Crucial Steps for Post-Storm Backyard Tree Inspections
Strong winds, heavy rain and waterlogged soil can leave backyard trees unstable, even when damage looks minor. In Wollongong, coastal exposure and intense rainfall make a careful post-storm inspection important. Start from a safe location and inspect only from ground level: a visual check helps identify warning signs, but it cannot confirm that a damaged tree is safe.
1. Check for Immediate Hazards Before Entering the Yard
Wait until severe weather has passed and visibility is clear. Look through a window or from a sheltered position before walking outside. Keep children and pets away from damaged trees, fallen branches and affected fences.
If a tree or branch touches powerlines, stay at least eight metres away from it and any fallen wires. Treat all wires as live, and do not touch nearby https://treeremovalwollongong.com.au/contact/ fences or objects that may be energised. Contact Endeavour Energy for electrical hazards in its network area. Call 000 if there is immediate danger to life; for storm and flood assistance, contact the NSW SES on 132 500.
2. Inspect the Tree from the Ground
Without standing beneath damaged branches, examine the tree from several safe viewpoints. Compare its position and appearance with what you remember before the storm.
- Canopy: Look for hanging branches, broken limbs caught in the crown and large branches resting on other branches.
- Trunk and branch unions: Check for fresh splits, exposed wood, torn bark or separation where major stems join.
- Base and roots: Look for lifted soil, new ground cracks, exposed roots or movement around the root plate.
- Overall position: Treat a new lean, particularly alongside soil movement, as an urgent warning sign.
- Surroundings: Note damaged structures, blocked access and neighbouring trees that could affect your property.
Do not push the trunk, pull on cracked limbs or walk around an unstable tree to get a better view. No visible damage does not guarantee structural safety.
3. Recognise When Professional Assessment Is Needed
Arrange prompt assessment by an appropriately qualified and insured arborist if you notice a new lean, root movement, trunk splitting or large suspended limbs. A consulting arborist with an AQF Level 5 qualification in arboriculture is a useful choice for a detailed tree-risk assessment and written recommendations.
Keep people outside the area that falling branches or the tree could reach while awaiting advice. Storm-damaged timber can be under considerable tension, so avoid climbing, ladder work and chainsaw cutting. Even apparently straightforward cuts can cause branches to spring or shift unexpectedly.
4. Document Damage and Check Wollongong Requirements
Take photographs from a safe distance, noting the date, visible damage and nearby buildings or access routes. Contact your insurer before arranging substantial work where practical, particularly if a tree damages a home, garage or fence.
Before pruning or removing a tree, check current requirements with Wollongong City Council. Approval requirements and exemptions depend on the tree and site, including whether heritage or other protections apply. Do not assume storm damage automatically permits removal. Where urgent safety work is necessary, retain photographs, arborist advice and work records to document the circumstances.
5. Recheck After Conditions Settle
Continue observing trees from a safe location after further rain or strong winds. Saturated ground and partially damaged branches can create hazards after the storm itself has ended. If you notice new movement, cracking or falling material, withdraw and seek professional advice. Once immediate risks are addressed, an arborist can recommend appropriate pruning and ongoing monitoring rather than unnecessary removal.
Wollongong Tree Removal Pros
106 Gipps St, Wollongong NSW 2500
(02) 4210 5945