Cutting Down Trees on Your Property

1. CUTTING DOWN TREES ON YOUR PROPERTY When, why and what to do when removing a tree from your prope?y. It’s easy to become a?ached to a tree on your prope?y. Aside from the aesthetic aspect, they also create shade and can be home to wildlife. Which is why it can be a difficult decision to remove a tree. However, it is impo?ant to look at the big picture. A damaged, diseased or badly placed tree can cause damage or devalue your prope?y. Below we look at the why, the when and the how of to remove a problematic tree from your prope?y. COMMON REASONS TO REMOVE A TREE There are many signs that even an unskilled gardener can look for to identify that a tree has become a hazard or is sick. Below are just a few signs to look for. THE TREE IS DEAD THE TREE IS SICK This is usually pre?y easy to identify. One of the best ways to determine if a tree or any plant is dead is the tree scratch test. Just beneath the dry, outer layer of bark in a tree’s trunk lies the cambium layer of bark. In a dead tree, it is brown and dry. Look for signs of decay on the trunk, branches dying back, or dead/dying leaves on non-deciduous trees. These can be signs that a tree is unhealthy or diseased. A diseased tree can o?en infect other trees and plants on your prope?y. THE TREE IS LEANING THE TREE IS TOO CLOSE Leaning trees are more of a hazard than those growing ve?ically. A sudden lean indicates breakage or weakening of roots and tree should probably be removed immediately. The roots are encroaching on foundations or structures or pavement. The tree is too close to structures or power lines. THE TREE IS STORM DAMAGED THE TREE IS BUG INFESTED A big storm with high winds can render even a hea?y tree damaged beyond repair. Branches can be broken leaving them at a high risk of falling, or the tree may be completely knocked over. Bugs, such as termites, can damage the structure of a tree, leaving branches at a high risk of falling with a brisk breeze. Worse still, there is a high risk of the bugs spreading to your buildings. THE TREE BLOCKS VIEWS THE TREE DROPS EXCESSIVE DEBRIS If the wrong tree is placed in the wrong position, it can block views devaluing your prope?y. In other cases they can create too much shade, inhibiting the growth of your lawn and garden. Some trees drop many leaves, fruit, saps or seeds leaving a mess on, and sometimes damaging, your lawn or garden. In summer excessive dropped leaves dry out and become a fire hazard. DO I NEED PERMISSION TO CUT DOWN A TREE ON MY PROPERTY? Rules and regulations on tree removal and pruning vary from council to council, so it is always a good idea to give your council a call or visit their website before removing a tree. Below are examples of the types of things different councils throughout Australia will take in to consideration when you apply for a permit. Example measurements are Gold Coast City Council tree removal requirements. 40 cm 1.3m CIRCUMFERENCE OF TRUNK SPECIES OF TREE This measurement is usually taken from 1.3m* above ground level. If the circumference of the trunk is under 40cm*, you may not need to obtain a permit. Some trees are considered invasive or noxious weeds and you may not need to get a permit if that is the case. In most cases you will probably need a permit to remove a native tree. HEIGHT OF TREE DISTANCE FROM HOUSE The height of the tree will be taken into consideration when applying for a permit, If under 3m* in height, you may not need a permit. If the tree or vegetation is less than a ce?ain distance from your house, you may not need a permit to remove it. This depends on the size of your prope?y and location (ie fire prone area's). * Gold Coast City Council ruling FINES FOR ILLEGAL TREE REMOVAL Remember, the rules will vary from council to council so it is always wo?h while checking whether you need a permit or not as fines related to illegally removing a tree can be quite he?y. Maximum fines vary from state to state and can be anywhere from $2,000 to $50,000. It is o?en best to consult a qualified arborist to help guide you through this process to avoid fines. INFOGRAPHIC PROVIDED BY: WWW.JCTREESERVICES.COM.AU source: h?p://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/documents/bf/do-i-need-to-lodge-an-application-remove-vegetation-private-prope?y.pdf