How to Cut High, Hard to Reach Tree Branches without Arborist?

OzBoganYeah on 31/08/2018 - 13:46
Last edited 02/09/2018 - 11:00

Edit: I wish I knew what type of trees they are. But they're like a tree (trunk) with multiple branches growing out of its root/trunk. It has normal branches as well. The branches are both thin (2-3cm thick) and thick (15-20cm) thick across (width?). And I have gone to the council but they won't help (neighbors aren't doing anything illegal and it's not on council land). I'm thinking of buying a small hatchet to try and cut some of the thicker branches (by standing on a chair). It's not ideal, but I don't know what else to do. Apparently it's flue pizza oven not flute, I always thought it was flute.

Hi I need help/advice and it's kind of hard to describe. Basically the ideal solution is a way to infinitely slow (or even stop) the tree (it's roughly 9.5m-12m high) branches growing into my yard. I need a solution. I've cut back branches myself, gone to their house to ask them to maintain their trees (they seemingly weren't home each I went, though I suspect they were home two of those times I've been), I've even left a note, hired an arborist twice (total $850) and I don't know what else to do. The trees are a fire hazard (I have a flute pizza oven there and the too-high-to-reach branches are surrounding the oven's flute. I can't move the oven because it weighs quite a lot and it's made of stone, I think) and I am concerned if I use the oven (may possibly ignite?).

I know we need to cut back branches that's grown into my yard, I've done that. But I've done what I can and it just grows back a month or so later. I don't want to call an arborist again (I think I got ripped off) and I did try mediation (they refused). Several people have suggested to take it to the magistrates' court - but I've asked a lawyer and a rough estimate is likely $1500+ (depending on variations and because lawyers itemise everything). Don't really have that kind of money available.

Don't own a chainsaw or hedge trimmer and don't have the arm strength to wield one (seems very dangerous to me, I've never used one). Don't know anyone who owns one either and probably won't buy one because I don't know how to use it. I have purchased basic (cheap) 1L weed killer but it doesn't do anything. It is multiple trees that run the length of the fence and it blocks the sun on one side of my house so it is in constant shadow (I tried cutting the branches back). It's like a tree but like a hedge, if that makes sense.

Oh and I've tried doing the Airtasker thing once (wasn't very good).

Home & Garden

Comments

  • dcep on 31/08/2018 - 13:47
    +2

    airtasker

    • OzBoganYeah on 31/08/2018 - 13:50

      Yeah I've used airtasker (I had to edit my post since I forgot I used it once). I don't think the guy was that great, he only cut part of the branches.

  • HighAndDry on 31/08/2018 - 13:59
    +2

    I have a flute pizza oven there

    I mean……. was the tree there first or was your pizza oven? (I understand the tree might have grown more branches over the flue, but it's really your responsibility to stop your oven from setting things on fire).

    You might have to either move your pizza oven, or keep hiring arborists unfortunately.

    • OzBoganYeah on 31/08/2018 - 14:14

      The pizza oven was there first. I don't use it anymore because of the branches, I don't know exactly how much it weighs but I'm guessing over 100kg?

      • HighAndDry on 31/08/2018 - 14:18
        +1

        Not the oven or the branches, but the oven or the actual tree itself, even as a sapling.

        But hm, yeah okay moving it is out of the question. Could you redirect the flue? (I obviously don't know a lot about pizza ovens ha)

        • OzBoganYeah on 31/08/2018 - 15:11

          Yeah, the oven was there first. I don't know what type of trees they are but they grow pretty fast-it's not like a regular tree (one trunk, branches).

          I don't know how to describe it, but it's like a chimney for the oven and it's built into the oven if that makes sense.

        • HighAndDry on 31/08/2018 - 15:21

          @OzBoganYeah: Oh huh. I can't neg myself otherwise I would…

          Again I don't know enough about pizza ovens to really give advice on that. All I can say is…. yes you're allowed to trim the branches of the three that overhang onto your property, but also you're still responsible for making sure your oven doesn't set things on fire, that's pretty much unavoidable.

          Is it the same branch or new branches growing over? If it's the same one (and I'm not an arborist either…) is it possible to somehow 'seal' (using tar maybe?) the stump after the branch has been trimmed back?

        • Miss B on 02/09/2018 - 09:14
          +2

          @OzBoganYeah:
          Would it be cheaper than $850 to get the pizza oven moved and is there somewhere it can go? Might be easier even if it's not ideal.

  • GG57 on 31/08/2018 - 14:00

    If direct contact with your neighbour has not resolved the issue, I think you can raise it via your local council / shire.
    The local council websites usually have the info to validate this.

    • OzBoganYeah on 31/08/2018 - 14:13

      I called the council first thing and they wouldn't help (because they aren't doing anything illegal).

      • EightImmortals on 31/08/2018 - 14:49
        +4

        You mean they weren't doing anything the council could charge them a license fee for? But that sounds like BS anyway as your neighbours property is infringing on the right to peace and privacy on your own land. If you can't contact the neighbour and the council are being useless then have a chat to a solicitor. Failing that, cordless drill + roundup FTW!

        • OzBoganYeah on 31/08/2018 - 15:01

          Yep, definitely infringing my enjoyment. I look out the window and all I see are trees, even when I crane my neck up). It's seemingly neverending. The council won't do anything. I called and went in there in person and showed some photos I took.

  • daclaw on 31/08/2018 - 14:45
    +2

    copper nails will do the trick

  • Diji1 on 31/08/2018 - 14:48
    +6

    I'd use a telescopic pole saw (basically a small chainsaw on the end of a pole) to cut the branches back to the fence line then paint the branch to prevent regrowth.

    • nocure on 31/08/2018 - 14:53

      9.5m-12m high

      • GG57 on 31/08/2018 - 14:58
        +3

        Surely the branches of concern are not that high, otherwise it is a very large pizza oven

        • OzBoganYeah on 31/08/2018 - 15:05

          It is a big oven, the flute part of the oven that is high. I guess you could describe it as like a chimney.

        • SBOB on 31/08/2018 - 22:12
          +6

          @OzBoganYeah:

          Your pizza oven (that only weighs about 100kg)has a chimney that's the height of a 3 to 4 story building? Because that's what 9 to 12 m is..

          Perhaps you're over estimating ;/

        • Euphemistic on 01/09/2018 - 09:46
          +1

          @SBOB: and underestimating the weight. 100kg should be easily lifted by 3 people, probably two strong ones.

  • rxjb on 31/08/2018 - 14:59
    +2

    Hire a cherrypicker from kennards and cut little by little until you are happy with the desired length etc.

    • EightImmortals on 31/08/2018 - 15:01
      +1

      His problem seems to be the very quick regrowth

      • OzBoganYeah on 31/08/2018 - 15:06

        You're right, a huge problem is regrowth.

  • Scab on 31/08/2018 - 15:04
    -2

    I'm surprised nobody mentioned bikies?

  • dasher86 on 31/08/2018 - 15:11
    +6

    Light the tree on fire.

    • OzBoganYeah on 31/08/2018 - 15:25
      +1

      Haha

    • Miss B on 02/09/2018 - 09:20
      +2

      I would say go away for the weekend and hope it doesn't burn down while you're away, if you have a friend who's willing to assist.

  • unqualified89 on 31/08/2018 - 15:14
    +1

    How thick are these branches? If they are growing that quickly then surely they aren't very thick. There are a few options for long reach 'pruning' available including long reaching loppers or long reaching (lightweight) elec/petrol trimmers which are basically long reaching mini chainsaws and are easy to use. I wonder if there is also a method to 'cap' branches once cut to prevent them from growing. I don't know of anything but probably worth looking into.

    • OzBoganYeah on 31/08/2018 - 15:22

      Thin branches are 2-3 and the thicker branches are up to 20cm thick. Ive thought about the loppers and trimmers but don't feel comfortable holding it above my head for long periods of time.

  • theclearout on 31/08/2018 - 15:17

    Take a look at this, especially as you have indicated that the trees cause a nuisance and loss of amenity (in blocking light).
    https://www.disputes.vic.gov.au/information-and-advice/trees…

    Maybe good to speak to an arborist again though as incorrect pruning may exacerbate the problem and proper pruning may help, e.g., pears pruned properly will shoot new growth upwards minimising overhang.

    • OzBoganYeah on 31/08/2018 - 15:24

      Thanks but I've called them before and went the mediation path. They sent a letter to the neighbors in regards to mediation and the neighbors refused. I think going to an arborist is one of the last resorts.

    • OzBoganYeah on 31/08/2018 - 17:34

      That's pretty creative, I wouldn't have thought of that. I'll look into it, thanks.

  • Godric on 31/08/2018 - 18:45

    lynx and a lighter

  • Stegasaurusnext on 01/09/2018 - 08:04
    +1

    Sounds like something like Pittosporum or Lilly Pilly. Google image search and let us know.

    If so, these plants grow how you prune them. If you keep it pruned back, it will require less and less over time.

    Check out the ozito electric hedge trimmer on telescopic pole - I know you're not keen on having it above your head for a long period but you actually control from waist height (think fishing rod) and do it over a few goes. Or buy a ladder and trim with sheers bit by bit. It will eventually stop overhanging on its own, and will actually look very nice.

    • OzBoganYeah on 01/09/2018 - 13:54

      Thank you, it kind of seems like it may be pittosporum. But there's another type of tree as well, it has little buds and kind of small white flowers grow (non edible and there's nothing but little white flowers and more buds grow). That tree seems to be different than pittosporum, unless there's different types? I don't know.

      I'll look into the ozito electric hedge trimmer, I appreciate your help :)

  • Aniseed Steed on 01/09/2018 - 08:13
    +2

    OP, it might help to upload a photo of the tree.

    • Euphemistic on 01/09/2018 - 09:46
      +3

      Or ms paint image.

    • OzBoganYeah on 01/09/2018 - 13:47
      -3

      I don't know how to upload a photo

      • [Deactivated] on 01/09/2018 - 14:52
        +2

        imgur is your friend

  • [Deactivated] on 01/09/2018 - 14:58

    The laws regarding this can vary but you should first contact your local council first to figure it all out. If you listen to any call in radio law advice segment this sort of question is really common. They often suggest we just need to try and get along with our neighbors a bit better.

    Is it really a fire hazard or are just saying it is because you don't like the tree and you are looking for something to support your point of view (it's OK we all do this) or do you just find all the leaves etc annoying?

    I would suggest you move the pizza oven if it is really a fire hazard, you wont get very far if it does catch fire blaming your neighbor for not pruning the tree when you had already identified it as a fire hazard.

    • OzBoganYeah on 01/09/2018 - 15:16

      Contacting the council was the first thing I did, they outright refuse to help (not illegal and not on council land, despite what they ay on their website). The branches and leaves have grown and are overing the pizza oven's chimeny (kind of hard to explain) and to me, that's a fire hazard. If it isn't one then I don't know. I've stood on a chair with shears to try and cut the thinner branches but it broke my shears (they were new and tried cutting a 3cm branch). I admit I don't like the leave, it casts a giant shadow over my yard so it is always in shadow, when the other side is bright and sunny.

      I've tried asking the neighbours, they aren't there when I go over and at least twice I've seen them peek out the window when I'm at the door. So obviously they're ignoring me. I don't know how to move a really heavy pizza oven, it's made out of stone/brick, cement (metal/aliminium chimney) and it seems to weigh nearly 100kg(?), don't know the actual weight. If you have any suggestions I'm all ears. I think I'd need some type of trolley/flatbed and pulley system to move it).

      • [Deactivated] on 01/09/2018 - 16:18

        How did you get the pizza over there in the first place?

        Maybe get a few male friends around with the offer of free pizza to help you move it.

        • OzBoganYeah on 02/09/2018 - 11:16

          The oven is one of these but with a slightly higher chimney https://www.my-barbecue.co.uk/wood-fired-oven-lisboa Paid extra for installation, so after delivery they installed it. I still don't know how to move the oven properly without a trolley or pulley system. Seems like you can damage your back moving the oven and moving it doesn't really resolve the issue of the overgrown trees.

  • iand on 01/09/2018 - 17:26
    +2

    light oven if trees burn down oops sorry

  • ozbjunkie on 01/09/2018 - 20:26
    +1

    Local court or small claims dispute resolution (i think that's the name).

    If the branch is growing into your property they must remove the offending branches, or you can send a letter of demand for your own removal costs (after letting them know of course).

    Use austlii to search for relevant judgements if you're interested in how these claims are decided.

    Edit: you can represent yourself in call claims or dispute resolutions.

    • OzBoganYeah on 02/09/2018 - 11:11

      I didn't know that, thanks for the information.

  • Flanders on 02/09/2018 - 00:55
    +1

    My previous gardener didn't have much in the way of tools (nor skills)…. but he did have a whipper snipper with a small chainsaw attachment on end of whipper snipper.
    It was 1 of the higher end brands (stihl brand it might of been) . He used it to trim some high branches on my orange tree (epic fail as he butchered it by cutting back too much) . But whipper snipper with chainsaw attachment on end, then stand on a step ladder, might just be ideal for your needs here.
    Maybe ask an expert, at bunnings what would work best.
    Just thinking outside the box, if I had to do something like this, I would even drive my a van or suv up under branches, climb on top, and use vehicle as a high platform. Not ideal nor 100% safe, but would get me a platform of about 2 metres high, without having to buy some expensive ladder platform .

    • OzBoganYeah on 02/09/2018 - 11:10

      Thanks for the suggestion, I didn't know you could attach a chainsaw attachment to a whipper snipper. Unfortunately I can't park a van under it the overgrown trees and cut it (good idea though). My gate that separates front and back yards isn't wide enough for a car to drive through.

      • Flanders on 02/09/2018 - 12:09

        I didn't know you could attach a chainsaw attachment to a whipper snipper.

        It is like proper tool/attachment. I guess it uses the spinning bit on end of the whipper snipper to spin the small chainsaw.
        It had its own little tank for oil also. Maybe if you dont find an appropriate tool etc from bunnings to buy cheap enough, then ask them where you could rent something. I'm sure you are not the only one who needs to do tree trimming as a one-off so people/companies probably do hire equipment.

  • djmm on 02/09/2018 - 02:31

    A ladder and a telescopic fiskar prunes or saw should do the job

  • GregMonarch on 02/09/2018 - 04:46
    +2

    • If you're asking the neighbour to deal with the tree - no wonder they ignore you - I would too. Catch them outside, ask if you can cut it from their side of the fence (so you can cut it below fence level without a ladder), as long as you then cut it into smaller pieces in your yard and dispose of it in your bin.

    • Also, there are 'pull saws' you tie a piece of rope to each end, tie one to a rock, throw it over a branch, then saw back and forth on the two ropes to cut through the branch.

    • Or like someone said, drill a hole in each branch, fill it with herbicide, and shove a cork in each hole so it can't evaporate or wash out. If you this just after trimming it, it may not kill it, but make it sick enough to stop growing for months.

    • Wait til they go out and rip the trees out completely.

    • Experiment making fake bird poo, spray it on their windows when they're out, tell them it comes from a large bird you've seen sitting in those trees, suggest they cut them.

    • Wait till they go out, hammer a metal spike into the ground at 45 degrees, remove it, shove a soft drink bottle with poison in it into the hole upside down.

    • Build some kind of frame off the chimney that pushes the branches back at a hard angle until they get so long they start drooping down into their fence.

    • Hack enough of the branch out part way up so it does the same as last point.

    • Move the oven.

    • Move you.

    • OzBoganYeah on 02/09/2018 - 11:04

      I appreciate the suggestions, I will look into a couple of them that seem viable.

    • ozbjunkie on 03/09/2018 - 11:03

      Actually it is the responsibility of the neighbour if the neighbours tree is growing over someone else's property.

      It is not good advice to poison the tree, as you could be taken to court for destruction of the other person's property. Many judgements available on austlii for this exact issue.

  • Seedy seed on 02/09/2018 - 09:22

    1. Go to local farm supply store nd buy tree injectir needles

    2. Drill hole and let it inject the poisen strait in. Itll die lol

  • JuryWheel on 02/09/2018 - 09:33

    Picture? Upload to imgur and provide the link

  • Stphen on 02/09/2018 - 12:27

    Playing devils advocate, but any chance they grew the tree to try to block the smoke from the oven or view of the giant pizza oven?

    Too bad you cannot get together with the neighbour, maybe ask them over for pizza, instead of mediation, which might scare some people. They could be worried it will cost them money and are avoiding the situation.

    Maybe send them a letter and spin them a story about how you are worried that branches will fall on your property, breaking something and having to claim insurance, insurance companies usually go after the person at fault to get their money back and that could raise home insurance costs.

  • Neptunesblood on 02/09/2018 - 12:52

    Airtasker does not insure anything above 5 metres.

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