionalism.

Wix and Squarespace provide user-friendly options for setting up affordable sites quickly.

Including local content about NZ native trees and safety tips connects well with clients.

4. List on Yada and Local Directories

Yada connects you directly with local clients with no fees, ideal when starting out.

Its rating system helps reliable arborists get noticed by more clients.

Also list your business on TradeMe Services and trusted regional directories.

5. Offer Introductory Discounts

Draw new clients in with discounted pruning, removals, or tree health inspections.

A Tauranga tree service specialist grew bookings by promoting seasonal specials and referral rewards.

Think of introductory offers as an easy way for clients to experience your expertise.

6. Network with Builders and Property Managers

Establish referral relationships with builders, renovators, and property managers for steady work.

Attend trade shows and local networking events to broaden your professional circle.

In smaller towns like Nelson, these partnerships often become your main client stream.

7. Collect and Promote Testimonials

Ask happy clients for reviews and proudly display testimonials on your website and social media.

Peer recommendations carry a lot of weight in New Zealand in choosing trusted tradespeople.

A Christchurch arborist credits positive testimonials as crucial to growing his business.

8. Share Tree Care Tips and Stories

Publish simple tree care advice, seasonal pruning guides, and client success stories to engage your audience.

Consistent helpful content positions you as a local expert and builds trust.

An Auckland tree specialist increased client interest by regularly sharing useful advice.

9. Advertise Offline and Online

Distribute flyers and business cards in community centres, local cafes, and hardware stores.

Support this with targeted ads on Facebook and Google focused on local homeowners.

A multi-channel approach helps you reach a diverse range of prospective clients.

10. Stay Organised and Communicate Clearly

Use apps and tools for scheduling and invoicing to keep jobs on track and clients updated.

Clear and prompt communication encourages repeat business and positive recommendations.

A Tauranga arborist attributes her success to being organised and responsive.