#Arborist South East Melb

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Tree Removal Chipping Lopping And Pruning South East Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management

The Role of a consulting arborist in developments

When building development is to be carried out on either private or commercial property, landowners often wish to preserve at least some of the existing trees. Established trees provide shade and natural beauty to any property and it makes sense to preserve healthy and desirable mature trees, as new trees may take several years to grow to maturity.

Melbourne arborist James O’Brien of OB Trees has over a decade of experience and expertise in consulting, risk management and landscaping and stresses the importance of involving a consulting arborist early in the process, “Trees can be easily damaged during the building process, which is why it’s important to consult with an arborist throughout the building process. The consulting arborist should visit the site during the initial planning stages before the design is finalised to assess trees for health and hazard potential, and to research which trees may be protected. The arborist will also be able to advise which trees, if any, are diseased or hazardous, thereby eliminating effort spent on preserving them.

RELATED ARTICLE: Tree Stump Branch Removal Chipping Lopping Pruning South East Melbourne Victoria Qualified Arborist Vegetation Management Expert OB TREES Specialist James O’Brien

Having the arborist visit the site regularly throughout the building process will avoid unintended negative impacts on trees that are to be preserved. If for example, excavation is started and the structural roots of a tree are damaged, the tree is rendered hazardous and can’t be preserved.”

Unforeseen issues are bound to crop up during the building process – large roots may be discovered in unexpected locations, and site conditions may dictate a change in the design. A tree that incurs damage during development may not show symptoms of decline for several years. Even a skilful arborist isn’t able to mitigate severe impacts such as these once they have already occurred.

Since the most damage actually occurs underground in the form of soil compaction or root losses, soil needs to be protected. A Tree Protection Zone radius (TPZ) is calculated at 30 centimetres for every 2.5 cms of trunk diameter.

RELATED ARTICLE: Qualified Arborist Vegetation Management Expert OB TREES Specialist James O’Brien Tree Removal Stump Removal Pruning South East Melbourne Victoria

Fine roots that allow the tree to absorb water and nutrients can extend well beyond the width of the canopy. Therefore even a shallow excavation or cut within the TPZ can negatively impact the tree’s ability to nourish itself.

A building project requires more space than the footprint the completed building will occupy. Hence strategies need to put in place to utilise the space efficiently while still protecting the soil and roots.

The following measures are advised to protect trees from being damaged:

TPZ fencing– this should be substantial and chain link fencing is recommended.

Trunk protection– the trunk should be properly wrapped to a height of 1.8 m from the ground to prevent injury.

Root buffer- this will protect the soil from compaction and should be put in place to cover TPZs prior to beginning the project and removed as soon as possible after the development is completed. The root buffer should comprise a base course of wood chips to a minimum depth of 15 cms, capped by 12 cms quarry gravel.

Wheels of equipment and vehicles– these need to remain on existing pavement or on the root buffer at all times. Existing pavement is very effective as a root buffer and hence should be retained as long as possible.  Since the soil under the pavement is already compacted, any mature trees in the vicinity will already have adapted to the conditions over time.

”Tree protection measures should be specified by a consulting arborist in a comprehensive tree protection plan to ensure that they are adhered to. An ongoing collaboration between the designers, contractors, owners and consultants before, during and after the project is completed will ensure that existing mature trees remain healthy and stable,” says James.

OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists service southeast Melbourne suburbs. And specialise in professional tree care, providing fast, simple solutions for all your pruning, horticultural and landscaping needs. The team are fully qualified, insured arborists with years of hands-on experience in everything from tree pruning, removal and preservation to hedge trimming, stump removal, risk management, vegetation management and tree obstruction resolution.

For further information visit OB TREES Tree Removal, Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists or call their friendly team on +61 435 912 457

Syndicated by Baxton Media, the Market Influencers.

Tree Removal Chipping Lopping And Pruning South East Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management was originally published on Baxton

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Tree Stump Removal And Pruning South East Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management

Tree Stump Removal Melbourne

Removing a tree from the garden is a big enough job, but even after the tree is gone, the stump still needs to be dealt with. Removing a tree stump can be more laborious than the cutting of the tree itself, and many home owners choose to forgo removal of the stump for this reason. Depending on the size and location of the stump, it may be best to simply leave it where it is. But there are several good reasons to consider rather removing it entirely.

Melbourne arborist James O’Brien of OB Trees explains why getting rid of old tree stumps is a good idea, “The roots of a tree stump can sometimes continue growing and cause damage to pipes, sidewalks, and other parts of a home. Stumps can also divert nutrients from surrounding plants and when they decay, can harbour fungi that infect nearby trees.

RELATED ARTICLE: Qualified Arborist Vegetation Management Expert OB TREES Specialist James O’Brien Tree Removal Stump Removal Pruning South East Melbourne Victoria

The process of decay can take a long time, and during this process, the stump may also attract beetles, termites, ants and other wood-boring pests which can eventually spread to the home.

Having several old tree stumps in a yard can be unsightly, take up valuable space and even drive down the value of a property. Once camouflaged by grass, weeds and other plants, tree stumps can become tripping hazards and get in the way of lawnmowers, potentially damaging them.”

Once a decision has been made to remove a tree stump from the yard, there are several ways to go about this. Some stumps are easier to remove than others – the roots of deciduous tree stumps tend to be long and deep.

Manual removal – removing a stump manually involves digging around the trunk to reveal the roots, which are then cut away with an axe. The stump must be manoeuvred backward and forward to loosen it until the stump can be pushed over entirely. If pushing and pulling the trunk doesn’t dislodge the stump, it may need to be pulled out with a four-wheel drive, tractor or truck.

Grinding – this is more efficient than manual removal but it does leave the tree’s roots behind. First, as much of the stump as possible must be cut away with a chainsaw, and the remaining ground down with a stump grinder until the entire stump is at least 10 cms below the ground.

The cost of hiring a stump grinder for a day is usually feasible enough to do the job yourself, especially if there is more than one stump to remove. Bear in mind though that a stump grinder is a heavy and dangerous piece of equipment and experience and protective gear is recommended.

If the stump is large, a large pile of wood chips may be the result, but these can be used as mulch for other plants in the garden.

Chemical removal – holes are drilled in the stump and filled with potassium nitrate and water. The stump will become spongy within four to six weeks and can then be broken up with an axe.

Burning – once again holes are drilled in the stump and filled with potassium nitrate and hot water. Scrap wood is placed on top of the stump and lit.

When there are several stumps to dispose of, it might be worth renting a wood chipper, as wood chips can be used for various projects around the yard. Or, if it’s permissible in the area, you may be able to burn old stumps, but be sure to cover them with scrap wood first. A large stump may take a long time to burn away completely.

Removing a tree stump is a job which could be done yourself, but weigh up the time, cost and effort involved, as it likely has to be hired or the tools bought to get the job done properly. Having several stumps to remove, is probably a job best left to the professionals. The advantage of hiring professional services is that they will usually take the stump away too.

RELATED ARTICLE: Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management Expert Specialist James O’Brien Tree Removal OBTrees Stump Removal Pruning Victoria

OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists service southeast Melbourne suburbs. And specialise in professional tree care, providing fast, simple solutions for all your pruning, horticultural and landscaping needs. The team are fully qualified, insured arborists with years of hands-on experience in everything from tree pruning, removal and preservation to hedge trimming, stump removal, risk management, vegetation management and tree obstruction resolution.

For further information visit OB TREES Tree Removal, Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists or call their friendly team on +61 435 912 457

Syndicated by Baxton Media, the Market Influencers.

Tree Stump Removal And Pruning South East Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management was originally published on Baxton

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Tree Removal Stump Removal And Pruning South East Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management

Inspecting trees for pests and diseases

Regular inspection of the trees will go a long way to ensure they are healthy. Trees are susceptible to a number of infections by micro-organisms, and environmental factors like wind, rain and extreme heat and cold can affect the health of a tree. Trees need to be inspected twice a year for any early symptoms of ill health – once during the winter and once in summer, as well as after severe storms.

Melbourne arborist James O’Brien of OB Trees has a decade of experience in vegetation management, and advocates for regular inspection of garden trees, “An assessment of a tree’s general health should start from the ground up. At the roots, severed roots or signs of decay or fungi could indicate an infection. At the tree’s root collar (the area of the trunk just above the soil) peeling or loose bark, cracks or deep slits are indicators to look out for.

Any signs of swelling, cavities, decaying wood or holes in the trunk are signs of possible ill-health. Dead or dying branches, odd-coloured or deformed leaves, cankers, dead sections of bark and leaning limbs or branches are all a cause for concern.”

RELATED ARTICLE: Southeast Melbourne Tree Services Trimming Removal Stump Vegetation Management Expert OBTrees Specialist James O’Brien

One of these common tree pests and diseases could be responsible if trees are in decline:

Emerald ash borer – a beetle that affects all species of ash trees and bores into the bark, building tunnels throughout. The leaves of the tree turn yellow out of season and the branches die. If the infestation is detected early enough, the tree can be treated with insecticide but this is not always effective and the tree may need to be removed.

Cypress canker – there is no cure or prevention for this infection, which can be spread by rain, birds, insects, wind or pruning materials. The cankers present as sunken, red-tinged patches on the branches, the leaves turn yellow and the branches die quickly, sometimes overnight. Spores are released from circular black sporing structures, which appear alongside the canker.

The infection can spread to the entire tree and kill it if not caught quickly. If the tree is removed, it should not be replaced with another Cyprus as the new tree will be equally prone to infection.

Oak wilt – a fungus from the soil which is spread by beetles, this is a very fast acting infection that can kill a tree in as short a time as one growing season. Oak wilt most commonly spreads from one tree to another by root-to-root contact, making it a little easier to contain and control than other diseases.

The leaves of an affected tree will wilt and turn rust-coloured in the growing season when they should be green, with ensuing defoliation. Treatment for oak wilt is by trenching to sever root connections between live oaks, appropriate pruning and fungicide.

Root rot – another fungal infection that affects the roots through the soil. The fungus is present in pockets of soil but does not necessarily extend widely. Hence one tree may have root rot, and another one close by might not get infected. The first symptoms are wilted leaves in the growing season. Pruning of the damaged roots is prescribed to prevent the spread of the infection, and treatment needs to be done by a professional.

Anthracnose – this is a common fungal disease of shade trees, those most commonly and severely affected include ash, maple, white oak, sycamore, and walnut. Anthracnose also affects fruit trees. The fungus first appears on leaves as small irregular yellow, brown, or black spots, which can expand and merge to cover the whole leaf. Leaves may also become curled, distorted and fall off. If caught in time, the tree can be saved by cutting off and burning branches with infected foliage.

“Trees may even have green leaves and appear healthy but other symptoms could be indicators of underlying health issues. Assessing tree disease is the arborist’s area of expertise and it’s best to get a professional diagnosis if you suspect something is amiss.

A diseased tree can infect other trees and surrounding plants, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible. An arborist will be able to assist in identifying the cause of the disease,” says James.

RELATED ARTICLE: Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management Expert Specialist James O’Brien Tree Removal OBTrees Stump Removal Pruning Victoria

OB Trees have extensive hands-on experience in a wide range of high-quality tree services at residential and commercial properties across south-east Melbourne. Their highly trained, professional arborists have the qualifications, knowledge and background to assist with all of your vegetation and landscaping needs.

OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists service southeast Melbourne suburbs. And specialise in professional tree care, providing fast, simple solutions for all your pruning, horticultural and landscaping needs. The team are fully qualified, insured arborists with years of hands-on experience in everything from tree pruning, removal and preservation to hedge trimming, stump removal, risk management, vegetation management and tree obstruction resolution.

For further information visit OB TREES Tree Removal, Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists or call their friendly team on +61 435 912 457

Syndicated by Baxton Media, the Market Influencers.

Tree Removal Stump Removal And Pruning South East Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management was originally published on Baxton

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Tree Stump Branch Removal Chipping Lopping Pruning South East Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management

Why tree lopping is not a viable solution for trees that have grown too large

Trees that have grown too large or too tall for the site they are on can present a hazard, and it is this fear that sometimes drives property owners to lop the tree. The term ‘lopping’ is used rather loosely to mean anything from thinning or pruning to compete for removal. The practice of lopping is the wholesale cutting of branches to stubs or lateral branches, removing between 50% to 100% of the tree’s foliage.

The most common reason for lopping or ‘topping’ is to reduce the size of the tree. Lopping a tree is seldom a final solution to height reduction as the practice seriously weakens and stresses the tree and it may die. Then, it will either need to be removed by a professional arborist or the stump will need to be removed.

RELATED ARTICLE: Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management Expert Specialist James O’Brien Tree Removal OB Trees Stump Removal Pruning Victoria

Lopping is in fact prohibited by the Tree Protection Act of 2005 (ACT) and is classified as a tree damaging procedure.

Melbourne arborist and tree surgeon James O’Brien advises strongly against taking up this drastic measure without careful consideration, “Indiscriminate lopping can severely damage a tree, increasing susceptibility to insect and disease infestation and making it more hazardous in the long run. Removing the leaves can temporarily starve a tree, and large open pruning wounds expose the wood to attacks by pests and disease. The tree may then have insufficient stores of energy to chemically defend itself against these invasions.”

O’Brien says, “When cuts are made along a limb between lateral branches, this creates stubs with wounds that the tree may not be able to close and the exposed wood tissue begins to decay. Few trees are able to defend against multiple severe wounds caused by lopping.”

The correct location for a pruning cut is just beyond the branch collar at the point of attachment. “A tree is biologically equipped to close such a wound if it is healthy and the wound is not too large,” O’Brien said.

Severe pruning also triggers a survival response in the tree to put out new leaves as soon as possible. It will then activate latent buds and force the growth of multiple epicormic shoots below each cut.  

Branches usually develop in a socket of overlapping wood tissue but epicormic shoots are anchored only in the outermost layers of the branches. These shoots grow up to 6m in a year for some species, and due to their shallow anchors, are prone to breaking especially during stormy conditions. Hence if the tree survives lopping, it will require pruning again within a few years.

Another consequence of removing most or all of the tree’s foliage is that the branches and trunk of the tree are no longer sheltered from the sun. Exposure to higher levels of light and heat can lead to sunburn, which in turn may result in further disease, bark splitting and death of the tree.

RELATED ARTICLE: Southeast Melbourne Tree Services Trimming Removal Stump Vegetation Management Expert OB Trees Specialist James O’Brien

Professional arborists are taught not to practise incorrect lopping, and which procedures to employ instead to address a tree that has grown too large.

It’s therefore strongly advised to consult with a professional arborist before lopping a tree yourself. Alternative options such as pruning, removal of the tree or even relocation may be viable.

OB Trees are experts in the field of tree care and have almost a decade of hands-on experience in all aspects, specialising in pruning, tree removal and maintenance and vegetation management. Their team of trained arborists are able to provide the best advice for your particular needs, followed up with the most appropriate solutions at a competitive price.

For expert advice on pruning, tree care and tree removal, contact OB Trees 

OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists service southeast Melbourne suburbs. And specialise in professional tree care, providing fast, simple solutions for all your pruning, horticultural and landscaping needs. The team are fully qualified, insured arborists with years of hands-on experience in everything from tree pruning, removal and preservation to hedge trimming, stump removal, risk management, vegetation management and tree obstruction resolution.

For further information visit OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists or call their friendly team on +61 435 912 457

Syndicated by Baxton Media, the Market Influencers.

Tree Stump Branch Removal Chipping Lopping Pruning South East Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management was originally published on Baxton

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Tree Stump Branch Removal Chipping Lopping Pruning South East Melbourne Victoria Qualified Arborist Vegetation Management Expert OB TREES Specialist James O'Brien

Tree surgeon reveals signs that your trees need pruning

Keeping a well-maintained garden requires a bit of discipline, and this is doubly true where trees are concerned. While over-abundant growth of lawns or shrubs might look a bit untidy, leaving trees unattended for long periods of time can sometimes turn them into hazards waiting to happen.

Melbourne arborist and tree surgeon James O’Brien is passionate about sharing his extensive knowledge of tree care, accumulated over a decade of experience, “It’s a good idea to inspect the trees on your property from time to time for signs that they might be in need of attention. Identifying those in need of pruning can save you a lot of headaches and cost later on, due to the damage wrought by trees that have been left to their own devices. Fortunately, there are some easily identifiable, tell-tale signs that your trees might be due for pruning.”

RELATED ARTICLE: Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management Expert Specialist James O’Brien Tree Removal OBTrees Stump Removal Pruning Victoria

Broken branches or deadwood are one of the first and most obvious signs to look out for. Branches can be damaged during storms or heavy winds and once weakened in this way, they can be very dangerous as they are liable to break even further. Dead limbs or whole sections of the tree could be an indication of disease or a pest infestation. Sometimes pruning can prevent further spread of the disease or decay but if left too long, the whole tree may need to be removed.

Misshapen or leaning trees need to be carefully assessed – an unbalanced tree is more likely to break easily and cause damage. A slight lean is usually safe, as trees have a built-in compensating mechanism – they produce reaction wood which offsets the stress caused by the tilted posture of the tree. In the case of a significant lean, trees aren’t always able to produce enough reaction wood or produce it fast enough to counter the force of gravity. This is especially true if a tree shifts suddenly, and mounded soil at the base of the tree is a sure sign of a very hazardous tree.

Codominant leaders are V-shaped junctions and are prone to failing more often than wider branch junctions, particularly if they form part of the main trunk. Wider angles of attachment that are U-shaped indicate stronger branch unions than V-shaped ones.

Too much growth and wandering branches are common reasons for scheduling some tree work. In urban areas where trees don’t need to compete with other plants for sunlight, they will often grow outward instead of upward. This results in branches becoming too long and heavy which could cause them to break under their own weight. Branches that have grown such that they reach over your house or another structure, or near power lines, are a potential safety and fire hazard and should be attended to promptly.

Horizontal or vertical cracks can indicate a potential hazard and large cracks require immediate assessment, especially horizontal ones. Cracks should be attended to without delay as it’s extremely likely that the structural damage will spread.

Mushrooms growing on the trunk or roots indicates that a fungus has colonised the tree. Some fungi may coexist amicably but others can digest the cells of the tree at a rapid rate, compromising the structural integrity. This can make a tree very hazardous and susceptible to being blown down in a storm or heavy winds

Cavities in the trunk may be an indication of internal decay. This is not always harmful, but in the case of cavities caused by destructive fungi, the safety of the tree could be compromised. Spotting wildlife in a tree that does not produce fruit or flowers could be an indication that the tree has an internal cavity.

“If one or more of your trees display any of the above signs, it won’t necessarily indicate the removal of the tree. Some may still be stable enough as they are, while others can often be improved with corrective pruning or the use of supportive cables to strengthen weak branch junctions. If in doubt, it’s best to call in the services of a certified arborist that can assess the tree and determine the correct approach,” says O’Brien.

RELATED ARTICLE: Southeast Melbourne Tree Services Trimming Removal Stump Vegetation Management Expert OBTrees Specialist James O’Brien

OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists service southeast Melbourne suburbs. And specialise in professional tree care, providing fast, simple solutions for all your pruning, horticultural and landscaping needs. The team are fully qualified, insured arborists with years of hands-on experience in everything from tree pruning, removal and preservation to hedge trimming, stump removal, risk management, vegetation management and tree obstruction resolution.

For further information visit OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists or call their friendly team on +61 435 912 457

Syndicated by Baxton Media, the Market Influencers.

Tree Stump Branch Removal Chipping Lopping Pruning South East Melbourne Victoria Qualified Arborist Vegetation Management Expert OB TREES Specialist James O’Brien was originally published on Baxton

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Arborist Vegetation Management Expert Specialist James O'Brien Tree and Stump Removal Pruning South East Melbourne Victoria

Pruning tips for tree health and safety

Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure and is done for a variety of reasons. Removing dead, dying or diseased branches improves the health of the tree and promotes healthy growth. Dead branches also pose a danger to people and property. In urban areas, branches may get too close to electrical lines or block traffic views.

In areas prone to cyclones, pruning dead limbs and thinning out branches is a good idea before cyclone season begins. Excess foliage can result in trees being top heavy and being more vulnerable to toppling over in storms, with the additional danger of falling branches that could damage buildings or other property.

RELATED ARTICLE: Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management Expert Specialist James O’Brien Tree Removal OB Trees Stump Removal Pruning Victoria

Pruning may also be done to regulate the size and shape of the tree, or to improve the quality of the flowers, fruit or timber.

Other specific types of pruning may be undertaken to maintain a mature tree in a safe, healthy and attractive condition. Knowing the basic terms commonly used to describe tree work operations will allow you to ask for what you want and understand what your arborist recommends for your tree requirements.

Thinning is a process of selective branch removal to improve the structure of the tree, reduce weight on heavy limbs and to increase light penetration and air flow throughout the tree. This can also increase foliage and decrease the risk of disease.

Crown Thinning involves the removal of a portion of smaller branches, usually from the outer crown, to create a uniform density of foliage and an evenly spaced branch structure. Crown thinning does not alter the overall size or shape of the tree, but does allow more light to pass through the tree and reduces weight and wind resistance.

Crown Lift or Crown Raising involves the removal of the lowest branches, to effectively increase light transmission to areas closer to the tree or to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles, people, and vistas.

Good practice dictates that crown lifting should not typically include the removal of large branches growing directly from the trunk, as this can lead to long term problems with disease and decay or biomechanical instability in the short term. In mature trees lifting should be restricted to secondary branches or shortening of primary branches rather than removal of the whole branch.

Crown Reduction reduces the size of a tree, often for power line clearance. This is achieved via a reduction in height and/or spread of the crown of a tree. A crown reduction may be undertaken to reduce mechanical stress on individual branches or the whole tree, reduce shading or to make the tree more suited to its immediate environment.

Pruning in young trees

Proper pruning of young trees is essential to developing a strong structure and desirable form. Pruning trees correctly while they are young will ensure that they require less corrective pruning as they mature.

For most young trees, it’s essential to maintain a single dominant leader growing upward, and secondary branches should be pruned so as not to outgrow the main leader.

Leading Australian arborist James O’Brien has been providing high-quality tree care to Melbourne clients for nearly a decade, including pruning, landscaping and tree removal.

“The best time for pruning most trees is in late winter when the tree is dormant. Tree work undertaken in the spring may cause a tree to become more vulnerable to attack by pests and disease, and if done in autumn the tree may not be able to get all the nutrients that it needs and suffer undue stress.

Pruning should also be avoided during periods of seasonal weather extremes such as drought or heavy frost, or during a period of physiological stress following previous tree work, or construction-related damage.

Pruning should always be preceded by a proper evaluation of the tree’s condition, and significant pruning such as a crown lift, reduction or crown thinning should be carried out by a qualified arborist. Improper pruning can create lasting damage or even shorten the tree’s life,” says O’Brien.

OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists service southeast Melbourne suburbs. And specialise in professional tree care, providing fast, simple solutions for all your pruning, horticultural and landscaping needs. The team are fully qualified, insured arborists with years of hands-on experience in everything from tree pruning, removal and preservation to hedge trimming, stump removal, risk management, vegetation management and tree obstruction resolution.

For further information visit OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists or call their friendly team on +61 435 912 457

Syndicated by Baxton Media, the Market Influencers.

Arborist Vegetation Management Expert Specialist James O’Brien Tree and Stump Removal Pruning South East Melbourne Victoria was originally published on Baxton

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Qualified Arborist Vegetation Management Expert OB TREES Specialist James O'Brien Tree Removal Stump Removal Pruning South East Melbourne Victoria

Choosing a qualified arborist

People and companies offering tree work abound, but owning a chainsaw and a ladder doth not an arborist make! Leaving your tree work to an inexperienced or unaccredited tree feller could result in serious injury to people, damage to property and harm to your trees that have taken many years to grow.

To avoid ill-advised and poorly executed tree work, it’s essential to check that contractors have the necessary skills and competencies carefully. Tree work can be hazardous and requires extensive training and experience to be done safely.

RELATED ARTICLE: Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management Expert Specialist James O’Brien Tree Removal OBTrees Stump Removal Pruning Victoria

It’s therefore recommended to confirm the following with any prospective contractor before commencing with tree work:

Evidence of insurance;

Relevant qualifications  (ask to see certificates for chainsaw and other machine use, arboricultural knowledge and training);

Confirm quotations will be in writing;

Membership of industry associations; and

Provision of references with telephone numbers.

When satisfied the contractor meets these requirements, obtaining a quotation is the next stage, which should reflect the following information:

Clear and full specification of the work to be undertaken.

What will happen to the timber, brushwood and tree stumps

Who will be responsible for obtaining permission if the trees are protected

What steps will be taken to protect you and your property

Whether GST is included.

Tree work contractors should always be equipped with the following protective clothing and equipment :

Industrial chainsaw helmet

Full-face visor including eye protection

Ear defenders for hearing protection

Rope and harness for fall protection

Chainsaw trousers and boots for cut protection

Modern chainsaw with safety features

Melbourne specialist arborist James O’Brien of OB Trees, comments, “Where tree pruning or felling is concerned, economising on safety will generally cost more in the long run. There are a multitude of risks that need to be taken into account, especially if a large tree needs to be cut down. If the tree is at the roadside, traffic protection must be in place, including road signage and traffic management.  Ensuring that pedestrians and vehicles are not at risk of being hit by falling timber and that neither buildings, fencing, other trees or street infrastructure will be damaged is imperative.

The last thing needed is for someone to be injured on site. And it’s not only the climber that needs protective gear, but the groundsman should also always have head injury protection too and high visibility clothing if necessary.”

OB Trees guarantee the highest safety standard and work under the stringent Occupational Health and Safety Standards. Details of their numerous qualifications which make their work risk-free can be found on their website.

OB Trees have been established arborists in Melbourne for almost 10 years and guarantee high quality, professional service. Their areas of expertise include risk management, emergency management and vegetation management for both residential and commercial clients.

OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists service southeast Melbourne suburbs. And specialise in professional tree care, providing fast, simple solutions for all your pruning, horticultural and landscaping needs. The team are fully qualified, insured arborists with years of hands-on experience in everything from tree pruning, removal and preservation to hedge trimming, stump removal, risk management, vegetation management and tree obstruction resolution.

For further information visit OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists or call their friendly team on +61 435 912 457

Syndicated by Baxton Media, the Market Influencers.

Qualified Arborist Vegetation Management Expert OB TREES Specialist James O’Brien Tree Removal Stump Removal Pruning South East Melbourne Victoria was originally published on Baxton

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Southeast Melbourne Tree Services Trimming Removal Stump Vegetation Management Expert OBTrees Specialist James O'Brien

The many benefits of planting trees 

A garden enriched with trees is always a welcome site. Trees appeal to our sense of beauty, provide pleasant shade and are often a haven for birds and other species. They have a calming effect and allow us to connect with nature. But there are even more good reasons to plant trees in your garden.

By now, most people are aware that climate change is underway globally, and this is due in large part, excessive carbon dioxide emissions by human activity. Higher temperatures have significantly increased incidents of extreme weather, causing drought, wildfires, hurricanes and flooding.

RELATED ARTICLE: Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management Expert Specialist James O’Brien Tree Removal OBTrees Stump Removal Pruning Victoria

Trees mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. One tree can absorb up to 150kg of CO2 per year. Studies by climate change ecologists have concluded that the most sustainable and effective action to fight climate change is to plant trees, and this is a solution that everyone can get involved in.

The organisation Plant for the Planet says the best places to restore trees are on degraded land such as abandoned farms or where deforestation has occurred, rather than agricultural or urban areas. But what better place to start than around your own home?

Trees purify the air by absorbing pollutants and filtering fine particulates. Planting trees around your home will also provide natural air conditioning. Urban trees can cool the air by between 2 and 8 degrees, reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and save energy used for heating by 20 – 50%.

Trees also act as rainwater interceptors, filtering the water and allowing it to seep into the ground. In areas denuded of trees, stormwater flows unfiltered into rivers and oceans and can be full of phosphorus pollutants and nitrogen.

Trees help to reinforce the soil by reducing erosion, and positively affecting nutrient levels. Fallen leaves help to keep the soil cool and prevent moisture loss. They also play an essential part in defence against flooding – trees can reduce the risk of flooding by up to 20%.

Planting trees in your garden requires some forethought and planning, with consideration to the surrounding landscape, the soil type and the amount of space available. Selecting an appropriate species for the location will give the tree the highest chance of establishing successfully and growing well.

If you’re looking to get planting, a qualified arborist can advise on which indigenous trees would be most suitable for your garden, school, park or farm. Arborist James O’Brien of OB Trees has been providing specialist tree services and arboricultural consulting in Melbourne for nearly 10 years.

“It’s essential for young trees to be given every opportunity to survive planting. Poor planting can result in long-term problems and even the death of the tree. In the first few years following planting, maintenance is crucial to ensure the tree is established correctly.

Trees can become ill due to pests and diseases or following climatic or environmental changes. If your tree looks unwell, different to normal or as if it might require tree work, we can assist. For older, established trees often some proper pruning might be in order,” says O’Brien.

OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists service southeast Melbourne suburbs. And specialise in professional tree care, providing fast, simple solutions for all your pruning, horticultural and landscaping needs. The team are fully qualified, insured arborists with years of hands-on experience in everything from tree pruning, removal and preservation to hedge trimming, stump removal, risk management, vegetation management and tree obstruction resolution.

For further information visit OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists or call their friendly team on +61 435 912 457

Syndicated by Baxton Media, the Market Influencers.

Southeast Melbourne Tree Services Trimming Removal Stump Vegetation Management Expert OBTrees Specialist James O’Brien was originally published on Baxton

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Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management Expert Specialist James O'Brien Tree Removal OBTrees Stump Removal Pruning Victoria

All about backyard fruit trees

One of life’s greatest simple pleasures must surely be picking and eating fruit straight off the tree, and better yet, your own trees. While once most people had at least a couple of backyard fruit trees, these days fewer people are growing them. Often this is due to a lack of space, or an aversion to the mess of fallen fruit. But there are ways around these issues, and plenty of good reasons to plant fruit trees.

Community fruit and nut trees used to be highly valued as providing a core part of people’s diets, and a valuable supplement in times of seasonal scarcity. Planting fruit trees is a good move towards community food security, for both current and future generations.

And it’s not only people that benefit – bees, butterflies and other pollinators will value the pollen and nectar of the flowers. Bees especially like apple and peach trees, as well as blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Consider at least two trees of the same variety, as well as some herbs and wildflowers to create a haven for some very happy bees. Fruit trees also attract other insects and caterpillars that are an essential food source for birds.

Picking the fruits of your labours might also not take as long as you think – using grafted fruit trees, you could be seeing your first harvest within two to three years for most varieties. And a great idea for small spaces is multi-grafted trees or multi-planting (where up to four different fruit trees are planted in the same hole) – this way you’ll be getting a range of fruit and cross-pollinating varieties, a veritable fruit salad tree!

Another excellent option for growing fruit trees in a small space is to use the espalier form, which is the ancient horticultural practice of controlling plant growth by pruning and tying the branches in such a way that they grow into a flat plane, usually against a structure like a wall, fence, or trellis.

Deciduous fruit trees are also often available as dwarf trees, reaching only 3m in height, and can be grown in a large pot if they are pruned well.

Fallen fruit should be picked up as soon as possible and either used up or composted. If you have the space for a few chickens, let them run under the trees, and they’ll soon take care of any windfall. Avoid waste by diligently picking off ripe and near-ripe fruit.

Australian expert arborist, James O’Brien of OB Trees, is passionate about growing trees of all kinds and has extensive experience in fruit tree management and pruning as well as tree removal, vegetation management and landscaping.

“With the largely temperate climate we enjoy in Melbourne, plenty of fruit tree varieties can flourish here. Planting fruit trees requires a bit of planning, and you need to know how big the tree will get to ensure you have enough space, as well as which direction it faces to ensure the area gets enough sun. Most fruit trees prefer a full days sun if they can get it, as well as a wind-protected spot.

Deciduous fruit trees such as apples, plums, nectarines, peaches and pears require pruning and shaping to maximise fruit production, to ensure a good size crop and to keep the trees healthy. They may also need a cross-pollinating tree to be planted nearby,” says O’Brien.

Whether you have existing fruit trees that need pruning or are just starting out with planting fruit trees in your garden, OB Trees can assist with their professional expertise and friendly service.

OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists service southeast Melbourne suburbs. And specialise in professional tree care, providing fast, simple solutions for all your pruning, horticultural and landscaping needs. The team are fully qualified, insured arborists with years of hands-on experience in everything from tree pruning, removal and preservation to hedge trimming, risk management and tree obstruction resolution.

For further information visit OB TREES Arborist and Vegetation Management Specialists or call their friendly team on +61 435 912 457

Syndicated by Baxton Media, the Market Influencers.

Melbourne Arborist Vegetation Management Expert Specialist James O’Brien Tree Removal OBTrees Stump Removal Pruning Victoria was originally published on Baxton