Blog Archive | Articles on the tree industry, Arborist knowledge & more

How Often You Should be Trimming Hedges

Hedges play a crucial role in shaping the overall appearance of your garden. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they serve a variety of practical purposes including defining property boundaries and acting as a natural habitat for wildlife and insects in your yard. Keeping your hedges in tip-top shape requires semi-regular maintenance, and understanding what this entails is the key to having healthy, polished hedges.

Hedge Trimming Essentials

Whether your goal is to maintain precise shapes or simply encourage healthy growth, knowing when and why to prune and trim is essential. Here, we’ll explore some of the factors that influence hedge-trimming schedules, including growth and seasonal considerations.

Why trim hedges?

Why do hedges need trimming? There are a couple of important reasons why this task should be a regular part of your garden maintenance routine:

Maintain Shape: Trimming keeps hedges in shape, making it easier to achieve and maintain your desired garden aesthetic. Gradual shaping throughout the year is much easier than taming overgrown hedges.
Promote Health: Regular trims can help you to identify and rectify any other issues with your plants, whether that’s dying or dead branches that need removing, or pest issues that require treatment.
Encourage Growth: Trimming stimulates new, denser growth, resulting in healthier and more robust plants.

Once your hedges are established, incorporating regular trimming into your garden care routine is crucial for their long-term health and appearance. Regular maintenance can range depending on how avid of a green thumb you are, the type of hedges you’re growing and seasonal impacts.

How often to trim hedges

For both deciduous and evergreen hedges, you should aim to trim them yourself, or bring in hedge trimming services, twice each year. While their trimming schedules are similar, the reasons differ. Understanding the rationale behind their needs is an important part of maintaining them.

Evergreen trees and hedges are quick growers, and can get out of control if left untended for long periods of time. Trimming twice a year gives you the opportunity to remove new growth while it’s still manageable, which also encourages a denser, more compact plant overall.

Deciduous hedges require biannual trimming as they have two key growth stages. Taking care of maintenance in alignment with these periods will ensure your deciduous hedges have the best chance at growing exactly how you want them to. These key stages are the best times to ensure your hedges are healthy and polished.

When to trim hedges

It’s not just how often you trim hedges that matters – when you trim them is crucial to their health. In Australia, the ideal time to trim hedges is when the weather is mild – not too hot or damp. For both evergreen and deciduous hedges, autumn and late spring are the best seasons for trimming.

Autumn: With fewer leaves on the branches, it’s easier to see the plant’s structure. Autumn trimming is also beneficial for the hedge’s growth, as removing unwanted buds before they come out allows the plant to take the energy that would have otherwise gone into blooming and use it elsewhere!

Late spring: A spring trim helps control the first flush of growth, keeping hedges neat as they enter the summer season.

When to avoid trimming

Think of freshly cut branches like open wounds – they’re more vulnerable to environmental stress. If you decide to shape them up during the summer, you risk ending up with heat and sun-scorched branches.

Dampness in the air poses another risk to fresh-cut branches and stems, whether it’s from summer humidity or wet winter weather. Just as with an open wound, moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can be detrimental to your hedge health-boosting efforts!

Trimming safely

If you’re thinking of trimming garden hedges yourself, then good gardening safety practices are a must! With sharp blades, ladders, and protruding branches, hedge trimming is risky business. To keep yourself safe, gather the necessary PPE supplies. These include heavy duty gloves, protective eyewear, non-slip boots or shoes, and a face mask to prevent dust, dirt, and insects from getting into your mouth. Long-sleeved clothing is also a good idea to keep your skin safe from scratches and the sun, particularly during springtime trimming.

Proper tool-handling is also incredibly important, especially if you plan on using electric trimmers and tools. Make sure you’re comfortable and confident, and know how to operate the equipment safely before you get stuck in.

Call in the Experts

At Jim’s Trees, we’ve helped countless homeowners perfect their gardens through our range of professionally curated services. Get in touch today to speak with one of our specialists about getting your yard in pristine shape!

December 5, 2024

Fire Retardant Trees

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Trees for Bushfire Prone Areas

Australia is the most fire-prone country in the world, with tens of thousands of bushfires each year. If you’re a homeowner looking for ways to keep your property and family safe during the peak summer season, then you might be surprised to find out how impactful your landscaping can be. From the trees you plant on your property to your year-round garden maintenance, you can take an active role in limiting the spread of fire around your home.

Best Trees to Plant in Bushfire Areas

We are 10 of the best trees for bushfire areas, what they need to thrive, and how they can help to manage the spread of bushfires on your property. From decades of experience, our arborists highlight why these 1o trees are fire resistant and designed to last extreme temperatures and harsh climate.

1. River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)

Optimal Conditions: Tolerates a wide range of soils, preferring deep, well-drained soils. Grows best in areas with moderate rainfall and full sun.

Average Height: Up to 30 meters.

Maintenance: Low-maintenance once established. Regular watering may be needed during dry periods, but it’s quite drought-tolerant. Pruning is minimal but can be done to manage growth.

Fire-Resistant Features: High moisture content in the leaves, which can slow the spread of fire. However, the bark can be flammable under extreme conditions.

2. Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Optimal Conditions: Prefers well-drained soils and grows best in sunny locations.

Average Height: 7 meters.

Maintenance: Low-maintenance, tolerates drought but needs regular watering during dry periods. Pruning needed to maintain shape.

Fire-Resistant Features: Thick bark and high moisture content help the tree resist fire damage.

3. White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla)

Optimal Conditions: Grows well in poor, dry, and rocky soils. Tolerates heat and drought, and thrives in full sun.

Average Height: 10 to 20 meters.

Maintenance: Minimal maintenance required once established. Does well with infrequent watering.

Fire-Resistant Features: Resinous wood is less likely to combust in fires compared to other species.

4. Flooded Gum (Eucalyptus rudis)

Optimal Conditions: This tree thrives in moist, well-drained soils, particularly in floodplains, along riverbanks, and areas with regular water supply. It tolerates both wet and dry conditions once established but prefers full sun for optimal growth.

Average Height: 20 to 30 meters.

Maintenance: Once established, Flooded Gums are low-maintenance. They tolerate droughts, but they perform better with regular watering during prolonged dry spells. Pruning is generally only required to remove dead or damaged branches.

Fire-Resistant Features: Flooded Gums have a high moisture content in their leaves and a smooth, fibrous bark that can help prevent rapid fire spread. The bark often sheds in long strips, which can reduce the buildup of fuel. The tree’s high moisture content can also make it less likely to ignite quickly compared to other eucalypts.

5. Golden Wattle (Acacia victoriae)

Optimal Conditions: Grows best in well-drained soils and can tolerate dry conditions. Prefers full sun but can adapt to partial shade.

Average Height: 6 meters.

Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, though watering during extended dry periods helps. Regular pruning to remove dead branches is advised.

Fire-Resistant Features: The leaves and bark contain oils that have moderate resistance to fire.

6. Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia)

Optimal Conditions: Prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate coastal conditions. Full sun is ideal for healthy growth.

Average Height: 8 to 12 meters.

Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established. Drought-tolerant but appreciates some watering during very dry conditions.

Fire-Resistant Features: Woody, fire-resistant bark and deep taproot that help the plant survive post-fire.

7. Lemon-scented Gum (Eucalyptus citriodora)

Optimal Conditions: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils. It thrives in areas with regular rainfall but is drought-tolerant once established.

Average Height: 30 to 45 meters.

Maintenance: Low-maintenance after establishment. Requires pruning to shape and remove dead wood, especially to reduce the risk of fire spread.

Fire-Resistant Features: Contains essential oils with anti-flammability properties, making it more resistant to fire.

8. River Sheoak (Casuarina cunninghamiana)

Optimal Conditions: Grows best in sandy or loamy soils near water sources but is drought-tolerant once established.

Average Height: 10 to 20 meters.

Maintenance: Very low-maintenance. Drought-tolerant once established and can withstand a variety of conditions.

Fire-Resistant Features: Fire-resistant due to its needle-like leaves and resinous wood.

9. Spotted Gum (Eucalyptus maculata)

Optimal Conditions: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable to a wide range of conditions. Thrives in full sun.

Average Height: 25 to 40 meters.

Maintenance: Low-maintenance, tolerant of dry conditions, and once established, it requires little care.

Fire-Resistant Features: Thick bark and high moisture content reduce the risk of fire spreading.

10. Pine (Pinus radiata)

Optimal Conditions: Prefers well-drained soils and full sun. Tolerates dry conditions and can grow in a variety of soil types, though it does best in cooler, temperate climates.

Average Height: 15 to 20 meters.

Maintenance: Needs regular pruning to remove dead branches, especially at the lower trunk. Can be sensitive to high winds.

Fire-Resistant Features: While not naturally as fire-resistant as other species, it can be treated for fire resistance, and its wood has a slower combustion rate compared to many other conifers.

Other Fire-Proofing Measures

No tree is fully fire-resistant, and, unfortunately, there’s no way to completely fire-proof your yard, but planting any of the trees above is a worthwhile precautionary measure. Along with carefully choosing your trees, regular maintenance and tree pruning are important throughout the entire year, and especially during the summer, can also reduce the risk of fire spreading.

Keeping your gutters free from foliage and debris will reduce the amount of material available to catch fire, making regular gutter cleaning an important step on your summer gardening list. Some of these tasks can require some technical gardening knowledge, particularly for tasks like pruning, where certain plants need different pruning cuts to stay healthy. In these instances, professional tree pruning may be the best way to limit the amount of dry or dead plant matter on your trees, which if left, is a high risk for catching fire.

Lastly, mulching your yard can also impact how fire-safe your property is. Mulches made from organic materials can be more prone to catching fire, whereas gravel and mineral mulches pose less of a risk.

Professional Guidance

Not only can making informed landscaping decisions impact your yard’s aesthetic, but they can be detrimental to your property’s safety. At Jim’s Trees, our experts know the ins-and-outs of planning, planting, and caring for trees, and can help make this process easy and stress-free for you. Contact the Jim’s Trees team today to speak to one of our friendly professionals about looking after your yard.

November 7, 2024

The Best Fast Growing Trees for Privacy

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Homeowners around Australia revel in the opportunity to soak up the sun outdoors, but usually don’t want their privacy invaded by neighbours or passersby, whether it’s intentional or not. If you enjoy sitting out on your porch or verandah, hosting garden picnics, or playing on the lawn with family, then we have the perfect solution to privacy-proof your yard.

Planting trees is a great way to limit the view from the street or other homes into your property. Not only this, but including trees in your landscaping can add a stunning dimension to your outdoor space, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Most trees can take 20 to 40 years to reach maturity, but others have a speedier race to the top of the treeline. If time is of the essence and you don’t want to wait decades for a tall tree to grow, here are some top picks for fast growing trees that will provide you with privacy, shade, and a windbreak in no time!

Our Favourite Fast Growing Trees

Bald Cypress (taxodium distichum)

This deciduous conifer is native to North America, but grows beautifully in many parts of Australia. If your soil is on the wet side, then this tree will likely thrive, sprouting green needle-like foliage that turns a beautiful red in late autumn. Bald cypress grows around 18 to 24 inches each year, and can eventually reach heights of 100 feet and 40 feet in width.

Cottonwoods (populus deltoides)

This is another good choice for areas that experience wet weather, and for homes along rivers. That being said, they need well-drained soil to thrive, as well as a spot in either full sun or partial shade. Cottonwoods grow particularly quickly at 3 to 4 feet per year, but this can also cause their wood to be quite brittle. If you care for your cottonwood well, you can enjoy a 70 foot privacy screen by the time the tree reaches maturity.

Lombardy Poplars (populus nigra)

Another species in the cottonwood family, lombardy poplars can soar up to 6 feet each year until they reach 50 feet in height. This tree originated in Italy, and similar to cottonwoods, grows well in wet regions of Australia. The downside to these, however, is that they can be prone to diseases and welcoming to pests. As long as you inspect and tend to your trees frequently to keep problems at bay, a few of these narrow trees combined will make for the perfect privacy screen.

Chinese Tallow Tree (sapium sebiferum)

The Chinese tallow tree is a leafy green that grows to form an encapsulating canopy of shade. If this sounds just right for your yard, then you’ll need to find a well-drained soil spot with full sun to allow the tree to reach its full potential of 40 feet, growing 12 to 18 inches per year. With flowers and fruit blossoming and falling from the tree, you’ll probably want to plant it away from your deck or patio where the petals can build up!

Dawn Redwood (metasequoia glyptostroboides)

If you’ve got a large yard, then the colossal dawn redwood might make for an awe-inspiring addition. The evergreen tree usually grows to 80 feet tall and 25 feet wide at a rate of 2 feet annually. Dawn redwoods are commonly viewed as ornamental fast growing conifers that fare best in wet soil and fun sunlight.

Fast Growing Tree Tips to Keep in Mind

Before you dig in to adding new growth to your garden, there are a few things you should be aware of.

Placement planning

While smaller shrubs, flowers, and hedges are relatively safe to plant wherever you please, tall trees can pose issues in some areas. To avoid interfering with anything important, keep clear of lampposts and overhead wires, as well as septic lines and pathways. You’d be surprised how much damage tree roots can cause if they grow too close!

Ongoing maintenance

Fast growing trees don’t tend to be as strong as others, and high winds and storms can threaten breakage. To help protect your tree, your home, and your neighbours, frequent pruning is important to take care of any branches that may break away during bad weather.

To help keep your trees healthy, make sure you know how to apply mulch properly, too! Caring for trees is a year-round task, so you should also keep up to date with how to look after them throughout Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

Shorter lifespan

Oftentimes, trees that grow quickly start to decline as soon as they reach maturity. If you want a tall tree that stands the test of time, then playing the long game and planting a regular tree might be a better option. If you’re happy with a more limited lifespan, then a fast growing tree is the way to go.

Hedges

While we’re on the topic of fast growing screening trees, there are also a number of hedges that offer privacy and shade, too. Here are some of the most popular hedges for privacy, along with some quick facts on each:

Lilly pilly (yzygium smithii)

Grows up to 5 metres
Features small pink berries
Thrives in cooler climates

Photinia robusta

Reaches 5 metres in height
Has dark green leaves, vibrant red new growth, and delicate white flowers
Favours full sun and partial shade, and is drought tolerant

Viburnums

Stands at 3.5 metres tall
Ideally planted in areas with a mild climate
A pleasantly fragrant plant thanks to its white flowers

Little gem magnolia

A popular screening plant in Australia
Grows up to 4 metres tall and 2.5 metres wide
Ideally positioned in full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil

Get Help From Jim’s

At Jim’s Trees, our experts can help you out with whatever you need for your trees. Whether it’s pruning, mulching, or any of our other services, just contact us to see how we can help you find the perfect privacy and shade solutions for your yard!

October 9, 2024

5 Easy Ways to Keep Trees Healthy in Spring

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man and woman pruning trees with machinery at a vineyard

As your yard comes back to life after winter, some areas might need a little extra attention to reach their full potential for another year. Your trees are one such area, and caring for your trees in spring is something you can do relatively easily. Trees can have a big impact on the appearance of a yard, so keeping them healthy is essential to maintaining the overall aesthetic of your garden or land.

At Jim’s Trees, we know a thing or two about this, so here are our experts’ top five tips for spring tree maintenance!

Inspect

Before you start your spring tree care, you should thoroughly inspect each tree so you can make a plan to address any issues you find. Early spring is the ideal time to do this as you’ll have a good view of the branches before new leaves and flowers grow.

The first thing to look for is any dead or dying branches. If left as they are, these are at risk of breaking or falling, and can be potentially dangerous to you, your neighbours, or anyone who might encounter them.

While you’re inspecting your trees, you should also keep an eye out for any animals or pests who might have made your trees home, and treat them appropriately.

Inspecting your trees shouldn’t just be a one-off task that you undertake at the beginning of the season. By incorporating this routinely into your garden care, you can keep on top of potential problems before they turn into something bigger.

Prune

Based on what you find when you inspect, the next step will likely be to prune your trees. Just as with inspecting, pruning trees in spring should be relatively straightforward as you’ll have better visibility of branches. Pruning is just one of the many services we offer at Jim’s Trees, so if you need a hand with the task, one of our experts will be happy to help.

Along with tackling broken, hanging, or potentially dangerous branches, you should also remove any parts of the wood that appear to be dead or dying. If left untreated, any lingering disease can quickly spread throughout the rest of the tree.

Clean Up

After your trees have been pruned, you should tidy up around them so there’s no debris or rubbish getting in the way. This includes raking, weeding, or whatever is needed to get your garden in a good state. Getting out in the garden throughout spring and keeping everything neat will also help to keep your trees healthy as the season goes on.

Spring Soil Care

Your trees’ health comes from the ground up, making soil care an important step in spring tree care. Applying fertiliser may be needed to replenish the soil nutrients, as these will likely have been used up and drained over winter. Soil care can depend on your plants’ needs, your location, and an array of other factors. Getting a professional opinion on this will be incredibly helpful when it comes to keeping your plants and trees healthy during spring before you move onto summer tree care.

While you’re at it, this is also a good time to start mulching. It’s important to mulch around trees properly so they can reap all of the benefits. You should aim to apply a layer that’s 3-4 inches deep, but leave a small perimeter around the tree base to ensure you don’t suffocate the tree. If you mulch too close, you risk the area becoming waterlogged, causing the tree to rot, and leading to a lot more work down the line!

Find New Opportunities

Once your spring tree care is completed, you might find that you have space for some new additions to your yard. Now is a great time to plant the perfect spring trees to liven up your land even more.

Contact Jim’s Trees

Our team of professionals at Jim’s Trees knows everything there is to know about caring for your trees year-round. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or queries, and we can tailor a service to your needs!

September 2, 2024

The Best Six Trees to Plant in Spring Across Australia

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There’s nothing better than that first wave of springtime sunshine after a chilly winter, and what better way to enjoy it than getting out in the garden?

As the soil heats up, it presents the perfect opportunity to get out your trowel and gloves and start preparing your yard for a summer in full bloom. The first thing to do is to prepare your yard for spring planting, which might include composting and mulching, as well as tree pruning, and any other tasks to tidy things up after winter. Then, you can dig in and get planting. If you’ve had your sights set high in the sky, then here are some of the best trees to plant in spring!

What to Plant in Spring

Fruit Tree

Planting a tree that allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labour is a sweet way to welcome in the warmer weather!

Pear, apple, peach, and plum trees are great for spring planting, and will do best when set up in well-drained soil in a spot that gets plenty of sun. If you want to plant citrus trees like lemon, orange, and kumquat, you’re best waiting until a little bit later in the season as these need more consistently warm weather.

There are lots of varieties of fruit trees, including dwarf species, so you can choose whatever will be best suited to the space you’re working with.

Seven-son Flower Tree

The seven-son flower tree is a year-round performer, gracing gardens with white petals when many other plants have lost theirs at the end of summer, and bright red ones in autumn. Seven-son flower trees are very hardy, but do their best in well-drained soil in bright but lightly shaded areas. These spring-planted trees can grow to heights of 9 metres, and can reach 3 metres in just 5 years.

Magnolia Tree

Planting magnolia trees in spring is a fantastic way to brighten up your yard. The timelessly elegant flowers bloom in shades of white, pink, purple, yellow, or red, and love sunny spots with well-drained soil. Just as with fruit trees, there are multiple magnolia varieties out there that grow anywhere from 2.5 to 21 metres tall, giving you a few different options depending on your garden.

Tulip Tree

Looking like they’ve been picked straight out of a storybook, tulip trees have a certain elegant grandeur about them. Growing from 20 to 30 metres tall, the gentle giant’s pastel blossoms are enough to bring any outdoor space to life, but you’ll need to ensure you have enough space for the plant to spread its deep root system. They take up to 7 years to reach their full potential, and need around 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Red Maple Tree

As the name suggests, the red maple tree provides a brilliant pop of colour all year long. Its leaves turn a deep red or yellow colour in autumn, red in winter, and back to green in spring. Native to North America, the red maple (locally known as the Canadian maple) is a low-maintenance tree that grows in various soil types, and could be a great springtime addition to your yard.

Jacaranda Tree

If you want something to truly stand out in your garden, then consider planting a jacaranda tree in the spring. Jacarandas love the sun, so are best planted in sunny positions with shelter from the wind. They grow up to 10 metres in height, so you’ll also want to ensure they have plenty of space and are placed in a rich, well-drained soil. The jacaranda is one of many trees that flower in spring, so when jacaranda trees bloom in late-spring to early-summer, you can bask in the beauty of its rich purple flowers.

Expert Advice

From looking after your garden during winter to knowing how to prune your trees in summer, at Jim’s Trees, we can provide whatever advice and services you need. You can get in touch with Jim’s Trees experts whenever you need, and we’ll be here to lend a helping hand with your yard!

August 7, 2024

Maintaining Trees as a Tenant in Victoria, is it your Responsibility?

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Moving into a new rental property is an exciting time that comes with a laundry list of tasks and to do’s. As a tenant, it’s your responsibility to know or find out what your responsibilities are, and what falls on the landlord to take care of, including home maintenance issues. When we think of home maintenance, it’s often just the inside of the home that’s considered, but the outside areas are equally important.

Having a garden is an attractive feature for many renters looking for a new place, and can be a deal breaker on whether or not to apply. The benefits of having your own garden are numerous, but it’s also important to remember that if you do choose to move to a property with a yard or trees, you’ll also be responsible for some of the upkeep.

But what is a tenant’s legal responsibility for tree maintenance, and is the landlord or tenant responsible for tree trimming and other chores?

Minor Garden Maintenance

Minor yard maintenance includes duties like lawn mowing, edging, and looking after flower beds. It also includes low-risk tree tasks like trimming and pruning parts of the tree that can easily be reached without risking harm to anyone.

These types of chores are the tenants responsibility to handle, as they can be done relatively easily and safely, and are considered to be part of the general household maintenance. This means that if you see that a low-lying branch is about to break off, it’s your job to remove it, or if leaves and growth are becoming unruly, you’ll need to trim them back. The same goes for removing fallen branches and keeping things generally tidy and in good repair.

A good guideline to follow is; if it’s within your reach, it’s your responsibility.

Major Garden Maintenance

In this case, ‘major’ tasks cover anything that requires professional attention, like tree lopping, and more thorough pruning and hedging. These are works that are usually not carried out regularly, and need specialist attention. As such, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to arrange for these types of maintenance tasks to be completed. If a tree is dying, diseased, or threatening to cause harm or damage to buildings or individuals, the landlord needs to arrange for tree removal.

Although the landlord is responsible for these, as a tenant, you should report any need for works to your landlord or rental agency to ensure they’re aware of the issue.

Why is Tree Maintenance Important?

Regardless of who is reasonably responsible for what in a rental home, maintaining trees on a property is incredibly important, and for more than just aesthetic reasons. When trees aren’t properly cared for, they have the potential to cause damage to properties, and harm to people.

Weak branches and diseased extremities can fall at any time, injuring anyone who may come in their path, while tree diseases can spread rapidly if left untreated, impacting surrounding vegetation and wildlife. Not only that, but when tree roots aren’t maintained adequately, they can interfere with underground plumbing and drainage systems.

Get Expert Help

Whether you’re a landlord needing professional assistance tending to trees on your property, or you’re a tenant in need of some tips on tree pruning, Jim’s can help you out. Contact Jim’s Trees today to find out more about our services, or have a look online at our handy garden guides.

July 16, 2024

Does Home Insurance Cover a Tree Falling on Your House

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Man in hardhat trimming branches from a fallen tree, by using a chainsaw.

Across Australia, our magnificent flora adds an undeniably impressive touch to the landscape. While plants and large trees are great for the environment, there can be some practical downsides to them, particularly for homeowners.

The larger the tree, the further it has to fall, and the more damage it can cause along the way. If a tree on your property falls, it can cause a fair bit of damage to your home, belongings, and anything else that comes in its path. This begs a common question among homeowners – does home insurance cover a tree falling on your house?

The answer to this isn’t as straightforward as a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Here, we’ll go through some of the most common scenarios, and how insurance providers might handle them, as well as general good-to-knows about insurance.

Common Causes of Trees Falling

There are a number of common factors that cause trees to fall, and the cover your insurance provides might vary depending on the cause, and the type of damage that occurs. These causes can range in extremity, with various insurance implications.

Weather Conditions

Storms and extreme weather conditions, strong winds, and lightning events are generally included in the list of ‘perils’ that many insurance policies cover. In the case of any of these, your insurance likely provides cover for damage, and also for tree or debris removal.

Neglect

If a dead or rotted tree, or loose limbs or branches fall on your home and cause damage, it’s not likely to be covered by your insurance. This is because these are considered issues that you should be aware of and address before they get bad enough to fall. As the property owner, it’s your responsibility to take measures to prevent property damage from fallen trees. This is why regular tree pruning to remove dead branches is considered essential for the Jim’s Trees crew.

Preventing Damage

The best way to protect yourself against damage from fallen trees is to do what you can to stop it from happening in the first place.

It’s the responsibility of the property owner to take whatever measures are necessary to prevent damage from occurring. While you can’t predict the weather or do anything to stop a storm in its tracks, you can limit the risk of potential damage.

Simple tree maintenance like tree pruning removes dead or dying limbs that are more likely to fall, while emergency tree removal can take care of trees that pose an immediate threat to property.

Insurance Details

To ensure you have the cover you need, it’s important to understand the different types of insurance policies out there, and the details of the individual policies.

In the case of a tree falling on your home, there are a few different types of cover that could come into play.

Building insurance

This type of insurance covers the physical building, and damage it may incur in the event of a tree falling. This is solely for structural issues, and doesn’t cover any personal belongings or home furnishings.

Contents insurance

Contents insurance is what will cover your belongings and furnishings. Building insurance and contents insurance can be purchased together, often called ‘home and contents’, or can be bought individually.

If you’re renting, it is not your responsibility to have building or ‘home’ cover, but you may choose to take out a contents-only policy in case of a tree fall or other damage.

Car insurance

Let’s say a tree on your property falls, hitting your home and landing on your car, resulting in damage to both your home and vehicle. Building insurance might cover the cost of your home, but you’ll probably need to have a separate car insurance policy to cover the damage to the vehicle.

Limits and deductibles

When taking out any insurance policy, you should take care to read the details and fine print associated, paying particular attention to the cover limits and deductibles.

The limit is the maximum amount of money the policy will pay out in the event of a claim, whereas the deductible is the amount that you have to pay before the insurance pays the rest. For example, if your policy has a deductible of $200, and a repair that you need to make costs $250, your insurance will only cover $50. Lower-cost policies often have lower cover limits and higher deductibles, which is something to keep in mind as you shop around for insurance.

Talk to the Experts

If you’re concerned about a particular tree on your property, or just want some guidance on tree maintenance, our Jim’s Trees experts are here to help. Get in touch with Jim’s Trees today to find out more about services, and how we can help to take care of your trees.

June 7, 2024

Removing Yucca Plants

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Yucca trees are native to southern North America, which you might not have guessed judging by the amount of them in Australia.

Stemming from the Yucatan region of Mexico and well-established throughout Central America, the Yucca plant can withstand some pretty extreme conditions. Thanks to this, the adaptable tree can be found throughout Australia, from the sun-soaked and dry outback in summer to the cooler, wetter Victorian winter.

While their resilience may be great for the yucca, it’s also what makes this persistent plant pretty tricky to get rid of. If you’re ready to say goodbye to your yucca plants to make way for something new, then our Jim’s Trees experts have some advice to help you out!

Cut Back

The first step in removing a yucca plant is cutting it down to the stump. Using an axe or a saw, carefully cut away at the plant, ensuring that all of the clippings are properly disposed of to prevent the spread of seeds.

Dig Deep

Next up, it’s time to get digging. To ensure you can easily access the entire root system, you should aim to dig around a metre in diameter around the stump, as well as a minimum of one metre deep. Then, with a bit of force, you should be able to remove and dispose of the stump.

To help with this phase, some stump removal providers recommend stump poisoning. This involves drilling holes around the stump prior to removal, and soaking them in stump killer or potassium nitrate. This can take a few months to kick in, at which point, removing the stump should be less taxing.

Get To The Root

Now that the stump has been taken care of, the next step is yucca tree root removal. As its roots can be particularly prolific, and new shoots can stem from even small bits leftover, it’s imperative to get rid of any and all root remnants. In dry weather, apply herbicide to any root pieces- ideally one that contains glyphosate or triclopyr, as these have a broad performance spectrum. This step should be continued as needed until you are confident that there are no new shoots growing, around two to three months, before filling in the hole.

If you’d rather avoid using chemical products in your yard, you can also try to kill the roots by intentionally waterlogging them. This will prevent them from absorbing the oxygen they need to grow, killing them over time without the use of chemical products.

Call In The Experts

Yucca plants are fast-growing and very low maintenance, meaning it doesn’t take much for them to thrive. For the best chance at success in removing a yucca tree stump and its roots, enlisting the expert help of a stump removal service might be the best plan for you. For more information, or to speak to a member of our stump removal team, contact Jim’s Trees today.

May 8, 2024

How to Know Your Council’s Tree Removal Guidelines

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Two tree removalists in protective gear mulching trees.

Trees are essential to our environment, providing us with clean air, as well as shade and protection from the elements. Sometimes though, a tree may need to be removed, and the process can be confusing for the person or people left in charge of arranging this. Here, we’ve compiled information that should help you in breaking down tree removal guidelines and regulations.

When do trees require removal?

There are a number of different scenarios when a tree may need to be removed entirely. These include deteriorating health of the tree, a potential threat it poses to nearby buildings, or it may have become a safety hazard over time. Insect infestation is another reason why it may be best for the environment to sacrifice and remove one tree in order to preserve countless others.

In some cases, diligent pruning might work to get the problem under control, but when pruning isn’t enough, tree removal may be the best answer.

How do I apply to have a tree removed?

Councils throughout Australia have varying criteria for tree removal, and different regulations and tree removal guidelines. The best way to get answers if you need council approval to remove a tree for your location is to go to your council’s website, where you can find your local council tree removal guidelines. From here, you will be able to find all the required information about the tree species and trunk sizes that require a permit prior, and how to apply for a tree removal permit.

Jim’s Trees are able to help you with the application procedure, with the required paperwork. In some cases, you may even need an arborist report which we can also offer.

Can I apply for a permit to have any tree removed?

While you can technically apply for a permit to remove any tree, the permit will only be granted if your application meets the council tree removal requirements. To satisfy this, you must also provide supporting documentation and evidence of why you believe the tree should be removed. Generally speaking, councils do not grant permission for trees to be removed for reasons other than health, safety, or construction-related issues. A tree in your yard may be obstructing your view or blocking sunlight, but these are not reasons to remove it.

Can you remove a tree without a permit?

Just as tree removal guidelines vary council to council, this one will also depend on your location. Not all trees require permission to remove, so to find out what trees don’t need a permit to be removed, it’s best to check your local council’s guidelines on tree removal.

This will often be based on tree size and species. It’s worth noting before undergoing any significant tree removal or pruning, check out your council’s regulations, as some local areas also require a permit for the pruning of specific tree species.

In cases where the tree is dead or causing an immediate risk to the public, you may decide that it is best to have it removed sooner than a permit can be granted. In this case, you should take photos as evidence of the tree’s state before removal, and can supply these to your council later.

What happens if I remove a tree without a permit?

If you choose to remove a tree or have a tree removed without a permit, you may face legal action, as well as substantial fines for not complying with your council’s regulations. If you apply to your local council to remove a tree and the application is rejected, many councils will allow you to appeal the decision.

Follow your local council’s guidelines for tree removal

We’ve provided a resource for some city councils across Victoria to get a better gauge on what may be required in your local area.

Contact Jim’s Trees

When it comes to tree removal, the Jim’s trees team can provide you with quotes, supporting documentation for removal permits, and complete tree removal service.

Contact the Jim’s team today to find out more about how we can help you to navigate tree removal, or simply fill in our online quote form!

April 8, 2024

Signs of a Dying Palm Tree & How to Save it

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It’s tough to think of a more iconic tree than the classic palm tree! Synonymous with paradise, the desert oasis, and the Hollywood Hills, a palm tree looks incredible in any Australian backyard. But, what do you do when you think your palm tree might be dying? Is it possible to revive it? As expert arborists at Jim’s Trees, we explain how to know if your palm tree is dying, how to save it, and how best to remove it.

Signs of a dying palm tree

Not sure if your palm tree is dead or potentially dying? Look for the following signs of an unhealthy and dying palm tree.

No new growth

If your palm tree is healthy then it will have new fronds emerging from the crown as a sign of new growth. If these fronds have died back and there are no new ones growing, then your palm tree is dying or even already dead.

Brown or yellow fronds

A quick way to tell if your palm tree is dying or dead is by checking the fronds. Your palm tree should have green fronds, if they’ve turned yellow or brown then your palm tree is not healthy.

Dry or brittle fronds

Once again, inspect your fronds to see how healthy your palm tree is. If the fronds are dry and brittle to the touch then your palm tree is dying or dead.

Why is my palm tree dying?

Now that you’ve realised your palm tree is dying, it’s time to identify the root causes! We’ve listed some common reasons why your palm tree is likely dying.

Over or under watering

A common cause of palm trees dying is incorrect watering. Under watering can occur if you’ve been neglecting your palm, particularly in warm weather, and the tree may appear slightly wilted with curled up leaves. Overwatering can occur when you are watering too frequently, the roots of your tree will be waterlogged and the leaves will turn yellow or brown. If you are watering too shallow then the topsoil will be wet and soggy, but the roots won’t be receiving enough water.

Poor quality soil

Bad soil can quickly turn a healthy palm tree into a dying one. If your soil is too acidic, your tree won’t be happy. Palm trees prefer well-draining soil which has slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Lacking nutrients

Lack of vital nutrients can quickly send your palm tree to an early grave. Your palm tree needs the right balance of calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium to thrive. We recommend using a specialised palm tree fertiliser so it receives the right amount of nutrients.

Too much or not enough sunlight

Getting the right amount of sunlight for your palm tree can be a delicate balance at times. If your new palm tree is in direct sunlight it can potentially get sunburnt. The amount of sunlight required for your palm will depend on the variety, so carefully research this before planting.

Pests or disease

A tree disease or a pest infestation is often responsible for a dying or unhealthy palm tree. To see if your palm tree is suffering from diseases or pests, check the trunk, fronds and leaves.

Can you save a dying palm tree?

If your palm tree is unwell, don’t lose all hope! With some dedicated Palm tree maintenance, your tree will soon thrive and recover. Usually, the best course of action for saving your palm tree is to address the cause of it dying. For example, if your soil is low quality and lacking the right nutrients then it’s best to replant your tree in better soil and apply palm tree fertiliser.

Should you remove a dead or dying palm tree?

Unfortunately, sometimes your palm tree is beyond saving and needs to be removed. Even a healthy palm tree may need to be removed once it is declared dangerous by an arborist. Removing dangerous trees is highly important and should only be done by a professional tree surgeon and arborist such as Jim’s Trees due to the high level of risk involved. Removing a tree yourself is highly risky as you put yourself and others in danger of falling tree limbs and trunks. A badly done tree removal can also potentially damage your property and create more problems.

If you need to remove a palm tree, then the experienced team at Jim’s Trees are here to help! We will successfully and safely remove your palm tree, along with the stump. Receive a free quote today!

October 30, 2023