Preparing Your Trees for Storm Season on the Northern Beaches

Storm Season on the Northern Beaches: Why Preparation Matters

Every year between October and March, the Northern Beaches faces its storm season — a period of intense weather that brings powerful winds, heavy rainfall, lightning, and occasionally hail. For homeowners across the region, from the exposed headlands of Palm Beach and Avalon Beach to the low-lying areas of Narrabeen and Collaroy, storm season brings real risk of tree failure and property damage.

The Northern Beaches is defined by its tree canopy. Towering eucalyptus, established Norfolk Island pines, native banksias, and dense coastal vegetation are part of what makes this area so appealing. But every one of those trees becomes a potential hazard when a severe storm rolls through — particularly if they have not been properly maintained.

The good news is that most storm-related tree damage is preventable. Professional pre-storm tree care is one of the most cost-effective investments a property owner can make, often costing a fraction of what emergency removal and property repairs would cost after the event. This guide covers everything you need to know to prepare your trees for the Northern Beaches storm season.

Understanding Storm Risk on the Northern Beaches

Not all properties on the Northern Beaches face the same level of storm risk. Understanding your specific exposure helps you prioritise your preparation efforts.

Coastal Versus Inland Wind Exposure

Properties in coastal suburbs face significantly higher wind speeds during storm events than those further inland. Suburbs like Collaroy, Narrabeen, Avalon Beach, and Palm Beach sit directly in the path of strong north-easterly and south-easterly winds that build force across open water before hitting the coast. Elevated properties on ridgelines and headlands experience even greater exposure.

Inland suburbs still face storm risk — particularly from thunderstorm downbursts and microbursts that can deliver sudden, intense gusts — but the sustained high winds that cause the most widespread tree damage are generally more severe along the coastal fringe.

Common Storm Damage Patterns

Understanding how storms damage trees helps you identify vulnerabilities on your property:

• Whole-tree failure: The entire tree topples, usually due to root plate failure in saturated soil. This is the most destructive type of failure and most common after prolonged heavy rain followed by strong wind
• Trunk failure: The trunk snaps, often at a point of structural weakness such as a cavity, old wound, or fungal decay. Common in older trees with undetected internal decay
• Branch failure: Individual branches or limbs break and fall. This is the most common type of storm damage and is often caused by deadwood, weak attachments, or excessive canopy weight
• Crown twist: Asymmetric canopies or trees with dense foliage on one side can twist in strong winds, causing trunk spiral fractures

Most Vulnerable Tree Species

On the Northern Beaches, certain species are more prone to storm damage:

• Tall eucalyptus species: While well-adapted to Australian conditions, mature eucalyptus trees are notorious for shedding heavy limbs — often without warning — particularly during drought stress followed by heavy rain
• Established planted pines: Older radiata pines and Norfolk Island pines, common across the Northern Beaches, develop heavy canopies and can fail at the root plate in waterlogged soil
• Camphor laurels: Brittle wood makes these trees susceptible to branch failure in moderate to strong winds
• Cocos palms: While the trunks rarely fail, heavy dead frond loads become dangerous projectiles in high winds
• Shallow-rooted species: Any tree growing in shallow soil over rock — common in many Northern Beaches suburbs — has reduced root anchorage and higher toppling risk

Pre-Storm Tree Inspection Checklist

A thorough inspection of your trees before storm season is the foundation of effective preparation. While a professional arborist assessment is always recommended, you can perform an initial check yourself using this checklist.

Dead Branches and Deadwood

Dead branches are the most common cause of storm-related tree damage. They are brittle, unpredictable, and lack the flexibility that allows living wood to bend with the wind. Walk around each tree on your property and look up into the canopy for:

• Branches with no leaves during the growing season (or brown, dead leaves still attached)
• Bark that is peeling, cracked, or missing
• Branches that look dry and grey compared to surrounding live growth
• Any branch directly above your home, driveway, outdoor living area, or a place where people regularly walk or sit

Deadwood removal is one of the simplest and most effective storm preparation measures. Our tree pruning team can remove deadwood efficiently and safely, including from tall trees that are inaccessible from the ground.

Split or Cracked Trunks

Examine the trunk of each tree for:

• Visible cracks or splits: Particularly vertical cracks running along the trunk
• Co-dominant stems: Where the trunk divides into two or more equal-sized stems. V-shaped junctions are significantly weaker than U-shaped ones and are a common failure point
• Old wounds: Where large branches were removed or broke off in past storms. These areas often harbour decay that weakens the trunk
• Fungal fruiting bodies: Mushrooms or bracket fungi growing from the trunk indicate internal decay

Root Lifting and Soil Heaving

Check around the base of each tree for signs of root instability:

• Soil lifting or cracking on one side of the tree (suggests the root plate is beginning to fail)
• Exposed roots that appear damaged, decayed, or severed
• Recent soil disturbance from construction, trenching, or landscaping within the tree's root zone
• Pavement or driveway heaving caused by root growth (indicates shallow root architecture)

Lean Changes

A tree that has always leaned is not necessarily at greater risk — many trees grow with a natural lean and are structurally sound. However, a tree that has recently developed a new lean or whose lean has noticeably increased should be assessed urgently. Compare against old photographs of your property if available.

Canopy Density and Wind Resistance

Dense, heavy canopies catch more wind and place greater stress on the trunk and roots. Trees with thick, unpruned canopies are at considerably higher risk of failure during strong winds. Look for:

• Trees with very dense, full canopies that allow little light through
• Heavy limbs extending well beyond the main canopy
• Canopy weight concentrated on one side of the tree
• Multiple trees growing close together with intertwined canopies

Proximity to Structures and Power Lines

Any tree or branch within falling distance of your home, garage, carport, fence, power lines, or other structures is a priority for assessment. As a rough guide, if a tree could reach your house if it fell, it should be professionally inspected. Pay particular attention to trees that overhang your roof, as even branch failure — not whole-tree failure — can cause serious damage.

Professional Storm Preparation Services

Once hazards have been identified — either through your own inspection or a professional assessment — targeted tree work can dramatically reduce storm risk. Here are the key services that prepare trees for storm season.

Crown Thinning to Reduce Wind Resistance

Crown thinning is the single most effective storm preparation technique. It involves the selective removal of branches throughout the canopy to reduce density and allow wind to pass through the tree rather than catching it like a sail. Professional crown thinning can reduce wind resistance by up to 40 per cent while maintaining the tree's natural shape and health.

Crown thinning is not the same as lopping or topping — it is a skilled arboricultural technique that removes specific branches at their point of origin, preserving the tree's structure and growth patterns. Poorly executed thinning (removing too much, or cutting in the wrong places) can actually increase storm risk by stimulating dense regrowth.

Deadwood Removal

Removing dead, dying, and diseased branches eliminates the material most likely to fail during a storm. For mature trees, deadwood removal should be performed annually as part of routine maintenance, ideally before the October start of storm season.

Weight Reduction Pruning

For trees with heavy, extended limbs that create leverage against the trunk, weight reduction pruning shortens and lightens branch ends. This technique is particularly valuable for large eucalyptus species common across the Northern Beaches, which are prone to sudden branch drop syndrome.

Cable and Bracing for Valued Trees

Some trees have structural weaknesses — such as co-dominant stems or split trunks — that cannot be corrected by pruning alone but do not warrant removal. In these cases, professional cable and bracing systems provide additional structural support, allowing the tree to be retained safely. This is often the preferred option for heritage trees, significant specimens, or trees subject to council protection.

Storm Preparation Costs

Professional storm preparation pruning typically costs $300 to $1,000 per tree on the Northern Beaches, depending on the size, species, and extent of work required. This investment is modest when compared to the potential costs of emergency removal ($800 to $2,500), property repair (thousands to tens of thousands of dollars), and the stress and disruption of dealing with a tree emergency.

For properties with multiple trees, package pricing often reduces the per-tree cost. Contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment and quote for your property.

Creating a Storm Plan for Your Property

A property storm plan goes beyond tree care to encompass your overall preparedness. Here is a practical framework for before, during, and after a storm event.

Before the Storm

• Complete tree pruning: Have all identified hazards addressed by a professional before storm season
• Secure loose items: Garden furniture, trampolines, pot plants, and other loose items become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Secure or store them
• Clear gutters and downpipes: Blocked gutters contribute to water damage during heavy rain
• Review insurance: Confirm your home insurance is current and understand your coverage for storm and tree damage
• Save emergency contacts: Keep the numbers for your emergency tree service (0425 350 004), SES (132 500), Ausgrid (13 13 88), and your insurance company in your phone
• Photograph your property: Take dated photos of your home and trees in good condition — these are invaluable for insurance claims
• Know your trees: Identify the species and approximate age of the trees on your property so you can communicate effectively with arborists and insurers

During the Storm

• Stay indoors: Move away from windows, particularly those facing large trees
• Avoid parking under trees: Move vehicles to a garage or open area if possible
• Do not go outside to check on trees: Falling branches are a leading cause of storm-related injuries
• Monitor weather warnings: Follow the Bureau of Meteorology and SES alerts for the Northern Beaches
• If a tree falls on your home: Evacuate immediately and follow our emergency tree removal guide

After the Storm

• Do not approach fallen trees: They may be entangled with power lines or under tension
• Check for damage from a safe distance: Walk around your property looking for fallen branches, leaning trees, and structural damage — but stay clear of anything that looks unstable
• Photograph all damage: Document everything thoroughly before any cleanup begins
• Call a professional arborist: Even if no trees have fallen, have a qualified arborist inspect your trees after any significant storm. Internal damage, root plate loosening, and structural cracking may not be immediately visible but can cause delayed failure in subsequent weather events
• Report hazards: If a council tree has fallen across a road or footpath, report it to Northern Beaches Council. If power lines are down, call Ausgrid on 13 13 88

After the Storm: Assessment and Recovery

The period following a major storm is critical for identifying and managing ongoing tree risks on your property.

Identifying Hidden Damage

Not all storm damage is immediately obvious. After a significant storm event, trees may have suffered damage that makes them more likely to fail in the next storm or even during calm conditions. Signs to watch for in the days and weeks following a storm include:

• New lean or lean increase: Compare the tree's current position to its pre-storm angle
• Soil cracking at the base: Indicates root plate movement that may progress to full failure
• Hanging branches: Partially broken branches lodged in the canopy that may fall at any time
• Trunk cracks: New splits or cracks that were not present before the storm
• Wilting or sudden leaf drop: May indicate root damage from the storm

Professional Post-Storm Assessment

We strongly recommend a professional arborist inspection after any storm that produced sustained winds over 60 kilometres per hour or heavy rainfall exceeding 50 millimetres. Our arborist assessment service provides a thorough evaluation of every tree on your property, identifying hidden damage and recommending any necessary remedial work.

Recovery Pruning

Trees that have suffered partial branch failure or canopy damage benefit from recovery pruning — a specialised approach that cleans up damage, reduces remaining hazards, and promotes healthy regrowth. Recovery pruning should be performed by a qualified arborist who understands how storm-damaged trees respond to different pruning approaches. Incorrect pruning of a stressed tree can cause further decline.

Frequently Asked Questions About Storm Preparation

When should I have my trees pruned for storm season?

The ideal window for pre-storm pruning on the Northern Beaches is September to early October — before the peak storm season begins but after the main winter dormancy period. This timing allows trees to recover from pruning before facing storm stress. However, deadwood removal and hazard reduction can be performed at any time of year. For guidance on the best pruning times for different species, see our article on when to prune trees on the Northern Beaches.

How much does pre-storm tree pruning cost?

Pre-storm pruning on the Northern Beaches typically costs $300 to $1,000 per tree, depending on the size, species, access, and extent of work required. Most properties can be storm-prepared for $1,000 to $3,000 total. This is a fraction of the cost of emergency removal and property repairs after a storm. Contact us on 0425 350 004 for a free assessment and quote.

Does crown thinning weaken a tree?

Professional crown thinning — removing no more than 15 to 20 per cent of the live canopy — does not weaken a healthy tree. It reduces wind resistance, allows light and air movement through the canopy, and can actually improve tree health by reducing competition between branches. However, excessive thinning (sometimes called over-thinning or lion-tailing) can stress a tree and stimulate dense regrowth that increases future storm risk. This is why storm preparation pruning should always be performed by a qualified arborist, not a general gardener or handyperson.

Should I remove a tree that I think is a storm risk, or is pruning enough?

This depends entirely on the individual tree. Many trees that appear risky can be managed safely with professional pruning, structural support, or targeted risk reduction. Other trees — those with severe decay, major root damage, or structural defects beyond remediation — are best removed before they fail. A professional arborist assessment is the only reliable way to determine whether a specific tree can be retained safely. If you are concerned about a tree on your property, contact us for an assessment. If removal is recommended, our tree removal service handles the entire process including council applications where required.

Does insurance cover pre-storm tree pruning?

Standard home insurance policies do not cover preventive tree maintenance such as pre-storm pruning — this is considered routine property maintenance. However, the cost of pre-storm preparation is typically far less than the insurance excess plus the uninsured costs (temporary accommodation, lost time, personal property damage) that come with a storm-related tree failure. Think of it as an investment that protects your property and avoids the stress of an emergency.

What about council trees near my property — can I have them pruned?

Trees on council land are the responsibility of Northern Beaches Council. If you are concerned about a council tree near your property, submit a request through the council's online customer service portal. Council arborists will assess the tree and perform any necessary work. Do not prune or remove council trees yourself — this can result in significant fines. For trees on your own property that may require council approval, our arborist report service can prepare the necessary documentation. See our guide to calling a tree surgeon for more information on when professional help is needed.

Protect Your Property This Storm Season

Storm preparation is not about fear — it is about practical, cost-effective action that protects your family, your property, and the trees you value. The Northern Beaches is a spectacular place to live, and its trees are a major part of that appeal. With proper care and maintenance, the vast majority of trees can weather storm season safely.

The most important step you can take is to have your trees professionally assessed before storm season begins. A qualified arborist can identify hazards that are invisible to the untrained eye and recommend targeted, cost-effective work that dramatically reduces your storm risk.

Affordable Tree Services Northern Beaches has been helping local property owners prepare for storm season since 1995. Our experienced arborists know the Northern Beaches environment intimately — the soils, the species, the wind patterns, and the local conditions that influence tree risk. Contact our team or call 0425 350 004 to arrange your pre-storm tree assessment today.