Daniel BrooksA tree that looks fine from the kitchen window can still be a risk. Trees are alive, and they change with age, weather, disease and the ground they grow in. Most can be kept healthy with sensible care, but some reach the point where removal is the safest choice for the people and property around them. This guide explains the signs that a tree may be dangerous, the situations that raise the risk, when removal is justified and how to choose a service you can trust.
Signs a tree may be dangerous
A healthy tree moves in the wind and drops the odd twig. A tree that is becoming a hazard tends to show it, and an assessment from Perth tree removal specialists who are insured and experienced is the safest way to be sure, because internal decay is often invisible from the ground. These are the signs to look for:
- Large dead branches, or branches that are hanging or broken but still attached.
- Cracks, splits or hollow sections in the trunk.
- A lean that has changed, especially after a storm.
- Fungus growing at the base of the trunk or on the roots, which can indicate decay.
- Soil lifting or cracking around the base, or roots that have been damaged or exposed.
- Sparse or dying foliage on a tree that was previously full.
A few of these signs, such as one dead branch, do not always mean the whole tree must come down. Several together, or any of them on a large tree close to a building, are a reason to get an assessment, since a quick look from a non expert can miss what is happening inside the trunk.
Trees near buildings, powerlines, fences and pools
Where a tree grows matters as much as what condition it is in. The same tree can be harmless in an open paddock and a serious risk beside a house.
- Branches over a roof can damage tiles, gutters and skylights in a storm, and a tree that fails close to the house can cause serious structural damage. Large roots can also lift paving and affect drains and, in some cases, foundations.
- Branches that grow into or toward powerlines are a safety hazard and can cause outages. Never attempt to cut near powerlines yourself. Work near powerlines should only be done by suitably qualified crews. Western Power, which operates the electricity network in and around Perth, publishes guidance on managing trees near powerlines.
- Fences and boundaries. Roots and falling branches can damage fences and affect a neighbour’s property, which can lead to disputes.
- Pools and play areas. Falling limbs are more dangerous where people gather. Leaf and debris drop also creates ongoing maintenance in pools.
- Bushfire prone areas. Dense vegetation close to a home can add to bushfire risk. Rules about clearing vary, so check the requirements for your area.
If a tree is already close to a structure and shows any of the warning signs above, the risk is higher and the case for acting sooner is stronger.
When removal is the only sensible option
Removal is usually a last resort, and in many cases careful trimming is enough. A healthy tree that simply overhangs a roof, for example, may only need selective pruning. Removal tends to make sense when:
- The tree is dead or dying and cannot be saved.
- The trunk or main structure is cracked, split or decayed to the point that it could fail.
- The tree has been badly damaged in a storm.
- Disease or pests are present and could spread to other trees.
- The tree is in the wrong place, such as a large species growing too close to a building, with roots causing ongoing damage.
- It has become unstable because of root damage or ground changes.
A qualified assessor can tell you which of these applies and whether there are alternatives. If you are told removal is the only option, it is reasonable to ask why, what the assessor found and whether pruning or other treatment was considered.
Council rules and approvals
Do not assume you can remove any tree on your property. Many local governments protect certain trees, and rules about size, species and location differ from one area to another. Trees on the verge in front of your home are generally the council’s responsibility, so check before you touch them. Always contact your local council before removing a large or significant tree, so that you know what approvals, if any, apply. Removing a protected tree without permission can lead to penalties, and a reputable tree service will ask about approvals before starting work.
Choosing a tree service
Tree work is dangerous, and a poorly managed job can cause as much damage as the problem it is meant to solve. When choosing a service, look for:
- Ask for evidence of public liability cover. If an uninsured crew damages your property or is injured on site, you could be left exposed.
- Qualifications and experience. Look for formal training in arboriculture and a clear track record with trees of the size you have.
- A written quote. It should state exactly what is included, such as removal, cutting up, clean up, green waste disposal and stump grinding.
- Safe work practices. A crew that uses proper protective equipment and sets up the site carefully is a good sign.
- Clear communication. A good provider explains what they plan to do and why, and answers your questions without pressure.
Be cautious of anyone who knocks on your door offering immediate work, asks for payment up front or cannot show insurance. Ask for references or look at independent reviews, and get more than one quote for a large job.
It also helps to know what happens on the day. A typical removal involves the crew assessing the site, setting up exclusion zones, cutting the tree down in sections and clearing the debris. Large trees near buildings or powerlines may require climbing or specialist equipment. Ask how access, parking and clean up will be managed, particularly if the tree is in a tight spot.
Decide after a proper assessment
Not every tree with a dead branch needs to come down, but some trees really are safer gone. The key is to look for the warning signs, consider where the tree stands in relation to people and property and get a proper assessment before deciding. Check the council requirements, choose an insured and experienced crew and do not attempt the work yourself. A careful decision now is far better than a costly emergency after the next storm.