SAve, BEautify and Love Your Trees: Tree CAre Tips

For the most part, trees are very low on the list of things Australians consider to be dangerous. Unlike venomous spiders and snakes, trees are a static and often times beautiful part of this country's natural landscape, adding as much character to its many world-class national parks as it does to suburban households and town gardens. Despite this, falling trees and tree branches do unfortunately account for a number of injuries and even fatalities in Australia every year. This is not to mention the severe property damage that unstable trees can cause, particularly when bad weather, such as extreme winds and lightning storms, occur. 

How to identify a dangerous tree? 

It is important to inspect trees that may be on or near enough to your property to cause damage a few times every year, especially in spring, fall, and following severe storms. While doing so, you should focus on all sides of the tree, and also look at the tree from up close and from further away. Flaking bark, cuts and dead wood could suggest instability and a potential hazard.

Furthermore, take a look at the lean or curvature of the tree. While a little lean is generally normal, giving that this is how trees grow, a serious lean, especially if its over the top of your home, should be taken seriously. Pay particular close attention to heaving soil or exposed roots at the trees base. All it may take is another strong gust of wind to send the trunk crashing down. 

Trees with multiple trunks are also usually more unstable than single trunk trees, as the many trunks may weaken one another. V-shape trunks and cracks that run very deep into the tree are signs of danger and should be addressed.

When to call a tree specialist? 

Tree specialists or arborists specialise in pruning or removing trees that might pose a threat to a household or community. While not every situation calls for their expertise, it is essential to know when to call them to prevent any unnecessary injuries or damage. 

When it comes to leaning trees, cutting away excess branches or leaves that may weigh down on the tree can prevent it from leaning further. Attaching cables to the opposite side of the tree can also help. Arborists would take the lead in the latter process, but the former can easily be done on your own. If you're unsure, however, you should call the specialists anyway.

Dangerous trees with multiple tree trunks are usually best left to the professionals as the procedures involved can be unsafe. An arborist will basically attach a number of cables around the trunks and branches causing problems in order to stabilise the tree and prevent future breakage. 

Overall, if you see a tree that could be interpreted as a hazard and don't know what to do about it, it's always a good idea to call a tree specialist. This is what they're here for after all.