Improve the Value of Your Home By Doing These Landscaping Tips

When it comes to selling a property, leaving the first impression is everything. Potential buyers look at the aesthetic appearance of your home from the interior to the exterior part. If the property doesn’t appear pleasing to the naked eye, especially your lawn, your prospective buyer will never make it inside your house.

Besides the interior part of the property, a well-manicured lawn with soft and hardscaping increases the value of your property. Whether you’re looking to sell your property today or later, landscaping improvements mature thus the importance of starting early on. 

Also, landscaping is less costly and the quickest method to increase the value of your property rather than your home’s interior. Read on and learn how to enhance the overall appearance of your property with these affordable and efficient landscaping tips.

Landscaping Tips to Increase Property Value

Adding value to your home does not necessarily mean installing expensive structures and extravagant additions. Spend your money wisely on landscaping improvements over home reconstructions. Also, make sure that it compliments your home’s overall architecture and style. 

You have to keep in mind to avoid overdoing your improvements that stand out throughout the area. Most potential buyers shy away from this type of property, thus needing to align your upgrades similar to the rest of the neighbourhood.

If you’re not sure on how and where to start, seek a professional’s assistance for your landscaping makeover. This will not only save your time, money and effort but the overall result of the project will be more efficient and guarantees a successful outcome. The following list is a landscaping improvement must-have to sell your home effectively.

Plant trees and flowers

Plants will not only add a greener aesthetic to your property but they are also used as a barrier. It could be for privacy purposes or to reduce street noise while providing shade during summer.

Depending on the availability of plant or tree options in your region, ensure they can withstand any weather. But, as a rule of thumb, if you want fast-growing trees, native species are a reliable choice since they grow quicker and healthier than imports. Keep it to a limited number of plant species for an easier and low-maintenance garden.

Cutting and edging your grass lawn

Edging your lawn is a great selling point and it is achievable either by yourself or hiring a professional gardener to do it (find out how much gardeners cost on average here). But, if you’re so keen on doing it by yourself, all you need to do is gather your tools such as a shovel, stick or anything that can create a trench. A neat and tidy lawn is one way to enhance your landscape because it creates a tamed appearance. 

Install a new lawn

An emerald-green lawn is a staple that significantly enhances the overall appearance of your property. With today’s advances, you can choose from standard to premium lawn turf. Trees Down Under offers competitive, high-quality turfing services that withstand Australian heat.

Mulching your landscape

Mulch will not only create a visually appealing landscape but it will also retain moisture, reduce weed and keep your landscape looking fresh. Besides mulching, you can add some pebbles and gravel or stepping stone pathways to give your landscape the facelift it deserves.

Landscape lighting

Lighting is a cheap and effective way to upgrade your landscape, especially at night time. Also, besides the appeal value, a well-lit landscape is an effective security feature. 

Conclusion

Hiring professional arborists and skilled gardener guarantees you that your landscaping makeover will result in high-quality gardening services. Professional landscaper come equipped with the necessary tools and ready to take on any project with a detailed plan. 

Trusted Landscaping Services Provider in Sydney

Trees Down Under is a dedicated, skilled arborist in Sydney that provides lawn care, garden makeover and other landscaping services. We understand your landscaping services need and we always give our best to deliver high-quality solutions. Landscaping is not an overnight task, it takes time and careful planning to see the result.

Book Trees Down Under’s team of professional arborists and skilled landscapers today! We provide honest and time-tested residential garden makeover services suitable for all your garden needs in Sydney. Call us today at 0475 463 597! Trees Down Under is a dedicated team of reliable landscaping service providers in Sydney. You can also rely on us for 24/7 tree removal service.

When is the Best Time to Mow Your Lawn

Mowing the lawn regularly will not only tame and enhance the appearance of your landscape. A neatly trimmed grass promotes healthier growth while discourages pests and insects infesting in your garden. Also, a well-trimmed grass recovers quickly from diseases and the inclement weather than lawns that don’t receive proper care. 

Mowing your lawn requires proper timing and duration. If you’re mowing the lawn for the first time, make sure the grass has fully established its roots. While we enjoy the benefits of regular lawn care, this is the kind of chore no one enjoys. If you’re not particular at mowing your lawn but dread at the unsightly growth, call a trusted landscaping service provider in Sydney.

Lawn Mowing Do’s and Don’ts

Always keep in mind to allow your grass to establish before you start trimming them. Once it has established, the next best thing you can do is to cut your grass regularly.

When is the Perfect Time to Cut the Grass

Do you know there’s a proper time to cut the grass? When it comes to lawn mowing, we all have different opinions or suggestions depending on the region we live in. Some homeowner will base on cutting their grass when the sun is not at its highest. As mentioned earlier, we all have different opinions. So, use this information as a guide or suggestion and have fun while mowing the lawn. 

Mid-morning lawn mowing

During the mid-morning hours, the grass has dried out its dew while the sun has not yet reached its peak. This is why mid-morning is considered a desirable time to mow the lawn since the grass is no longer wet and thick. When the grass is wet, it can clump up forming into wet lumps while the trimming is inconsistent.

Late-afternoon grass cutting

Late afternoon’s temperature starts to cool down which means less stress on your grass. Although it’s considered a perfect time, there will be not enough time for the grass to recuperate to cope with the next day’s heat and sun.

But before you go hit that power button, there’s one more important detail to keep in mind. While some people wait for the sun to go down to mow the lawn, you have to know that we have a noise restriction law. Moreover, for as long as you mow the lawn within the scheduled times, there’s no need to worry about being fined with $1000. 

What time can you use your lawnmower and other power tools?

Supposing the noise from one of the regulated power tools or pool pumps is heard on any habitable rooms of a residential premise, it must cease its operation during these times. But, in case the noise continues after a warning is given by the police officer or council, it will be cited as an offence.

What types of equipment can you use?

Listed below is a list of regulated equipment or power tools that you can use not only limited to lawn mowing but as well as to other gardening and swimming pool tools.

Conclusion 

Some homeowners prefer mowing their lawn mid-morning especially in the high of Australian summer. But some prefer doing them at the early hours of the morning while the others do it in the early evening. Regardless of your preferred time, one thing is for sure, trimming your lawn is beneficial both to your lawn and the overall appearance of your property.

Trusted Lawn Care and Landscaping Service Provider

Trees Down Under is the most trusted tree and garden service provider in Sydney. You can count on us to provide you with high-quality and affordable garden services in Sydney. You can also take advantage of our competitive residential, commercial and industrial landscaping services.

Book our team of professional arborists and skilled landscapers today! We provide honest and time-tested landscaping services suitable for all your garden needs. Call us today at 0475 463 597!

5 Landscaping Mistakes You Should Avoid

A well-groomed landscape is beyond enhancing the value of your property, it is also considered as a place to relax or retreat from your normal routine. Depending on the usefulness of your landscape, its main function is to minimise the impact of human activities on the plants and the environment in your yard.

People living in a concrete city find solace under the shades of greenery view. In planning a functional landscape, there are several elements that you should embrace, including:

These are a few of the many elements that homeowners must consider when planning for a lawn makeover. However, landscaping is not an easy task even for people with green thumbs. If you know how to avoid common landscaping mistakes, you’re sure to achieve the most coveted garden. 

Entrust your lawn care, garden makeover and other landscaping services to a reliable provider in Sydney.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Landscaping

Basically, in planning for your landscaping project, you have to be aware of how each element will work with nature rather than going against it. Also, your landscaping design must be beneficial not only to the value of your property but as well as to the people.

Landscaping mistakes occur due to a lack of planning and looking at the project holistically. Whether you have an existing garden and looking to rehabilitate your lawn or still on the verge of planning, avoid these landscaping mistakes.

1. Fail to plan a functional design

If you fail to look at your landscape on a holistic point of view, it will affect the outcome of your project later on. Fortunately, with today’s advanced tools and equipment, you can rehabilitate your existing landscape design into a functional place where your family and pets can have fun. Consider hiring a professional team that guarantees you an exceptional garden makeover.

2. Creating a landscape bigger than you can maintain

One of the most common mistakes in creating a landscape is looking into your capacity to maintain your lawn. In planning for a successful landscape project, you have to consider your time or inclination in keeping up with its maintenance. Your lawn requires regular care, time and effort. If you think you can’t keep up with your landscaping services need, call a reliable gardener in Sydney. 

3. Overcrowding and overdoing your lawn

Overdoing your lawn with excessive decorative ornaments will only ruin the aesthetic appeal of the landscape. Also, you have to keep in mind that your trees and plants will grow eventually. 

Plants need good air circulation not only to promote a good environment for growing. But it also prevents them from getting plant-related diseases. Plants or trees in distress will attract insects. Thus the proper distance in planting to avoid compromising their health.

4. Neglecting the component of your soil

The soil is the foundation of your gardening efforts. Before choosing your plants for your lawn makeover, make sure that your soil is conducive for growth. Give your soil a good base to grow your plants with the help of mix compost and peat moss. Make sure that your soil is draining well to avoid creating a mud pit. 

5. Fail to design a proper irrigation

Basically, your landscape requires regular watering thus the need to structure a proper irrigation system at the beginning. Depending on the size of your yard for landscaping, getting a professional’s advice will result in a successful landscaping project. Landscape designers will make the best out of your yard for an efficient and sustainable garden. 

Conclusion

Creating a functional and sustainable landscape is not an overnight task. Just like any plan we venture in, giving your landscape a makeover takes time and careful planning to make everything work. Additionally, you have to exercise patience to see your garden bloom into something you desire.

Your lawn is an extension of your home and creating it into a beautiful and functional space can be overwhelming. But, if you entrust your project to a professional landscaper, it gives you an assurance that it will go well according to your plan.

Trusted Garden and Landscaping Service Provider in Sydney

Trees Down Under is a dedicated skilled arborist in Sydney that provides lawn care, garden makeover and other landscaping services. Landscaping is not an overnight task, it takes time and detailed planning to see the result.

Book Trees Down Under’s team of professional arborists and skilled landscapers today! We provide honest and time-tested garden makeover design suitable for all your garden needs. Call us today at 0475 463 597! Trees Down Under is a dedicated team of a reliable landscaping service provider in Sydney. You can also rely on us for emergency tree removal service.

Common Causes of Garden Soil Erosion and How to Prevent Them

One of the most common problems in garden settings is soil erosion. Soil erosion can cause major destruction to the garden in your home. It can leave your garden bare and empty if you don’t prevent it earlier. However, what exactly is soil erosion? How can you prevent it from tearing through your land and causing more damage to your property? 

What is soil erosion?

Soil erosion is the degradation of the topsoil from the land. It means that the top layer of your garden soil is continually washed away from the land. This doesn’t benefit your plants and shrubs. On the contrary, your plants and shrubs will be in constant destruction without the topsoil holding them much to the ground. Know the common causes of soil erosion to prevent them from causing more damage to your garden. 

Water

The most common cause of soil erosion is running water. Water washes away anything in its wake. Your garden soil is not an exception. Water from rain can wash away the top layer of your soil to other parts of the landscape. After an especially strong rain, your garden soil might even be all over your place. 

Natural forces

Natural forces also force the soil to scatter naturally anywhere. After all, erosion is a natural process. Human activities like deforestation and agriculture can only contribute to speeding it up. Wind can carry soil to different parts of the land. It can blow away top layers of soil. Many natural weather conditions can add in causing soil erosion. It happens naturally.

Gardening

It’s quite ironic. Gardening itself can contribute to the garden soil erosion your landscape is experiencing. Plants and shrubs take in nutrients from the topsoil. In turn, the topsoil turns more loose and susceptible to erosion. Plan strategic gardening methods to maintain and hold the soil in place. 

How to prevent soil erosion

Soil erosion is quite common. They’re more observable in nature, but even in your properties, erosion occurs. What exactly can you do to prevent soil erosions from completely washing away your soil and eventually your shrubs? There are many things you can do to your garden to lessen erosion and its effects.

Mulching

Adding organic mulch can prevent your soil from washing away. This extra layer of matter can add to the top layer of the soil. It will add weight to the soil and the plants that are on that ground. More than holding the soil to the land, the added layer also provides more nutrients to the shrubs and the plants.

Drainage systems

Having a proper drainage system can help prevent soil erosion too. When it rains hard, the rainwater should travel through tubes and drains. This can help lessen the water that can wash away the soil in your garden. Contact your builders and plan more gutters and pipes in your property.

Retaining walls

Retaining walls do exactly as they specify. They keep whatever’s inside their boundary. Many gardens nowadays are in layers and different partitions of land. For your landscaping plans, make sure to elevate some areas of soil and contain them with retaining walls. Do the same for other parts too.

Conclusion

Garden soil erosion is a common occurrence in many gardens. It’s something that will happen to yours if your landscape doesn’t have a strategic design. Prevent soil erosion by planning with our professionals in building your garden landscapes. Protect your yard and keep your soil safe from being washed away. We are Trees Down Under and we offer Garden Makeover Services to you. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

For questions and enquiries, contact us on our mobile 0475 463 597 or send us an email.

Key Elements of a Great Landscaping Design

Anybody has a dream home design in mind. As a result, thousands of people spend a big portion to make their homes beautiful. It’s not just the building structure and the architectural design that brings out a home’s best features. The landscape and the property itself brings out either the best or the worst phases of any home. Consider making your landscapes as beautiful as you want. Your property also shines with the garden scenery you bring to life.

To make the landscape of your home the best aesthetic you’re aiming for, you have local partners that can help you. Trees Down Under offers landscaping services to help you achieve your dreams. You don’t need to start from scratch. Start from our experience and expertise in helping you make your dream garden scenes come to life. Get the help of our professionals in assessing the key elements that can make an impact on creating your home.

Layout

First things first: the layout. It is perhaps the most basic element to start considering when you’re about to embark on a great landscaping design for your home. Know the technical aspects of your property. Find the area of the entire landscape-able parts of your property. Decide on the zones of your area. You can divide the areas of your land into lawn area, plant areas, dining area, living area. Plan the layout of your garden landscape well to designate specific purpose in the space.

Material

Are you a fan of stone and mineral substances? Do you want to have more woody materials in your design? Decide on the kind of materials you want to use in your landscape. Afterwards, incorporate these materials to the layout. See if the materials you will use are compatible with the layout you want. Many logistical and natural conditions might hinder you from using the materials you want. Moreover, in the end, consider the waste disposal of your landscape construction too.

Boundaries

The boundaries we are talking about here means the external boundaries. This is important to consider homes that have neighbouring properties. Set a border or fencing allowance to your layout so you don’t end up having conflicts with people next door. Decide the height and the kind of boundaries that will contain your landscape. Sometimes, having a private landscape makes your home more magical to you. There’s nothing wrong with keeping your space private.

Plants and shrubs

The most important and highlighted part of landscapes and the plants and shrubs you will put in the land. Many homegrown and native Australian plants bring out the colour in your property. You can mix and match and play with the season too. If you feel like picking out low maintenance plants to save time, there are plenty to choose from. You can have your own space for crops too. Grow the green thumb in you and learn more about different shrubs you can grow.

Lighting and fixtures

Sometimes, a little fixture and some accessories can bring the modern or classic touch in your landscape. Different lighting designs and other items can influence the mood of your garden. If you want a more classic vibe, you can always go for rustic designed bulb fixtures. If you want a more playful touch, you can consider colourful LED lights to your space. A difference in lighting can transform your garden from a daytime lawn to a nighttime garden party scenery. Light it up!

Conclusion 

Trees Down Under has always prided itself in helping people build their private spaces into a private paradise. Landscaping involves a lot of work and effort. It takes a lot of planning and flawless execution to make the land into a landscape. As a team who wants to help property-owners transform their place, we offer nothing but the best and the professional work to you. We offer our landscaping service to you. Let us work with you in this beautiful transformation of your home.

Contact us on our mobile 0475 463 597.  You can also send us an email or enquire with us here..

These Beautiful Australian Flowers Should Be in Your Garden

Flowers make everything bright and wonderful, don’t you agree? As such, to give your home joy, start growing your private garden paradise. With this garden paradise, only the best flowers and plants should make your slice of nature their home. There are many species of plants around the globe. You have millions to choose from. To make your gardens more optimal, there are certain Australian home-grown that bring out the best in your landscape. 

There are plenty of things you can do in your garden. You can start by planting Australian-native flora that can brighten your private space. Trees Down Under can give you a hand in that. We are a group of passionate people who want only the best shrubs in your garden. Many of these shrubs are straight from the Australian nation. Our professionals can guarantee only the best aesthetic you’re aiming for in your garden. 

Banksia (Banksias)

Banksias are native to Australia. As an original in the nation, they deserve a spot in your garden. Banksias come in shades of yellow, orange and red in their flowering season. They attract different insects and wildlife like bees and good insects. Banksias thrive well in the sun and they burn at extremely high temperatures. They are perfect as your summer plants in the yard to cheer you up. 

Australian Daisy (Brachyscome)

These beautiful purple thin-leaved flowers are one of the most popular in Australia. They can also come in shades of blue or white. Australian Daisies tend to grow in any setting. You can find them almost anywhere which makes them one of the most common species to grow in various spaces. As such, you should find them in your garden too. They grow best in full or half sun conditions. Make sure to have them in the summer to brighten up the mood of your garden at home.  

Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos)

Kangaroo paws are far from the flower-shaped shrubs you see normally. These native grows in red tubular stems with tubular parts that hold different coloured flowers. The flowers of Kangaroo Paws can range from green, yellow, pink. They can also come in beautifully blended combinations of different warm colours. They grow well during winter up to spring. To add, the unique shape of the Kangaroo Paw adds a more exotic atmosphere to your garden.

Grevillea

If you want a low-maintenance friend in your garden, Grevilleas are your best friend. They can produce as much orange to pink-tinged flowers that can grow in varying heights. They are flowering shrubs around the year. This is perfect as an all-season kind of plant you can have around. There are plenty of species of Grevilleas that you can choose from. Pick one that suits your taste and water it from time to time. 

Australian Tea-tree

If you want a citrus smelling environment in your garden, this tall shrub is the one for you. Australian Tea-trees produce a lemon-like zesty smell that can instantly lighten up your space. They also produce white flowers that can brighten up your garden. To maintain your Australian Tea-trees around, prune it regularly with Trees Down Under. 

Wattle (Acacia)

Anything that represents the country is worth mentioning, at least. The Golden Wattle is the national flower in Australia. If you want the perfect tinge of yellow to gold hue in your garden, plant these around. They also produce a pleasant smell early in their lives. As Wattles are still trees, prune them well. Pruning your Wattles serves as its grooming and maintenance. Keep your wattles healthy by calling in your tree professionals from time to time.  

Conclusion 

Trees Down Under is your one-stop regular solution to garden concerns. We are a team with more than three decades of professional experience in making gardens and landscapes better. We can also work with you in putting in the Australian natives right in their place in your garden. Make your home bright and wonderful by adding these florae around. We work with only the best standards and quality in mind. Your garden is your little slice of paradise, let us help you with it.

To inquire about our garden services, you can contact us on our mobile 0475 463 597.  You can also send us an email or enquire with us here.

How to Prevent Aphid Growth in Your Orchard

One of the most bugging crawlers that can destroy your garden is aphids. These insects are also known as “plant lice.” Think, your garden is perfect. However, upon closer inspection, you see some black oblong-shaped insects under the leaves of your garden. They may not be only annoying. They can destroy your beautiful plants too. They leave honey-like dew in their path. More than resting in unwelcomed places, they invite ants to stay in too. 

To mitigate your problems, there are aphid-proof methods that can help your garden. Make sure you deal with them before they start multiplying. They can infest on your entire garden pretty fast. You can talk to the local arborist for the best treatments too. Trees Down Under is your partner in making sure that these pests can do no further damage to your landscape. Act on the aphids before it’s too late! These swarms of lice don’t need to destroy more of your garden. 

Organic treatments

One of the easiest ways to control or prevent the growth of aphids is organic treatment. There are various solutions made from extracts of plants and other shrubs that can get rid of aphids. Moreover, you’re not increasing any plantation harm from synthetic chemicals in the market. Some of the organic solutions you can use are as follows:

Spray your orchard with any of these sprays on consistent schedules. This will prevent the start of any aphid infestation. Just make sure to do it often to maintain the health of your orchard.

Cultivate ladybugs

Other insects aren’t bad for your garden. Ladybugs, also known as ladybirds, aren’t only cute, red creatures that add a fresh vibe in your orchard. They also have a natural tendency to eat other insects. Plant crops that attract ladybugs and keep nursing these plants too. This natural methods of pest control can improve your orchard. Ladybugs especially stay in leaves of plants, targeting the annoying aphids in its wake.

The key plan is to put out decoy spots for the plants that can attract your ladybugs. These decoy spots can then be the breeding ground of your ladybugs. While the ladybugs are building their place in the decoy spots, they get to protect your garden from aphids too. Some of the flora species can invite the ladybugs over. Choose the one with your liking.

Grow “anti-aphid” plants

Some plants can serve as a natural insecticide in the orchard. These species of flora emit strong scents that drive the aphids away. Plant these “anti-aphid” shrubs that can help in diminishing the population of aphids. As aphids multiply very fast, it’s important to halt their welcome in your yard. Swarms of aphid can grow resistant to pesticide too. Plant any of these shrubs in your orchard before aphids become an uncontrollable problem for you.

Prune the orchard regularly

You can do something to your plants in the orchard too. Give your orchard a regular pruning. Pruning prevents the growth of aphids in your plants by grooming your plants and trees. Pruning also keeps your flora healthy by cutting off infested or dead parts of it. Trees Down Under can help you in this aspect. We do pruning services for your orchard to stunt and destroy any growing swarm of aphids in your beautiful yard. 

Conclusion 

Before unwanted and harmful insects start making homes in your garden, take action! Preventions are always better than cures. Make sure to prepare your orchard first before any uncontrollable natural disaster can occur. We want to be by your side when you’re planning the preventive measures in your land. We are always here for you for all your garden makeover needs. Don’t hesitate to call us! We will take care of your orchard and make sure it’s never a good season for the aphids to grow.

We are Trees Down Under! Contact us on our mobile 0475 463 597. You can also send us an email or enquire with us here..

How to Ring Bark a Tree

Trees are a wonderful creation. They provide us with fruits, shade, and fresh air. Other animals also benefit from trees because trees provide them with shelter and food. Despite the numerous benefits that trees offer, sometimes, we have to get rid of them when they are invasive or become a weed.

Unknown to many people, tree felling is not the only way to kill trees. Another unsung practice of killing trees goes by the name ring barking.

What is Ring Barking?

Ring barking or girdling is the process of completely stripping off a part of the bark of a tree around the circumference of the main trunk or branches. The bark is the outermost portion of the tree which includes the cork, phloem, and cambium. Removing these tissues can significantly impact the function and health of the ring-barked tree.

Originally, people used ring barking as a way to control the tree population and thin forests without felling the tree. In simpler terms, ring barking kills trees. The portion above the ringbark dies if the tree does not recover from the wound. It also compromises the immunity of the tree and places it under stress. Moreover, phloem disruption also alters the food and nutrient appropriation of the tree.

Benefits of Ring Barking

Safe way to Kill Trees

Killing a tree is sometimes necessary, especially if it has become a weed or if it’s an invasive species. Girdling is a safe and easy way to kill trees because you don’t have to cut down the tree. Felling a tree is much more dangerous and laborious than cutting a portion of the bark of a tree. With ring barking, you don’t have to deal with all the weight of the tree and you also don’t have to worry about tree disposal because you won’t have anything to dispose of.

Produce more and larger fruits

Ring barking is a useful technique in horticulture. The damage to phloem caused by girdling stimulates flower development. Moreover, it makes food and energy produced in the leaves impossible to reach the roots. So, the tree needs to redirect these sugars and carbohydrates to other parts and these other parts are fruits. As a result, fruits grow more in number and in size than normal. 

Control the size of the tree

Ring barking your tree is also helpful when you want to prevent your tree from overgrowing. Removing the bark of your tree around the circumference can control the growth of your tree so that you would need less pruning in the future. 

How to Ring Bark a Tree

Ring barking is an easy process of killing trees. You only need a few tools to get the job done. Make sure to put on some gloves and eye goggles for safety purposes. Below are the steps on how to perform proper ring barking

Step 1: Mark areas to cut

Find the part of the trunk where you want to remove the bark, preferably below the lowest set of branches. Mark two points that are at least 3 inches apart where you will cut the bark around the circumference of the trunk. 

Step 2: Start stripping the bark

Once you have marked the areas where to cut, use an axe or a chainsaw to work your way around the tree. Cut parallel grooves around the tree and then strip the bark in between these lines. Start with the outer bark and then the inner. 

The extent of ring barking a tree depends on your intent. If you want to kill the tree, you should remove the bark deep enough so that the tree does not heal and recover. On the other hand, if you just want to control the size of the tree or increase its fruit production, you should be more careful. Strip around 1 to 1 and a half inches deep into the bark of the tree using a chisel or axe. 

Dangers of Ring Barking

Ring barking kills trees. Even if it doesn’t, it still leaves trees susceptible to diseases and pest infestation. Girdling weakens the immune system of trees and places it under stress. That’s why you need to be careful when performing ring barking, especially when you do not intend to kill the tree. 

You should also be mindful of the structural integrity of the tree. Removing the bark too deep may cause the tree to fall if there are extreme weather conditions like strong winds, earthquakes, heavy rains and snow.

Trees Down Under can help you ring bark a tree correctly. We have a team of licensed and dedicated arborists who can finish the job safely and efficiently. For all sorts of tree services in Sydney, just give us a call at 0475 463 597, and we’ll respond quickly. We are around Sydney to provide solutions for your tree and garden needs. 

How to Make a Possum Proof Garden

The common brushtail possum is perhaps the most familiar marsupial in Australia. They can adapt to various kinds of environment, that’s why they hang around the urban areas and busy cities of Australia. While the high adaptability of possums may be amusing, it’s actually alarming especially to a lot of homeowners. Possums may be small and adorable, but they can be pesky and cause considerable damage to houses and gardens.

Importance of Possum-proofing your Garden

Possums are folivores. They feed on the leaves, flowers, buds, fruits that are abundantly present in your garden. These creatures can overgraze and damage the plants and trees in your yard, especially at night when these nocturnal animals are awake. 

Possums may also find their way into your home and dwell in the ceilings and recesses of your house. When they do so, their occasional stomps and noises may bother you. You’ll also find it frustrating to find your ceiling wreaking the smell of possum urine and faeces. 

If you don’t want to have more problems caused by these creatures, you need to stop them before they get into your house. That’s why you need to possum-proof your garden to hit two birds with one stone. Possum-proofing your garden can save your trees and plants and, at the same time, prevent possums from accessing your home.

How to Possum-Proof Your Garden

The Australian government considers possums as a protected animal. Thus, under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, you cannot harm or trap possums. The only option you have left is to protect your garden from these grazers by deterring them. Here’s our take on how to make your garden possum-proof:

Install possum banding for your trees

A possum band is a sheet of polycarbonate or colour bond that you wrap around the main stem or branches of trees. This band makes climbing impossible for possums because it is slippery and possums won’t have anything to cling on.  This can also deter other animals that may graze on the foliage, fruits, and flowers of your trees.

Deter possums with an unpleasant smell

Possums use their sense of smell to find food. That’s how they find their way into your garden. To prevent them from feasting on the leaves and fruits in your yard, try rubbing menthol and placing mothballs in the perimeter of your garden or in tree branches and trunks. Possums find the scent of these items appalling such that they wouldn’t attempt to enter your premises anymore.

Fence as Defences

You can keep your garden safe from possums by securing it with a fence or barrier. Make this structure impervious to possum access by depriving them with anything to grip on. You can add a rolling tube or a floppy wire at the top so that possums fall when they try to climb on the fence.

Prune trees to reduce possum access

Fencing your area would go to waste if you provide another route for possums to access your garden. Thus, you need to cut the branches of your trees that are near or connected to neighbouring structures such as trees, buildings, and fences since possums can use these branches to enter your yard. 

Install individual plant barriers

If in case possums breached the barriers around your garden, you need to have a second line of defence in the form of plant covers. Try installing a wire cage around fruit trees and shrubs so that possums can’t go near them. This structure can also prevent other animals such as birds and cats from feeding on the fruits and flowers of your plants.

Garden and Tree Solutions in Sydney

Possums can cause significant damage to your plants and trees. If you don’t take measures to prevent them, they will graze on the foliage, fruits and flowers in your yard. Before you know it, your trees and plants have already lost most of their leaves, fruits, and flowers due to possum attack. 

Trees Down Under is here to provide solutions for your possum problems. We can install possum-proofing structures like possum band and fences to keep your trees and plants protected from these grazing creatures. We also offer quality tree pruning services to limit the access of possums. 

Our workers here are reliable, friendly, and dedicated. If you need any possum-proofing assistance, don’t hesitate to call us at 0475 463 597. We’re just around Sydney, so we’re at your service anytime. 

DIY Tree Crown Lifting

The growth pattern of trees is beautiful in their natural way. However, if you let trees grow undisturbed, they may overgrow. Low visibility, accessibility, and brightness are some problems you may encounter with an overgrown tree. When this happens, you need not take drastic measures and remove the tree immediately. Try crown lifting, and see how this process can instantaneously take away the said problems without harming the tree.

What is Tree Crown Lifting?

Crown lifting is a pruning technique wherein you cut the lower limbs of the tree to lift the height of the base of the foliage. This provides the tree with a taller canopy and more clearance area underneath. 

Tree Crown Lifting Procedure

Crown lifting is a straightforward process. You only need the proper cutting tools like a saw and pruning shears and a pair of gloves. Once you have these pieces of equipment, you’re good to go.

Step 1: Examine the tree

Do an initial assessment of the tree. Look at the tree at different points of view and from afar. This would help you estimate how far up the tree you need to remove the branches. 

Step 2: Cut the lower small branches

Start cutting the lowest branches. Make sure to get a clean cut that is slightly angled. Also, provide at least a 5 mm allowance before the trunk of the tree to prevent damaging the main stem should there be decay or infection from the cut.

To give you a pro tip: start cutting from the underside of the branch until you’re ⅓ through. Then, cut the branch completely from the top. This technique not only gives you a clean cut, it also minimises damage and allows the tree to heal correctly.

Step 3: Remove large branches carefully

You need extra caution when removing large branches, as doing so produces large wounds that would significantly affect the tree’s health. Cutting large tree limbs could cause stress and even lead to decay. That’s why you need to cut large branches one step at a time. 

Reduce the length bit by bit until you reach that 5 mm allowance before the main trunk. Cutting large branches this way produces less damage to the tree. It’s also safer for you since you won’t worry about supporting and carrying the weight of the whole branch because they’re cut into pieces.

Benefits of Tree Crown Lifting

Tree crown lifting is more than just a garden beautification technique. It is also practical and beneficial in so many ways. Here are some reasons why you need to lift your tree’s crown:

Healthier Tree

Crown lifting, when done correctly, results in a healthier tree because of increased light and air. Reducing the lower branches also allows the tree to redirect its nutrients and resources to other branches and parts.

More clearance area

This is perhaps the main reason why you need to lift the height of the base of your tree’s crown. Clearing the lower branches of your tree provides more access and visibility below the tree. This is especially helpful when a tree is blocking the view of drivers and the way of cars and passers-by. 

Reduce interference

More clearance area means that the lower branches of your tree would not obstruct other structures like fences, cable lines, and other plants. 

Increase light levels

More branches and a thick canopy equal more shade. Reducing the lower branches of your tree is the best alternative to cutting down the entire tree. Crown lifting allows more light to pass through, thus, more brightness and clarity.

Aesthetics

Tree crown lifting can beautify the tree and, consequently, your garden. Cutting down the lower branches makes the tree proportionate and more appealing. More than that, it also illuminates your garden so that you can see your whole landscape vividly. 

Conclusion

Tree crown lifting can be a DIY task. You don’t need expert knowledge and skills to do this process. It also doesn’t require complicated tools and equipment – a saw and a pair of gloves will suffice. 

However, you still need to have enough knowledge of trees and safe pruning techniques. Cutting large branches incorrectly can cause trees stress and prolong their recovery process. This can also cause fungal diseases and pest infestation and can lead to death in the long run. 

If you don’t want to take risks, better leave the work to the professionals. At Trees Down Under, we take every tree-related jobs seriously. We understand that anything we do to trees can cause significant stress and damage to them. That’s why our trained arborists strive to get the job done safely and correctly. We have the right tools, skills, and knowledge to cut and prune trees in the safest way possible.

Need tree lopping services in Sydney? Call us anytime at 0475 463 597 to get a free quote. We’re just around Sydney, so we can attend to your needs fast and efficiently.