Is Your Tree a Hazard?: Newcastle's Tree Risk Checklist

The locals are proud of Newcastle's stunning coastline and leafy suburbs. But those magnificent trees that add shade and beauty can sometimes become a source of anxiety for homeowners. The unwary storm, hidden disease, or aging process can turn a favourite tree into a potential hazard. It is essential to know whether or not a tree is a threat to your property or your family, and while assessments by professionals are always best, understanding the fundamentals of tree risk assessment empowers the homeowner with proactive steps on their own. This is important after a tree has been taken down, with proper follow-through, like stump grinding Newcastle resident's area needs to be safe and ready for other landscaping. This article provides a practical checklist and essential information that will help residents of Newcastle recognise potential tree hazards on their property. We'll look at some common signs of tree distress, take you through a simple risk assessment checklist, discuss what actions to take based on your findings, and advise you on finding qualified arborists in the Newcastle area when needed.


Common tree hazards in Newcastle
Like us, trees get sick, get hurt or merely live out their life span. First and foremost is being aware of what to look for. Below are some of the common hazards that may put your property or family in jeopardy here in Newcastle:

• Dead or dying branches are the easiest to identify. They are usually bare and brittle, and sometimes, they grow fungus. Deadwood is a serious hazard because it can fall unexpectedly, especially when winds are high.
  
• Cracks or splits in the trunk: A crack in the trunk equates to the same effect as a fracture to a bone- an entire structural jeopardisation. Some types of split are less potentially hazardous than others. In trees, the up-and-down fractures are less detrimental than those running horizontally to the log's orientation.
  
• Internal decay is trickier to determine. Internal cavities check the soft spot for fungal bracket growth on trunks check by knocking. When the knocks, hollow sounds are produced because that spot is suffering; decaying interior wood usually results in drastic failure inside the tree's wood.
  
• Leaning trees: Many trees are from a particular species that lends itself to having a slight lean; however, a sudden development of a lean or more-than-usual lean may mean the tree is unstable. This is especially relevant in Newcastle when the soil shifts following heavy rain. The causes include root problems, soil erosion, and even nearby construction.
  
• Root problems: A tree's roots are its anchor. If they are damaged, they compromise stability. This could be visualised by finding soil heaving around the tree's base, visible roots, or fungal growth around the root collar—where the roots and trunk meet.
  
• Poor tree structure: Some trees are just not built to last. Co-dominant stems, weak branch unions, and overcrowding can cause structural defects that make trees more susceptible to failure.

Using the Newcastle tree risk checklist
All right, now to the nuts and bolts. Here's a simple tree risk checklist you can use to perform an on-site assessment of the trees on your property:

• Dead or Dying Branches: Are any dead or broken branches hanging in the canopy?
• Cracks or Splits in the Trunk: Are there any visible cracks or splits in the main trunk or large branches? If so, how deep and wide are they?
• Are There Any Signs of Decay or Cavities? Do you see signs of rot, such as soft spots, fungal growth, or hollow sounds?
• Leaning Trees: How much is the tree leaning, and is the lean recent?
• Root Problems: Are there visible root damage, heaving of soil, or conks at the tree's base?
• Poor Tree Structure: Does the tree have co-dominant stems, weak branch unions, or an unbalanced canopy?
• Location-Related Risks: Is the tree near your house, power lines, and other buildings?

What to do after filling in the checklist
Once you have completed this checklist, you will be much better able to determine the probability of any risk presented by your trees.

• Low Risk: You've marked off only one or two, and the conditions look minor. You should monitor them and have regular tree maintenance to prune dead branches.
  
• Medium Risk: If several hazards have been discovered, or even if you don't know the extent, the time has come to get a professional opinion. A certified arborist could give a qualified diagnosis and recommend the best action.
  
• High Risk: If you find serious problems like large cracks in the trunk, significant decay, or a severe leak, don't waste time! Call an arborist straight away. Quite often, there is a need for emergency tree removal. After all, it always concerns safety.

How to find a qualified arborist
Choosing the right arborist is a matter of great importance. You want someone with knowledge and concern for safety. Here are a few tips to help you:

• Look for credentials: Check formal qualifications held by arborists.
  
• Inform about insurance: Check whether the arborist has adequate public liability and professional indemnity insurance covering them while they work.
  
• Read reviews: Read the reviews left by the customers who have tried their services.
  
• Get multiple quotes: Do not go for the first arborist you come across; get quotes from several companies to compare prices and services.

Tree preservation and regulations
The Newcastle City Council has legislation protecting trees of exceptional value. When removing trees, it's always best to consult the council first to determine whether a permit is required. Healthy trees should, by all means, be preserved for the sake of our environment and the city's beauty.


Conclusion
Trees are a valuable commodity within our community for their aesthetic value, shade, and wildlife. However, they may become a significant liability if they are poorly maintained. To safeguard your property and people, you can take time to evaluate trees concerning health and safety. Call a certified arborist if anything is of concern to you. Better safe than sorry.