Preparedness: Trim trees and branches

At times, storms can be intense, with heavy rain and strong winds that can take a toll on trees and branches, causing them to snap off and become projectiles. Although it’s essential to be aware of the risks to your property and vehicles when this occurs, you can confidently weather the storm by taking proactive steps to protect your surroundings.

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of damage and injury during a storm is to keep the trees and branches in your yard in tip-top shape. Regular inspection and maintenance can help prevent trees from becoming unstable or diseased, reducing the likelihood of them falling or breaking during severe weather. But how do you recognise which trees and branches are ready for the chop?

To help safeguard your surroundings during storm season, here are six signs to help you determine when to trim trees and branches on your property and when to call in the professionals.

1. Dead, diseased or weak branches

Dead branches may appear dry, brittle, brown or gray and lack leaves or buds. Diseased branches may have spots, discoloration, abnormal growths and a wilting appearance with yellowed or browned leaves. Weak branches may be thin, spindly, drooping or bent. These are most likely the first to be affected by a storm and cause damage to your home if left unkept.

2. Crossing trees and branches

Friction between crossing branches can cause the wood to open, leaving the plant susceptible to disease and decay. These can quickly spread to other parts of the tree and even cause it to die.

3. Branches growing warped or the wrong way

Sometimes weight on these branches isn’t evenly distributed, putting them at high risk of breakage.

4. Large cracks in the trunk or branches

Large cracks in tree trunks and branches can be a sign of structural weakness or damage, which can make the tree more susceptible to dying and potentially cause safety hazards. Trimming the affected branches can help to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of injury or property damage from falling branches.

5. Overhanging branches

When branches are overhanging too close to windows, roofs, skylights and gutters, it makes them a safety hazard.

6. Branches growing too close to powerlines

These trees must be inspected by a professional arborist. They should be pruned regularly to reduce the possible dangers and risk of causing significant damage to your home and your area’s power supply.

When to call in professionals

Trimming and removing larger trees and branches is a tedious task involving heavy equipment and working at heights. For your safety and property protection, approach every tree-trimming situation with caution. Often small trees and shrubs are easily manageable on your own. But taller trees and overhanging branches too close to powerlines will require an arborist – someone who is a professional in arboriculture. A qualified and fully insured arborist should undertake these jobs:

• Tree trimming near powerlines
• Removal of large dead or dangling branches
• Big branches near homes or buildings

What to do before you prune

Before you reach for the shearing scissors, follow these steps.

1. Search “pruning trees” on your council website and follow any tree-trimming guidelines.
2. Wear safety gear, including glasses and gloves.
3. Only trim trees and branches to your capability – starting with smaller branches at the tree’s base before moving on to larger branches within your reach. If ever in doubt, have a certified arborist assess your yard to determine the best course of action for the health and safety of the trees.

Trimming trees and branches is part of the First Saturday movement. On the first Saturday of each month, take steps to make your home safer to help reduce the number of times first responders are called into danger. You can add the First Saturday tasks to your calendar as a handy reminder to complete these home maintenance jobs.

So, the next time a storm is on the horizon, you can feel prepared and confident that you’ve done your part to protect your property, vehicles and neighbourhood. By staying on top of tree maintenance, you’re taking an important step towards safeguarding your surroundings and weathering the storm like a pro.

To find out more about NRMA Insurance, call us on 132 132 to get a quote or find us online 24/7 at nrma.com.au.

Always read the PDS & TMDs from NRMA Insurance.

This content is intended to be general in nature and is not financial or professional advice. We recommend you obtain independent professional advice relevant to your circumstances, before making any financial or commercial decisions.