The Dangers of Widowmaker Trees

Widowmakers are branches around trees that look dead or broken. These fractured branches are usually light-coloured and are difficult to spot, especially in a broad canopy. That’s why it can cause accidents and deaths of loggers and tree fellers, hence the name.

One of the most notorious widowmaker trees in Australia is the Eucalyptus or Gum tree. This tree species can reach a height of up to 40 metres or more, which makes the impact of free-falling branches even more dangerous to people and properties. 

Why Gum Trees Lose Their Branches

Gum trees are known to break their branches during drought or when there’s insufficient water supply. Severing tree limbs is their mechanism to conserve water and keep themselves healthy – they break off insignificant parts to save the whole tree. 

In Sydney, the growing urbanisation has intensified the prevalence of accidents caused by widowmaker trees. Houses, buildings, roads, and other construction makes water hardly accessible to gum trees in suburban areas. They also hinder the trees from rooting deeply and destroy existing roots. Moreover, other plants and vegetation offer competition to Eucalyptus trees for water. As a result, the tree species has no choice but to cut off its branches to preserve its overall health.

Fungal diseases and stress may also cause widowmaker branches. These factors compromise the health of trees and make the parts brittle and easier to break.

Dangers of Widowmaker Trees

Damage to Properties

Any massive object that falls from a height of 40 metres can incur significant damage and injury to anyone and anything below the tree. Separate branches may suddenly fall when the wind blows or during tree-cutting and pruning activities—equipment,  houses, cars, and other things where widowmaker branches land may suffer irreparable damages.

Injuries and Deaths

Accidents may also occur if these broken tree parts fall on people. You’re lucky if you only incur minor injuries but seldom does it happen that victims of widowmaker trees survive. That’s why it’s called widowmaker because it can create widows out of tree fellers’ wives.

Tree limbs are hard and dense. Some even have sharp parts that could wound and cut the skin. The height of the fall is also a factor that amplifies the impact. 

Safety around Widowmaker Trees

Working on widowmaker trees is a dangerous game. More dangers are present when widowmaker trees gather in an area. These trees create a thick and massive canopy where broken and loosely attached branches are hard to spot. 

Hence, you must practice the utmost precautions and safety measures when going near them. 

• Avoid sleeping or camping right under tall and bushy trees.
• Be vigilant of your surroundings. Always be on the lookout for light-coloured and dead branches. 
• Avoid dead and frail-looking-looking trees. Trees with fungal diseases and compromised immune systems are also at high risk of having widowmaker branches.
• If possible, choose a safer route with no thick canopy above.
• Beware when it’s snowing or windy. These weather conditions can hasten the falling of dislodged tree limbs.
• Contact tree experts immediately if you notice any widowmaker branches in your yard. Avoid going near the widowmaker tree.

How to Handle Widowmaker Trees

The best way to deal with widowmaker trees is to avoid them if you’re untrained and unskilled in tree felling, cutting, and pruning. You’re only putting yourself in danger. Contact professional tree loggers to do the job for you. They are experts in the field and know the how-tos when it comes to working on hazardous widowmakers. 

Trees Down Under can handle all widowmaker trees’ dangers and hard work. With the right tools and equipment, our team of experts aims to keep your yard safe and free from any detached or broken branches that can harm your family. We also have protective gear so that we can provide our services safely. 

Trees Down Under is one of the most reliable tree removal company in Sydney. Our careful, systematic, and efficient tree removal services ensure safety. We also offer tree pruning and trimming to keep them in mint condition and prevent accidents caused by broken tree limbs.

Need emergency tree removal services? Contact us anytime at 0475 463 597, and we’ll respond quickly.

What is a Level 5 Arborist?

Anyone with the right tools and experience cutting a tree or its branches can call themselves an arborist. However, not everyone who calls themselves so qualifies and is legally recognised as an arborist. 

What is a Level 5 Arborist?

Level 5 arborist is the highest Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) that anyone in the arborist industry can obtain. Level 5 arborists are fully knowledgeable and highly qualified regarding tree-related jobs. That means they have the license to remove and cut trees and the training to do so safely and efficiently.

Level 5 Arborists also know the factors prohibiting them from removing a tree. As tree experts, they also have a say in whether it’s best to remove the tree, or save it, or relocate it instead. 

Qualified Arborist vs Tree Lopper

The main difference between an arborist and a tree lopper is the qualifications and expertise to perform tree-related jobs. 

A tree lopper has no qualifications and experience to perform safe tree removal and pruning. That’s why their services are cheaper and poorly done. Moreover, they are not knowledgeable about tree species and which trees are protected. Thus, you risk breaching council regulations when you hire incompetent tree loppers. 

What you want for your trees are fully qualified arborists. AFQ Level 5 arborists are tree professionals who study the structure and function of trees. They are well-versed in identifying the species of trees and whether the Australian government deems specific trees significant or protected. Thus, they don’t perform hasty tree removal or pruning. They oversee the tree’s overall health first before doing anything to them. That’s what makes all the difference.

Importance of Hiring a Level 5 Arborist For Your Trees

Level 5 arborists are professionals when it comes to anything related to trees. So, your trees are in safe hands when you let level 5 arborists handle them. Fully qualified arborists can perform the following services impeccably.

Tree Pruning

Fully qualified arborists can properly and safely prune trees to keep the health and appearance of trees uninjured. These arborists can carry out pruning techniques most safely and strategically possible to prevent accidents. They can also maximise tree pruning to reduce wind resistance and improve accessibility.

Tree Removal

Tree cutting and removal is a dangerous job. It requires the right equipment and skills to handle bulky and heavy trees. That’s why level 5 arborists are perfect for the job. They underwent training to safely and efficiently cut down trees to reduce hazards, especially in high-traffic public spaces.

Offer Tree Advice

Because they are knowledgeable about trees, you can ask and consult with Level 5 arborists regarding the condition of your trees. You can also ask them for advice regarding the type of trees that are best for your yard if you want to have one.  

Oversee Tree Health

Professional arborists consider the overall health of your tree. They can help you control pests and diseases that take a toll on the wellness of your trees. Moreover, level 5 arborists can also help improve your tree’s health by enhancing the factors that affect it, such as the condition of the soil and levels of nutrients, water, and sunlight.

Provide Long-term Tree Management Plan

Trees can last for a long time. That’s if you take care of them and manage them so that they remain healthy and stable. Level 5 arborists can help you with that. They can create long-term plans for trees growing in public areas to give them the proper care and maintenance they need.

Professional Arborists & Tree Services in Sydney

Trees Down Under is one of Sydney’s most reputable companies for tree removal and maintenance services. We have been in the industry for more than 30 years now, and our team of professionals has remained dedicated to our crafts. Our team of Sydney level 5 arborists can skilfully perform quality tree removal services for your yard. 

Our highly-qualified arborists possess the right tools and equipment to do the job right the first time. At Trees Down Under, we always strive to provide you with safe, efficient, and quality services. More than that, no other companies offer professional services like ours at a cheap and affordable price.  

Need professional tree assistance? Contact us anytime, and we’ll be happy to help you. Call us at 0475 463 597 for a free service quote.