8 Reasons You May Need to Remove Trees From Your Property
Do you have trees on your land that are causing problems? While trees provide shade and curb appeal, there are good reasons for removing them from your yard. Let’s explore the main causes you may need to cut down or remove trees from your property.
1. Dead or Dying Trees
One of the most common reasons for removal is if the tree is dead or dying from disease, old age, or pest infestation. A dead or dying tree can pose safety hazards like falling branches or it is falling over completely during storms. Removing dead trees protects your home and prevents injuries.
Signs that it is dying include dead limbs and branches, peeling bark, lack of leaves or needles, and evidence of pests like termites or beetles. Sometimes it can look healthy on the outside but be rotting or hollow on the inside. Consulting a tree surgeon can help diagnose tree diseases and determine if removal is necessary.
2. Trees Causing Foundation Damage
Trees planted too close to your home’s foundation or sidewalk can cause extensive damage as their roots grow and expand underground. Foundation damage from tree roots shows up as cracks in walls and floors, sticking doors and windows, and uneven surfaces.
Removing problem trees can prevent further foundation damage. Replant them in an appropriate distance from your home’s foundation and sidewalks to avoid future issues.
3. Trees Posing Falling Risks
Trees located near your house, garage, or utility lines can be safety risks if they might fall during storms. Warning signs include a leaning trunk, damaged bark, and too many hanging branches.
Likewise, struck by lightning or hurt during storms can become unstable and unpredictable. Taking down risky trees reduces property damage and protects people if it falls.
4. Trees Increasing Fire Danger
Some tree types are very flammable and raise the wildfire risk around your home. Evergreen trees with sticky, oily sap burn quicker and hotter in a wildfire. Trees growing too close together or dead branches also provide fuel for fires.
Creating a defensible space by removing flammable trees helps protect your home from wildfires. Focus on taking out trees near structures and those causing high fuel loads.
5. Trees Severely Damaged by Storms
Severe winds and ice can destroy trees. Signs of storm damage include torn limbs, cracked trunks and branches, and trees that are leaning dangerously. Badly damaged trees often cannot be saved and need removal before they collapse.
Removing mangled trees after storms takes away safety issues. Take photos of the damage for insurance claims. Be sure to hire licensed professionals for chainsaw work and tree removal after storms.
6. Trees Infested by Insects or Diseases
Sometimes insects and diseases like emerald ash borer, oak wilt, and Dutch elm disease can devastate trees. Infected trees usually cannot be saved and need removal to prevent spreading the infestation. Signs of pest problems include holes in the bark, frass, fungi growth, wilting leaves, and dying limbs.
Removing infested trees and proper disposal of diseased wood protects the health of surrounding ones. Be sure to promptly treat any remaining trees. Replant with resistant tree varieties.
7. Council Ordered Removal
Local councils may order you to remove trees if they become a public safety risk, like if they’re growing over footpaths, roads, or power lines. Councils can also request tree removal if the root system is damaging water pipes, sewer lines, or other public utilities.
Failure to comply with council orders to remove problem trees can result in fines. Be sure to apply for the proper permits before removing council-owned trees.
8. Trees Blocking Construction Projects
Finally, you may need to remove trees in the way of construction projects like adding a room addition, building a new garage, or installing a pool. Try to avoid removing mature trees if possible. If a tree must be taken down, apply for permits and have it transplanted or replaced with a new one.
FAQ
How do I get approval from my local council to remove a tree on my property?
- Check your local council’s policy. Many councils require a permit or development application. Provide factors why it needs removal, photos, and an arborist report.
- For trees posing an imminent danger, councils may allow emergency removal without prior approval. Provide evidence the tree is a safety risk.
- If the council owns the tree, submit a formal request for removal. They will inspect the tree and decide if removal is justified.
- Comply with council conditions like replacing the tree elsewhere on your private property. Fines can apply for removing trees without approval.
- Consider if tree pruning or remedial care could be an alternative to removal. Councils prefer limited removal of healthy trees.
What criteria do councils use to evaluate tree removal requests?
- Dangerous trees that are dying, damaged, or posing falling and fire risks.
- Trees causing substantial damage to nearby structures like footpaths, walls, and foundations.
- Trees substantially obstructing construction of approved projects.
- Overcrowded trees limiting suitable growth and health.
- Non-native trees that are weedy, invasive species.
- Trees blocking visibility for traffic and signage on streets and intersections.
- Trees interfering with utility lines and public infrastructure.
How much does council approval cost?
- Fees vary by council but are often between $50-$150 for a permit application. Additional fees may apply for inspections, stump grinding, and disposal.
- Bigger development applications involving removing many larger trees can cost a few hundred dollars for the approval process.
- Emergency removal of immediately dangerous trees may not require an application fee in some councils.
- Council tree removal done by their workers is usually free or low cost. You pay for replacement/replanting.
Can my neighbour object to a tree removal approval?
- Neighbours can submit objections and concerns to the council, which will be considered in the decision. However, they cannot veto your application.
- Discuss with your neighbour first and see if you can address their concerns through selective pruning rather than removal to prevent disputes..
What happens if I remove a tree without council approval?
- Fines from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars typically apply for removing trees without permission.
- You may be required to replace the tree with an advanced specimen or multiple saplings.
- Approval for future development applications can be compromised by illegal removal. Discuss removal with your council first.
Conclusion
Removing unwanted trees requires careful consideration of the reasons, alternatives, and regulations. While you should not undertake tree removal lightly, valid explanations like safety hazards, disease, construction projects, and council orders can necessitate cutting down trees.
Follow proper procedures to get approval, replace removed trees, and dispose of the waste properly when removal is justified. With cautious planning guided by arborists and local councils, removing problem trees can protect your property without sacrificing the environmental benefits of healthy trees.
