Unlevel Homes: How Overgrown Trees & Roots Are The Culprits

If you’re noticing signs of damage in your home, such as a sagging or unlevel floor, cracks in walls and windows, or doors that won’t open or close correctly, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. These symptoms may indicate that your home’s foundation is damaged, and one possible cause of such damage is overgrown trees and tree roots.

Tree roots can absorb moisture from the soil around your home’s foundation, leading to soil shrinkage, which can cause the foundation to shift or settle. This can result in an unlevel or sagging floor and cracks in walls, windows, and door frames. Here are some common signs to watch out for:

Exterior cracks

If you notice vertical cracks in the exterior walls of your home, this could be a sign that the soil beneath the foundation is not providing enough support. This could be due to tree roots drawing moisture away from the soil. Horizontal or zigzag cracks can also indicate severe structural damage caused by overgrown trees and tree roots.

• Vertical cracks commonly occur when there isn’t enough support in the soil below. If the soil has washed away, your house may be subsiding. Vertical cracks are usually non-serious, but it’s best to contact a structural engineer if the crack is large.

• Horizontal cracks typically mean that a wall is beginning to fail. This often occurs because of expansive soil pushing against the wall’s foundation. Horizontal cracks can be severe; it’s essential to consult an expert immediately, as the wall could crumble entirely with time.

• Zigzag cracks, also known as ‘step cracks,’ move diagonally across a wall and indicate that a house’s foundation is inadequate. Zigzag cracks suggest severe damage and should be addressed by a professional as soon as possible.

The sinking ground around the house

If you notice that the ground around your home is sinking, this could be a sign that overgrown tree roots destabilize the soil beneath your foundation.

It’s good to regularly check the perimeter of your house for sinking ground, as this is one of the most common signs of subsidence. This can cause the foundation to shift, leading to an unlevel home.

Uneven floors

An unlevel floor is a common symptom of foundation damage, which overgrown trees and tree roots can cause. If you notice that the gradient of your floor has changed significantly, a professional must inspect your home.

Interior cracks

Cracks in your drywall or plaster could indicate that your home’s foundation is damaged, which overgrown trees and tree roots can cause. If the cracks appear suddenly, are particularly long, or follow a zigzag pattern, it’s essential to consult an expert.

Chimney damage

If you notice that your chimney is cracking or pulling away from the exterior of your home, this could be a sign that overgrown trees and tree roots are destabilizing your home’s foundation. Due to its fragile structure, the chimney is often particularly susceptible to foundational damage.

Doors and windows that won’t open

If your doors and windows are unusually stiff or won’t open or close properly, this could be a sign that your home’s foundation is shifting. Overgrown trees and tree roots can cause the soil beneath your foundation to become destabilized, leading to this symptom.

Cracks in windows

Large cracks in your windows could indicate structural problems caused by overgrown trees and tree roots.

Floor tiles cracking

If you notice several tiles cracking in the same area, this could signify foundational damage caused by overgrown trees and tree roots.

Significant gaps between the roof and walls

If you notice significant gaps between your home’s roof and walls, this could be a sign that your home’s foundation is shifting due to overgrown trees and tree roots.

Damaged siding

Damage to your home’s siding can be a common symptom of a structural problem caused by overgrown trees and tree roots.

Overgrown trees and tree roots can cause significant structural damage to your home’s foundation, leading to an unlevel home. Be vigilant, watch out for these common signs and symptoms, and consult an expert as soon as you notice them. Getting your home checked as soon as possible can save you a significant headache in the future.

Looking for reliable tree removal services in Sydney?

Look no further than Trees Down Under, your local experts in safe and efficient tree removal.

Whether you need a tree removed due to safety concerns, property damage, or to improve the aesthetics of your yard, our team of skilled arborists has the tools and expertise to get the job done right.

We offer a wide range of tree removal services, including stump grinding, tree pruning, and emergency tree removal. Our team uses the latest equipment and techniques to ensure your property is protected throughout the process.

So why wait? If you need tree removal services in Sydney, call Trees Down Under today to schedule a consultation with one of our expert arborists. We’re here to help you keep your property safe, healthy, and beautiful.

Can A Tree Die From Pruning?

While you enjoy a good sip of afternoon tea in your backyard, you notice dead branches and dried leaves on your trees. It just doesn’t look good and healthy as it used to be. Maybe it’s time for some tree pruning.

At some point, we have to prune the trees on our property. This is a basic concept when we love to grow and care for one. Tree pruning is essential to maintain the tree’s health, aesthetics, and structure. Otherwise, the tree could be jammed, making it unstable and dangerous.

The answer to whether a tree can die from pruning is that all trees can potentially die due to pruning. Trees may die from pruning if the cuts are too severe or if the tree is already in deteriorating health. However, it’s important to note, proper pruning techniques performed by qualified tree professionals can help maintain the tree’s health and structural integrity.

Pruning is pretty common, especially for tree growers, but it’s a fairly difficult practice. Pruning is not merely trimming or pulling out leaves or removing tree portions. It is getting rid of unwanted, dead, or infested leaves and branches to encourage healthier growth. That being said, improper pruning can do more harm than good.

In this article, we break down the topic of whether trees can die from pruning more in-depth.

The Damage of Improper Pruning

Allowing your tree to grow without pruning (even minor hand pruning) can only lead to more problems. Your trees can grow unhealthily, with unstable structures and ugly canopies. The branches can overgrow and become too heavy, which poses serious risks, not to mention excess leaf clutter in your backyard. What a headache!

Being so, pruning is a must part of tree care. However, pruning can be immensely detrimental if it is done poorly and not within the proper time frame.

Every time you cut a portion of a tree, you open a wound. If you’re not careful and do a lousy job, it’ll only allow pests and infection to penetrate fast, which essentially causes long-term damage.

While we don’t notice it at first (and just hope we did a good — or even just a decent job), poor pruning techniques will allow diseases to spread that’ll slowly kill the tree. When it is already weak and dying, it can most likely collapse in strong winds and cause damage to properties and people nearby.

Even if we’re not trained arborists, we must be aware of common pruning mistakes to save our trees without hurting or damaging them.

Common Mistakes While Pruning

Proper pruning will ensure safer growth in your trees. Who would not want that, right? So, we must turn our backs on the old ways and start learning how to do it properly.

One of the most common mistakes is pruning your tree at the wrong time. There is no simple answer to when is the right time to prune our trees.

However, in general, we have to avoid pruning, specifically during spring when new buds are starting to grow and form — by mistakenly doing so, you can hinder an essential time of their growth.

Another mistake is using the wrong cutting method. Improper cutting can cause bark harm and flakes. Also, flush cuts can damage the trees’ defence mechanism, potentially creating slow healing wounds and callus formation. Moreover, over-pruning will most likely interfere with plant growth and expose it to more diseases. It’s better to prune at appropriate times and only when needed.

Lastly, using improper pruning tools will further hurt a sick tree. Pruning tools, like hand pruners or loppers, should reduce robust and difficult branches without inflicting more damage.

Takeaway

One of the primary goals of pruning trees is to make them prosper. When trees are pruned properly, they won’t die. They will benefit a lot. By getting rid of dead, unwanted branches and leaves; you’ll help the tree have a second (longer) chance to live. But doing it in the wrong way can magnify existing issues.

So, if you don’t have the time or right tools to prune your trees properly, get the pruning done by a professional. Our experts provide professional tree removal in Sydney and are always ready to help bring out your trees’ fullest potential while keeping your backyards green-waste-free

7 Trees You Should Never Plant in Sydney

Any gardener in Sydney knows the feeling of planting a new tree in their humble yard. Trees drastically add beauty and shade to your garden, giving it a more natural yet aesthetic value.

But not all trees bring good news to your green space. Some species carry inevitable urban residential and commercial landscape problems, while other invasive trees are better left in Australia’s forests.

Here are five trees you should never plant in Sydney to help you with your next garden tree planting, especially in urban residential areas and commercial spaces. If you’ve crossed these out on the list but are still unsure what to plant, consult your local arborists at Trees Down Under.

1. Golden Robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Robinias have been popular trees since the 1980s, especially for vast garden landscapes. It’s particularly common in Australian green spaces, but most garden owners share the same plight with this tree.

Before you consider growing a Golden Robinia, it’s worth noting that it produces suckers on damaged root systems. That said, hurting its extensive root system by mowing, trimming, or tilling will lead to unwanted suckers.

Besides, while it isn’t the worst tree to grow, you should think carefully before planting one in your garden.

2. Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)

While a Camphor Laurel is a majestic tree, it is highly self-propagating and has an aggressive root system to cause sewage pipe leakages. Gardeners near Sydney’s woodlands usually treat these trees as weeds because of their invasive and aggressive species.

You can frequently spot Camphor trees on moist gullies and slopes, forming a dense canopy. They tightly compete against Sydney’s native species and continue reproducing despite removal efforts.

3. Poplar (Populus)

Poplar trees come in many variants. However, most of them share the same unfavourable traits as an average gardener. Poplars have aggressive root systems that can disrupt concrete sidewalks, block and damage pipelines, and deteriorate solid foundations.

Moreover, poplars are also known to produce suckers, which means you might end up with more poplars in your backyard and in places you don’t want to. They are also fast-growing trees, which most variants are growing up to 50 metres tall and 3 metres in diameter, making them unsuitable for smaller green spaces.

4. Pride of Bolivia (Tipuana tipu)

Like the previous tree species, the Pride of Bolivia, commonly known as Tipuana, are a fast-growing tree with invasive and aggressive root systems.

Its roots are strong enough to disrupt sewage lines and lift concrete driveways, making it dangerous to plant nearby households and buildings. That said, only consider growing this tree if you have a vast yard and aren’t planning to have it nearby your house or any establishments.

Additionally, Pride of Bolivia is too invasive that Queensland classifies it as a weed and not an ornamental tree. That’s because its root system will spread out looking for water, usually causing leaks on taps and damaged sewer lines.

5. Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)

While it’s famed for its distinct beauty and characteristics, the Weeping Willow carries a few consequences that can be detrimental to your garden. One is that it multiplies through layering, forming new roots from its stems.

Furthermore, the tree produces suckers from its roots, and because of that, many local councils classify the Weeping Willow as weeds. Its root system can also interfere with pipelines and should only grow more than 15 metres away from gas, water, and electrical lines.

6. African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata)

This tree is native to tropical Africa and is considered an invasive species in Australia. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a very fast growth rate. It can easily outcompete native plant species and is difficult to control once it becomes established.

7. Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

The Leyland Cypress tree is native to the UK and is commonly used as a hedge plant in Australia. However, it can grow up to 50 meters tall and is prone to disease and wind damage. It is also not well-suited to the dry conditions in many parts of Australia.

Conclusion

There are tons of ideal tree choices for every type of garden landscape. However, the trees discussed above have root systems and reproduction characteristics that gardeners and arborists deem to be invasive and destructure to Sydney’s natural landscapes.

Choosing the right tree is only the first step towards a beautiful garden. Planning, maintaining, and cultivating trees are also part of the long-term commitment to growing them. That said, you need a committed and passionate team of arborists to lend a helping hand.

Trees Down Under Sydney is a team of professional arborists serving hundreds of clients in Sydney for more than 30 years. Our tools and experience in tree services ensure that your garden will get the care it deserves.

We cater to all residential and commercial tree projects in Sydney. Speak to our friendly staff at 0475 463 597 for more questions and to get a free estimate.

Tree Planting Statistics 2023

One thing that sets Earth aside from other planets is trees. These natural carbon-capturing organisms provide clean air and food and protect the soil structure and water resources.

But human practices such as deforestation are slowly taking their toll as global temperatures rise and climate change becomes noticeable. Every year, more than 15 billion trees are cut down for agricultural expansion, timber harvesting, and urbanisation.

On the other hand, reforestation is struggling to catch up, with only 1.83 billion trees planted annually.

If we want to upset and curb the effects of climate change and global warming, we need to plant 1.2 trillion more trees. Here are staggering tree-planting statistics for 2023 to put the latest data into perspective.

Are we cutting down too many trees?

As recently stated, we’re only planting 1.83 billion trees yearly while losing 15.3 billion trees to human activity. That’s roughly one tree planted for every 8 cut down.

Here are some fast facts about deforestation:

• 46% of trees on the planet are cut down by deforestation
• Only one-third of recorded rainforests in the world remain active
• Only 31% of Earth’s total land area is covered by forests, but since the 1990s, 420 million hectares have been lost from human activity.
• Humans cut down 42 million trees every day.
• Research estimates that 60% of emerging infectious diseases will come from animals. So habitat loss from deforestation may cause a viral jump from wildlife to humans as animals to lose shelter.
• Nature survey reported that the Earth now has roughly 3.02 trillion trees remaining. That’s about 422 trees for every person.
• The same survey discovered that the global deforestation rate stands at 0.06% annually. Because of the increasing reforestation initiatives, that rate slowed down in 2010-2022 than the previous two decades.

Tree Planting By Country: Who’s in the Lead?

As of 2022, China has the most trees planted in 2021 at more than 2.5 billion trees. We expect that number to skyrocket as China sets up a massive tree-planting campaign to achieve 36,000 square kilometres of forest cover.

This is part of China’s goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2060. In perspective, that area is larger than Belgium’s total area.

India, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Mexico, and other countries also ramped up their reforestation initiatives and are planting hundreds of millions to billions of trees annually.

Here’s a table showing the top 20 countries that planted the most trees in the last couple of years. Australia ranks 46th, with roughly 11.9 million trees planted in the last few years.

Top 10 Tree Planting Facts

Governments, non-profit organisations, and charities worldwide conduct tree-planting initiatives to reverse the effects of global warming and carbon emissions.

But how much impact are they making against the environmental crisis?

Here are the top 10 tree-planting facts and figures to give you an idea about the scale of global tree-planting projects.

1. In the past 40 years, a satellite data report showed that we’ve planted more than 800,000 square miles of trees
2. Before the advent of the agricultural revolution 12,000 years ago, the World Economic Forum estimated that there were about 6 trillion trees worldwide. That shows a 50% decline at present.
3. The United 
4. There are at least 3.04 trillion trees in the world today. This estimates around 422 trees for each person.
5. Before humans existed, an estimated 6 trillion trees existed, showing a decline of nearly 50%.
6. Team Trees, a collaborative fundraiser, planted 24,095,239 trees as of 2022. Two years ago, the initiative met its goal of planting 20 million trees by the end of 2020.
7. The Earth has more than enough space to produce 60 billion full-grown trees, excluding agricultural land.
8. Millions of acres of forests barren by deforestation and wildfire need human intervention to plant new trees. It could take 80 years for forest soil to naturally recover from fires and logging.
9. 31% of the Earth’s land surface is forest cover. That’s about 4.06 billion hectares – but it is shrinking at an unprecedented rate. In 1990-2020, roughly 420 million hectares of forest were lost to deforestation.
10. Food production, such as farming and grazing remains the largest cause of deforestation in the tropics and subtropics. That accounts for 80% of a decade of deforestation.

Leading global tree-planting initiatives

As the list above shows, developed and developing countries stand in the top 20 tree-planting nations. That’s because of government-backed and private large-scale tree-planting initiatives.

Here are some of the leading global tree-planting initiatives across the globe:

Trillion Tree Campaign

The initiative started as a Billion Tree Campaign that met its goal in 2007. The United Nations Environment Programme launched the Trillion Tree Campaign after hitting its increasing goals consecutively.

From its first goal of planting a billion trees, the bar was raised to 7 billion and was met in 2009. UNEP increased its target to 12 billion in 2015, then 15 billion in 2017.

Currently, the campaign’s goal is to plant 1 trillion trees globally.

Rwanda Tree Planting

Rwanda’s national government announced its commitment to plant over 43 million trees, showing its determination to take climate action. The African country aims to meet its goal and reduce carbon emissions by 38% by 4.6 million tonnes by 2030.

Their government aims to restore 2 million hectares of barren forest land by 2030. Ambitious as it seems, Rwanda increased its forest cover by 30% one year earlier than its target year of completion.

Pakistan’s 10 Billion Tree Tsunami

Pakistan’s national government announced a massive project of growing 10 billion trees in 2023 as part of their 10 Billion Tree Tsunami campaign. The environment program will follow the success of a previous reafforestation campaign dubbed the Billion Tree Tsunami last 2014.

In 2020, Pakistan’s forest cover was only 4.8% of its total land area. If the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami program is successful, we expect it to significantly restore Pakistan’s green landscape.

The campaign is also designed to increase forestry employment and protect the country’s natural resources. Pakistan records more than 1 billion trees planted as of June 2021, giving the campaign a great headstart.

India’s Record-Breaking Tree Boom

India is consistently increasing its forest cover by more than 2,260 square kilometers for over three years. The latest figure accounts for deforestation activities, making the expansion seem insignificant compared to the other projects.

However, a local tree-planting effort in Uttar Pradesh last 2016 led Indians to plant 50 million trees in one day, officially breaking Pakistan’s 2013 record of approximately 850,000 trees.

The country broke its record a year after the same initiative organised thousands of volunteers n Madhya Pradesh to plant more than 66 million trees in just 12 hours! This initiative is a national action after India’s response to the Paris environmental agreement.

The Great Green Wall

The Great Green Wall is an international tree-planting initiative led by Subsaharan countries such as Senegal, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Djibouti.

Participating nations are planting trees in the designated Great Green Wall area, an 8000-kilometre wall across the continent, to increase the arable land in the region bordering Africa’s Sahara Desert. Those countries also invest in this agroforestry initiative towards the region’s sustainable ecological development.

Tree Planting FAQs

What actions are taken to encourage the population to plant new trees?

The most significant driver of tree-planting volunteer programs is national governments’ and large-scale NGOs’ recognition and involvement.

As the government and its population acknowledge the threat of deforestation, they approve and implement policies, projects, and investments to promote reafforestation. As a result, billions of trees are planted worldwide in 10 years or less.

How many trees are planted globally every day?

Recent data suggests that humans are planting about 1.83 billion trees every year, clocking in at around 5 million trees daily.

What if everyone in the world plants a tree?

The world currently has more than 8 billion people. If each one plants a tree, we can add 8 billion more trees to the planet.

While there are tree planting initiatives that plant significantly more, encouraging each person to plant a tree is a giant leap towards sequestering carbon emissions and helping cool the planet.

Is there a country without any tree?

All countries in the world have at least one tree. But four countries have no forest cover. That includes Qatar, Oman, San Marino, and Greenland.

Those countries couldn’t meet the World Bank’s definition of a forest. That’s why they are classified with zero percent forest cover.

Summary

The global population is taking proactive measures and massive initiatives to reforest the Earth. While statistics show that logging activities and deforestation isn’t slowing down to a halt, our tree-planting initiatives are expected to make an impact on carbon sequestering and reforestation.

One way to participate in this global initiative is responsible and sustainable tree removal and pruning. We highly recommend teaming up with licensed and insured arborists in Sydney to ensure your tree removal undertaking follows environmental and government mandates while keeping your property and loved ones safe from tree-related hazards.

You can ensure a guilt-free tree removal and tree pruning service with Trees Down Under. Our arborists will do their best to preserve your tree’s strength and health. We’ll only remove the tree once we determine it brings more harm than good to you and your family.

5 Most Common Trees in Australia

Australia has always been home to various flora and fauna. As a nation that is abundant with wildlife species and different trees and plants from the fauna kingdom, there are bound to be species that are quite more popular and special amongst people. There are a few that really made their name in the landscape scenery across Australia. If you feel like growing a green thumb, these are the most common trees around Australia:

River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)

As a member of the Eucalyptus family, the River Red Gum is one of the most popular trees around. This white or cream-coloured trunk tree produces flowers and fruits. Its bark is often composed of rough slabs.

It is usually lined up along bodies of water and big spaces, as it can reach about as high as 20 metres. Like a tree that can reach more than a century in age and can be found near bodies of water, River Red Gum is a good potential home to many wildlife.

Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha)

This tree just might be the most known trees around Australia. As the bearer of Australia’s national flower, the golden wattle, this tree’s part in Australia’s identity is recognised everywhere.

If you want a dark-brown to smooth grey bark around that can grow up to 8 metres from the ground, the Golden Wattle is perfect for you. You can showcase the national flower by having this tree and watch it bloom from July to November every single year.

White Mulberry (Morus alba)

Another one of the most popular trees around Australia is the White Mulberry. Its leaves are known for being a good source of feed for silkworms.

Other countries also make the white mulberry leaves into tea. It also produces berries, the white mulberry, which is also a good treatment for diabetes. These trees have the ability to grow up to 20 metres in height. This makes it good in big areas and perfect as a source of shade in hot days under the sun.

Peppermint (Agonis flexuosa)

Also known as the Willow Myrtle or the Peppermint tree, this tree grows usually smaller than the usual tall trees known around Australia.

It can only grow less than 10 metres and grows in a weeping habit, meaning the branches grow in a downward direction. This tree blooms small white flowers from August to December. If you’re new to landscaping and gardening, the Peppermint tree is perfect for you as it is low maintenance and 

Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)

This beautiful tree really leaves an impression in any scenery. The Jacaranda tree grows beautiful lilac shade flowers and leaves a very fragrant smell in the breeze.

This tree can also grow as tall as 30 metres in height. The more mature Jacaranda trees can also survive in really cold climates but most Jacarandas flourish well in warm weather. You can witness the beauty of Jacarandas from late spring to early summer season.

Conclusion

There are plenty of trees to choose from, should you choose to grow one. As Australia is home to many kinds and families of trees, there are plenty of methods and ways to grow your trees properly.

Growing your own tree might seem like a very heavy responsibility to you, as such, we are here to help you with that regard. We offer tree services for you and your trees. The advantages of growing and maintaining your trees far outweigh any sort of hassle.

We are Trees Down Under and we are the solution for your Sydney tree removal needs. We have been here for more than 20 years and counting. All you need to do is contact us and we can be with you in your journey of growing the most beautiful trees and shrubs native to the country. 

Call us at 0475 463 597 or send us an email at info@treesdownunder.com.au

Types of Garden Waste and How to Handle Them

All kinds of plants bestow a charming and picturesque for your garden in unique ways. But achieving your ideal garden comes with a high price to work for, including your daily waste management.

Occasionally, outdoor gatherings usually take place in your garden, making it ideal for fun activities and the usual Sydney afternoon coffee. This is one of the reasons why people exert effort to maintain a safe and clean garden, aside from the physical benefit it gives.

However, it’s tiring when you can’t keep up handling large branches and rotting trunks. Aside from the extra miles you need in removing garden waste,  it’s also financially challenging to maintain your impeccable dream garden.

Above all these issues, there are efficient ways to deal with garden waste. Knowing the type of rubbish in your yard, you can implement effective recycling and repurposing methods. Also, how to handle the wastes allowed or forbidden in your bins.

Types of Garden Wastes

Generally, there are two primary categories for garden waste: recyclables, biodegradable, and unwanted materials in your garden. Here are the two types of garden waste:

Garden Organics

Most of the waste in your garden is the outgrowth of foliage or cuttings of plants and weeds. Aside from that, you deal with the prunings of old large branches and messes of garden cleanups. Among the common organic wastes include:

• Lawn clipping and cuttings
• Branches and twigs
• Weeds
• Prunings from bushes and trees
• Wood chips, loose barks
• Leaves and flowers
• Windfall fruits and vegetables

Solid Rubbish

Apart from the debris from vegetation clippings and bushes, there are other solid wastes present in your garden. This includes the unwanted to the recyclable ones:

• Ceramics and glass
• Metals, concretes, bricks
• Discarded pots and seed trays
• Outdoor furniture (e.g. swings, chairs, fence, etc.)
• Unwanted garden ornaments
• Excess soil, dirt

How to Handle Garden Waste

When you think of garden waste, you can suggest that most are organic and compostable. However, garbage collectors don’t accept all of the organic debris in your household. For example, fruits and vegetable scraps from your garden are not allowed in the curbside bins.

Furthermore, green wastes such as large branches and rotting trees can be difficult to handle. You cannot throw branches more than 100 mm in diameter inside your bins. 

There are many things to consider in disposing of your garden waste. But here are some ideas on how to handle the massive pilings of rubbish in your garden and yards:

Sort It Out

The best way to properly handle garden waste is to sort out what can and cannot go inside your bin. Avoid putting in too much green waste; large branches should not exceed 100mm in diameter.

On top of that, there are weight restrictions when throwing green waste. When dealing with heaps of leaves and other garden waste, the trash can spill from the bins or be too big and bulky to place in the containers. If that happens, you’ll need another creative method to solve garden waste issues.

Additionally, as a preventative method, it’s a good idea to choose a reliable Sydney house cleaning company to perform home cleans regularly. Doing so lets your household keep waste from accumulating while keeping your space spotless.

Composting Organic Wastes

After sorting out extra leaves and grass cuttings in your yard, composting is the next best step. Composting is the best way to manage the garden, waste-combining it with food scraps in the compost.  

Also, you can add fallen leaves, mowed weeds and old bedding plants. All you need to ensure is that your pile has enough moisture and air can flow through it. Over time, your waste turns into mulch that is useful to replenish the nutrients in your soil garden.

Proper Lawn Care

Reducing waste production is another great way to solve your garden waste issue. When lawn covers a more significant portion of your garden, then it’s reasonable it produces so much of your garden waste. Thus, your lawn area is the right subject for reducing the waste production.

Proper care for lawns includes finding suitable grass species in your garden. Aside from that, ensure you only mow one-third of the grass to reduce the heaps of trimmings you need to handle.

Practice Grasscycling

Not many people know what grasscycling is. Grasscycling is another proper lawn care that involves recycling and composting the grass clippings on your lawn. Leaving the clippings on the ground can create mulch, providing an excellent nutrient supply to your garden.

Try Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is another effective method for your composting. This process creates mulch faster with the help of worms. Also, doing this requires smaller containers and is helpful when you don’t have enough space for composting. 

Most importantly, vermicomposting is useful for people generating so much food waste. The combination of green waste, kitchen scrap and shredded paper creates mulch faster that would surely benefit your pants.

Donate Garden Waste

Some companies accept your organic garden waste if you can’t do the first series of methods above. But you must follow the rules and regulations, so these companies take your garden waste without any problem.

Reuse Some Waste

Repurposing some of your garden waste can surely reduce garbage production. Some prunings or twigs are suitable for lighting a barbecue or wood burner. Also, some solid rubbish such as ornaments and metals can help you create an industrial garden or decorate your entire yard.

Hire Skip Bins 

There are tendencies that your garden waste won’t fit in the council’s local bins. Your solution is hiring skip bins or private companies to care for your garden problems.

Conclusion

Garden waste is what makes creating a perfect garden a challenge. But there are numerous ways to handle it such as sorting, composting, grasscycling and many more. With a creative mind and enough environmental care, you can find ways to reduce garden waste.

Moreover, a well-kept garden can make your family and neighbourhood safe from falling branches and leaning trees. After all the effort, you’re rewarded with a safe and tidy garden giving you a positive vibe and peace of mind.

Here at Trees Down Under Sydney, we provide the best green waste removal service to meet all your garden waste disposal needs. We work around the clock to ensure your garden is spotless from trash and debris. We will make sure that your ideal garden is as pristine as ever.

Call us at 0475 463 597, and we’ll be on our way in no time. 

How To Properly Dispose Of A Fallen Tree

Trees are massive, heavy plants that are supposed to be upright and sturdy. However, due to some circumstances, trees may be unable to withstand external factors and collapse. 

There are many reasons why a tree suddenly falls, and here are a few of them:

• Extreme environmental conditions such as storms, strong winds, hurricanes, tsunamis, and the like can cause trees to become uprooted.
• Tree diseases from fungal infection, pest infestation, and damage to the roots, trunk, and branches can either cause uprooting or break off the tree.
• Trees with root problems like a shallow root system, root decay, and unsteady ground may also end up falling. 
• Pruning and tree cutting has the goal of cutting trees or tree parts which can result in a fallen tree.
• Old-aged trees are brittle and may easily topple over. 

How to Get the Most Out of a Fallen Tree

As mentioned, trees are heavy and bulky. So, when a tree falls, it may cause unwanted injuries to people and pets and damage properties where it lands. Aside from that, trees may also be a challenging piece to clean and dispose of. However, you can still make use of fallen trees such as by: 

1. Turning your tree into firewood

Firewood is an expensive commodity. So, if you have a fallen tree at your residence, you might want to cut them into chunks to become firewood for your fireplace. You can also sell them or use them for your backyard campfire ventures.

2. Using trees as lumber and furniture 

Some varieties of trees are strong and sturdy enough to serve as furniture. Mature trees like cherry, walnut, and redwood, still in good condition, can be cut into lumber and turned into wooden furniture pieces. They can also be saved for later use in wood crafts and projects.

3. Upcycling trees for landscaping

Fallen trees on the ground seem disastrous. However, you can change that idea upside down by upcycling tree trunks and branches. You can transform these tree parts into valuable statement pieces for your garden landscape. 

A tree trunk can be turned into a wooden bench, stumps can serve as table stands or seats, and large tree limbs can become rustic fence additions for a more attractive and eye-catching garden.

How to Properly Dispose of a Fallen Tree

If you want to get rid of the fallen tree in your yard, here are a few steps to dispose of it properly.

1. Do-It-Yourself Tree Disposal

Trees are considered green or yard waste. So, before you ready them for disposal, ensure that your area has a yard-waste recovery facility. Then, you can hire a truck or a dumpster to collect the massive chunk of a tree in your yard, and then you can clean up the leftover tree debris, such as the leaves, branches, and twigs. 

Afterwards, you can have the green waste hauled to the reclamation facility.

2. Tree Removal Services

Disposing of a fallen tree is an arduous and hazardous task. Trees are heavy and big, so carrying them alone would be difficult. Thus, doing the job yourself may not be a good idea.

At Trees Down Under, we understand the difficulties and risks of removing a fallen tree. That’s why we are here to take all the hassles and dangers of cutting the tree, carrying it, and transporting it away from you. With over 30 years of service in Sydney, not once did we fail to meet the standards of quality, efficient, and safe Sydney tree removal services. 

Our team of reliable and qualified tree fellers can handle trees of any size in your area. We also provide 24-hour emergency tree removal services across Sydney. Feel free to call us anytime at 0475 463 597 for a free quote.

The Importance of Natural Light For Growing Trees

Trees provide so many benefits in our lives. Most of us grow fruit trees for their yield of healthy, luscious crops or simply enjoy trees’ beauty and the clean air it gives. Well, our home orchards won’t be complete without one. 

You probably realise how much there is to learn about by growing trees. With all the information we can get online on how to grow and maintain trees, one of the most basic rules of plant care is often overlooked: sun exposure. This is an essential element for growing plants and must be emphasised enough. 

Adequate light exposure is vital for nurturing trees to create enough energy to grow. Without ample access to this necessity, trees won’t be able to survive. 

So, whether you’re planning to grow trees in your backyard or already have one but are still unfamiliar with its importance, this article will cover everything you need to know. 

Why do trees need natural light?

Sunlight is the key source of energy for all plants, including trees. 

Trees are autotrophs which means they can create their food. Like how we grab stuff from the supermarket to cook food, plants also need to collect environmental ingredients. 

To combine the ingredients, they need energy. That’s when sunlight comes in. The green chemical found on their leaves, chlorophyll, captures the light as efficiently as possible to fuel the necessary processes for survival.

How important is sunlight to growing trees?

Of all the things we need to consider regarding tree planting and care, the right tree in the right place must be at the top of the list. There’s so much a growing tree need in order to become established and grow healthy. 

Keep in mind the amount of light your designated spot gets because as trees depend on photosynthesizing to make their food and survive, having too much to too little sun exposure can weaken and even kill young ones. 

Sunlight also impacts the tree’s foliage density and flowering and fruiting capabilities. If a tree gets the perfect amount of light it needs, it will surely grow healthy and bear abundant fresh picks for you. 

Different Trees Have Different Needs

While all the trees need sunlight, not all need the same amount. The species of trees dictate the amount of sunlight it requires to grow healthy. 

Let’s start with the basics:

1. Full shade

This means a tree needs limited sun exposure; at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. No tree can survive in total darkness, but they will flourish on the side of homes or shaded yards. 

2. Partial shade

This means a tree needs at least 3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily but needs protection from the extreme midday sun. Too much sun can burn and damage the tree, especially the leaves. 

3. Partial sun

This means a tree requires at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. 

4. Full sun

This means a tree needs all the sunlight it can get. It requires the most exposure to direct sunlight, with at least 6 to 8 hours a day. 

The shade tolerance of a tree is not about how much shade a tree needs; instead, it’s about how well a tree can survive with limited access to sun exposure.

So when choosing which tree to plant, make sure you do some research about what sun exposure (or shade tolerance) it needs and whether your chosen planting spot would suffice it. 

How do you know if your tree needs more light or is getting too much sun?

If you notice the leaves starting to droop or becoming dull green or yellow, a tree is not getting the sunlight it needs. 

On the other hand, the tree is overexposed if you notice signs of burning on the leaves, looking like brown patches or scorched leaf tips. 

Takeaway

Sun exposure is just one factor that can greatly impact the health of growing trees. Before starting your home orchard, ensure your planting location meets all the requirements a tree needs to thrive.

While every location and tree kind requires extra care, it is best to seek help from experts. At Trees Down Under, we are the Sydney tree professionals that would be honoured to assist you with your tree issues. 

Fruit Trees: Top Tips To Grow & Maintain Them Effectively

A beautiful bounty ripe within reach — what could be better than that?

At one point in our lives, we dreamed of having a home orchard. Nothing in life is as fulfilling as having a bite from a fruit freshly picked from the tree you grew yourself. Caring for fruit trees is extremely satisfying.

Fruits are not just healthy and nutritious. Having a tree that bears one can save money on your grocery bill because you can just simply harvest for some, especially if they’re in season. A home orchard, indeed, is a valuable investment. 

Growing and caring for fruit trees can be quite a handful. Whether you decide to grow a couple of fruit trees for your consumption and save money instead of buying from the grocery, or you just want to enjoy the beauty of the fragrant flowering trees, you need to be prepared.

Did you do your research? 

Not yet? Well, don’t worry! We’ve rounded up some top tips to get you started in the right way:

1. Choose the right tree for the location

Most home gardeners have limited choice of location or soil where trees can be planted. You must consider the tree’s mature size when planning where to plant it. If you decide to plant a large tree, make sure you’ve got enough space and room for it to grow. 

You also have to consider the weather condition of your location while picking the kind of tree you like. Some may not survive in certain weather. While most fruit trees do best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil, all they require is full sun. Avoid low spots where water stays long after rain.

2. Pick the right planting time

Knowing the proper planting time is very important, no matter what kind of tree you’re trying to cultivate. If you decide to plant a fruit tree during winter, you might expose young trees to extensive cold and risk of frost-killing. 

Summer might also affect the chance of the roots to soak up enough, which is vital for their growth and development. Know the right tree to plant at the perfect time. 

3. Plant at the correct depth

Trees rely on their roots to survive. Make sure you dig just enough to fit all the roots without bending; they need ample space to spread out and hold the tree on the soil. Refill the hole with topsoil, peat moss, and compost. You want the root swell at the tree’s base slightly above the soil level. 

4. Keep the roots hydrated and avoid air voids

Ideally, for bare root trees, it’s suggested to soak the root ball in the water, completely saturating it for at least 2 hours before planting, but no longer than a full day. After planting, use a hose to water the roots, collapsing any air voids. 

You may also firmly tamp the soil around the site as you backfill the hole, tucking the soil around the roots and preventing big air pockets from forming. 

Don’t smash it. Just apply the right amount of pressure. 

5. Don’t forget to water regularly

Newly planted fruit trees need regular watering. Unless your place is experiencing heavy rains, your new trees must be watered as often as possible. You can water daily for the first 2 weeks after planting and every 2-3 days for the next 2-3 months. 

After adjusting, just water the trees when needed, especially during the dry season, until they become well-established, regularly check the soil at the base of the tree to ensure you water just enough. 

6. Stake your fruit trees

Staking your new fruit tree is essential to keep it vertical while they become established. It’s specifically required for dwarf trees. Staking also keeps the root immobilised, so the new roots won’t be affected by the tree moving or tipping over. 

Place the stake about a foot from the tree after planting. You can remove it once the tree is established and can stand independently. 

7. Prune if needed

Many would ask if pruning is necessary for young trees. Well, yes, but only when needed. Pruning can help shape the tree and reduce moisture stress from digging and transplanting. Tip pruning also stimulates the tree to grow more roots and start the process of producing buds and shoots. 

Pruning may be much needed during the first year of planting, but as long as it’s done adequately and properly, little to no pruning will be necessary for the coming years. 

8. Mulch for beneficial bacteria

Mulching is essential for your new fruit tree. A good mulch ring around your tree will help conserve soil moisture and block weeds. This can improve the biodiversity of the soil and encourage healthy root growth. 

Create a mulch ring about three feet from the base of the tree. It’s important to avoid mulch touching the tree trunk as this will promote rotting. You can use any organic material like wood chips, grass clippings, dried leaves, and compost in 2-4 inches thick mulch. 

Conclusion

While fruit tree growing and maintenance can be tricky and difficult, it’s always gratifying, especially when biting into the first freshly picked fruit from your tree. 

Paying attention to our tips above will help your new tree survive and yield a better fruit crop!

If you require tree pruning or tree removal services, please call our experienced Sydney tree loppers on 0475 463 597!

Base of Tree Rotting: Everything You Need To Know

For thousands of years, trees have been a component of human existence. They are widely regarded as the basis for spirituality and religion in many cultures. 

Today, trees are flawlessly a beautiful and valuable addition to both our environment and our property. 

As you can see, different trees and plants flourish in every neighbourhood to offer warmth and shade. Trees purify the air, remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and supply us with oxygen. 

True enough, plants are essential to preserving human health and a healthy ecosystem.

However, as it grows and is just beginning to establish itself, it encounters issues that cause rotting and other forms of degeneration. This problem shouldn’t cause you any concern. If you see signs of decay or rot at the base of your plants, keep reading.

Common Reasons Why Rotting Tree Bases Occur?

We all know that the tree’s base is the first and foremost foundation, the thing that holds the entire structure together. The base is the essential element that transports water and nutrients for it to thrive and flourish.

And when it shows signs of decay, cutting down the limb or base of your tree might be your first thought. You have every reason to be concerned, as it is particularly true that rotting is one of the indicators of a dead or dying tree.

However, if you’ve noticed your tree is rotting, it’s highly discouraged to cut it off, even sealing it in any way. 

That’s right, you read it correctly. 

The best thing you can do for a well-established tree that shows signs of rot is to let it take care of itself.

The following are common reasons why tree bases rot:

1. Caused by natural events

Our trees frequently sustain damage from routine exposure to natural occurrences like storms, floods, birds, and other wildlife.

2. Human inflicted harm

Just like other living things, trees can be harmed by people. We’re not exempted from causing injury to our trees, especially due to our negligence such as:

• accidents involving construction equipment
• Driving into the base of the tree
• landscaping activities
• ..among other human-inflicted harm

3. Tree diseases

Trees can contract a variety of diseases, such as those brought on by fungi, bacteria, insect infestations, and wounds to the trunk. These diseases are brought on by pathogens, which are spread by animals, wind, insects, and other insects.

4. Old age

Older trees are more vulnerable to pests, soil-borne illnesses, fungal infections, and other problems. By infecting the tree’s roots, trunk, branches, and other sections, these infections might harm it, leading to its demise.

Why Should You Leave Your Tree Alone?

A well-established tree, it repairs and seals the rot. It takes care of itself by growing new wood for its wound on its own. Simply put, it heals naturally. Rot or decay do not necessarily indicate that a tree is dying. 

Some of these symptoms are manageable. In other instances, the tree itself halts the progress of deterioration. 

But were you aware that the rotting of tree bases is a natural process? In most cases, after a tree is cut down, it decomposes and the remaining parts—most notably the roots and trunk—are left to rot. 

Knowing how valuable trees make it heartbreaking to see them deteriorate. If your tree is healthy, it is strongly advised that you leave it alone to heal itself. 

Tree rot typically manifests as the following:

• Presence of cracks or holes in the bark
• Visible dead branches or trunk 
• Leaves discolouration or spotting
• Spare leaf covering 
• Mushrooms or fungi growing on the tree’s trunk, around its roots, or on the surrounding ground
• Bark or wood injuries caused by poor pruning, broken branches, etc
• Tree is starting to tilt
• Sawdust covering the tree’s base
• ..and more

If you believe it needs some help, here are the following options to give your tree some TLC:

Give it a boost

A rotting base is often a common indication of a weak, hurt, or dying tree. Providing it with all the tools necessary to fend off wood rot, make it simpler for the tree to grow new tissues. Ensuring the tree has enough water and nutrients is a wonderful way to increase its chances of surviving. 

Give it a prune

Pruning a tree has many advantages— sick, dead, or damaged branches need to be taken down immediately. Regular pruning minimises the required labour and the strain on the tree’s base during its lifespan. Essentially, pruning your tree significantly affects its growth, health and survival.

Call an expert tree removal service in Sydney

If corrective measures are no longer effective in treating advanced decay or rot, it’s best to call an expert removalist. The structural stability is likely to be damaged, and it could collapse anytime, endangering your family. 

Alternatively, it might collapse into a nearby building or utility line, causing damage and unwanted arguments.

With routine maintenance, rot or decay can be avoided. It is recommended to delegate the task to the skilled Sydney tree removal company if you believe you lack the equipment to safeguard your tree from physical and natural harm.