How to Prepare Your Trees for Storms

Storms Can Happen at Any Time

NSW SES describes the NSW storm season as September to April, while also warning that major storms can happen at any time of year.

Tree preparation is therefore best treated as ordinary property maintenance, not a once-a-year promise that every failure can be prevented.

Start With a Ground-Level Check

Walk around the property without standing under suspect branches. Look for:

• Large dead or hanging branches
• Fresh cracks or splits
• Branches touching roofs, gutters or electrical infrastructure
• A sudden change in lean
• Lifted or cracked soil around the roots
• Recently broken branches caught in the canopy
• Decay or damage at the base

These signs do not always mean the tree needs removal. They do mean the tree deserves a closer look.

Prioritise What People Use

Pay particular attention to branches over:

• Bedrooms and living areas
• Driveways and parked vehicles
• Entrances, paths and outdoor seating
• Pools and play areas
• Neighbouring property
• Essential access points

The aim is to identify the consequences of a failure as well as the condition of the branch.

Prune for a Clear Reason

Useful storm preparation may include removing deadwood, dealing with split branches or reducing selected heavy growth. It does not mean stripping the canopy or topping the tree.

Our tree pruning service follows AS 4373 and starts with the specific safety, clearance or canopy problem you want to address.

Check Council Requirements

Some reasonable pruning may be allowed without a permit, subject to Council's current limits and AS 4373. Removal or heavier reduction may require approval.

Check Northern Beaches Council's current private-land tree guidance before work starts.

Prepare the Property as Well

NSW SES recommends securing loose outdoor items and staying away from trees and power lines during severe weather. Practical property preparation can include:

• Moving vehicles away from suspect branches where possible
• Clearing gutters and drains
• Securing loose garden furniture
• Keeping access paths clear
• Saving emergency contacts
• Following current weather warnings

During and After a Storm

Stay indoors and away from windows while dangerous conditions continue. Do not inspect trees closely during high wind or lightning.

After the storm, keep clear of fallen trees and power lines. Call Triple Zero (000) for a life-threatening emergency and NSW SES on 132 500 for storm emergency assistance.

If damaged electrical infrastructure is involved, stay at least 8 metres away and report the fault to Ausgrid on 13 13 88.

Arrange Tree Help

For planned maintenance, send photographs and request a free on-site assessment. For a fallen tree, hanging branch or immediate danger on private property, call our 24/7 emergency tree service.

We aim to respond within two hours, although severe weather, access and demand can affect timing.