What to do if you see broken branches, fallen or dangerous trees
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Inspecting thousands of trees across the Yarra Ranges townships, parks, next to buildings and roadsides is what Council’s trees team does best.
The team of six arborists respond to about 6000 tree requests from the community per year and carry out safety inspections with the help of a drone to photograph trees from up high.
This saves Council and rate payers thousands of dollars, by avoiding hiring climbing machinery from contractors.
Council Trees Coordinator Paul Mechelen said September to November was the busiest time of the year, with high winds, wet weather and storms occurring.
“We do plenty of stump removals, vision requests to ensure trees aren’t in the way for drivers, clearing up fallen branches, storm clean ups, emergency requests for trees next to burst water mains and inspect dangerous trees on private properties,” Mr Mechelen said.
“We work closely with Council’s waste management team and planning services and work with just about everyone in the community.
“Other types of call outs involve checking trees for elm leaf beetle which is an invasive pest that eats the leaves on the trees.”
Photo: Some of the trees team members at Lilydale
The arborist of 19 years, said the largest volume of trees in the Yarra Ranges could be found in the forests east of Warburton and Powelltown.
“The largest trees are the mountain ash trees and the tallest one we have seen stands next to a creek in the Dandenongs near Sassafras on the south side of the creek,” Mr Mechelen said.
“Mountain ash can exceed 80m in height.
“If we find a large tree which is obviously providing fauna with habitat, we call in a zoologist to ensure the best care is taken when removing branches or removing the tree, which only happens if the tree is a danger to the community.”
Before you remove a tree on private property, check if you need a permit.
Report a treeThe trees team rely on your eyes, so please phone Council on 1300 368 333 or report a tree via Councils website if you are concerned about a tree.
Please phone Council, if you notice:
Broken branches which are likely to fall on to the road, footpath or driveway. Trees which are suddenly leaning, have recent cracks in the soil or have roots coming out of the ground. Trees with recent cracks and splits through the trunk. Fallen trees on public land.Trees that pose an immediate risk to public safety are the highest priority and are inspected immediately or within 24 hours. Other less urgent requests are assessed within seven days.
Following inspection, trees may need to be removed or pruned. Some may not require any work.