Amanda Woodhams

Arborist + Horticulturist

  • Climbing Arborist: Certificate Three of Arboriculture, Melbourne Polytechnic

  • Consulting Arborist: Diploma of Arboriculture, Melbourne Polytechnic

  • Horticulturist: Associate Degree in Urban Horticulture, University of Melbourne

  • On the appraisal committee for the National Trust’s Significant Tree Register.

  • Volunteers two mornings a month on the Wonthaggi Seed Bank Nursery’s Wild Seed Collection Team.

My Story

I was trained by master gardeners over four years at Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s Cruden Farm whilst studying to become a qualified horticulturist at Burnley. Looking up at the 90 year old canopy I’d wonder: How can I be the complete gardener if I don’t understand trees?

This led to led to an additional pursuit: becoming a qualified arborist (pro tree climber). Pruning and guiding trees to their fullest expression of health, beauty and form became a core part of my gardening practise. On completing a Certificate Three in Arboriculture at Melbourne Polytechnic I was awarded the Victorian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year Award.

I went on to become a qualified consulting arborist (Diploma of Arboriculture) with a special interest in tree species selection and veteran tree management. In 2018 I was brought on to be an appraisal committee member of the National Trust’s Significant Tree Register.  

After completing this intensive period of training I started this pruning business, Botanic Projects, with fellow arborist Nicholas Bond. We began climbing our way around Australia to deepen our tree species knowledge. The expedition connected my understanding of different tree species to their context through exploring Australia’s ecologies & climates.

At that point, Bank Australia sponsored my involvement in a nine month course focusing on skills for ethical business practises with Australia’s leading impact investors Small Giants.

I now live in Inverloch with Nick contributing where we climb and prune for home gardeners. I volunteer at the Wonthaggi Seed Bank Nursery two mornings a month to help grow the next generation of canopy.

Nicholas Bond

Arborist

Climbing Arborist: Certificate Three of Arboriculture, Melbourne Polytechnic

Consulting Arborist: Diploma of Arboriculture, Melbourne Polytechnic

My Story

I’ve spent the last nine years honing my pruning and climbing skills. Whilst completing my qualifications I had the privilege of working for Tom Greenwood at the Tree Works. Highlights from this time include pruning some of the most significant trees in Victoria at places such as the Royal Botanic Garden, Government House, Treasury Gardens and in some of Victoria’s finest private country gardens. 

I have competed in several climbing competitions in the industry and have placed in the top 3 of my grade on 2 occasions.

I’m interested in helping people better understand and manage their trees. I’ve become a qualified consulting arborist so I can offer practical and current advice to home gardeners.

 

How We Became a Team

We became best friends climbing every weekend to keep up with tree climbing tests. After graduating as qualified tree climbers we decided to deepen our understanding of tree health and structure through training to become qualified consulting arborists.

Since completing our qualifications, we accidentally fell in love and then started this business. The business has enabled us to climb our way around Australia’s diverse climatic conditions, broaden our tree species knowledge and connect these experiences to our growing understanding of Australia’s different ecologies and climates.

We’ve recently completed our expedition and settled down in Inverloch, South Gippsland, VIC, Australia.