Maintaining trees on your property

Tree care starts from when the tree is young, find a reputable plant supplier to ensure they have good stock. Consider the future plant size and if the location would be suitable. Avoid planting too close to buildings, infrastructure, boundary fences and easements to reduce future issues.  Check for under and above services (gas, water, electrical). Consider how much sunlight the area receives and what the plant you have selected has tolerance for. 

When planting your tree ensure the trunk flare (where the trunk expands at the base of the tree) is viable when sitting in the hole that has been dug. Ensure tree is straight when situated in the hole.

With 70% of all land in the municipality being private, ensuring that property owners support the Brimbank Private Tree Protection Policy is critical to its success. This is especially so given the increased demand for subdivision and development. It’s important that plantings on private land are successful, so that the trees grow to full maturity and provide maximum benefits. When you are proposing new trees, it is important to consider the right tree for the right location.

Some things to consider when choosing your tree: 

• Native and indigenous trees provide valuable habitat for local birds and insects. If space is too constrained for a large gum tree, there are many smaller species that are suitable
• Deciduous trees provide sun in winter and shade in summer.  Consider the aspect of the building when deciding where to place them
• As trees are living organisms they need maintenance. Formative pruning in the first decade can result in a much stronger mature tree
• Consider the practical aspects of selecting trees, such as shade and screening. Select trees and plants that have low maintenance and water requirements and are commercially available
• Locate trees clear of fence lines and outside of easements or service areas. Smaller shrubs and vegetation with less extensive root systems are encouraged in these areas
• Tall trees, if maintained well, can add character to the landscape.

Mulching can reduce environmental stress by providing trees with a stable root environment. It reduces competition from surrounding weeds and turf and can prevent mechanical damage by keeping machines such as lawn-mowers away from the tree's base.

To be effective, mulch should be placed no thicker than 10cm and cover as much of the area under the tree drip line as possible. When placing mulch, care should be taken not to touch the trunk of the tree as this can cause trunk rot. Organic mulch such as loosely packed shredded leaves, pine straw, peat moss or composted wood chips is suitable. 

There are may reasons tree pruning should be undertaking, including:  

• to remove an identified hazard 
• form a newly planted tree 
• maintaining clearances 
• reduce overhanging. 

It is important to understand what type of tree pruning is required. This advice can be provided by a qualified arborist. 

Pruning should be undertaken with an understanding of how trees respond to each cut, as improper and outdated pruning techniques such as topping and lopping can cause damage that could last the life of the tree and increase the potential for diseases and development - reducing a tree’s life expectancy. When undertaken correctly, benefits include reducing risk of branch and stem breakage, improved health and appearance, and increased flowering.  

Pruning of large, mature trees also requires a thorough knowledge of tree physiology and pruning methods. All pruning must be carried out in accordance with the Australian Standard – AS 4373 – 2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees.  Pruning large trees can be dangerous. If pruning requires working above ground with power equipment it is best to hire a trained arborist. 

An arborist can determine what type of management is necessary to improve the health, appearance and safety of your trees. A professional arborist can provide the services of a trained crew, with all of the required safety equipment and insurance. 

A regular tree inspection is a great tool to bring to attention any change in the tree's health before the problem becomes too serious. By providing regular inspections of mature trees (at least once a year), you can prevent or reduce the severity of future disease, insect and environmental problems. During the inspection, be sure to examine new leaves or buds, leaf size, twig growth, and crown dieback (gradual death of the upper part of the tree).  

Any abnormalities found during these inspections, including insect activity, spotted, deformed, discoloured or dead leaves and twigs, should be noted and watched closely. Taking annual photos from the same location at the same time of the year can be a great reference for you. 

If you are uncertain as to what should be done, report your findings to an arborist, or other tree care professional, for advice on possible treatment. 

Hiring an arborist deserves careful consideration. This information can help you choose the right arborist for your needs, be it tree planting, tree health advice, pruning or removal. Arborists also provide a variety of other tree care services, such as spraying or injecting to control certain insect and disease problems, cabling or bracing for added support to branches with weak attachment and provision of reports for planning, risk management, and tree management plans. 

Before removing or pruning vegetation on your property, contact us to find out if there are any controls on your property.

When selecting an arborist: 

Check for membership in professional organisations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Arboriculture Australia (AA), Victorian Industry Organisation (VTIO). Such membership demonstrates a willingness to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and information. 

Ask for proof of insurance and then phone the insurance company if you are not satisfied. A reputable arborist carries personal and property damage insurance as well as workers compensation insurance. 

Be sure they comply with Brimbank City Council’s local laws or any state laws that govern their work. 

Ask for references to find out where the company has done work similar to the work you are requesting. Don’t hesitate to check references or visit other work sites where the company or individual has done tree work. 

Unless you are familiar with the work of an arborist, obtain more than one quotation. Don’t always accept the lowest quote. You should examine the credentials and the written specifications of submitted quotes and determine the best combination of price, work to be done, skill, and professionalism to protect your trees. 

Good arborists will perform only accepted practices. Unacceptable practices include: 

• lopping/removing excessive amounts of live wood 
• using climbing spurs on trees that are not being removed 
• removing or disfiguring living trees without just cause. 

Improper tree care can take many years to correct and in some cases, it can never be corrected. 

Most reputable arborists have their clients sign a contract. Be sure to read the contract carefully. Ask questions such as: 

• When will the work commence and finish? 
• Who is responsible for clean up? 
• What does the total price include such as the removal of branches and debris off site and stump removal? 

If I would like more work undertaken, what is your hourly rate?