Unfortunately trees occasionally need to be removed for the following reasons:

• The tree is dead or in decline.

• The tree has too much rot, termite damage or fungi and has becoming unstable.

• The tree is damaging structures, buildings, utilities or paved areas.

• The tree is obstructing a new proposed development.

• The tree is dropping large branches or is perceived as hazardous.

We have extensive experience in the safe dismantling and removal of all types of trees and palms. This includes dead and diseased trees or those which need to be replaced with more suitable species because of the damage they are causing or the potential dangers they present. Although we specialize in large, complex and dangerous trees we are equally efficient at removing any size tree in any location whether that is in an extremely confined space between 2 buildings or in the middle of a vacant block or park. There are many different techniques involved in this process and much of choice comes down to the size and location of the tree as well as the obstacles that are around it such as buildings and service wires.

Emergency Storm Damage

Storm damage from high winds or lightning strikes is quite common on the far North coast and often creates an extremely dangerous situation. At Beamer Tree Services we always put safety first and so will often use a crane on large trees to help lift away the limbs from the roof but we may also require setting up a series of rigging ropes to stabilize the fallen tree before we begin. This is a highly skilled operation and requires a lot of experience to maximize safety whilst also minimizing any additional damage to the property. We are experts in this field and can provide a 24hour, 7 days a week emergency service to ensure that any storm damage is removed as soon as possible with regards to safety.

Crown Reduction

Crown reduction is generally reducing the size of the tree canopy in spread or height by selectively pruning certain limbs back to lateral branches capable of sustaining the remaining limb.

In simple terms this means the overall structure of the tree and future growth is still stable and in balance. The choice of pruning is also often determined by the species of tree since for example eucalyptus trees do not respond well to crown reduction vertically, whereas deciduous trees such as liquid ambers or London plain trees are more tolerant. However, a tree should never be topped or lopped in height (i.e. cut off to stubs) since this will create many additional problems in the future. At Beamer Tree Services we will advise exactly how any crown reduction or shaping should be carried out to meet the client's needs whilst also maintaining a healthy tree.

Crown Thinning

Thinning of the tree canopy by cutting out small, weakly attached branches and by selectively removing certain branches to create gaps in the canopy is an accepted method of increasing light penetration and air flow, and subsequently reducing the wind load and relieving the weight of large heavy limbs. Additional benefits also include a reduction in leaf litter and often can significantly improve the view since the client can now see through the tree.

This is a time consuming process but it is a very popular technique as it maintains the natural shape and structure, whilst also providing the clients needs. Once again this technique needs to be carried out by a skilled and qualified arborist to ensure that enough lateral branches are left to prevent detrimental effects such as excessive epicormic shoots or weakened branch structure.

Crown Lifting

This technique is the removal of the lower limbs, or parts of a limb, to provide clearance from buildings or obstacles, improve a view or increase light penetration. This again will also reduce leaf litter and can remove potentially hazardous heavy lower limbs.

This method is frequently used since it can quickly provide the desired result and it limits the effect on the health of the tree since it concentrates its growth into the upper parts of the canopy. Once again consideration should be taken into the type, age and growing cycle of the tree in most cases and excessive removal should always be avoided.

Dead Wooding

The removal of deadwood is an important task in maintaining the health of a tree and ensuring the safety of people around it, which of course is also a liability issue in urban environments. Deadwood is created as part of a defence mechanism by the tree and naturally it just eventually rots away and falls to the ground. The removal of deadwood will also add to the aesthetics of trees.

Stump Grinding

Once the tree is removed, the stump that remains is often ground out using a stump grinder. This is a hydraulically driven machine that has a spinning wheel on the front with tungsten teeth that grind the stump into small pieces of mulch. As it does so it mixes with the surrounding soil so you are left with a mixture of soil and very fine mulch. This is often left to settle for a couple of weeks to fill the hole where the stump was and any excess spread around the garden or can be removed if required.

Poisoning Stumps

If the stump is in an extremely awkward position or too close to structures or important services (i.e. Gas and water) it may not be possible to grind it out without damaging any infrastructure. In this case the stump often has to remain and is subsequently cut to just above ground and poisoned to prevent any re-growth. In many cases the extra cost of grinding or the fact that the stump is not aesthetically displeasing to the client can also mean that the stump is just left and poisoned.

An important part of tree management is an understanding of all the arboricultural issues relating to a clients needs, whether they are a single home owner, a commercial site or a developer. This means that the client can then be advised as to what action, if any, should be taken to provide their desired goal whilst also ensuring all council regulations and arboricultural best practices are upheld and adhered to. By providing qualified arborist reports and assessments, Beamer Tree Services can deliver a wide range of services including:

• Recommend industry best practices with regards to pruning or removal of trees.
• Educating clients on the health and maintenance of trees and future tree selection and planning.
• Liaise with councils to ensure all legal and environmental regulations are compliant.
• Providing Tree Management plans and Tree Protection plans in respect to planning applications.
• Deliver reports supporting applications for removal of hazardous trees or post removal in the case of storm damage emergencies.
• Providing annual tree inspections for insurance and liability requirements so as to pick up any early signs of tree decay, stress so that appropriate action can be taken.

Mulch is available for purchase and sold by the cubic metre. Mulch provides many benefits for your garden, including:

• Mulch prevents evaporation as it shields the soil from the sun, retaining soil moisture.
• Mulch prevents topsoil washing off, reduces water runoff during rain and the need for watering. It also restricts weed growth.
• Mulch adds organic matter to the soil and encourages earthworms and other beneficial organism.
• Mulch improves soil structure and fertility.
• Reduce the need for lawn maintenance by using mulched gardens as an alternative to lawn.

Keep mulch away from tree trunks to prevent collar rot. Top up your mulch to a consistent thickness (at least 10cm deep). It decays quickly in the sub tropics.