Trees in winter might look calm and harmless, but they can become serious hazards when storm season arrives. Last summer’s storm season hit the Gold Coast hard. Fallen branches blocked driveways, uprooted trees damaged homes, and countless residents were left with expensive clean-ups. Many of these problems could have been avoided with proper preparation and care.
We advise our customers to have their trees checked regularly to ensure they can withstand the Queensland Storms. The trees may look healthy and safe to the homeowner, but a qualified Arborist can detect whether they will withstand a typical storm or need to be removed.
As you can imagine, demand for our Gold Coast tree services surges after storms, so here are some tips to avoid storm damage from trees:
How to Spot an Unsafe Tree Before Storm Season
Even healthy-looking trees can pose serious risks when high winds and heavy rain arrive. Spotting warning signs early can help you prevent property damage, injuries, and costly emergency removals. Here’s what to look out for in your yard before storm season hits.
- Branches, limbs, or trunks with visible cracks or splits
- Trees leaning noticeably to one side
- Branches hanging directly over your home, driveway, or power lines
- Low-hanging branches that are close to roofs, fences, or structures
- Trees showing signs of decay, such as hollow sections, fungal growth, or dead wood
- Sparse or unhealthy foliage, indicating poor overall health
- Exposed or damaged roots that may compromise stability
Why Inspecting Trees in Winter Can Save You Thousands
Arborists at JC Tree Services recently helped a Gold Coast homeowner who noticed a large limb hanging over their living room roof.
From the ground, the tree looked healthy and had no obvious damage. However, during our tree inspection, we discovered deep cracks inside the main branch and signs of internal decay that weren’t visible to the untrained eye.
We safely removed the branch before the summer storms arrived, saving the homeowner from what could have been tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. The homeowner saved from possible roof replacement, water damage restoration, interior ceiling repairs, and potential electrical work if the branch had severed power lines. Beyond the repair bills, they also avoided weeks of disruption, temporary relocation costs, and the emotional stress of dealing with major structural damage.
This is just one example of how proactive tree inspections, expert advice from professional arborists, and strategic planting trees can prevent dangerous surprises and keep your home secure throughout storm season.
How to Get Your Trees in Winter Ready for Storm Season
- Inspect all trees for cracks, splits, or signs of decay
- Trim overhanging or low branches that could damage your roof, windows, or fences.
- Remove any dead or weak limbs that might break off during strong winds.
- Check for leaning trees or those with unstable root systems that could uproot.
- Have arborists do necessary tree pruning services to avoid potential storm damage.
- Evaluate nearby trees on neighboring properties and discuss potential risks with your neighbors.
- Call an emergency arborist or storm response team right away if you spot dangerous hanging branches or fallen trees blocking access.
How to Inspect and Care for Trees After a Storm
- Check for broken limbs on the ground and hanging branches (“widow-makers“) that could fall later.
- Even slight leaning can indicate root damage or instability.
- Assess canopy thinning or heavy defoliation. Loss of leaves or major canopy damage may indicate stress and structural weakness.
- Remove leaves, twigs, and small branches that can block drainage and cause water damage.
- Check for exposed or lifted roots, soil upheaval, or cracks around the root zone.
- Take clear photos of all affected areas before cleaning up extensively.
- Remove weak limbs now, consider bracing vulnerable trees, and continue regular inspections.
- Re-engage a qualified Arborist to reinspect trees as storm damage can make them a future threat
Gold Coast Storm and Tree Emergency Contact List
| JC Tree Services | Ph: 0418 451 814 |
| SES | Ph: 132 500 |
| Energex | Ph: 131 962 |
| Police, Fire, Ambulance | Ph: 000 |
Protect Your Property with a Thorough Tree Inspection on the Gold Coast
What would you do if a storm left you with a $20,000 repair bill overnight? Unexpected storm damage can result in costly roof repairs, structural damage, smashed fences, broken driveways, or emergency tree removals. These expenses can easily reach thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Beyond repair bills, homeowners in Gold Coast face hidden costs such as temporary accommodation, higher insurance premiums, and lost time managing repairs and clean-up
Frequently Asked Questions
If a neighbor’s tree falls on my property, who is responsible for removal?
If a healthy tree falls on your property due to a storm or natural event, you (the property owner) are usually responsible for the cost of removing it and repairing any damage. However, if the tree was known to be unsafe and your neighbor ignored requests to address it, they may be liable for the costs.
Many homeowners in similar situations also ask if they can cut down a tree on their property. The answer depends on local council regulations, the tree’s health, and any potential safety hazards. The safest approach is to consult a qualified arborist, as they can assess the situation and do the work safely. Tree removal is best left to trained professionals to prevent injury & avoid property damage.
Why is tree removal so expensive?
Tree removal in Gold Coast can be expensive as it involves skilled labor and specialized equipment. Factors like tree height, proximity to buildings or power lines, and the need for cranes or climbing gear increase the cost. Local council regulations and disposal fees also add to the overall expense.
How much does it cost for tree removal?
Tree removal may range from $300 to over $5,000. Smaller trees in easy-to-reach areas are on the lower end, while large or dangerous trees near structures or power lines cost significantly more.
