Is Your Property Ready for Melbourne’s Storm Season?
Melbourne’s spring and early summer weather is famously changeable. A warm, still morning can turn into a gusty afternoon thunderstorm, and when it does, trees are often the first thing to suffer. During its busiest week on record in June 2021, the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) received more than 9,000 requests for help, with trees down among the most common reasons people called.
The good news is that many storm-related tree failures give warning signs well before they happen. A little time spent looking at your trees now can save you damage, stress and an expensive emergency call-out later.
Why storms bring trees down
Strong winds put enormous pressure on a tree’s canopy, while heavy rain softens the soil that anchors its roots. When both arrive at once, a tree that is already weakened by deadwood, decay, poor past pruning or root damage is far more likely to drop a limb or fail entirely.
Four warning signs to look for
- Branches hanging over your roof, gutters, driveway or fence. Even a healthy limb can cause serious damage if it snaps in high winds.
- Limbs growing close to powerlines & service lines. Branches touching or near lines can become live and are a common cause of outages and fires.
- Cracks, splits or hollows, especially near adjoining limbs. Look closely where large branches join the trunk and around the base of the tree.
- A leaning tree, or uplifted soil around the base. If a tree has started to lean, or the ground around its base is cracking or heaving, its roots may be struggling.
If you notice any of these, it’s worth having the tree looked at by a professional before the next round of wild weather.
Stay safe around powerlines
Never prune or remove branches near powerlines yourself. Branches touching the lines may be live, and the risk of serious injury is very real. In Victoria, keeping trees clear of the private powerline that runs to your home is generally the property owner’s responsibility, while electricity distributors look after the main lines. If you’re unsure, speak with your distributor or a qualified professional before any work begins.
Why the cheapest quote can cost you more
After a big storm, it’s common to see operators knocking on doors offering same-day work at rock-bottom prices. Some do a fine job, but others carry no insurance, cut corners on safety or leave trees poorly pruned and more likely to fail next time. If something goes wrong on your property, an uninsured worker can leave you out of pocket.
Before you book anyone, ask:
- Are you fully insured, and can I see your certificate of currency?
- Is your team trained to work safely at heights and with chainsaws?
- Will you give me a written quote before the job starts?
- Will you clean up and remove all green waste when you’re finished?
Book a pre-storm tree assessment
Treeman Melbourne has been caring for trees across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula since 1999. Our fully insured team can inspect the trees around your home, identify risky branches and recommend the right pruning or removal before storm season arrives. With our competitive pricing and interest-free instalment plans, it’s easier than ever to get the work done now rather than after the damage is done.
Call us on 0432 517 426 to book your pre-storm tree assessment today.
