Sick Tree: Warning Signs

Trees are a beautiful part of any landscape. They add life and vigour to any surrounding and they serve as home to other smaller forms of life. However, the opposite is true. A sick tree can be a source of problem and concern to any green thumb and they can turn dangerous for any surrounding too. Check your trees to make sure that they are still healthy and growing well. A sick tree will give you major and noticeable indications for you to check.

Brittle barks

Trees that are sick or stricken with disease may exhibit brittle barks. Barks start to fall more frequently and loose shards of wood plague the surroundings of the tree. Brittle barks contribute to a weakening state of the tree which follows to a more fragile tree. If your tree has deep cavities and crevices that may result in a loose wood slab eventually, your tree may be sick.

Deep cracks in the trunk

Inspect the trunk of your tree. Any major cracks indicate that the tree is slowly disintegrating within. Although it’s normal for tree trunks to have cracks, deep cracks that go beyond the barks of the trunk can mean that your tree is not well. Call your local arborist to treat the tree if that happens.

Deadwood

Another sign of a diseased tree is the abundance of deadwood. Trees have a normal level of deadwood, but if you notice that more deadwood is present as time passes by, examine the tree to mitigate its sickness. Do a scratch test to the branch. If the inside of the wood is brown and dry, it’s deadwood. Prune it.

Decaying spots

Decaying spots show that a tree is sick. This means that other symptoms might be present to your tree too. Check the roots first for any decaying spots as this area tends to experience the decaying occurrence first before any other parts of the tree. Then, check the trunk. If there are wounds in the trunk, a decay may likely occur the following days or months. 

Pest, insect or critter infestations

Infestations result from decays and rots in the tree. A decaying tree or rotting root can attract pests and insects. However, this could also mean the other way around. Infestations from insects or critters contribute to the faster decay and degrade of the tree. Either way, it makes the tree sick. Call professional help to improve the situation.

Fungus growth

The same manner with infestations, fungus growth is a symptom of a dying tree. More fungus or fungi will grow and take over the tree, making it sicker and more brittle. This leads to the eventual degrading of the tree. Fungal tree disease weakens the tree and usually leads to a dying tree, but to treat the tree and restore its health, call your tree expert.

Changing colour or discolouration

Leaves and flowers from trees have a specific normal colour depending on the species and kind. Any changes in colour and discolouration mean that the tree is not growing well, thereby affecting the colour of the growing foliage and flowers.

Lacking foliage or less foliage volume

Trees grow a certain volume of leaves that are normal for its kind. Lacking foliage indicates a less dense volume. This results in a lack of leaves. If your tree is experiencing insufficient nutrient or sun dose, it might grow into a sick tree. Inspect the canopy first to know if there is a normal level of foliage present. Check with your arborist to find out what’s wrong.

Leaning trunk

A trunk supports the tree in any landscape or environment. If the trunk is leaning, it indicates that the tree is not strong enough and will fall or collapse. This can result from many things like decay and infestations. See the trunk of the tree. If it’s supporting the tree well, the trunk is still strong enough to raise the tree.

Soil change

Other signs of a sick tree can be mistaken for its nature and characteristics. As such, one of the ways you can check the health of a tree is through the soil. It is one of the biggest indicators of a sick tree. Dry soil means the tree is receiving less water. The root system of a tree is heavily affected by any soil disturbance too. Look at your soil regularly to find out if your tree is still healthy.

Conclusion

A sick tree exhibits warning signs and symptoms. As a tree owner, it is your responsibility to check these aspects from time to time to make sure that your tree is healthy and living well. Any sign that gives you a red warning can put your tree in danger and eventual death. This can cause you more issues in the long-run. Contact your arborist to have a checkup from time to time.

Team up with Trees Down Under for your garden needs!

We are Trees Down Under and we give you tree services. We know that flora needs constant care and attention every time. If you don’t have the time to do these, we are here to give you our expertise. You aren’t alone in taking care of the precious greens in your backyard. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

We offer tree services like tree removals, tree pruning, stump grinding and more.

Call us at 0475 463 597 or send us your enquiries via email. Book your next tree removal job or enquire with us here..

The Best Shade Trees for Your Backyard

One of the first lessons we learned about trees when we were young is that trees absorb the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and provide us with oxygen. On that note, you should understand how important and beneficial it is to have trees in your yard. One highly recommended type of trees for Australian homes is shade trees. 

As its name suggests, shade trees provide a screen or shade from the sun, especially during the hot and humid summers in the country. As a result, it can protect you from harmful UV rays and provide a cooling effect for your yard. Furthermore, shade trees can also cool your home so you can save on your air-conditioning and cooling expenses.

There are plenty of shade trees available in Australia to choose from. To help you pick, we have listed below the top 10 shade trees you can plant in your backyard.

1.  Magnolia “Teddy Bear”

Among the Magnolia cultivars available in Australia, the Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ is perfect for the sunny seasons. This cute and compact tree can go as a feature tree or shade tree in any garden, big or small. Moreover, the Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ boasts of its glossy dark-green leaves with a bronze underside to add colours and life to your yard.

2. Japanese Maple

Another favourite shade tree for Australian backyards is the Japanese Maple. More than providing a cooling screen for your home in the summer, this tree also offers an eye-catching display of colours in the autumn season. 

3. Tulipwood

Tulipwood is an excellent evergreen for a medium-sized yard. The pleasant and rich foliage of this tree will be an attractive addition to your backyard since the Tulipwood is popularly known as an ornamental tree.

4. Cercis “Forest Pansy”

This tree is probably one of the most in-demand shade trees for any backyard. The Forest Pansy has a V-shaped form and a lovely purple foliage that offers informal screening. Moreover, the foliage of this tree changes with the season, from burgundy in spring, to purple-tinged green in summer, and gold and peach in autumn. 

5. Lilly Pilly

Lilly Pilly is also deserving of a spot in the shade trees to plant in your yard. Whether a shrub or a tree, Lilly Pillies are known for its lush and dense foliage which creates an excellent screen or shade, which is why this tree is ideal for hedging and informal screening

6. Dwarf Flowering Gum

This dwarf Eucalyptus tree is known for its relatively small stature which only ranges from 3 m to 6 m. Nevertheless, the canopy of this tree can still produce shade that can screen your yard from the harsh sunlight. Aside from informal screening, the Dwarf Flowering Gum is also popular for its large vibrant flowers which come in the various colours such as white, pink, red and orange.

7. Tahitian Lime

Another shade tree to consider for your yard is the Tahitian Lime tree. This medium-sized citrus tree has glossy evergreen leaves that grow into a thick foliage, making it ideal for hedging. More than that, this tree will be perfect for your yard since it bears flowers and citrus fruits that can be harvested any time.

8. Tree Waratah

The tree Waratah or Red Silky Oak can offer your backyard a cool shady spot in the summer due to its dense foliage and spreading canopy. Moreover, this tree can be a feature and ornamental tree, especially in the spring when its large and vibrant red flowers bloom.

9. Golden Robinia

Golden Robinia is an attractive shade tree to place in your backyard. This fast-growing deciduous tree has a bright green foliage and a round form that offers a soft screen from the sun. The Golden Robinia tree also provides an attractive colour exhibit from its golden yellow autumn leaves and white fragrant flowers in the spring.

10. Yellow box

This shade tree is common in Australia as a street tree. However, the Yellow box or Eucalyptus melliodora, is also an excellent backyard tree. With its wide canopy and oval foliage form, this evergreen tree can provide you with a large backyard shade during sunny days.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why you should plant trees in your backyard. Aside from adding value and beauty to your outdoor space, they can also offer fresh air and cooler surroundings. Shade trees, in particular, offer a screen and cooling shade in your backyard during the sunny and hot seasons. 

If you’re looking for the best shade trees for your garden in Sydney, our expert landscapers at Trees Down Under can help you choose and plan your backyard garden layout. Call us anytime at 0475 463 597 so you can consult with our expert team. We provide expert tree services and gardening needs.

Backyard Planting: Trees with Invasive Roots

To many homeowners who have the time, doing the gardening in their backyard is a relaxing activity. It allows them to take a break from their busy lives by doing something at their own pace. Moreover, communing with nature is also a great way to boost mood and mental health.

One gardening activity that is healthy and beneficial is planting trees. If you think your garden lacks a vertical aspect, adding trees will be a good idea. Not only can trees beautify your garden and improve your curb appeal, but they can also offer you shade, fresh air, and fruits. 

What Trees in Australia Have Invasive Roots?

Not all trees are desirable to plant in your backyard. In fact, you should avoid planting trees which can cause problems, such as those with invasive roots. To give you an idea which tree species in Australia have aggressive roots, we have listed a few of them below.

Camphor Laurel

Camphor Laurel is one of the highly invasive tree species in Australia. Although it’s a lovely shade tree, you would not want this in your backyard because it can self-fertilise and grow like a weed. On top of that, Camphor Laurel also has invasive roots that are notorious for damaging sewerage pipes. 

Poplar

The roots of Poplar trees can spread up to 3x the height of the tree, and they can even surface. The reason behind this aggressiveness is thirst; Poplar roots grow extensively in search of water. However, this can destroy drainage systems, pavements, and foundations. 

Golden Robinia

Golden Robinia is also not an ideal tree to plant for your yard, especially if you only have a small outdoor space. This tree is best planted in large gardens due to its invasive and fast-growing root system. Golden Robinia trees also have thorns and brittle branches which can be a safety hazard. Moreover, this tree grows rapidly that it requires frequent maintenance and pruning.

Pride of Bolivia

This gorgeous tree also has an extensive root system which, like Poplar, is because it’s searching for water. Thus, if you have leaking taps and pipes in your backyard, the Pride of Bolivia tree will poke into them and magnify the damage. Moreover, the aggressive root system of this tree can also impair your driveway, retaining wall, foundation, house, and other structures. 

Willows

If you’re planning to plant Willow trees in your backyard, you have to know that this tree has invasive roots that can damage your properties such as water pipes, house foundations, and pavements. Furthermore, you might need to do frequent cleaning especially in the fall and spring as catkins and leaves shed off the tree.

What To Do If You Have Trees With Invasive Roots in Your Backyard

You’ve probably added trees in your yard in hope of adding value to your property and enhancing your home’s curb appeal. However, if you’ve planted the wrong trees, such as those with extensive root structures, you’ll get the opposite of what you want. Invasive roots can be extremely disastrous, so here are a few things that might help you deal with your tree problems.

Install root barriers

Prevent roots from spreading and invading structures that they might destroy. 

Trim the aggressive roots

Contact an expert arborist to help you reduce the overgrown roots. Doing so on your own can harm or even kill the tree in danger. Make sure that after cutting, you nourish the tree and give it time to heal. 

Remove the tree

Another option you could do if you have trees with invasive roots is to cut down the entire tree before it could even damage your property. If you need a tree removal expert, Trees Down Under has a team of certified arborists who can handle the tree removal job for you.

Conclusion

Although the above-mentioned trees are charming to place in your backyard, you should resist the temptation. Trees with invasive roots may look discreet, but the roots underground can cause damages to pipelines, sidewalks, buildings, and other properties. 

Hence, as much as possible, you should opt for trees with small root systems and avoid those with invasive ones. Besides, there are plenty of non-problematic trees you can choose from for your backyard garden. You can consult with our expert landscapers here at Trees Down Under to help you pick out trees, shrubs, grass, and plants for your outdoor space. 

Feel free to contact us at 0475 463 597 for residential tree and garden services. 

Best Trees for Any Backyard in Australia

Trees can take the homeyness of any house to greater heights. Aside from offering cleaner and fresher air, trees also add value to your home. It provides beautification for your yard so you can unwind and relax at home. 

Even so, you shouldn’t place just any kind of tree in your yard. You need to pick out the tree that best fits the style and architecture of your house as well as your garden landscape. Moreover, you also need to consider your local climate in Australia and other conditions that affect trees, such as seasonal changes, sunlight and water.

Best Trees for Australian Backyards

With hundreds of tree species present in Australia, you may find it difficult to choose which ones will suit your backyard. Regardless, there are also tree species that can go in any homes in Australia. Here are the top choices of trees perfect for any Australian backyard.

Magnolia

There are several varieties of Magnolia tree you can choose from, but among the top picks are the evergreens “Little Gem” and “Teddy Bear” and the deciduous Magnolia variety. This tree boasts of its goblet-shaped flowers that come in various colours such as white, pink, purple, yellow, and crimson.

Japanese Maple

The Japanese Maple tree is another species widely seen around Australia. This tree offers a magnificent display of colours in the autumn and a fresh new look in the spring. Various cultivars also offer a wide range of leaf shapes, colours, and crown shapes.

Ashes

The Golden Ash and Claret Ash Trees are popular shade trees for Australian backyard gardens. Ashes offer dynamic colours that change with the seasons, with the Golden Ash turning golden yellow in the autumn and spring and the Claret Ash to burgundy.

Red Silky Oak

Tree Waratah or Red Silky Oak is another backyard favourite of many Australian homeowners. This medium-sized evergreen tree can grow in a wide range of soil types and can withstand the mild winters of Australia. Moreover, this tree produces bright red flowers in spring and offers shade for your backyard all year round. 

Crepe Myrtle

Crepe Myrtles also deserves a spot in any Australian backyard. All varieties of this tree grow in the country, so you have plenty of options. Crepe Myrtles offer vibrant autumn colours and attractive crepe-like summer flowers that will definitely enhance your garden’s curb appeal during these seasons. Flowers are available in shades of pink, red, burgundy, lilac and white.

Frangipani

Frangipanis are known for their stunning and fragrant flowers that bloom in the summer. These flowers come in various colours ranging from white, pink and red. Aside from adding life and colour to your garden, Frangipanis are also a preferred backyard tree because they’re easy to grow, and they can go in both traditional and modern landscape. 

Ornamental Prunus

Flowering Prunus will suit any backyard in Australia due to its hardiness and adaptability. This tree offers a spectacular display of colours both in autumn and spring, with its vibrant autumn foliage and gorgeous white or pink floral blooms. 

Lilly Pilly

Another top choice for Australian backyards is the Lilly Pilly or Australian Cherries. Lilly Pilly is a shade tree that has thick foliage, white flowers, and edible purple or red fruits. Aside from its eye-catching feature, another plus factor of this tree is its hardy and fast-growing nature which is desired by many Australian backyard owners.

Conclusion

Each Australian home and backyard is unique, having its style and feel. Given that, it’s only fitting that you choose the right kinds of trees that will accentuate the beauty of your house and garden landscape. 

The tree species mentioned above are simply guides to help you choose the trees you can place in your yard. For specific and bespoke garden and tree solutions, we recommend that you consult with our arborists and landscapers at Trees Down Under.

Our expert team will help you pick the best backyard trees. Because we offer expert residential garden services, we can also help you determine how many trees are ideal for your outdoor space as well as the best arrangement and placement of these trees. Of course, we will consider your preference, budget, and lifestyle so you can have an aesthetically pleasing and functional garden.

Ready to upgrade your outdoor space in Sydney with trees? Call us now at 0475 463 597 or fill up our easy contact form to avail of our services. 

How to Prepare for Tree Felling

Tree felling is defined as the process of cutting down trees. But the job is more complicated than simply working your tools to cut and topple the tree over. Not to mention that tree felling is also deadly and dangerous. Between 2000 and 2016, the National Coronial Information Service has recorded more than 99 deaths due to tree felling and chainsaw use. 

If you’re new or an amateur to tree felling, tackling the process without any preparation may lead to a disastrous outcome. Even tree fellers who are experienced in the job find tree felling challenging, with some even committing fatal errors. Thus, expert or not, planning before beginning to cut trees is a crucial step not only to establish a safe work area but also to ensure efficiency at work.

Tree Felling Preparation

Planning is at the core of tree felling preparation. It also allows you to ensure smooth flow, minimise mistakes, and anticipate possible problems. The following are some points you need to consider in preparation for your tree-felling project.

Estimate the Tree Height

Before getting a hold of any tool, you first need to gauge the height of the tree you want to cut. This is a crucial safety measure, especially if you’re working near obstacles such as trees, establishments, and power lines. This allows you to estimate the safety distance you need to establish in felling the tree.

Locate the Felling Direction

Determine where your tree will fall by assessing it and considering factors such as wind direction, leaning direction, and side of branch abundance. Falling trees have the force and strength that’s deadly and destructive, so you need to make sure that the space along the felling direction is clear from anything and anyone. 

You also need to clear two paths 45 degrees opposite the felling direction for your escape route. You will have to place your tools and equipment on the opposite side of the felling direction.  

Clear Branches Around the Base and Trunk

Prune the branches and twigs on the base of your tree using an axe. This enables you to work with the felling cut without any hindrances. To increase safety, we recommend that you use a pulling chain and work from top to bottom.

Check for Diseases

Timber discolouration, brittleness and softness indicate that your tree is infested with diseases. If you have such a tree, you must be extremely cautious in felling it. It’s best if you cut the tree according to its natural felling direction and at a higher elevation so that it leaves a taller stump. Rot in trees declines as you go higher up the tree.

Determine the Right Tool and Cutting Technique

After clearing unwanted branches around the trunk, you can now begin cutting the tree. To identify the best tool and cutting technique to use, assess first the size and lead of your tree.

• For small trees, you can use an axe to cut from both sides of the trunk. 
• For slightly larger trees, you’ll need an axe and a bow saw to make the undercut and the horizontal back cut, respectively. 
• For medium-sized and large trees, it is ideal that you use an axe for the undercut and a cross-cut saw for the horizontal back cut. This process creates a hinge that will guide the tree into your desired felling direction. Wedging is also a necessary step in tree felling large trees. 

Conclusion

Preparing for the tree felling job is a necessary step to ensure safety and efficiency while working. Even foresters and professional tree fellers still plan ahead and prepare for anything that might happen. That’s because every tree and situation is different and some tree requires special handling and skills to cut them correctly.

Small trees are easy to fell. However, cutting medium-sized and large trees requires more advanced skills and expertise. For safety reasons, it is not advisable for beginners to fell such trees. You will need a reliable company to do your tree felling needs fast and safely.

Trees Down Under is exactly the company that you’re looking for. We have an expert team of certified arborists and tree fellers to remove your tree safely and efficiently. When you book with us, we will immediately prepare for the job and plan a systematic flow. Aside from having the right tools, equipment and protective equipment, our team also has the experience and accuracy that tree felling jobs require. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us anytime at 0475 463 597. We offer emergency tree removal and other tree services around the Sydney area.

When is the Best Time for Tree Felling

Nowadays, many garden enthusiasts invest in trees to enhance the overall appearance of their lawn. When installed in a row and maintained properly, they can act as hedging trees for the protection and privacy of one’s property. 

But there are instances when trees pose a risk in your garden space and the community. It can cause accidents and injuries when branches fall off, or the tree itself collapses. If you choose to avoid these threats, tree felling is the perfect solution. But, when is the best time for tree felling, you ask? Trees Down Under is here to give you the right answers. 

When Trees are No Longer Functional

Since dead trees don’t replenish nutrients or moisture from roots, its branches become brittle and susceptible to breakage. Dead trees are dangerous, especially if branches unexpectedly fall on roofs. Moreover, as the owner, it would be your responsibility when someone becomes a victim of accidents involving falling branches or trees located in your property. 

Furthermore, why keep dead trees when they are no longer functional? Trees with no foliage and flowers are unattractive to look at, and they can become a liability in the future. You can maximise their space for other plants or decorations to make your garden more visually appealing.   

Signs of an Unhealthy and Dangerous Tree

If trees are more than 50% unhealthy, it is the best solution to remove them. You can look for these signs:

• Hints of tree infections such as crown dieback, discoloured leaves, soft crumbly wood, and fungi
• Large and dead branches in trees’ crown
• Root defects such as growing fungi and heaving soil
• Hollowed or rotted tree by at least one-third of its size
• Leaning trees 
• Sprouts at the base of the tree

It is best to consult with expert arborists to know if your tree needs removal or disease/pest prevention. 

Before a Storm

According to a study, the critical wind speed, where a tree trunk breaks, is at 145km/hr – regardless of its size or species type. So here in Australia, a category two storm or higher is enough to knock down trees and cause harm to the communities within its radius. 

Before they can claim lives and damage properties, it is best to remove trees, especially those that are not sturdy enough and reach towering height. However, distinguishing them can be quite challenging. Luckily, garden service companies like Trees Down Under offer consultation regarding different tree issues and other lawn problems. They also provide quick tree removal to prevent harm in the community as much as possible when a storm is coming. 

Dormant Season

In winter, deciduous trees fall asleep and rest, which is also known as their dormant season. They lose their leaves and prepare for the spring. Since they are leafless and relatively lighter, it is the best time to fell trees. Their lack of foliage helps arborists cut them carefully and clear the area faster. 

Moreover, a healthy tree can grow its leaves back and bloom after dormancy, but an unhealthy one poses a greater risk. Decaying branches are prone to fall since they need to carry the weight of the accumulated snow, but their link is also weakening.

Furthermore, garden service providers offer cheaper rates during winter as demand for tree and plant works decline. Also, it is easier to cut trees and their branches as the snow can catch fallen parts effortlessly.  

Conclusion

Trees provide aesthetic and privacy to one’s garden. But they can also become a hazard that needs to be taken care of immediately. The best time to conduct tree felling is the moment you feel that your trees are no longer of use, before a storm, or during its dormant season. But, remember that it is not a DIY project. Fortunately, Trees Down Under is here to help you!

Our expert arborists are professional tree fellers who have trained and studied for years to bring top-rate and efficient services. We understand that tree felling procedures are not easy. That’s why we always equip our team with the right tools and protective gears to ensure that your garden would be damage-free after the job. 

Aside from tree felling, we also offer different garden and tree services, customised according to your needs. Don’t worry about the rates, since even if it is not the dormant season, we offer affordable prices and discounts to our regular clients. 

Trees Down Under is your best choice for your tree felling needs! Contact us now at 0475 463 597 or send us your enquiries via email. 

How Dangerous is Tree Felling

It is common knowledge that trees are raw materials for paper and furniture making. But did you know that about 15.3 billion trees are chopped down every year for our benefit? Aside from making products, trees can also boost the aesthetic appeal of gardens and provide security to properties – also known as hedge trees. Thus, more and more people are investing in trees for their backyard. 

Even though you consider gardening as a past-time hobby, it still poses a severe risk when tree felling is involved. Tree felling is the process of knocking down or cutting trees for the benefit of the community. Especially before a severe storm, you need to remove your garden trees to prevent possible damages to houses and nearby infrastructures.   

However, it is not as easy as it sounds. Each year, more than 150 workers suffer from injuries involving tree work. Thus, fellers should not take the job lightly. So that you can further understand how dangerous tree feeling can be, here are some potential accidents that can happen.

Damage to Community and Properties

When fellers don’t know the right process and techniques in tree felling, properties and lives are at stake. Trees are large and heavy enough to damage roofs and break concrete walls. So, anyone within their perimeter is at risk of crush injuries or in the worst-case scenario, death.  

Moreover, fallen trees are not easy to remove. Without immediate removal, it can cause traffic delays and trip hazards. Furthermore, local council pickups don’t take garden wastes that are heavier than 100kg. Luckily, Trees Down Under offers quick and same-day tree removal to avoid these unnecessary inconveniences.  

Fall from Height

One of the techniques in tree felling is by cutting parts by parts. However, as branches are quite up high, ladders are necessary to reach them. The risk of falling branches while balancing with heavy equipment creates a significant potential for workers to fall.  

Make sure that when asking for assistance from arborists, they are knowledgeable enough to conduct safe tree services, and they have insurance when accidents happen. 

Dangers Caused by Machinery and Tools

Chainsaws, shredders, and other cutting tools pose a danger to the health and safety of the fellers. Machines that penetrate thick tree trunks can easily do the same with human bodies. They can cut skins deeply or an entire body part when safety measures are ignored. 

Under the Work Health and Safety Regulations, anyone who will conduct tree work, including tree felling, must comply with the Guide on Managing Risks of Tree Trimming and Removal Work. 

Electric Shock

Working around power lines during tree felling is dangerous as it can cause electric shock. Without proper planning and execution, falling trees can hit electric poles or wires and cause electrocution. The shock itself can be life-threatening, which is why it’s always important to have a reputable emergency electrician you can call. Electrical safety is always essential, especially if involved with metal tools such as chainsaws and shredders. 

Bee or Wasp Stings

Aside from causing extreme injuries, tree felling can also negatively affect one’s health and well-being. For example, tree houses bee nests, which if disturbed, can lead to sting attacks. While some might find them just as painful, some people react worse and cause anaphylaxis allergy. It can cause severe swelling of the face, breathing difficulties, dizziness, vomiting, or loss of consciousness. 

Conclusion

When opting to plant trees in your backyard, you need to know their potential risks, not only for your safety but for the community as well. Furthermore, there will be a time when you need to remove trees to avoid possible hazards. Tree felling can be dangerous. It can damage properties and the community, prompt injuries and shock due to fall, machinery, tools, and bee stings. That’s why fellers should know the right and safe procedures to prevent accidents from happening.

Here at Trees Down Under, we know how dangerous tree felling can be. So, we have developed a safe and excellent tree felling service tailored according to your needs. You don’t need to worry about accidents since we make sure to dispatch the most skilled and trained arborists here in Sydney.   

We have the right tools and equipment to bring you premium and quality services. Since 2005, we have established our name and serviced thousands of clients who need us for their residential, commercial, and industrial gardens. 

So, for the best tree felling service in Sydney, contact us at 0475 463 597 or send us your enquiries via email. 

Advanced Tree Felling Techniques Used by Pros

Most garden owners choose to plant trees to enhance the beauty of their garden space. Trees can bloom attractive and colourful foliage and flowers that could make passersby in awe. Furthermore, they can act as a boundary mark and security for your place – also known as hedge trees. 

However, there are times when trees are potential threats to the safety of your property and the neighbourhood. They are prone to fall when heavy winds and storms come or when vehicular accidents happen. That is why tree felling is crucial to avoid injuries and damage to properties as much as possible. 

What is Tree Felling?

Tree felling is the method of removing or cutting trees through its base trunk for creating products or preventing accidents in the community. Note that it is not a DIY task and requires professional arborists for a safe procedure. Moreover, the factors to consider are landing area, wind direction, species type, leaning position, terrain, and local laws and regulations.  

In NSW, at least 150 workers suffer due to tree work every year. So, careful planning and execution are essential to do the job explicitly and without faults. Today, Trees Down Under is here to teach advanced tree felling techniques used by pros to avoid improper cutting and accidents from happening. 

Traditional Method of Tree Felling

Before learning advanced tricks, it is vital to grasp the basic knowledge of tree felling. The traditional method involves a notch and a back cut on opposite sides. The angled chop, which is the notch, is the direction where the tree would fall. Meanwhile, the back cut eases the stress on the back part of the tree during felling.

The traditional method requires fellers to cut in the bottom portion of the trunk. While some might be comfortable with this procedure as it is the practice for many years, it could lead to the so-called barber chair. It means that before the fellers cut the hinge thin enough for the tree to bend, it divides vertically. That would mean, the direction of fall would not be controlled and may soon cause accidents.  

Advanced Tree Felling Techniques

In tree felling procedure, we don’t want to cause injuries to anyone. That’s why it is essential to know the right techniques. However, depending on the circumstance and environment, fellers need to know some advanced tree felling techniques. Here are some of them:

Bore Cut

One way to prevent the barber chair is through a bore cut. It uses a chainsaw to penetrate a cut through the centre of the trunk at right angles. In this way, the back part of the trunk would be more intact to hold the tree upright. 

Just a friendly reminder in using a bore cut, lead the saw with the bottom of the bar tip instead of the top. Then, when the bar tip is covered by wood, rotate the saw and plunge it through the tree. 

Tree Driving

Tree driving is like hitting two birds with one stone. It involves knocking down one tree to take down another. Both trees require partial cuts, or the second tree could have fallen and caught up in branches. 

The driving tree should be tall and heavy enough to take down the second tree. Also, it should ideally have a natural lean to make the other trees fall, suitably. But, note that fellers should take extra precaution and planning as it involves felling several trees.  

Felling Aids

After a standard notch and back cut, felling aids help trees to fall carefully and securely. Metal breaking bars can slip into the back cut and help fellers leverage the tree in its direction of fall. Furthermore, wedges, also placed in the back cut, can hold the tree and stop it from sitting back. Lastly, a sledgehammer can knock down a tree in its right direction, safely.  

Piece-By-Piece Removal

In cases of residential or commercial properties, professionals fell a tree piece by piece. After they secure the largest portion of the tree with a crane, they begin cutting branches and trunks. In this way, they can avoid damages to properties and the risk of hitting passersby.  

Back Pulling

Back pulling uses a winch system to pull a tree against its natural lean. In this way, dropping trees can avoid buildings and power lines. Moreover, it positions the tree better for the felling procedure. Professionals set the winch up as high as possible to control better the direction of the fall. 

Conclusion

Tree felling is the process of knocking and cutting down trees. Note that it is not as easy as it seems. Careful planning and the right methods are essential to do the job without accidents and damages to properties. But basic knowledge is not enough. Pros should practice advanced tree felling techniques for a more efficient and safe manner of handling tree removal. 

Here at Trees Down Under, we are your one call away friend for advanced tree felling procedures. Our team of professional arborists and fellers have years of experience to bring quality and top-notch tree services. 

We understand the hazards of tree felling. So, we make sure to do the job following the standard procedure and local regulations of the council. Moreover, we gear ourselves with the right tools and equipment to ensure the safety of the workers. 

Expect us to deliver top-rate and affordable tree felling services. Contact us now at 0475 463 597, or send us your enquiries via email. 

6 Special Tree Wedging Cuts for Difficult Trees

Trees provide balance in the ecosystem. They give off oxygen for humans and animals, and they absorb carbon dioxide, which is a harmful component of greenhouse gases. Did you know that a single tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for four people? As they bring fresh air and help clear pollutants, many garden owners are investing in planting them. 

However, along with their benefits, there are safety precautions needed. Trees can become fall hazards when car accidents happen, or heavy winds and storms approach. So, removing them might save lives and properties.    

But it is not an easy job. Each year, more than 150 people encounter injuries while conducting tree work. That’s why arborists need proper techniques and equipment. To prevent accidents, Trees Down Under is here to present six special tree wedging cuts for difficult trees.  

1. Hinge Cutting With a Wedge

Standard tree felling procedure involves making a notch and a back cut. Their ends meet near a hinge, which results in a falling tree in the notch direction. However in hinge cutting aided by a wedge, fellers tip them over with a back cut only, and the trunk remains attached to the stump. 

Most foresters use this technique to create habitat and food for deers. The tree can live for years if they leave a requisite amount of wood meat, which is a perfect place for deers to settle. 

2. Wedging Trees With a Back Lean

It is easier to fell a tree in its leaning direction. But if the position or surrounding does not allow it for safety reasons, then felling in the opposite direction is the right solution. With wedges and shims as tools to lift the trunk off the stump, one can fell a tree to an intended location. Here are the steps to follow:

• Cut a notch out of the backside trunk of the tree where it leans forward.  
• Cut discs about 1.2cm in thickness from hardwood branches for the shims.
• Use two wedges side by side and hammer one to avoid a gap between it and the trunk of the tree.
• Put a shim in the space until it is tight. 
• Drive the shim in by pounding the wedge.
• In case the wedge comes loose before the tree falls, add a bigger shim in until the tree drops.

3. Quarter-Cut Back-Cut

Professional arborists or fellers use the quarter-cut back-cut technique in dealing with trees that have an exceedingly large diameter. It involves making the back cut in two movements. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide:

• From the back of the tree, chop the first quarter cut towards the hinge wood.
• After reaching the desired hinge wood width, slightly bore a saw to ensure an even hinge.
• Complete the second quarter cut from the other side of the tree until reaching the desired hinge wood width.
• Make sure that both cuts overlap.
• Insert a wedge on the first quarter cut to keep it open while cutting the second one. 
• Chop the final back cut, which is the safe side of the tree and away from the lean.

4. Split Level Back Cut

For leaning back trees with small diameters, split level back cut is ideal. Its procedure is the same as quarter-cut back-cut except that the final cut angles below and overlaps the first cut slightly. 

Setting up the wedge in the first cut helps in positioning the felling direction. Meanwhile, sloping the second cut minimises the risk of hitting the wedge with a saw. Then, it makes an even back cut on both sides of the tree. 

5. Heavy Forward Leaners

Heavy forward learners are trees that significantly angled more than usual. They are difficult to fell since barber chair – which vertically divides trees before they fall – would likely occur. To deal with this kind of tree, here are the steps to follow: 

• Make a shallow notch that is about a third of the diameter.
• Hold the saw bar horizontal to the plane of the notch and slightly above.
• Create a hinge and sufficient holding wood with a bore cut. 
• Make another bore cut on the other side of the tree.
• Ensure that the two bore cuts meet, leaving a strap of holding wood.
• Cut the back strap with a bore cut horizontally at 2.5cm to 5cm below.

6. Tree Felling of Medium-Sized Trees

Medium-sized trees also need care in terms of tree felling. In the case where the saw penetrates through the tree, the conventional method is enough. But adding wedges ensures more precise and accurate results. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Cut a standard notch on the side where the tree would fall.
• From the back of the tree, create a back cut up to the hinge wood.
• When the saw penetrated the trunk enough, insert one or two wedges into the back cut.
• Continue the back cut to drive the wedges in more.
• After reaching the hinge wood, stop the saw and drive the wedge until the tree begins to fall.

Conclusion

Tree felling is not as easy as it sounds. It requires professional knowledge and tools for a safe and accident-free finish. Moreover, some difficult trees need more care than usual. With the presented six special tree wedging cuts, fellers should use them for a more efficient and secure tree felling procedure. 

Here at Trees Down Under, we understand the need for a safe and hassle-free tree removal. Our team of professional fellers and arborists trained special techniques in tree felling to give you top-rate and excellent services. 

So, if you encounter any tree and garden concerns, don’t hesitate to call us. At the earliest time possible, our friendly staff will be at your place, equipped with the right tools and machinery.   

We provide garden solutions to residential, commercial, and industrial establishments. Contact us at 0475 463 597, or send your enquiries via email.

Benefits of Pruning Your Plants Regularly

Plants need regular aftercare to thrive. Pruning your plants is one of the best maintenance steps for all kinds of plants. All kinds of plants need necessities to survive. However, going beyond and giving maintenance procedures from time to time brings more advantage than you can think of. The benefits of pruning outweigh the time-to-time effort you need to put in. Prune your plants to bring in the good results you want to see in its growth.

Better sunlight reach and air circulation

As plants grow bigger, they sometimes grow denser too. Leaves may start to cover the inside and prevent the required sunlight for everything else inside. As such, pruning serves as the trim that thins out some parts of the shrub to allow for more sunlight to reach. Pruning also allows better air circulation as leaves, branches, or any form of blockage is taken away from the shrub. Pruned plants grow better when all parts receive the proper amount of its necessities to grow.

Eliminates present disease

Diseases are also very prominent among plants. What’s worse is that some diseases spread very quickly to other parts of the shrub and even the surrounding plants nearby. Stop the spread of disease by pruning your plants from time to time. Pruning cuts out parts that can make the plant sick and contagious. Prune your plants to control any disease outbreak that can ruin your lawn.

More fruit production

Pruning promotes fruiting among trees. In fruiting plants, less is more. As branches, twigs and stems lessen from pruning steps, there is less competition among remaining parts which stimulates fruiting. Better rooting system transports the proper amount of nutrients necessary for the plant to thrive. This allows the plant to have more healthy resources available to support fruit production during the fruiting season.

Lengthens lifespan

Pruning prevents the spread of the disease that can potentially kill the plant. When you cut all the unhealthy parts out, the life span of the plant is longer. With having less disease and more resources available within the plant, the health of the plant gets better. Give your plants a pruning during its ideal season to strengthen it and keep it alive and healthy longer.

Fresher look and better view

Pruning also serves as a grooming and tidying procedure for most plants. It’s like giving your plants regular haircuts that allow for a fresher and healthier grow over time. This keeps the plant neat by keeping the natural shape and figure all the time. Make your plants appear better and more beautiful by giving it a prune. This can add to the visual quality of the surrounding area in your lawn.

Growth correction

If there is a portion of the plant that doesn’t grow well i.e. growth direction, irregular growth spurts, etc. pruning is necessary. The growth of the plant influences the shape and size that it will take in the future. Proper light penetration is only beneficial to the overall growth of the plant if it allows the plant to grow correctly. This happens when the light penetrates all parts equally.

Conclusion

Pruning may seem like a hassle especially if you don’t have the time and the effort to do it. However, it brings more advantage to the plant as it grows older. Pruning improves overall plant health and brings it to the best growing condition. Pruning also keeps your lawns healthy especially in the colder seasons. Professionals are always around to help you achieve your ideal plant. Trees Down Under can do it for you.

Book Trees Down Under!

Your time is essential, and the same applies to plants as well. The younger you start to prune your plants within its most beneficial time for pruning, the better it grows in the future. Trees Down Under can be your helping hand in achieving this goal for all plants. Keep your plants well-maintained and healthy by booking us for pruning services. We are available 24/7. 

Call us today at 0475 463 597 or send your enquiries via email. You can also book online using our easy online booking form.