10 Tips to Effectively Reduce & Prevent Bushfires

Bushfires may occur due to various reasons. It can result from climate change or human error. These catastrophic phenomena put our lives, property and natural resources at risk.

So, what can we do to reduce and prevent them? Although it might be difficult, taking simple but effective preventive measures is the key to minimising the severity of destructive bushfires.

Here are ten tips to effectively reduce and prevent bushfires from happening. Read on to know more.

1. Adhere to Environment Laws and Regulations

Australia’s national environment law protects and preserves our surroundings and natural environment. The entire population needs to follow such regulations to keep everything safe.

Many local government units have laws governing any burning. There are some restrictions to when and what to burn. We all have a significant role to play when it comes to reducing bushfire incidents across the country.

2. Pay Attention to Weather Conditions

Weather conditions like drought affect the overall flammability of any vegetation. Checking on weather updates lets you know what measures to undertake to prevent bushfires from starting on your property. 

When it’s hot and windy, it’s best to refrain from doing any activities that involve fire, such as building a campfire or burning debris. 

3. Check the Risk of Bushfires in Your Area

You can check the local forecast of bushfires for fire safety alerts. If you’re in an area with a history of bushfire incidents, make sure to prevent doing activities that could cause a fire. 

Many areas in Sydney are at risk of bushfires’ daily. We should be aware of this and take the right measures to keep everything safe.  

4. Keep Vehicles Off Dried Grass

When you’re off the road during a hot day, keep in mind that your exhaust temperatures can reach above 1,000 degrees. 

Don’t park on dry grass to avoid sparking off a fire. 

5. Tree Pruning and Maintenance 

Pruning can significantly help you take care of your trees and prevent them from causing a bushfire. This method allows you to keep your trees healthy while clearing out huge branches that may fuel a fire. 

It’s a job better left to professional arborists as they know what to do to eliminate any risk that comes with having trees overhanging buildings and power lines. 

6. Regularly Mow the Grass and Rake Up Dried Leaves

A bushfire can start at any place with vegetation. It can even start from your backyard. So, if your property is near forest and bushland, it’s essential to take preventive measures to lessen bushfire incidents. 

Routine grass mowing and raking up dried leaves are some of the simple but effective ways to reduce the probability of starting a bushfire in your place. 

7. Dispose of Used Matches and Cigarette Butts Properly

Don’t just throw lit cigarettes outside your car when you’re on the road, especially in areas with vegetation or bushland. 

These small things can spark a fire when they land on dried vegetation such as grass and leaves. You can dispose of your used cigarettes and matches in a closed container to ensure safety. 

Another way is to dip them down into a cup of water before throwing them in the trash bin. 

8. Clean Your Area 

Make sure to clear away fallen leaves, twigs and other debris from your gutters and roofs. Also, keeping your outdoor combustibles to a minimum helps reduce the chance of dealing with sudden fire due to flammable substances. 

9. Don’t Use Fireworks on Areas Near Vegetation

Many of us love fireworks and sparklers. However, remember to only light up fireworks in a wide-open space without any flammable materials. 

You can check your local ordinances to verify the restrictions and make the right move when using fireworks. 

10. Never Leave a Fire Unattended

If you’re doing campfires, start them in an appropriate place, away from all vegetation. When you’ve done your activities, make sure to put off the fire and never leave it unattended. 

Doused it with water and smothered some dirt on it before leaving to ensure no flame was left. 

Conclusion

Our simple actions for bushfire prevention can make a big difference if we all work together. We shouldn’t let bushfires take a significant portion of our wildlife and environment. 

Knowing the risk factors and undertaking steps such as tree care and maintenance will effectively help minimise bushfires and preserve our natural resources.  

We at Trees Down Under know how destructive bushfires are. Hence, we help prevent them through our tree services in Sydney. 

Simply call us if you need to prune or remove a tree that may fuel a bushfire. 

5 Non-Native Trees that Thrive in Sydney

It is a common fact that Sydney is the most populous city in Australia. Based on the latest figures, it has about 4.9 million residents. Furthermore, Sydney plays a vital role in the economy of the country. In 2018-2019, it generated an economic output of about $460 billion – about a quarter of national GDP.  

As most businesses and industries settle in Sydney, residents rarely enjoy green and relaxing sceneries. But that would not be the case if you choose to plant trees in your backyard. Trees provide shade, aesthetics, fresh air, and even privacy once established. Thus, investing in them would not be a waste.

Do you want to plant trees but don’t know what to choose? Cross out those common trees found in your neighbours’ lawn. With these five non-native trees that thrive in Sydney, your garden would undoubtedly be one of a kind. 

1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

As its name implies, Japanese maple originated in Japan but is also native to Korea and China. It is often part of Japanese landscape design. It has gained popularity among Sydney garden owners due to its attractive and colourful foliage, which varies from shades of green to orange, red, or purple – depending on the species type.  

Japanese maple grows up to 2.5m-8m tall and wide. It grows best on partly-shaded sunlight, slightly acidic and well-drained soil, and regular watering. Once established, it can survive dry periods and destructive garden pests. Also, pruning is optional unless you want to clear its parts that become obstructions. 

2. Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata)

Monterey pine is native to the Central Coast of California and Mexico. It is an evergreen, recognised as the most popular Christmas tree in Australia. Being a fast-growing plant with a cone-shaped structure, some garden owners use it as hedges to mark their property boundary for security and privacy. 

It usually reaches 12-27m tall, depending on its kind. It prefers partial to full sun and sandy or sandstone soil. Its slim and cylindrical flowers appear as pale beige or pink, while its needles are glossy dark green. 

Its foliage rapidly grows, so it requires pruning, especially when dead and diseased branches are present. Moreover, it needs some tree treatments as it attracts animals and pests for shelter and food. 

3. Blue Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)

Have you passed by on Jacaranda Street in Sydney’s North Shore? If not, you missed your chance to see the majestic and jaw-dropping rows of trees leading the highway. 

Blue jacaranda is a sub-tropical tree native to south-central South America. With its fragrant and purple trumpet-shaped blossoms, Sydney residents love to have them inside their lawn space. It adds a different vibe to the usual green scenery of most gardens. 

Blue jacaranda grows 7-15m tall and 4-9m wide. It prefers full sun, neutral to acidic and well-drained soil. Once it matures, tree care and maintenance seem easy as it is resistant to most pests and diseases and drought-tolerant. However, foliage debris drops often, so avoid placing them near pools or drainage unless you can clear the leaves immediately. 

4. Seven-son Flower (Heptacodium miconioides)

Native to China, the Seven-son flower is classified as a large shrub or small tree, depending on its type. Unlike most plants that start blooming in spring, it flowers in late summer, keeping your garden appealing all four seasons long. 

It produces fragrant white flowers, which is a colour of purity and calmness. Once the petals drop, it exposes its pink sepals, adding great harmony in a greeny environment. It reaches between 3-9m tall and 2-5m wide. It grows best on a full or partial sun, acidic and moist soil, and regular watering. 

Aside from pruning and trimming during its early stages, it does not require any particular tree treatments. Pests and diseases are not severe threats to this tree. 

5. Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

It is a rising backyard tree in most Australian gardens. Even though it is native to Korea and China, crepe myrtle grows well in the southern regions. With its varying flower colours – may it be white, red, pink, or purple – it has become one of the most-sought trees. Moreover, its flower is undoubtedly one of a kind due to its very wrinkly and crinkly texture and crepe-like appearance.  

Typically used as a landscape plant, it can grow between 2-9m tall and 4-8m wide. It grows best in full sun, and while it can dwell on any kind of soil, it prefers moist and well-drained sites. 

Although a handful of pests can infest crepe myrtle, it is very resilient and grows undaunted by these creatures. Once established, it can be tolerant of heat and drought but constantly requires pruning to maintain its best shape and health. 

Conclusion

As a metro city, Sydney is becoming more and more urbanised. With the limited parks and green sceneries in the area, it is the best choice to establish trees in your garden space. They will not just bring fresh air and shade, but they will also offer aesthetics and privacy. 

Planting common Australian native trees is good, but choosing non-native ones is probably better. With the featured five non-native trees that thrive in Sydney, we wish that you can pick the most suitable trees on your property.  And if you ever need an expert’s advice, Trees Down Under is just a call away.  

Tree Care Service Provider in Sydney

Tree planting, soil conditioning, landscape designing, and green waste removal have been made easier with Trees Down Under’s top-rate and unrivalled methodologies. We are professional and skilled gardeners, landscapers, and arborists who can answer your garden concerns.

No matter where you are in Sydney, our team is available around the clock to provide quality yet affordable services. We have equipped ourselves with the right tools and devices to bring our A-game on the job. We make sure to follow local council regulations and get necessary permits whenever needed. 

For worry-free solutions to your tree care needs, book a job with Trees Down Under now! Contact us at 0475 463 597 or send us a message via email. 

5 Worst Tree Pests in New South Wales

New South Wales is Australia’s largest state economy, contributing more than $500 billion every year. Its population, which is about 8.1 million residents, consists of professionals from fields of retail trade, manufacturing, health care, and construction – to name a few. 

With its economy thriving, we can expect that people keep a busy and hectic life. If you are an NSW resident, it is okay to take a breather from time to time. At night, you can relax in your garden and appreciate its beauty and breeze.  

Investing in trees is a wise move. Aside from providing fresh air and shade, trees can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. With its foliage-rich branches and colourful flowers, passersby will undoubtedly be in awe. 

But like any other living thing, you should take care of trees’ well-being and growth. Destructive garden pests can be your number one enemy once they have infested your plants and trees. They can bring sickness to your trees, which may soon lead to their death. 

So for guidance, here are the five worst tree pests in New South Wales to look out for:

1. Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii)

Myrtle rust is a type of fungus that usually affects plants belonging to the Myrtaceae family. Common Myrtaceae species include Lilly pilly, eucalyptus, willow myrtle, tea tree, and paperbark. It starts as purple spots in leaves and turns yellow once the infestation ages. In extreme cases, spots enlarge and meet, causing leaves to twist and deform. 

NSW Experts detected the increase of myrtle rust in 2010, affecting bushland reserves, property gardens, and even parks and street plantings. It spreads by wind, animals, insects, water, and contaminated garden tools. Now, it has reached other states such as Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania.   

How to Manage Myrtle Rust?

Follow these steps to contain the spread of myrtle rust:

• Familiarise the signs of infestation of myrtle rust. 
• If detected, keep other plants away from the affected area. 
• Always disinfect cutting tools and garden equipment before and after use. 
• Apply fungicide to kill spores. 
• Prune infected parts or prepare to fell the tree. 

2. Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

Fall armyworm is a newly detected insect pest in NSW, which comes from Queensland. The larvae stage of the moth is usually light green to brown with a darker head capsule. It grows from 3 to 4 centimetres and takes 23-27 days to complete its life cycle. 

Like caterpillars, the fall armyworm larvae munch leaves, creating holes and shreds to plants and trees. Too much foliage loss can make trees susceptible to stunting or sunscald. 

Moreover, a single moth lays about 100-200 eggs, so expect heavy infestation once they hatch and develop into larvae. 

How to Manage Fall Armyworm?

Follow these steps to contain the spread of fall armyworm:

• Check out trees for insect eggs and remove them when detected.
• Control weeds to minimise pest hosts.
• If you want, purchase insect traps to prevent moths from laying eggs.
• Release beneficial insects – such as Trichogramma wasps, lacewing, ladybugs and minute pirate bugs – to feed on eggs and larvae.

3. Yellow Crazy Ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes)

Based on the Global Invasive Species Database, the yellow crazy ant belongs to the top 100 of the world’s worst invasive species. In 2018, NSW authorities detected its presence in Lismore CBD and Terania Creek North of Lismore. Its ‘crazy’ name means that it moves frantically and changes direction frequently. 

Yellow crazy ant has about 4mm long golden-brown body and a darker brown abdomen. Its legs are relatively longer than other ant species. Instead of biting, it releases formic acid as a defence mechanism.

The ideal nesting grounds for this insect are woody debris, tree bases, and leaf litters. It feeds on seeds, fruits, worms, and even larger animals such as frogs and birds as long as its colony attacks in groups. Moreover, it also protects other garden pests such as aphids and scales from beetles in exchange for nectar or honeydew. 

How to Manage Yellow Crazy Ant?

• Inspect tree bases and garden debris of unusual ants or nests.
• If possible, use a broad-spectrum insecticide like Fipronil.
• Discard green waste appropriately.  
• Call professional gardeners whenever in doubt.

4. Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)

Pampas grass is a common weed mostly found in Tasmania, NSW. Before being classified as a noxious weed, garden owners used it as windbreakers or soil stabilisers. But since it spreads quickly, it has become a threat to parks, roadsides, and even residential gardens.

It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 4m in height. In general, it forms large clumps of lush, grass-like foliage and brownish-white feathery plumes. Once established, it is highly competitive for water and nutrients, restricting the growth of nearby trees. Furthermore, it is a fire hazard and attracts pests or nuisance animals that spread tree and plant diseases.   

How to Manage Pampas Grass?

• In small infestations, plant grubbing can prevent further weed growth. 
• Apply herbicides but remember to follow NSW regulations. 
• Hire a local garden maintenance provider like Trees Down Under.

5. Giant Willow Aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus)

The giant willow aphid is an established plant pest in NSW that clusters in branches of willow trees. It is a mid to dark-brown insect, known for its row of black spots in its abdomen. Adult species grow about 5-6mm long with a relatively short antenna, just half the body length. 

As mentioned, its colony usually crowds branches of willow trees. It sucks saps from the host and releases sweet honeydew, which attracts other insects and pests. Signs of infestation include black sooty mould on twigs and deformed leaves. Both honeydew and sooty moulds interfere with photosynthesis, impeding the trees’ growth and health. 

How to Manage Giant Willow Aphid?

• Once present, use water pressure to knock them off from the branches. 
• In cases of heavy infestation, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to kill them. 
• Scrape and remove clusters of eggs in branches or twigs.
• Use an ant control product to prevent ants from protecting themselves from beneficial insects. 

Conclusion

Trees are a great addition to your backyard – especially here in New South Wales, where fresh air is limited. Aside from providing essential tree care, garden pest prevention is crucial for their healthy and vigorous growth.

Always lookout for the mentioned five worst tree pests here in NSW. And when in doubt, you can rely on the best and the brightest garden service provider in Sydney, Trees Down Under! 

Most Trusted Garden Service Provider in Sydney

Trees Down Under has professional and skilled gardeners and arborists who can effortlessly spot garden pests and remove them right away. We provide tree care services such as trimming, pruning, and removal to maintain the beauty of your garden in the best way possible. 

We equipped ourselves with the appropriate tools and devices to bring safe, efficient, and excellent garden services. Expect us to be at your doorsteps at your most convenient time. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your tree and plant concerns. You can receive your free quote when you book with us. Contact us at 0475 463 597 or send us a message through our email.