And How To Be Proactive About Keeping Them Happy + Healthy
When you spend your days up the trunks of soaring trees in the gardens of the Southern Highlands and you’re a couple of arborists who know a thing or two about trees, you’re probably going to have a few favourites, right?
We were a little curious about what would take out the top spots of a list like that, so asked Alex and Zac of Pristine Tree People what they thought and it turns out, they have a soft spot for anything native to our neck of the Highlands woods.
“It’s too hard to pick,” says Alex.
“A towering gum tree can be quite majestic and give us quite a challenge when we’re doing work on one. We also like natives like wattles and banksias for the colour and texture they bring to a garden.”
“Anything native to the area is good for a couple of reasons,” Zac adds.
“Native trees help preserve our unique ecosystem and support the native wildlife. We actually offer a service called habitat pruning which creates a new purpose for a dead tree.”
“Rather than cutting it down, we prune it and bore artificial hollows into it so it can become a refuge for wildlife. As long as it’s in a safe location, it’s actually better for the environment to keep it rather than cutting it down. It helps the surrounding area and habitat thrive.”
Makes perfect sense!
As does planting native trees which can cope with the Highlands weather, landscape and environment.
“The best trees are the ones that naturally thrive here which tends to be native again,” Alex says.
“Native trees are hardy and tough, and can withstand the heat, the cold and everything in between.”
“They tend to need less maintenance but it’s good to be across the signs of anything unhealthy appearing,” says Zac.
The guys have shared a few things to look out for with us:
1 :: Large dead wood
Dead or dying branches is never a good thing.
It means your tree is not feeling super healthy and can pose a danger of falling branches which should be dealt with pretty quickly to keep people and property safe, and the tree healthy.
“If you’re unsure, it’s better to call in an arborist to check it out,” Zac says.
“You don’t want to delay a situation like that, especially with some of the larger native trees we see around the Highlands.”
2 :: Dieback
Check out the tips of the branches.
If you notice the ends of the branches are turning brown and look lifeless, it could be a sign the tree is diseased, is under insect attack or feeling a bit stressed out by extreme climate conditions [the drought a few years ago was tough on a lot of our native trees].
3 :: Sparse leafed canopy
If your once-lush tree is looking a little threadbare, it might be a sign something is amiss.
Trees need a healthy canopy to photosynthesize and thrive, so a sparsely populated one could be a sign your tree needs a little extra love.
4 :: Soil displacement
Finally, take a peek at the base of your tree.
If you notice soil displacement or uneven ground around the trunk, it might be an indication of underlying issues.
“A stable foundation is crucial for a healthy tree, so any signs of movement or instability should be investigated further,” says Alex.
So, there you go. If you’re planting some trees, choose hardy natives that thrive in the Highlands.
By embracing our local flora, we can also support our local wildlife and make sure the trees we plant are more likely to withstand the challenges of our…let’s call it…..unique climate.
And if you do suspect any of the trees on your property needs a little help, keep an eye out for those telltale signs.
Dieback, dead wood, sparse canopies and soil displacement are all red flags your tree might need a helping hand from a local arborist and tree service company like Pristine Tree People!
Read our Behind The Biz chat with Pristine Tree People here and if you need any help – even if you’re unsure – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Reach out to the guys via their website here or call them on 0417 144 937.
Oh, and they offer a 24/7 emergency callout too – good to know!
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