Why Do You Need Possum Banding for Your Trees

Possums are cute furry animals that you do not want inside your house nor in your yard. You won’t even think of having them as pets since Australian laws forbid trapping wildlife. So, how do you deal with these little creatures when they start pestering your peaceful home? Trees Down Under has got your back.

The Problem with Possums

The common brushtail possum is the most prevalent marsupial in Australia. This animal is a common sight even to city-dwellers because of their ability to adapt to natural and human-made environments. This high adaptability has a toll on Australian homeowners. Originally, possums nest in tree hollows in the forest. But, they have found their way into ceilings and hollow spaces of houses and buildings and sought refuge in those areas since. 

Apart from lurking inside the house, possums can also cause significant damages to trees and plants in your yard. This animal mainly eats leaves, fruits, vegetables, and flowers, so they might as well feast on the foliage and produce that your garden and trees have to offer. You would understand the frustration if you ever had such uninvited pests in your place. 

With the National Parks and Wildlife Act, the antics of possums seem unstoppable. The law prohibits killing and endangering possums unless you have a permit to do so. What then can you do to protect your home and trees? The answer is possum banding.

What is Possum Banding?

Possum banding is a measure to keep possums out of your trees’ foliage and out of your house. It also prevents possums from grazing on the healthy leaves and fruits of your trees. 

Possum banding involves limiting possum access from nearby trees, buildings, posts, and other constructions by pruning branches or adding possum band to tree limbs. Isolating your trees from neighbouring structures ensures that possums won’t have any more passageways other than the trunk. Then, you’ll cover the main stem with a possum band made of polycarbonate or colour bond to eliminate the last route to the treetop.

Why you Need Possum Banding for your Trees?

Because of possums’ ability to climb trees and destroy the lush canopy overhead, possum banding is a necessary addition for your trees. Here’s why:

Maintains Healthy Condition of Your Trees

One of the main reasons why you need possum banding for your trees is to keep the healthy condition of trees in your yard. Because possum banding prevents possums from accessing the foliage of your trees and feeding on the leaves, fruits, and flowers, you won’t worry about your trees losing any more leaves.

Prevents Grazing of Other Animals

Possums are not your only enemy to obtain a lush and healthy canopy. There are many grazers and animals out there that climb on trees and feed on the leaves and produce of your trees. Lucky for you, polycarbonate banding around the main stem of your trees can also stop these creatures from overgrazing the foliage of your trees. 

Harmless Way to Get Rid of Possums

Possum banding is the safest solution for animal grazers. The band on tree trunks does not harm any protected species of animals and, thus, abides by the National Parks and Wildlife Act. 

Affordable and Economical

Possum band installation is cheap and economical. You can purchase 20 metres of banding sheet for as low as $396.64. Once it’s installed, the band can last for a long time. Moreover, aside from the occasional pruning, you don’t need to do other actions to keep your trees safe.

Eliminates Entryway of Possums into Your Home

Oftentimes, possums enter the ceiling and recesses of your house through the branches of trees that offer access to your home. Possum banding isolates your trees from nearby structures including your home, thereby preventing possums from entering your premises. 

Conclusion

Possums can be destructive for their size. They climb on the trunk and branches of trees and graze on the foliage and fruits, compromising the trees’ health and appearance. To prevent these animals from pestering your trees, you need to install possum bands.

Trees Down Under is here to save the day. We offer possum band installation services to keep the foliage of your trees safe from possums and other grazing animals. We have a team of tree experts dedicated to keeping your garden and trees healthy and appealing. As one of the most reliable company offering landscaping and tree removal services in Sydney, we always strive to ensure premium quality services for our clients.

Stop your trees from losing any more leaves due to possums. Let us install possum bands for your garden. Call us at 0475 463 597 to get a free quote.

Is It Time To Remove Your Tree?

Some trees in your backyard may have been there since you were born and have grown with you. That’s not impossible since trees are stable, sturdy, and they can live for a very long time. 

Despite the longevity of trees, external factors can cause them to break apart or be uprooted. When a tree is at risk of falling, it should be immediately acted upon to prevent any accidents and significant damage to properties when it suddenly collapses. This may be hard to accept, especially if the tree has sentimental value for you, but it may be time to have your beloved tree removed.

Signs that You Need to Have Your Tree Removed

There are many instances wherein a tree just falls down without any signs, such as during a storm or earthquake. However, there are also many circumstances wherein the tree shows indications that it will topple down soon. 

Below are the common signs and symptoms that your tree poses risks and, hence, needs to be removed immediately.

Rotten or decaying tree trunk and limbs

Significant decay of a tree’s trunk and limbs may cause it to easily break apart and fall. Trunk and limb decay can be caused by disease, fungal infection, and pest infestation, thereby making the tree part fragile and easier to collapse.

Old age

Generally, old age can make trees brittle and more susceptible to snap off and break. That’s why it is ideal to know the age of the trees in your yard to know which are at risk of falling down. Moreover, you may also want to replace such old trees with young thriving ones for a healthier and youthful garden space.

Leaning

Although it’s normal for trees to have an inclination, trees may lean abnormally and it’s usually a sign that your tree is at risk of collapsing. Check the tree from every angle so that you can see it wholly and examine any leaning that has just recently occurred. Any unusual disposition in your tree indicates that it would soon fall down.

Decaying roots and unstable ground foundation

The roots of your tree reflect the overall wellness of your tree. Having a good check of the condition of the roots underground can help you assess whether your tree is unstable and is at risk of falling down. Aside from the roots, it is also recommended checking the integrity of the soil base that the tree is rooted in to judge whether it can still hold the entire tree upright.

Should I Remove the Tree Myself or Do I Hire Tree Removal Services?

If you have the guts to perform a tree removal, why not? However, that’s not the only thing you’ll need to carry out such a dangerous and demanding job. Removing a tree is a time-consuming task. Moreover, it’s also a dangerous task, so you must possess the necessary protective gears, proper equipment, and skills to handle the job as safely and efficiently as possible. 

In conclusion, unless you have all of these things, you should discontinue your tree removal venture and just hire professional tree removal services.

Tree Removal Services in Sydney

Hiring a tree removal company can save you tons of money and a lot of effort. 

At Trees Down Under, we strive to ensure your safety around trees. Our team of expert arborists and tree fellers can check up on the trees in your premise that pose the risk of falling down and prevent that from happening. We offer immediate tree removal services so that you and your family are safe from any injuries and your properties safe from damages.

Trees Down Under, we provide 24-hour tree removal services for your needs. Feel free to contact us anytime on 0475 463 597, and we’ll gladly take down risky trees at your place.

What to Do When a Tree Falls On Your House

Trees can suddenly fall due to various reasons. Whether the tree in your backyard topples over because of the storm, strong winds, old age, poor ground foundation, or decay due to pests and diseases, the result would be the same: a disaster. 

Fallen trees can cause accidents and injuries to people and pets. They can also damage to properties such as cars, buildings, and houses where they fall. When a tree lands on your house, immediate action must be taken to ensure the safety of everyone in the house and prevent further damage to your possessions. 

What to Do When a Tree Falls On Your House

So, what do you do when a tree falls on your house? Here are a few measures you can take when that happens.

Leave the house immediately

Your family must always be ready for emergency situations and must be familiar with the evacuation plan. In this kind of emergency, the safety of you and your family must be your top priority. So, everyone in the house should know how to make their way out fast and safely.

You must have an ever-ready emergency bag containing food supplies, money, car keys, and important documents. This would be helpful, especially if the tree falls during a typhoon. Make sure also to lock the doors, especially if there is considerable damage to your house that could take longer to get fixed.

Don’t try to fix your roof

In case a tree crashes on your house, working to fix your roof is not advisable because it’s dangerous. The structure may not be able to withstand your weight and collapse. Furthermore, during a rainstorm, the roof can be slippery and there is always the possibility that you can get struck by lightning. 

Contact Emergency Hotlines

Contact your local emergency service providers as soon as you’re safe. Tell them what happened and stay put. They know better how to handle this kind of emergency, and they have the right personnel to deal with the problems such as fire and electrical dangers.

Call your insurance company

This measure is to help you deal with the expenses brought about by damages to your house. Your insurance company may cover the damage and even have the fallen tree removed from your premise.

Remove the fallen tree

If the weather outside is nice, you may opt to have the tree removed immediately. You can either do it on your own and rent a yard-waste dumpster. Or, you may have it professionally removed by tree removal services in your area. 

Reconstruct your house

You wouldn’t want to live in a deformed house, correct? So, immediately contact your reliable contractor when it’s safe to have your house and roof fixed. For damages that are irreparable, it would be best to have these parts replaced and reconstructed to ensure structural integrity. 

Tree Removal Services in Sydney

Removing a fallen tree in your yard is already a difficult thing to do. What more if there are significant damages done to your properties when the tree lands on your house. There would also be collateral damages to take care of aside from just having the tree removed.

Trees Down Under offers reliable and efficient tree removal services in Sydney. With over 30 years in the industry, our team of professional and skilled tree fellers can take away the hassle of removing a fallen tree from you, so you can focus on the renovation of your disfigured home.

Need emergency tree removal services? Contact us anytime at 0475 463 597, and we’ll be right where you need us to be.

Difference Between Arborist and Tree Surgeon

You might have heard several terms around on tree removal services or tree maintenance in general. You might hear in everyday conversations some complicated words such as horticulturist and tree removalists. Moreover, there are also other technical terms like arborist and tree surgeons. You might hear them a lot and you might start thinking they mean the same thing, but the question is, do they really?

Arborist

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, an arborist is this: “a person whose job is to take care of trees and make sure that they are healthy and safe.” Safe to say, that when you call for your local tree service firm nearby, your arborist is responsible for maintaining your tree and making sure that its growth and health is in the best condition. The arborist is knowledgeable in making sure that your tree is in the best well-being and looks as good in landscape settings too.

Arborists are knowledgeable about factors that affect tree maintenance. They study the surrounding soil of the tree and they can tell best which environments your tree can thrive in. They know best the available options if ever your tree gets sick or you just want to make it look better. You can think of your arborist as a general tree doctor. They might share a slight semblance of responsibility with tree surgeons, but they are definitely different in some degree. 

Tree surgeon

On the other hand, a tree surgeon does the same thing but with a bit more of a technical twist. Tree surgeons are responsible for treating trees and providing them with more medical care and surgery where it is necessary. Tree surgeons deal more with damaged trees. They also cut out unhealthy parts of the tree. They also perform repairs from damages to some parts of a tree to prevent further tree diseases from spreading around.

Part of the responsibilities of a tree surgeon is studying the surroundings of a tree. If ever they choose to cut a tree down or remove some branches from a sick tree, they need to make sure that everything in the area is safe. They make sure that other trees in the area aren’t affected or brought down by a falling tree. To maintain the tree, tree surgeons also have the proper training in finding the proper places to cut.  This way, they prevent the disease from spreading further.  

Conclusion

On a more general outlook, an arborist and a tree surgeon still share a degree of comparison to a certain extent. However, you can think of it this way: your arborist is your tree doctor in general practice for tree care. Meanwhile, on a more practical aspect, your tree surgeon is your tree doctor who can perform the surgery your arborist recommends. They are not the same, but they can work hand in hand to make sure your tree is in impeccable condition.

Although tree surgeons and arborist are different, they should share the same thing: training and certification. Not everybody with an axe or a chainsaw can effectively do a tree surgery and not everyone who is well-informed in trees can take the best care for a tree. Both arborists and tree surgeons undergo deep training to acquire their license and certifications. These people undergo years of practice to make sure your tree is in good hands.

For your tree solutions, Trees Down Under is one of the most experienced experts in the field. We understand that taking care of trees can get as complicated of taking care of your homes. As such, we are here offering complete tree services for you. We have tree surgeons and arborists committed to making sure your trees are in the best shape. You don’t have to worry about sick trees affecting your home or not looking aesthetic enough to match your home style.

All you need to do is to contact us. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we are here for you! You can call our mobile number: 0475 463 597 or you can send us an email for your enquiries at info@treesdownunder.com.au

How Much Do Palm Tree Removal Services Cost in Sydney?

Australia is home to as many as 50 species of Palm Trees. These trees can grow to as much as 10 meters high. Others, on the other hand, can grow as tall as 30 meters high. While palm trees are generally good to look at or enticing to grow, it might get too challenging to maintain in the long run. These plants can grow into a giant that’s quite difficult to manage. 

When it’s time to let your palm tree go, you’ll need your trusted tree removalists to handle this.

There are plenty of tree removalists around for you. However, Trees Down Under can do a top-notch removal for the palm trees you want gone. After all, you’ll want experts handling your tree matters at home. On top of that, you might want to consider the price tag that comes along the tree removal services you need. 

Maintaining a tree is not cheap. The same goes for removing it. You might want to ask, how much are tree removal services, really?

There are factors to consider in breaking down the expenses of tree removals in Sydney. These considerations will vary the bucks you’ll need to shell out to remove the palm tree in your property. 

Size of palm tree

Palm trees can grow really high. They can also grow really thick around the trunk. This factor is the biggest factor in handling tree removal services. Larger trees tend to cost more because your tree removalists need more work and more time to remove the tree from your property. For smaller palm trees, a simple chainsaw might do the trick. However, the larger the palm tree, the more equipment and time your tree removal team needs to take it off the ground. 

Location of the palm tree

Palm trees can grow in different locations. The normal scenarios would be a palm tree growing gradually in your backyard. However, truthfully, palm trees can grow in other different settings. Maybe the palm tree you want to remove is in a really dense area filled with other plants. Moreover, different areas and locations add more council fees. Different regions might also charge different additional fees for the required paperwork in the tree removal job.

Transportation and distance

Cutting down the tree is one thing. Removing it completely and transporting it for disposal is another. You can’t just leave a tree that’s taken out in your backyard to eventually rot and disappear. It will give more complications to your property sooner. Transportation and distance add to the cost of the service. The farther the site is, the more time and work it takes to bring the tree, the more it will cost.

Other external factors

There are other factors that affect a tree removal service. You might want to consider thinking about hiring more people to handle the job. This is more necessary for trees that are really big in size. Another factor is the time and urgency of the service. 24-hour tree removalists cost more depending on the time of the day you book them. Emergency tree service removals will also cost more due to the urgency the service demands from the available team. 

Other factors that you might want to consider before making your booking appointment are:

• Type of palm tree
• Safety measures
• Additional people to do the job
• Other added services you want

Conclusion

There is not a single price that can fit any palm tree removal job. All tree removals are unique. You can estimate how much your tree removal job is by asking us a quotation. We will gladly give you an estimate of how much removing your palm tree will cost you. You can get your free quotation here.

Trees Down Under has been around for more than three decades. We have provided tree services to anybody who has called us in need. As a team with more experiences than most, we can take care of your palm tree for you. All you need to do is to contact us. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we are here for you!

You can call our mobile number at 0475 463 597 or you can send us an email for your enquiries at info@treesdownunder.com.au

How Often Should You Do Tree Maintenance?

Trees play a significant role in maintaining the ecosystem and natural landscapes of Sydney. In addition, trees give a different level of beauty to your home exterior that other plants can’t provide. On the other hand, growing a tree on your lawn may require a sense of responsibility in taking care of it.

Tree maintenance includes all the methods of keeping your tree in its best condition, such as proper care, trimming, pruning and the likes. Thus, when you choose to grow trees in your premises, maintaining them is a must. Otherwise, injuries or accidents can happen due to your negligence and ignorance.

Moreover, improper care of trees can accumulate its dead or diseased trees, ready to fall any moment. Thus, maintaining an adequately scheduled trimming is essential to prevent it from falling to someone.

Aside from ensuring everyone’s safety, tree maintenance is essential in keeping your trees healthy, robust, and beautiful. To help keep your trees in their best condition, let’s discuss how often should you do tree maintenance.

Tree Maintenance

There’s a lot of reasons why you should have frequent tree maintenance in your yard. Here are some of the things you need to do in maintaining your trees:

• Remove dead or diseased branches
• Trim out foliages, so it’s not thick and dangerous
• Prune lower limbs of trees to clear objects and views obstructed
• Ask for an arborist how to properly care and maintain your trees

Maintaining your tree through pruning and trimming encourages new growth. You can expect that it gives you a sturdy tree, enhancing the tree’s aesthetics and allows for lush growth. Besides, it allows more sunlight to get through the plant.

Furthermore, trimming your trees reduces the weight of a dense canopy. Thus, providing more food and water by eliminating excessive and competing branches.

Tree Maintenance Schedule

Maintaining your tree depends on several factors such as type, size, age, and health of the tree. Some trees require more frequent trimming than other types. But it would help if you determine how fast your trees grow in terms of season.

• Prune your trees during the dormant season or at the middle of the winter
• Some trees grow faster when it gets old, thus requiring frequent pruning and trimming
• Prune younger trees every 2-3 years
• For mature trees, prune your tree every 3-5 years
• Trim off the dead branches and other hazardous parts when the issue arises
• Never trim more than 25 per cent of the foliage

Tree Types to Maintain

One way of maintaining the look and condition of the trees is by pruning or trimming it. However, cutting its part to boost the whole tree differs in every type of trees. Although there are more types, here are some of the trees you need to keep in mind when trimming or reducing foliage:

Fruit Trees

Trimming fruit trees encourages new growth and fruit yield. Thus it’s important to trim it once a year and suitably during its dormant months.

Evergreen

Evergreens shed its damaged or dead branches easily. It’s why you don’t need to do so much trimming with evergreens unless it’s causing a hazard.

Oak Trees

Compared to the first two, oak trees require a strict trimming schedule. It beneficial for the young tree when trimming is possible every two to three years. When it gets older, it’s optimal to trim it every three to five years.

Factors Affecting Frequent Maintenance 

Timing

Pruning your trees while young is same as getting a haircut- it removes the old part and trains for a finer structure. In this way, you’re making the tree prepare for its maturity with good form and structure.  You also reduce future pruning when it matures, thus lowering pruning cost over the years.

Location

It’s a critical decision to place your tree in the right location. When planting a tree that grows 50 feet wide near your house, then you may need pruning and trimming as frequent than usual.

Try considering how large a mature tree can grow and give it enough space to grow. In this way, you won’t need frequent multiple prunings and maintain the excellent state of your trees.

Condition

It’s a good idea if you can prune or trim your tree once a year during the dormant season. In that way, it will maintain your tree to its full potential. However, there are circumstances when you need to do it immediately, such as:

• When foliage obstructs view in a pedestrian or intersection
• When suddenly the branches of trees interfere with power lines
• When it can cause possible damage to your home or there’s a safety concern

Conclusion

Trees on the premises become one’s responsibility to maintain, ensuring it’s in the best condition and won’t cause any danger. Tree maintenance can give the potential aesthetics of your outdoors and landscapes. A well-planned schedule on trimming and pruning your trees can keep up the excellent condition of the plant.

Moreover, the types of trees in your area demand different schedules of maintaining. Yearly pruning of young trees is essential while mature plants require it every 3-5 years. 

At Trees Down Under, we can give expert advice on how frequent you should maintain your trees. Our qualified arborists can go to your place and provide ideas on how to manage your trees and even other plants in your landscape. 

Trees Down Under ensures that your trees won’t cause any danger and continue to look exceptional than ever. For all your tree maintenance needs, please call us at 0475 463 597 for a free estimate. We are the perfect answer to your garden.

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Sydney?

Trees are the linking pieces between the harmony of nature and the continuous development of Sydney. However, people tend to cut trees to give way for the infrastructures and buildings around the city. 

Aside from that, the potential risks of trees from falling in your properties or injuring your loved ones demand its removal. That said, how much does it cost to remove unwanted trees in Sydney?

Tree Removal Cost Estimates

The average cost of tree removal throughout Australia reaches $871 and ranges from $350- $10,000. In Sydney, the city-wide average pricing of tree removal falls around $949- $1,290. 

However, the given data is merely a rough estimate. When you’re getting your trees removed, the rule of thumb is to get ready for additional expenses depending on the size of your trees and other factors which we’ll discuss further.

Cost on Tree Sizes

Small Tree Removal

The small trees near your home could reach 1-1.5 stories high. Having a professional remove them would cost you $150-850. Examples of small trees common in Sydney are Lilly Pilly trees and Bottle Brush.

Medium Tree Removal

As high as one and a half to three storeys (1½ – 3), medium-sized tree removal would cost you roughly $650-1500. This includes Liquidambars, Silky oak, Casuarina and other trees with the same height.

Large Tree Removal

Significantly large trees such as Gum trees can reach more than three stories high. Also, there are other trees that could reach more than three stories and costs $1,500-3,000 to have an arborist remove them.

Extra Large Tree Removal

Who knows that you might encounter more than 50 metres trees such as Eucalyptus tree. Trees in this size are gigantic, costing you more than $5,000 to get them removed.

Removal Application Fees

Tree removal needs permission from the local council, and application fees are ranging from $50 to $150. Situations such as emergency ones and small trees in your property might not require permission. 

However, you’ll get fines of more than $5,000 for removing trees without a permit, though it requires one. So, it’s better to check the existing policies in your council before removing trees.

Cost-Adding Factors

Access to Tree Location

The level of difficulty to access your tree would add cost in the process. When it’s easier for truck and other equipment to get near the tree, the price is lower. But dragging your tree pieces by pieces from the back to the front yard will cost you higher.

Trunk Diameter

When trunks of your trees are bigger, expect for a double price. A wider diameter of the trunk is harder to get removed, and cost for tree removal depends on trunk sizes. 

Emergency Removal

Most of the emergency tree removal arise after severe storms and strong winds. In this situation, you’ll face more expensive removal process due to the following reasons:

1. After severe storms, arborists are in-demand out there removing fallen trees. You’ll have difficulty to find one in these times.
2. The danger of handling trees falling to your home, cars, powerlines and etc., aside from removing it after storms.
3. It requires thorough planning for plant surgeon to remove your trees quickly and safely.

Tree Weight

Denser trees would cause a higher load to the equipment and truck, costing you much higher compared to smaller and lighter trees.

Number of Branches

The number of branches is also a factor in pricing. The cost you need in removing a huge gum tree with little foliage is similar to a small but dense Lily Pilli tree.

Spread of Branches

It looks similar to the number of branches, but it’s not. When your tree spreads long branches reaching your roof and other properties, arborist needs to climb or ‘branch walk’ to remove it safely.  

Trees with these branches need more time to get removed, thus adds to the price.

Duel Leaders/Trunks

It’s not uncommon to see gum trees with multiple trunks at the main base. It’s similar to removing two trees instead of one at a time, thus requiring an extra cost.

Tree Condition

Aside from storms-stricken trees, rotting or diseased trees are challenging to handle. It needs to get removed pieces by pieces requiring more time. Also, it requires safe handling to prevent the spread of disease to neighbouring trees.

Choosing Service Providers

When you’re dealing with small trees, a local gardener is suitable for this task and save you money. But for trees over one story, a qualified arborist is what you need to look for in removing it.

Other Factors

When you want your work done during the weekend or at night, that’s an additional cost. Also, obstacles or any toxic materials on-site making tree removal difficult will cost you higher. On top of these, some instances need tipping fees for the personnel working on your problem.

Services to Consider

Waste Removal

Most of tree removal service includes the clean-up of your premises. But confirm if it’s covered. Otherwise, you’ll deal with the clean-up of tree cuttings.

Stump Removal

You might assume that tree removal includes getting rid of the whole tree. But it’s only cutting the tree, and you’re left with a tree stump. Left stump on the ground makes the tree sprouts new branches and eventually grow again.

So it’s better to include stump removal service on the day the tree is cut down, and prevent your whole tree removal expenses into waste. 

Log splitting

You can make use of the removed tree for your fireplace. If you include log splitting service, surely you’ll have plenty of supply of firewood.

In a Nutshell

Trees give us unending benefits that anyone could ever ask for. However, in situations where trees are risky or hinder infrastructure ‒ you have to consider removing them. Besides, tree removal has a high price to pay for.

The cost you need for tree removal depends on the size, weight, diameter, condition, and many other factors. But in a risky situation, the safety that tree removal brings to your loved ones and properties is priceless. Also, removing trees give way to the positive development of the nation.

At Trees Down Under, we are your best partner in removing any sizes of trees in your area. We have qualified tree fellers ensuring to remove your trees in the safest and most efficient way possible. We also give 24-hour emergency tree removal services across Sydney.

Call us at 0475 463 597 for a free estimate. We’ll ensure your tree removal problem is a worry of the past. Trees Down Under is the perfect answer to your garden.

Situations Where Emergency Tree Removal is Necessary

The diverse community of trees in Sydney are known to be sturdy and elegant throughout its growth. It gives shade, beauty, fruits, and oxygen for a more refreshing atmosphere in the city. However, it weakens and falls overtime– a situation that makes it risky and needs to get removed.

Aside from falling, other potential risks of trees can cause serious threats to your family and properties. In a situation like this, an emergency tree removal is needed. 

An emergency tree removal is considered when there is an imminent threat to happen or the situation needs it. Although the immediate action won’t require permission in most cases, you might pay higher due to the risks it brings.

But safety matters over any amount of expense. With that, let’s create a clear line on what situations do emergency tree removal becomes necessary.

Damage to Property

It’s amazing to witness trees near your home lasting for decades and it’s not so uncommon. But like any other living creatures, it ages, eventually perishes and becomes a witness of the past.

Due to aging, large branches can suddenly fall and shatter your windshield. Same with the situation, a whole old tree can even drop and strike your house leaving a dent on the roof.

When trees threaten the safety of your property, emergency tree removal is deemed. Aside from damaging your property, it can inflict injuries and even loss of life.

Diseased Trees

Infections to trees can weaken its safeguard, and allows pests to inhabit the trees. Aside from looking bad, a diseased tree starts to rot and can fall anytime. When you find trees dying or showcasing symptoms of an infected tree near your place, it’s best to get them removed.

Mostly, it’s not advisable to remove these trees on your own. You need a professional arborist to handle it to avoid the spread of the disease across the neighbouring trees.

Storm Stricken Trees

The harsh weather conditions from severe storms can cause damages to trees, and the signs are not apparent to any laypersons. Hence, a storm cleanup is necessary to ensure everything is safe.

Professional arborists and other reputable companies can conduct a storm cleanup in your area. Cleanups from this professional personnel can identify potentially hazardous trees. Also, they can help you get rid of the debris, fallen branches, leaves and more.

Trees Across Powerlines

Your powerlines have to be far enough from the surrounding trees. Bush fire and electrocution are possible when foliage outgrowth and branches are falling on the powerlines.

Also, uprooted trees can damage underground services. That’s why the seven-metre distance of poles to trees are required. From these serious risks, it needs immediate tree removal.

Blocking Roads, Paths

It’s difficult to imagine a tree would fall in front of you while driving. In this situation, it poses risks to all passers-by and congests the road. Thus, emergency tree removal is necessary as soon as possible.

Selling Property

In times that you need to move to another place, selling your home is beneficial. However, trees might alter the design of your landscapes and reduce potential buyers.

In order to maximise the selling price, emergency tree removal is necessary. Such a move, you’ll surely restore the beauty of your property and attracts numerous buyers.

Conclusion

Trees are the most spectacular plants in any place you go, yet situations arise that you need to remove them. Even the sturdiest trees suffer damage from extreme weather conditions and aging. So it’s natural that trees weaken and fall that can cause havoc and injuries.

Moreover, scenarios when trees are diseased, damaged, placed near powerlines and even block roads are considered urgent and need emergency tree removal. On top of everything, you can avoid these situations when you take care of the trees surrounding you. 

At Trees Down Under, we can ensure the safety of your family from any mishaps that trees can bring. We can remove decayed trunks, dying or diseased trees, storm-damaged trees, severely cracked or even overgrowing trees in your area.

For any help on emergency tree removal services, please call us on 0475 463 597.

Differences Between Tree Lopping, Tree Trimming and Tree Topping

As much as there are many ways to properly prune trees, there are also a lot of methods that could negatively affect your trees. To make matters worse, the terms used in tree pruning are technical and can cause confusion. That’s why it’s essential that you know the differences between the terminologies used in pruning to properly address your tree and garden needs. 

Tree trimming is the sustainable way of cutting tree portions to improve the overall aesthetic, health, and safety of the surroundings of the tree. On the other hand, tree lopping and tree topping are unhealthy and destructive trimming methods that should be avoided.

Tree Trimming 

Tree trimming, also known as pruning, is the general practice of cutting insignificant portions of your tree such as the leaves, buds, small branches and roots. It aims to cut the overgrown, dead, and diseased portions of your tree just above the branch collar located at the point of branch attachment. When done correctly, tree trimming can:

• Improve the overall appearance and shape of your trees.
• Strengthen the health of trees and enrich the yield of fruit-bearing trees.
• Ensure the safety of people and properties around the tree by removing the hazards of branches falling off. 
• Prepare parts of your tree for transplanting.

Tree Lopping

Tree lopping and tree topping are unacceptable pruning practices. These terms are often used interchangeably with only a few minor differences. 

Tree lopping is an improper prune cutting method wherein the large side branches of a tree are VERTICALLY chopped off. In this technique, branches are indiscriminately cut through or below the branch collar.

Tree Topping

Like lopping, tree topping is also pruning malpractice which involves the HORIZONTAL cutting of the main stems of the tree. This is done through a heading cut wherein you chopped off the topmost portion of the main branch to a bud or to a small lateral branch that doesn’t assume the main growth. 

Tree topping significantly reduces the foliage at the upper portion of the tree, consequently reducing the tree’s crown size as well as its height. Tree topping is sometimes referred to as heading, tipping, hat-racking, and rounding over. 

Implications of tree lopping and tree topping

The main purpose of lopping and topping trees is to reduce the height and downsize the crown width of trees. This may be because the tree has grown exceedingly than its allotted space. 

Because tree lopping and tree topping remove significant portions of the tree’s foliage, these methods severely affect the appearance, health, and safety of trees.

• Lopped and topped trees look unappealing. Moreover, their patterns of regrowth are unbalanced and unsightly.
• Tree lopping and topping remove the tree’s leaf-bearing crown by half or in full. This creates a disparity between the size of the crown and roots of tree which affects food production and storage. 
• Trees that are lopped or topped may starve from lack of photosynthesis. They may cope by activating their dormant buds to produce epicormic growths but if they don’t have the energy to do so, they may not survive and die.
• Severe wounds caused by the improper cutting methods subject trees to stress, diseases and infestation. These wounds take long to heal and they weaken the trees’ immunity, causing the bacterial and fungal infections to spread throughout the tree. This can lead to the tree’s deterioration and ultimately, to death.
• Trees may also experience sunburn when the bark tissue is exposed. When this happens, cankers may develop and cause the tree’s external covering to split and crack, eventually leading to branch detachment. 
• Epicormic growths are not strongly attached to the bark of the tree so that when these fragile shoots grow bigger and heavier, they are prone to breakage. This can cause damage to properties near the tree and can also lead to injuries or even death to people.

Conclusion

Tree trimming can be done even if you’re not an expert arborist. However, knowing how to properly prune trees is crucial so that you can avoid malpractices such as tree lopping and topping. 

If you ever need professional tree pruning services to help you in your tree pruning needs, Trees Down Under is just one call away. Our team at Trees Down Under is equipped with the right tools, experience, and qualifications to maintain your trees as beautiful, safe, and sustainable as they could be. Want us to do the hassle of pruning trees for you?

Give us a call at 0475 463 597 or send us an enquiry here: info@treesdownunder.com.au 

Methods Used in Tree Pruning

Knowing the best solution to ensure a tree’s long life and health is vital for every tree owner. Trees Down Under, the leading arborists at Sydney’s Northern Suburbs, utilises different methods in tree pruning, tailored for every tree type and season. 

Here are the most common methods used in tree pruning to help you determine the best option for your trees. Each process has a customised approach that will greatly impact your tree’s health and lush over time.

Cleaning

Cleaning is one of the methods that all tree owners must learn. This straightforward pruning practice cuts/remove dead, diseased, and aesthetically unpleasant limbs or foliage to give the tree a polished look.

Most importantly, pruning unwanted branches will significantly stop the spread of diseases and infection in trees. This is particularly easy for small and minor branches. For larger limbs, however, only prune them when infection and transmission are the lowest since open wounds act as access points to fungi and bacteria.

Thinning

Commonly done on dense trees, canopy thinning removes overgrown branches to enhance air circulation and sunlight. A lush garden needs an ample amount of natural light to help thin foliage and flowers to grow.

Furthermore, thinning should only eliminate around 20%-30% of foliage on the tree and should only cut branches that are about five centimetres in diameter. If done correctly, this should open up the foliage and eliminate excess weight from limbs ‒ giving the tree a more natural shape.

Reduction

For many reasons, you want to reduce your tree’s height or width. This can also be done by pruning them using a method called reduction.

The reduction focuses on the careful cutting of stems that may need to be removed for several reasons. This is different from topping, which arborists do not recommend. When you top trees, you remove the major branches or trunks. This causes large wounds that take time to heal, leaving them open to decay. 

Trees Down Under utilises reduction method to shorten and remove branches that are inching towards households, roofings, and utility lines. These branches pose serious risks to people and property and should be removed properly.

Reduction needs in-depth knowledge about a tree’s growth behaviour and which branches need to be pruned. Arborists from Trees Down Under can keep your tree’s natural form while making necessary cuts to keep it healthy and manageable.

Raising

Raising is a type of reduction prune that removes the lower branches of a tree to elevate its crown. This is mostly utilised to give higher clearance for pedestrians, vehicles, establishments, and viewing points or vistas.

This particular method is commonly applied to accommodate more urban environments. Particularly when tree limbs cause an obstruction in public areas like parks and sidewalks, where people and small structures are present. 

Raising a canopy should be done regularly for younger trees to avoid leaving wounds or marks as it fully grows. Preferably, raising your tree to give clearance must be around 3 to 4 ½ metres.

Structural Pruning

Trees that grow in an urban environment grows differently than its natural setting. This is because the cityscape allows for more light to a tree than the forest. This makes structural pruning effective since trees highlight your lush garden and they level up the aesthetics of every landscape.

Structural pruning is mostly overlooked by many arborists and tree owners. Aside from cleaning dead and weak branches, you should maintain proper structural growth for your tree while it is young. This will help improve its health and strength, so it could withstand strong gusts of wind and become effective in storm damage prevention.

Structural pruning involves several steps including:

• Identifying the major limbs and branches
• Determining branches that compete with the main limbs
• Trimming or removing the branches

Conclusion

Trees have specific behaviours and needs, and it is the job of any tree owner and tree-care professionals to prune them appropriately. If you are doubtful of your skills or just don’t have the time to prune your trees, Trees Down Under always got your back.

Our expert arborists can prune all types of trees in many ways, promoting light and wind filtration to enhance the lush of your landscape. We also thin out foliage to increase visibility, shape hedges or shrubs to your desire and avoid overgrowth, which will potentially damage your property or someone else’s.

Call us at 0475 463 597, or email us at info@treesdownunder.com.au, for a free quote. Let us help you elevate your garden, anywhere you are within Sydney’s Northern Suburbs.