Apparatus and method for harvesting seed bearing cones from a tree, the apparatus having a retrieving structure and holding structure to define a collecting enclosure therebetween to receive cone bearing material with structure to unload the collecting enclosure. The apparatus has a guide to encircle the tree to ensure generally axial movement, and separating structure adjacent an upper portion thereof which separates cone containing material from the tree resulting from upwards movement of the apparatus. In one embodiment the separating structure has a plurality of recesses to receive the tree trunk, the recesses being provided with knives which cut the branches when the trunk enters the recess and the device is moved upwardly up the trunk. Alternatively, the separating structure has recesses to receive branches and is provided with rake means to rake the cones from the branches. The method includes lowering of the apparatus generally axially down the tree and shifting the apparatus generally laterally to engage a portion of the tree within one of the recesses. Apparatus is moved axially upwardly so that edges of the recesses remove cone containing material from the tree.