Lots of rain and strong winds have created a perfect combination to test out the strength and stability of our trees. Whilst the majority of trees have held fast, a small percentage have succumbed to forces of Mother Nature.

So which trees are most susceptible to falling or damage?

1. Trees evolved in large groups (forests). Stand alone trees or those in small groups are more susceptible to wind damage.

2. Trees in exposed positions near the coast and escarpments are more prone to failure.

3. Trees with restricted root zones next to roads, foot paths, retaining walls or excavations.

4. Trees in areas with shallow soil on top of sandstone or clay.

5. Exotic or non-endemic trees trees with shallow root systems that are not growing in their normal soil conditions or forest groups such as deodar and radiata pine

5. Trees in areas of poor drainage , where water flow can undermine the root system.

5. Trees with structural faults such as multiple stems and cavities.

6. Trees with dense and heavy foliage (this acts as a sail for the wind to blow against)

What can be done to storm proof my tree?

1. Give your trees root system room to grow. Extend their root zone with mulched areas.

2.Tree Pruning to thin out the canopy. This reduces the sail effect, which allow wind to blow through the tree rather than against it.

3. Prune your tree to remove structural defects and weaknesses.

4. Install cabling or bracing into your tree. Using modern rope fibres in your tree to hold branches and trunk sections together can be used to create a safety catch for branches and tree sections in some situations.

5.Tree Removal. Quite obvious, but hazardous trees in residential areas should be removed – before they damage property – not after.

6. Plant the right species in the right place. Seek advice from your arborist if needed.

6. Have your tree inspected by a qualified arborist either annually, or after any extreme weather events to identify tree hazards with a tree hazard assessment.

For further information on any of these services please visit click here for your Tree Service Central Coast

We also offer a 24 hour emergency tree service to the Central Coast Region of NSW. Please call me on 0402418017 for emergency assistance.