When a tree in your backyard starts causing trouble, there’s no time to wade through the yellow pages. You might want professional help fast, and local advice to get the job done safely and legally.
Whether it is a storm-damaged branch or a tree that’s just rotten, you need help to understand the rules and find the right help.
A quick checklist to go through
Before picking up the phone, take two minutes to answer these questions. It saves time and lets you explain the job clearly to the contractor you’re calling.
- Whose tree do you want removed? Is it on your property or is it on the Council’s nature strip?
- Is the tree a protected species? A native tree is on the council’s protected list. If you’re not sure, or if it appears to be protected, call a professional.
- Is the tree near power lines? It’s a major safety red flag.
- What’s the urgency? Is it an emergency or a planned maintenance?
- What about the stump? You may want it ground down after tree removal
Getting the Gold Coast Council approval
Remember, you might need council approval to prune or remove certain trees on the Gold Coast. The city values its green canopy and has rules to protect it.
- Fines are real. Illegal tree removal may lead to significant penalties.
- Some trees are considered local celebrities because they have special protection status
- The rules are strict if you’re a developer, but even homeowners might need to be careful.
- A Vegetation Protection Order(VPO) might be placed on a tree, making it untouchable.
Why should you hire a certified arborist on the Gold Coast?
You might see cheap ads for a guy with a chainsaw, but more than anything, hire a certified arborist for safety and quality.
A real professional brings all of the following to the table.
- They have proper training in climbing and using elevated work platforms.
- They also have the knowledge to assess risk considering the tree stability.
- Professionals have an understanding of the local native species and how to protect nesting wildlife.
- Most importantly, they have insurance and follow safe work practices.
- They might even handle the council paperwork for you if a permit is needed.
- Look for individuals with a certificate III in Arboriculture. It’s the Australian standard for qualified arborists.
Smart pruning tips
If you plan to handle a small pruning job yourself, follow these guidelines to keep the tree healthy.
- Never remove more than 1/3 of the life canopy at once. Do not get carried away.
- Avoid cutting the primary structural branches unless they seem dangerous.
- Try making clean cuts. Don’t flay the bark or cut too close to the trunk.
Handling disputes with neighbours
Tree disputes with neighbours over branches happen. Queensland law provides a middle path for resolving issues, which starts with mediation. Don’t forget about VPO. It might even protect a dead tree if it provides habitats for animals, always check the council maps first.
Handling storms and emergency work
- After a big storm, trees become dangerous. First, check for downed power lines and steer clear.
- Call the power company immediately. Contact an arborist who offers emergency call-outs
- If the tree seems to be an immediate threat to life or property, document everything with photographs.
Although you can handle small pruning jobs yourself with the right tools, for anything big, call a professional.
If you need tree lopping on the Gold Coast, find a certified arborist who understands costs and does safe and legal tree work. Find out more when you go to https://urbanarbsolutions.com.au/tree-lopping-gold-coast/.