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TIPS AND TRICKS HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME

Banksia ArborcareBlog
By banadmin Tree 0 Comments

Beware of Scammers

This is a small article from the Manly Daily and it is a good example of why it is wise to only use contractors that are qualified, insured and preferably a member of their industries association (to be a member they must adhere to a code of ethics). In the tree Industry it is the National Arborist Association of Australia.

Unfortunately these type of cowboys in the article have been around for a long time and we have heard many stories from clients that have used them in the past.

One ploy they use to get their foot in the door is to give a very cheap quote, but once work has commenced, they tell the client of all the extras they have to pay – removing the waste is extra, stump grinding is extra etc. So the cheapest quote is not necessary the best to go with.

There are many highly trained, professional companies out there that you can use, so please don’t let this happen to you.

Regards,

Chris Allchin

 

By banadmin Tree 0 Comments

How to choose the right trees

Trees are a wonderful asset in any garden, for shade, privacy, restful greenery and a home for wildlife. But one of the most common problems with many gardens is incorrect species selection in the first place.

Most of the trees we have to remove have outgrown the space in which they were planted, starting to create damage to drains and foundations. Many people like the look of a tree and plant it without thinking of how big it will become and what the root structure will do. Before deciding on a tree consider such things as the ultimate size, evergreen or deciduous and root structure.

I suggest a good walk around the local area to see what is growing well and what is not. Thus a Bangalow Palm that is growing well at Oxford Falls, will not survive salt and wind exposure at Narrabeen. It is also important to plant trees that will benefit native wildlife.

Keep trees well watered and note they grow better in a mulched bed than in a lawn. Watch out for dead branches, fungus cavities, cracks and splits, borer damage and dieback. Trees like the rest of the garden and lawn require regular maintenance. Trees are probably the most overlooked plant in the garden yet they have the ability to be the most dangerous.

If you do notice any of the above , it would be worth giving us a call on 0412 181 075

By banadmin Tree 0 Comments

Dangerous Branches? Use Correct Pruning

“Can you tell me the correct method for pruning?”

Pruning needs to be done with a good understanding of how the tree will respond to each cut. Improper pruning can cause damage to the tree which can result in shortening the tree’s life. It can also effect the way branches grow back. If done incorrectly, branches can regrow with weak points which then become dangerous. This can cost you additional time, further money and can put people and property at risk. A professional Arborist understands and complies to the Australian Standard AS 4373 (Pruning of Amenity Tree).
— Chris

By banadmin Tree 0 Comments

Losing your view? Why topping doesn’t work

I have recently bought a property that has water views but there is a fairly large tree right in the middle of our outlook. Is it possible to cut the top of the tree off by about 2 – 3 meters ? We don’t want the whole tree gone as the lower section gives us privacy from the street.

This form of pruning is called topping or lopping. Not only is it a form of pruning which is banned from all council regulations but it is common knowledge in the industry that it is harmful to the tree. To put it simply, when a tree is topped, the loss of such a large leaf area needs to be replaced by the tree to survive. If the tree does not have enough stored energy reserves, it may be seriously weakened or die.

This regrowth is also weakly attached and can become quite dangerous if left. It also causes decay. On the limbs and trunk that were once sheltered from direct sunlight, they are now exposed to the sun and may suffer from sunburn, which can then lead to cankers (a type of fungi), splitting bark and death of limbs.

Topping your tree will also cost you more in the long term as the new regrowth after topping grows very quickly. So within a short period of time the tree will be obstructing your view once again. In some species it will be more dense than before. This means to keep your view, the tree would have to be topped every year, jeopardising the tree’s health making it more hazardous in the long term which then results in escalating costs in trying to rectify this problem.

We have had many clients over the years who have asked us to top their trees for views and in every case we have recommended thinning of the tree canopy as an alternative. Clients have always been extremely happy with the end result . With this technique you have your views and retain a healthy and safe tree.

 

— Chris

 

Tree Arborist