Signs That Your Tree Is Unsafe Before Cyclone Season
Cyclone season runs from November to April and is notorious for doing damage to homes, cars and other property. Keeping your space protected from potential damage needs to be at the tippy top of your to do list.
You’ve probably looked out the window during that first whiff of storm season and thought, “Is that tree going to take down my roof?”
It’s a common worry in Brisbane and for good reason. Cyclone season and late-summer storms bring heavy rain, saturated soil and strong winds that can turn vulnerable or damaged trees into dangerous projectiles, like heavy wooden projectiles looking for something to break.
The truth is, trees rarely fail without warning, and spotting danger early can save thousands in emergency tree removal and property damage. The only issue is that unless you know what you’re looking for, you might miss those signs.
Luckily, we’re here to help!
Don’t Miss Out On The Warning Signs
Here are the big red flags every Brisbane homeowner should watch for before cyclone season hits to avoid having a tree snap and damage something important, or worse:
Leaning trunks or recent changes in angle
If a tree looks like it’s tilting more than normal totally out of the blue, it could be that the soil is too saturated or that the tree’s root system is unstable. This could make it more likely to topple in high winds.
Visible cracks/ splits in the trunk or major branches
If you can see cracks or splits in the trunk or main, heavy branches, this indicates structural weakness within the tree that should worry you. A small crack can become a big break in no time when the wind picks up.
Dead, hanging or hollow branches
These are prime candidates to snap off and cause damage during a storm. Because they’re dry, dead wood, they’re not anchored into the tree and will absolutely turn into organic shrapnel in a high wind.
Fungi, mushrooms or decay at the base
These types of growth, whimsical as they may be, are signs of deeper issues within the tree and can indicate problems like root health or internal rot. Any rot in a tree is cause for concern.
Exposed roots or soil upheaval after rain
After heavy rainfall, if you notice exposed or cracked roots at the base of your tree, this can mean that the tree’s anchor is compromised. So, the only things holding the tree into the earth are brittle, breaking or cracking, this is less than ideal for cyclone season.
Act Early, Not During The Storm
Waiting until the weather gets rough to deal with tree issues, makes matters worse. Emergency tree removal during late summer storms can cost far more than proactive pruning or removal, and it’s riskier for crews, neighbours and you!
If you’re seeing one or more of these signs, it’s a good idea to call a qualified arborist, like Ecological Tree Services for a pre-storm tree safety inspection. They can assess risks, recommend pruning or removal and help protect your home, your family and your property value.
Being proactive now means you’re not scrambling when Brisbane’s next big downpour or gale warning hits.
Need help or have any questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Ecological Tree Services or call on 07 3520 8661.
-Alex the Arborist
