When is a tree no longer a tree

Recently I had a conversation with a client discussion there tree and the comment that my client made was well the tree no longer a tree. On the drive home and since I have pondered this statement when is a tree no longer a tree; is it when the tree is no longer able to Photosynthesis producing light energy into chemical energy such as starch and sugars i.e. dead tree. Is it no longer a tree when it is no longer aesthetically pleasing/beautiful if this is the case then who decides if the tree is aesthetically pleasing for what maybe beautiful to me I love old stag trees maybe ugly to others as they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and each of us has a different ideas on what pleases us aesthetically. Or is it no longer a tree when it no longer produces fruit for harvest/crop or when it has poor form either from been suppressed of pruning conducted in the past such pruning can be seen in many a local street when the power companies have conducted their yearly pruning. To me a tree is a tree while it can still provide shade, has an amenity value, provides habit for other creatures such as birds, animals reptiles etc. If a tree is still a tree when it still able to provide a habit to other creatures then a dead tree is still a tree

Christmas break

Merry Christmas to all our Friends and clients. Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas. Hoping that this year has been good to you and that 2016 will be another great year. Angophora will be closing down for 11 days starting from 23rd December 2015 and starting again Monday 4th January 2016. Over this time we will be contactable and available if a urgent project needs to be dealt with, With limited staff available. During this time we will also be conducting management reviews of all policies and procedures. Angophora wishes to thank you all and we look forward to working with you in 2016!

The 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme

The 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme The 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme allows people to clear certain vegetation near their homes to improve protection from bush fires. The Scheme was introduced following the devastating 2013 NSW bush fires, including the fires which destroyed more than 200 homes in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. Since its introduction on 1 August 2014, a number of amendments have been made to the Scheme. On 1 October 2014, the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) announced the planned review of the Scheme would be fast-tracked, due to concerns that some landholders were abusing the Scheme, by clearing vegetation for purposes other than bush fire protection. On 14 November 2014 consultation closed, and 3,579 submissions were received from stakeholders including individuals, local councils and community groups. This Code of Practice is known as the ‘10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code of Practice for New South Wales (10/50 Code)’ and has been prepared in accordance with Section 100Q of the Rural Fires Act 1997. The Code was developed in partnership with the Department of Planning and Environment and the Office of Environment and Heritage. In accordance with the Rural Fires Act 1997, this 10/50 Code has been developed to provide for vegetation clearing work to be carried out in certain areas near residential accommodation, high-risk facilities or farm sheds to reduce the risk of bush fire. The 10/50 Code permits landowners in the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Entitlement Area to clear, on their own land, vegetation that is adjacent to an external wall of a building: › containing habitable rooms that comprises or is part of residential accommodation or a high-risk facility; or › that comprises or is part of a farm shed. The Commissioner of the NSW RFS may review this 10/50 Code at any time. This is the final report into the review of the scheme. The review has found that the policy objectives of the scheme remain valid. However, a number of issues designed to improve the scheme, on both a legislative and non-legislative basis, have been identified. Thirty recommendations have been made as a result of this review. These recommendations have been developed between the Department of Planning and Environment, the Office of Environment and Heritage and the NSW Rural Fire Service. This report outlines the proposed amendments which have been identified by the Review. http://arboriculture.org.au/…/1050-Vegetation-Clearing-Code…

Tree risk assessment tree hazards

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 birds and lizards. 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 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, kill or injure people or pets; or cause property damage. Because old trees often host colonies of termites or ‘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 assessment and Picus Sonic Tomography Test

Tree Assessments are conducted by a Level 5 AQF, level 5 Arborist. These are referred to a Basic Assessment, a visual survey conducted from the ground using a steel probe and a rubber mallet (formerly VTA- Visible Tree Assessment). Angophora Consulting Arborist uses the International Society of Arboricutural (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Qualifications (TRAQ). During the Basic Assessment it may be recommended for a more advanced assessment to take place such as an tissue testing, an Aerial Inspection of the canopy or soil. A Picus Sonic Tomography Test can be used to determine the structural integrity of a tree trunk or where a defect is observed higher in the tree. This would combine an aerial Inspection and a Picus Sonic Tomography test using an Elevated Work Platform EWP (Cherry Picker). The Picus Sonic Tomograph is an instrument used for the detection of decay and cavities in standing trees. It uses the fact that velocity of sound in wood depends on modules of elasticity and density. Most damages, impair the safety against the fracture of trees, in particular cavities. White and brown rots reduce elasticity and density in wood. The test produces a colour coded two dimensional image of the test site. Angophora Consulting Arborist has been using the Picus Sonic Tomography to test trees for Councils and Private residences since 2007. We’ve recently updated the software and hardware to digital and increased the number of sensors from 6 to 12. Allowing us improved precision in a reading and also enables us to test larger trees. I have attached some sample test results. The first is of a Eucalyptus Deanei (Blue Mountains Blue Gum) where the centre has been decayed but the tree is still structurally sound and healthy. The second shows a Eucalyptus Mannifera (Brittle Gum) that is no longer safe to retain due to the internal damage. The 3rd and 4th Picus Sonic Tomography test shows a Corymbia citriodora (Lemon scented gum) that could be retained with remedial actions, such as pruning for a short term. Also included on this test is a red ring to shows where the 70/30 rule applies. A tree should have at least 30% healthy timber and less than 70% damaged or compromised timber. This is a general guide only with other considerations also taken into account, such as species, location of damage i.e. on lean side of tree and finally, where the tree is located. By using such advanced technology Angophora Consulting Arborist can help you and your stakeholders decide on whether you should retain a tree. Of particular importance are large trees that could be of community or historical significance to a site, whether European or Aboriginal. Other areas of consideration include public and shared spaces, such as trees located at a school, shopping centre, car park, University, Hospital, Church or maybe when you just need an Independent assessment of the tree. Angophora Consulting Arborist can provide this service as an independent Arborist with no links to Practicing Arborists (tree lopper) guaranteeing accurate advice with environmental sustainability in mind. For any or more information please contact me by phone 0418 966 488, e-mail info@angophoraarborsit.com.au or leave a message on Facebook and I will contact you (If you do contact by Facebook please leave a Phone number and best time to call).

Visible tree assessment habitat tree and Picus Sonic Tomography test

Had an interesting day today I have been commissioned by a council in western Sydney to conduct a visual tree assessment from the ground and then assess a defect/hollow about 6 meters above ground visibly using a Elevated work Platform and then to conduct a Picus Sonic Tomography Test. While assessing the tree from the ground I noticed a Cocktail sitting outside of the hollow that I needed to assess (see Photos) using the EWP I gained height so I could start my investigation and noticed the cocky would not leave till I was with a meter of I assume her. Looking inside the hollow I saw at least 1 egg I quickly told the operator to get us away and cancelled the work until after the breeding season had finished. The council were quite grateful on my response :) nice to see native birds breeding in our suburbs

Finalist in Blue mountains business awards 2015

Once again Angophora consulting arborist has become a finalist in the Blue Mountains Business awards for the 3rd Year in a row. In 2013 Angophora Consulting Arborist became a finalist in the Business services category in 2014 Angophora Consulting arborist became a finalist in two categories in Excellence in Innovation and Excellence in Business Ethics and also awarded the judges Encouragement Award at the finalist presentation. This year again they have been named as a finalist in Excellence in Business Ethics with the winners to be announced on the 23rd October 2015 at a Black Tie dinner at the Fairmont resort Leura. Angophora Consulting Arborist by becoming a finalist for the past three years demonstrate that they are a company with high Business Ethics and a company who puts their clients their employees the community and the environment in high regard. When you contact Angophora Consulting Arborist Frederick (Fred) janes and his team for your project you know you are dealing with a professional team. For a full list of finalist see list at http://www.bmchamber.org.au/news.asp?pid=285&nlid=136&pv=1&ID=876#n876

Trees Spring time to fertilize

With the weather warming up the trees/plants etc. are starting to flower with new leaves also appearing now is the time to prepare our trees for the growing season Spring with goal of enhancing the vitality, beauty and function of our trees through fertization. The introduction of different types and formulations of fertization has grown Immensity (Pun intended) Add to this the wide variation of soil types and disturbed soils from one back yard to the next, the range of weather conditions from the coast to the Upper Mountains. Now add the wide range of tree species from our native gums trees; Rainforest trees to introduced exotic trees, and fruit trees, each having somewhat different problems and nutrient needs. Each tree species have a preferred soil pH and soil type that allows them to effectively uptake the nutrients that they need, this is called effective cation exchange capacity (eCEC) Products such as SeaSol are not fertilisers and if used should only be used for new plantings or when transplanting as they are only to enhance root growth. Tips when considering fertilizing your trees and Plants: if the leaves are discoloured, yellowing, they may be deficient in one type of Mineral Plants. The Citrus group leaves yellow when deficient in Iron and may need to have Chelated Iron added as well as a combined fertilizer. To best determine the needs of your trees please contact Fred Janes, arborist at Angophora Consulting Arborist who is a level 5 Arborist. Up to date with the latest techniques and can conduct a soil pH test to determine what fertizer is best for your trees.

DA applications Tree Impact Statements

Over the past couple of months many Councils have started requesting Tree Impact Statements or Construction Impacts Statements on trees. Trees that are situated on Residential sites, Industrial areas or new sun divisions. DA Development applications and Trees: when many people are submitting a Development application (DA) most consider building plans, site survey and maybe a Landscape plan. Many builders, architect owners forget about their trees. If you’re new construction is going to impact on any trees roots root zone either on your property a Neighbouring property including council nature strip you will be required to submit an Arboricutural report prepared by a AQF level 5 Arborist. The development as proposed appears to impact on the root zone of a large canopy tree. Where trees are located within 5 metres of the proposed works, a report from a qualified AQF5 arborist is required which assesses all trees and determines their health, condition and Safe Useful Life Expectancy and specifies tree protection measures where applicable. Reference should be made to retention and management of vegetation provisions in Clause 53 of LEP 2005.” (BMCC) The Arborist/Tree report for DA will need to look at the tree Species its health and structural condition, its age, its dimensions the trees Safe useful Life expectancy (S.U.L.E) and the Tree Protection Zones (TPZ). The TPZ should be based on the Australian Standard Protection of Trees on Development sites AS 4970-2009. This standard describes the best practice for the planning and protection of trees on development sites. This is based on plant/tree biology and current best practices. Fred Janes AQF level 5 at angophora Consulting Arborist has assisted many Architect builders and home owners in developing a Tree Management Plan for their construction sites. From a standard Residential site to large arrearage development areas for Industrial, Schools and small sun divisions. For any or more information please contact me by phone 0418 966 488, e-mail info@angophoraarborsit.com.au or leave 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).

Trees mulching

Today I heard the magpies singing their mating song, heralding the start of spring. Now is the time to start thinking about our gardens, especially our trees and how they are growing. Most people consider fertilising their plants and shrubs, some people even consider fertilizing our trees. However, many places are still having cold mornings and nights, with the days not yet warm, so this could be a bit premature. We should wait till we get some warm days and hopefully a bit of spring rain. Now is the time to consider mulching our gardens. Around our trees is a guide, as it’s good to mulch to the edge of the canopy (drip line). Mulch should be 50mm to 75mm in depth, deep enough restrict weeds growing, but still allowing the air to penetrate into the soil and roots, which the trees need to live. Recently there has been much research into the benefits of mulch. It is one of the simplest systems of promoting tree vitality and managing soil borne diseases. Users of mulch need to avoid chips with fabric, grass, using matting, fine woods, and diseased chips (Verticillium, Armillaria). I recommend only buying chips from certified sellers. The discovery that mulches are useful in suppressing specific soil borne diseases was made about 40 years ago. Many ornamental trees produce roots in mulch layers because the interface of mulch and soil is the zone where diseases are suppressed. It is also an area of high biological activity, increased diversity of fungal organisms, and increased enzyme activity. In addition trees contain a range of medicinal chemicals and compounds that leach into the soil when mulched. Many of these chemicals have been shown to suppress soil borne diseases. Research conducted recently has proven that using mulch from a specific tree can be very beneficial. For example, mulch from a willow tree can be effective in controlling Phytophthora root rot. In Australia, it is very hard and expensive to get mulch from a single tree species from outside Australia (Exotic trees) but 1 of the best type of mulch is from Eucalyptus species. Our very own gum trees. One caution when using mulch; it has to be seasoned if used when still fresh. It can burn and damage trees and should never be placed onto the trunk. But it’s okay when a gap of approximately 50mm is left around the trunk. If you have a tree under stress best contact Fred Janes at Angophora Consulting Arborist is a level 5 arborist (AQF level 5) as soon as possible the longer you wait the worst the tree will be.

Angophora Supporting the community

Angophora Consulting Arborist is a small local Business who proudly supports the local community thorough financial support and also as an active member with The Rural fire Service and also Lawson Combined Services Social Club. Frederick Janes Owner of Angophora Consulting Arborist has been a member of the Rural Fire service since 1979 During Frederick time with Bullaburra bush Fire brigade (later rural fire brigade) he was a deputy for many of those years, Brigade training officer, OH&S officer and first aid officer. During this time he also attended many emergency calls, for bush fires, search and rescues, and storm damage and also attended many out of area incidents around the state, bush fires, Floods and hail/storm damaged. In March 1994 Frederick joined the Blue mountains Chainsaw team as a trainer/instructor and assesses for cross cut (TFT) Simple tree fell (TFI) till 2009 when he became the chainsaw Training coordinator for Blue mountains District a position he hold till present Angophora Consulting Arborist has also supported some sporting clubs Hazelbrook Football Club. Lower Mountains junior Football club and this year helped a local girl Jacklyn Chalker joinery to Denmark, as part of the Wagana Aboriginal Dancers group they performed at the Copenhagen for the 13th world Congress of dance and the child International under the direction of Jo Clancy Representing Australia. Frederick is also a member of the Lawson Combines Services and is also a committee member helping to raise funds and organize the ANZAC day services and marches. In 1989, when the Lawson RSL sub-branch closed, a group of three dedicated former service people (one army, one air force and one navy) vowed to keep the ANZAC Day spirit going in Lawson. For over 20 years now, a small band of volunteers have raised money via meat raffles, at the Blue Mountain Hotel, Lawson, on Saturday lunchtimes and through local donations, to keep the event going. The final cost to the club for ANZAC Day 2012 is expected to be well in excess of $10,000. What does organisation do and who are its key members? The Lawson Services Club has around two dozen members with ten of them voted onto a committee responsible for conducting the raffles and the set up and operation of the ANZAC Day celebrations in Lawson. How does it connect with the Lawson community? Lawson’s ANZAC Day is regarded by many as the biggest and the best in the Blue Mountains and is growing in size each year. 2011 saw around 400 people at the dawn service and more than 1,000 at the 11am service. What benefits will the project bring to the Lawson community in general? ANZAC Day has been special in Lawson for many years and is seen by most of the community as the township’s highlight of the year. It is an integral part of the Lawson community and brings together families and people of all ages in remembrance. What benefits will be provided to a sponsoring group or organisation? At the 11am service on ANZAC Day all sponsors receive a mention of gratitude and posters in the hotel list all sponsors. The Lawson community appreciates the opportunity to attend the ANZAC Day services and celebration in its own township. Therefore, the goodwill generated by sponsorship of this event cannot be overestimated. I have recently become aware of a hospital in Myanmar (Burma) that was in need of support. I am happy to add my support to this project. The village is called Thabyu village, Kawa township, Yangon division.

Tree Planting

Many times I am asked to assess trees that have been planted 10 to 15 years ago and are now showing signs of stress, from poor form, large amount of dead wood, Tip die back (Top of trees are dead) and even at times 1 side of the tree is dead. These trees compared to good healthy trees are not as vigorous and have not grown as much as the healthy trees stunted. After inspecting these trees a large portion of these trees problems have been determined to when they were planted and more importantly how they were planted and treated care for in the first two years of their life in the ground. Many problems arise from trees as saplings been planted incorrectly mainly too deep and also bracing of the trees and how this is done. If you are planting 1 tree worth $40 or $50 or landscaping a large area worth $30,000 or $40,000 or more it is important for the survival of the trees so it can live its full life to be correctly planted. (See photos of poor planted stunted trees in a park area) Trees should not be braced when planted and if they are for no more than 3 months and if you decide to brace the tree it should be done in a figure 8 so the tree/sapling can still move this helps the tree develop roots to support it self if it is supported so it dies not move the tree will decide it does not need roots to support it self and use the energy into growth. Recently I have notice that many new plantings are using a webbing to support the tree this webbing is damaging the trees bark and in some cases ring barking/killing the tree (See Photo) This method should be avoided and not used. When planting 1 tree or landscaping a large area for correct information and advice contact Fred Janes at Angophora Consulting Arborist is a level 5 arborist (AQF level 5) who has an experience team who can help so that your tree/s will live a long healthy life.

Trees and the Urban environment

During the recent National conference I attended a session by Dr May carter on the benefits of Urban forest the positive links between contact with nature and health. Setting that support good health and quality of life are a fundamental component of sustainable cities. Even while the importance of green environment within urban settings is gaining acceptance professionals working in the urban planning and design face substantial challengers in achieving desired ecological, social, economic and political outcomes. Current planning strategies across Australia planning legislation practices and process often contain retention of natural systems and incorporation of green Infrastructure (Western Sydney for example) What needs to be done is to initiate change within the community attitudes and promote a new paradigm of city planning and design that value urban nature and supports biodiversity conservation and retention of tree canopy. These benefits include Health, Shading cooling of the Urban environment walk under a tree on a hot day and experience the coolness compared to under the sun with no shade. Economical through less damaged to Infrastructure during heavy rainstorms from storm water. To do this issues need to be addressed such as people’s attitudes or perceptions large trees are dangerous, lack of knowledge, lack of space, no time no money, reluctance to sweep leaves or worried about plumbing.. If people better understood the benefits of urban forestry they may be more willing to grow trees.

Angophora now on Instagram

Today 28th May 2015 I signed up to Instagram fred.janes there will be no photos of cute cats, dogs, fish or people this will only be used to show the beauty of our world and more specific trees and special events such as this weekend’s national Conference in Adelaide Australia. These photos will also be available on Angophora Consulting Arborist web page. If like me you are interested in the wonders of our wold then follow me at fred.janes and share this experience.

Angophora ISO re certification

Today 27th May 2015, after two trying days, Angophora Consulting Arborist has again received re-certification ISO Occupational and health, Environment and Quality Management system. ISO9001:2008, ISO14001:2004 and AS/NZS 4801:2001 | Certification. This should give all my clients the satisfaction of working with a company that has high standards in quality, environment and safety; we have a management system that demonstrates this and is also able to prove that its management and the team are qualified. As clients you can not only receive treatment that many large companies can supply but as a small company, who you talk to is who will conduct and manage your projects.

Water damaged Flooded tree and Plants treatment of

Over the past several months areas around Sydney basin such as the Blue Mountains, Central coast, Newcastle South Coast and Southern Highlands and the Sydney basin have experienced above average rainfall in some areas floods, at Bullaburra In the Blue Mountains I recorded 329.5mm of rain. Normally this amount of rain would fall in summer from thunderstorms when the temperature is warmer and the water evaporates quicker, but know it is cooler the water is staying in the soil longer and could be damaging your trees and gardens. Some trees and plants have adapted to flood prone areas and can survive with their roots been wet for long periods many cannot. If this is the case then your trees and plants may become stressed Waterlogged and flooded soil have insufficient amounts of oxygen in it, for the plant roots to take up and release water or release excess carbon dioxide. Plants may paradoxically look like they are wilting, but it is not because of too little water, it is because they can no longer access the available water. This leads to root rot and death. While we may not be able to prevent flooding, we should at least be on the alert for signs our plants are struggling. Start by watching for these signals. Symptoms are generally first apparent on the leaves, although trees and shrubs may not exhibit symptoms for a year or more. Signs you plants have been damaged by waterlogged soil include: • Stunting • Yellowing leaves • Twisting leaves • Dropping leaves • Soft, spongy areas at the base of the leaf • Wilting despite plenty of water • Roots turning dark, often with a rotting odour. • Lack of flowers or fruits • Stunting • Yellowing leaves • Twisting leaves • Dropping leaves • Soft, spongy areas at the base of the leaf • Wilting despite plenty of water • Roots turning dark, often with a rotting odour. • Lack of flowers or fruits Unfortunately, once the soil is flooded, there is not much you can do but be patient. Just because a plant shows signs of distress doesn't mean it won't eventually recover. In the meantime: Don't walk on waterlogged soil. You will just compact it and cause more damage to distressed roots. If the plants were underwater, clean them off with a hose, to remove and sludge and other residue. Keep an eye out for diseases that will take advantage of stressed plants. Fungal disease in particular favour damp weather. You can purchase a relatively inexpensive soil moisture meter at most hardware stores. A meter will tell you the percentage of water remaining in your soil. If you still have mud, you won't need a meter to tell you the soil is waterlogged. But if you are wondering if it is dry enough for the roots to get the necessary oxygen, a meter will tell you when the soil has reached that level (usually between 40 - 70%). If the tree is a large specimen and you are worried about what may happen to the tree there are other more advantaged techniques that can be used from removing any mulch from around the tree leaving the soil bare to help with evaporation, inserting U-shape 62mm slotted agricultural drainage pipe to help add oxygen to the soil and dry it out. Arborist Fred Janes at Angophora Consulting Arborist is a level 5 arborist (AQF level 5) qualified in the latest techniques Fred can provide professional advice on how to mitigate the risk and allay fears that you may have of your tree/s.

Tree risk assessments in public areas

Today 7th May 2015 I carried out my annual tree inspections for NP&W service inspecting trees around some of their camping and picnic areas at Euroka and Murphy’s Glen and Wheeny Creek Assessing tree for their health and structure this was very good timing after all the heavy rain and strong winds of the past 2 weeks. Most of the tree though mature and having some minor structure defects only needed the deadwood greater than 20mm removed as per Australian Standard Pruning of amenity trees AS 4373-2007. At times it easy to become complacent on how beautiful our country is our trees how tall and majestic than can be around these camping areas I saw some very beautiful Eucalyptus Deanei, Mountains Blue Gum (see Photos) some Turpentine’s Angophora Floribunda, Rough Bark apple, Angophora Costata Smooth bark apple and Iron barks

Tree assessment: storm damaged trees

During the past 4 days there have been many news stories and photos of trees failing causing damage to cars, utes, trucks, homes and powerlines, now is a good time to inspect your trees and how structurally safe they are. With the amount or rain has the soil been eroded from around the tree root plate has the tree moved in the ground and then re settled and then may fail in the next couple of days or the next strong winds. As owners of trees having your trees checked out, by a Professional consulting arborist, for peace of mind although some failures are hard to judge, 90 % can be detected easily and action can be taken cheaply to resolve, it’s better than having your home or car damaged or worst still a love injured after a major failure. Prevention is better than cure when it comes to managing trees on your property., you are responsible for any damage your trees cause to persons or surrounding property, so having trees on your property comes with the commitment of maintaining them in a safe and healthy condition in our current times. 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 tree/s.