Do I Prune This Tree Myself?

• 

  SnowDragon on 21/06/2022 - 08:24

  +1

  If it weren't so big I'd say go for it.

  But for your safety (and legality) just wait for the council to do it professionally.

• 

  TNTomer on 21/06/2022 - 08:30

  +5

  I would cut the small amount of branches literally dangling into the gate, but wouldn't make any big cuts, the council should come and remove it. It looks like a dangerous lean into your property.

• 

  Jimothy Wongingtons on 21/06/2022 - 08:34

  +1

  How did you make your complaint? With the Brisbane city council I lodged it online and they sent an arborist in within a week who left a confirmation about action to be taken out and ETA. Was actioned within 2 months.

• 

  Xistn on 21/06/2022 - 08:38

  +13

  Why is whenever I see complaints like this, photos are taken with a Potato at the worst Potato angles! haha

  • 

    Wilson Wallace on 21/06/2022 - 09:23

    -1

    Application may have scaled back the photos Mr Photologist.

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  MS Paint on 21/06/2022 - 09:11

  +1

  Horizontal branches on a eucalypt variety is trouble waiting to happen. Especially vertical off shoots from the branches as they hunt for light.

  These trees have the ability to drop branches without any warning.

  I would advise council everyday of this hazard until they take action.

  Source: I have hundreds of these trees on my property.

  Edit: the new photos make sense now. The council have cut the centre,and main support, out of that tree due to powerlines and in the process created a massive hazard. That is not how a eucalypt grows naturally and that is now a very weak and heavy tree. It needs to be removed and replaced with a more appropriate tree.

  • 

    Wilson Wallace on 21/06/2022 - 11:20

    Should I call a professional to come out and provide me a report? Don’t mind paying. However, last thing I want is a tree falling on kids whilst playing in the front yard.

    • 

      MS Paint on 21/06/2022 - 11:23

      That would be the quickest way but I would just be persistent with the council initially. The council might even send the arborist they use if you mention how potentially dangerous it is.

      • 

        Wilson Wallace on 21/06/2022 - 11:36

        Thanks. I’ve Added more photos with a clearer view.

        • 

          MS Paint on 21/06/2022 - 11:43

          @Wilson Wallace: This is what a naturally growing healthy eucalyptus tree should look like

          The council have totally destroyed that tree on your nature strip, in fact it was completely inappropriate to plant it there in the first place. (It looks about 20-30 years old)

          • 

            Some Human on 22/06/2022 - 02:54

            +1

            @MS Paint: The trees in your photo look like 2 friends who haven’t seen each other for a while excitedly reaching out for a hug.

• 

  Donaldhump on 21/06/2022 - 09:28

  get the council out not your job or responsibility

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  dtc on 21/06/2022 - 09:31

  No, men climbing ladders to prune trees is like the second most dangerous weekend hobby (after men climbing ladders to clear gutters). Source - brother who does shifts as an emergency department doctor (although sports is the no 1 cause of male admissions)

  the problem with going to the council is that some have a tendency to cut down the whole tree while others have a tendency to do as little as possible, leaving you with the issue.

  However, tell them - then if a branch does fall and cause problems, you have a better chance of a legal case against them. Assuming its a tree on council land, of course

• 

  foxmulder on 21/06/2022 - 09:41

  Your first photo shows the tree as if growing sideways :)

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  racer1234 on 21/06/2022 - 09:56

  As others said chase council. Some methods that may help are go to your local council member and email the mayor of the council directly. In brisbane this gets a job the highest priority. Snap send solve app. Keep pushing dailiy until they fix it.

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  CheapAddict on 21/06/2022 - 10:25

  keep calling the council. Call daily until they do something about it. That's the technique i use until something is done about an issue that's gone past beyond any reasonable waiting time.

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  DarkOz on 21/06/2022 - 12:00

  Too risky so don't do it yourself. Keep hassling the council it's their job. The tree could topple onto the other side after your pruning and you would be liable. The chance of that happening is slim but why take the chance?

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  Euphemistic on 21/06/2022 - 14:14

  ITs a council job, but grab a pole saw (Chainsaw on a stick) and lop off a few of the worst offending branches. Ive got an 18v Ryobi and it’s a little ripper. Does a great job and can reach up quite a long way.

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  rektrading on 21/06/2022 - 16:37

  Prune first, ask forgiveness later.

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  thatonethere on 21/06/2022 - 19:43

  If it is in the powerlines try contacting the local power company to get it cut.

  Definitely do not cut a council tree as they will f### you over.

  • 

    Euphemistic on 22/06/2022 - 07:39

    There’s pruning and there’s pruning. Lop a couple of low branches off and no one will give you any grief. Prune it dangerously, like all the branches on one side, and you might have some dramas. Prune it to ground level and you definitely get some interest from the council - especially if you’ve contacted them about it.

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  payless69 on 22/06/2022 - 08:31

  +1

  wait to get a new free fence!