Tree risk assessment and habitat trees

Tree risk assessments and habitat trees It is only natural that wherever trees are planted, wildlife and other plants are sure to follow. Trees provide shelter and food for a variety of birds and small animals, such as squirrels and beavers. Enhancing growth diversity, trees create an environment that allows the growth of plants that otherwise would not be there. Flowers, fruits, leaves, buds and woody parts of trees are used by many different species. Bacteria and fungi contained in tree parts cause decay which makes nesting easier for some birds and increases soil fertility and structure for furrowing by other land animals. Trees also provide shade, reduce water and air temperatures and contribute to the overall health of aquatic ecosystems by providing habitat, shelter and food for aquatic species such as turtles, otters, beavers and fish. Frequently, in urban areas, habitat trees and dead old trees are felled or severely cut back. This is because of fears that trunks or limbs could fall and kill or injure people or pets; or damage property. Because old trees often host colonies of termites (‘white ants’), people are afraid that these could damage buildings .Most termite species do not attack timber in buildings. The few species which attack sound wooden structures are usually the subterranean kinds that do not build visible nests. These may travel underground for up to 80 metres. Removal of a particular tree may have no effect at all in protecting a building from termites. Tree removal can give a false sense of security. Proper precautions and regular inspections at the site of the building are the best protection against termites. Because of their great importance to the natural environment, it is essential to plan to prevent problems that may arise with habitat trees. We should avoid locating buildings, paths and tracks near trees that may become dangerous. There are ways of avoiding dangers posed by old trees, other than the drastic options of lopping or removal. If a habitat tree is not close to buildings or places where people frequent, they should be totally protected. Cracks, crevices, notches and hollows. These are habitats and micro-habitats – breeding sites, shelter, refuge, and living quarters for a wide range of animals. Dead branches above the canopy. Some birds use these for roosting, sunning and preening. Good all-round vision gives protection against sudden approach by predators. Predators may also use these branches for these reasons, and to watch for prey. High, dead branches provide roosting and lookout sites. Tree risk assessments and safety audits around homes, offices and work sites need to be conducted by a Professional Independent Arborist; who understands the risk that trees pose to residents and workers. An Arborist such as Fred Janes at Angophora Consulting Arborist, is a level 5 arborist (AQF level 5) qualified in the latest techniques using the international Arborist associations Tree risk Assessments qualifications (TRAQ). Fred can provide professional advice on how to mitigate the risk and allay fears that you may have of your habitat tree/s.

Tree risk assessment tree safety audit

Tree risk assessments and safety audits around homes, offices and work sites need to be conducted by a Professional Independent Arborist; who understands the risk that trees pose to residents and workers. An Arborist such as Fred Janes at Angophora Consulting Arborist, is a level 5 arborist (AQF level 5) qualified in the latest techniques using the international Arborist associations Tree risk Assessments qualifications (TRAQ). Fred can provide professional advice on how to mitigate the risk and allay fears that you may have of your large tree. Sometimes trees that may look damaged or structurally unsafe with a defect in their trunks may still be sound, with the trees sealing over the wound. This wood, called reaction wood, in some instances is stronger than the normal wood of the tree. To determine the structural integrity of the tree advanced assessments may need to occur, such as an aerial assessment with an Arborist using a Elevated work platform (EWP a.k.a. cherry pickers) or a Picas Sonic tomography, to sound the tree. For any or more information please contact me by phone, e-mail or leave a message on face book and I will contact you (If you do contact by Facebook please leave a Phone number and best time to call).