Simple preventative measures Queensland homeowners can take to reduce the risk of falling branches, tree damage and storm-related hazards this summer.
Queensland summers are known for their hot days, afternoon thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and damaging winds. And while we can't control the weather, there are steps we can take to prepare our properties before storm season arrives.
One of the most overlooked parts of storm preparation is the backyard.
Trees provide shade, privacy and character, but without regular maintenance, damaged branches, declining tree health and poorly managed growth can become potential hazards during severe weather.
The good news? A little preparation now can help reduce the risk of storm damage and make your property safer throughout summer.
Here are 10 practical ways to prepare your yard for storm season.
1. Inspect the trees around your home
Start by taking a walk around your property and looking closely at the trees.
Are there branches hanging over your roof? Have you noticed dead limbs, unusual leaning or large sections of canopy that appear unhealthy?
Pay particular attention to trees close to:
Your home, garage or shed.
Driveways and parked vehicles.
Outdoor entertaining areas.
Fences and neighbouring properties.
Powerlines and other overhead infrastructure.
A visual check is a useful starting point, but it won't identify every structural issue. If something doesn't look right, arrange an assessment with a qualified arborist.
2. Look for dead or damaged tree branches
Deadwood is one of the things worth identifying before storm season.
Dead, broken or hanging branches can become dislodged during strong winds, particularly when combined with heavy rain and saturated ground.
Look for:
Branches without leaves when the rest of the tree is healthy.
Cracked or split limbs.
Hanging branches caught in the canopy.
Sections of the tree showing significant dieback.
Branches that have been damaged by previous storms.
Don't attempt to remove large, unstable or overhead branches yourself. A professional tree assessment can help determine what needs attention.
3. Arrange professional tree pruning where needed
Tree pruning can play an important role in ongoing tree maintenance.
Removing selected dead, damaged or unsuitable branches can improve the structure and condition of a tree, while also addressing potential hazards around your property.
However, pruning isn't about cutting as much away as possible.
Over-pruning can compromise tree health and structure. Each tree should be assessed individually to determine whether pruning is appropriate and which branches, if any, should be removed.
If you're considering tree pruning before summer, it's worth getting ahead of the seasonal rush.
4. Check for signs of poor tree health
A tree can look perfectly fine from a distance while showing signs of decline up close.
Before storm season, look for:
Discoloured or unusually sparse foliage.
Dead branches throughout the canopy.
Cracks or splits in the trunk.
Fungal growth around the base.
Significant changes in the tree's appearance.
Damaged roots or disturbed soil around the base.
These signs don't automatically mean a tree needs to be removed. They can, however, indicate that further investigation is worthwhile.
A qualified arborist can assess the tree's condition and recommend appropriate maintenance.
5. Pay attention to the ground around your trees
Queensland's summer weather can bring prolonged dry periods followed by intense rainfall.
These changing conditions can affect the soil surrounding trees, particularly where the ground becomes heavily saturated.
After significant rainfall, keep an eye out for:
New soil cracking or lifting around the base.
Exposed or disturbed roots.
Changes in the tree's lean.
Fresh ground movement.
Trees that appear to have shifted position.
If you notice a sudden change, keep your distance and arrange professional advice. Don't attempt to stabilise or dig around a potentially unstable tree yourself.
6. Keep branches clear of your roof and gutters
Overhanging branches can contribute to leaf and twig build-up in gutters, while also creating potential contact points during storms.
Check the space between your trees and:
Rooflines.
Gutters and downpipes.
Windows and outdoor structures.
Solar panels and other rooftop equipment.
Where branches need to be removed or reduced, have the work assessed and completed professionally.
If trees or branches are near powerlines, contact your electricity distributor rather than attempting to prune them yourself.
Get Ready Queensland has a wealth of resources available too!
7. Look at trees around driveways and access points
It's easy to focus on the trees closest to your house, but what about the rest of your property?
A fallen branch or damaged tree can block driveways, restrict vehicle access and make it difficult to move around your property after a storm.
Consider trees located near:
Driveways and access roads.
Gates and entry points.
Footpaths and walkways.
Parking areas.
Shared accessways.
For larger properties, it's worth considering how tree maintenance fits into your overall property maintenance plan.
8. Remove loose items from your yard
Not every storm hazard comes from a tree.
Outdoor furniture, garden tools, trampolines, pot plants and loose equipment can become dangerous wind-borne debris during severe weather.
Before storm season, check that loose items can be safely stored or secured.
This is particularly important in exposed areas where strong wind gusts are common.
9. Consider whether a tree needs further assessment or removal
Sometimes, maintenance isn't enough.
A tree may have significant structural damage, extensive decay or other issues that require a more detailed assessment.
Tree removal should never be the automatic response to storm preparation. However, where a tree presents an unacceptable risk, a qualified arborist can help determine whether removal is the appropriate option.
It's also important to check local council requirements and vegetation regulations before arranging tree removal.
10. Don't wait until a storm warning is issued
One of the best things you can do to prepare your yard for storm season is to organise maintenance early.
Once severe weather is approaching, there may not be enough time to arrange professional tree work safely.
A pre-summer tree inspection gives you an opportunity to identify concerns, plan any necessary maintenance and address potential hazards before the weather turns.
Remember, no amount of pruning can make a tree completely storm-proof. But understanding its condition and managing potential hazards can help reduce the risks around your property.
Is your yard ready for Queensland storm season?
Storm preparation isn't just about cleaning gutters and bringing the outdoor furniture inside.
It's also about understanding the condition of the trees around your home and taking preventative steps before severe weather arrives.
At Brien's Tree Solutions, we help property owners identify tree maintenance requirements and manage potential hazards through professional tree care.
Whether you need an assessment, tree pruning or advice about a problem tree, getting ahead of storm season is always a good idea.
Good preparation starts with good tree care.
Get in touch with us to discuss preparing your property for summer.
