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Why pruning and trimming trees can protect your home
Regular pruning and tree trimming around your home is essential to promote healthy growth and prevent damage during storms. Here's a guide to why tree care is a vital part of property upkeep.
Tree care is important to preserve the health of your trees, protect your home, and create a safe environment for everyone who lives there.
When it comes to potential hazards around your property, it's better to be safe than sorry. Falling trees or tree branches can cause significant damage to people, property and power lines.
Here's what you need to know about safely trimming and pruning your trees to help protect your property against extreme weather events.
More: How regular house maintenance can help with home insurance claims
Top reasons to keep your trees trimmed
Trimming trees can help keep utility lines clear. Image: Getty
Healthy looking trees increase your property's kerb appeal. Image: Getty
How often should you prune trees?
How often you should prune or trim your trees depends on the tree species and age. In general, young trees should be pruned every two to three years. Mature trees should be trimmed every three to five years. Fruit trees usually require pruning once a year. Evergreen trees rarely require trimming, unless they have damaged, diseased or pest-infested branches.
When should you prune trees?
You should trim away damaged, dead and diseased tree branches as you notice them, so that they are less likely to fall and cause damage.
For general trimming and pruning, mid to late winter (July and August in Australia) is the best time as it causes minimal stress to the tree. Seasonal trees won't have leaves, flowers or fruits in the way. Pests and tree diseases are generally less active in winter too, meaning that pruning cuts have a reduced risk of infection.
It may be best to hire a professional to trim the trees on your property.
Should you hire a professional to trim trees?
Tree trimming and pruning can be a hazardous task, since it usually requires working at height on a ladder with sharp tools.
Professional tree services like arborists are preferable, because they are trained professionals with industry safety standards and their own liability insurance. They use specialised equipment (like aerial lift devices, pruners and chainsaws) to complete trimming and pruning safely and efficiently. They will also understand what different tree species require.
How do you trim trees?
If you do plan to trim your trees yourself, be aware of potential hazards such as power lines and wildlife, and make sure you know how to use a ladder safely around the home to prevent falls.
When trimming trees, look for dead, dying, damaged, diseased or deformed wood (the 5 Ds). Use proper tools, such as pruning shears, and keep them clean and sharp. Avoid pruning too near the tree trunk, which can harm the tree. Instead, cut a few millimetres above the 'branch collar' (the region connecting the branch to the trunk).
Make three main cuts for each trim. First, a 'thinning cut' halfway through the branch on its underside. Second, a 'heading cut' past the first cut that lops off the main branch, reducing its size. Finally, a 'reduction cut' just past the branch collar to finish removing the branch.
What do you do if a tree or branch falls on your home?
If a tree or tree branch falls on your property, keep everyone away from the area. If there are significant injuries, call Triple zero. You can also call the Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 to help if a fallen tree has caused structural damage to your home or vehicle, or if a fallen tree or branch is preventing you from entering or leaving your home.
After the area is secure, contact your home insurer to report the incident and file a claim.
You may be able to access cover for the reasonable costs of temporary accommodation for you, your family and your pets for up to 12 months if something happens to your home and it’s unliveable.*
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions, please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. RACV Home Insurance issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
* Following a listed event and where you lived in your home permanently before the listed event took place.
