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).