Top Tree Maintenance Tips for Australians

Taking care of trees on your property is more than just a chore - it’s an investment in your home’s safety, beauty, and value. Trees provide shade, improve air quality, and add character to your landscape. But without proper maintenance, they can become hazards or lose their appeal. I’ve gathered some of the best top tree maintenance tips tailored for Australians, especially those living in Perth, WA. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a property, these tips will help you keep your trees healthy and your property safe.

Why Professional Tree Maintenance Tips Matter

Trees are living organisms that need care just like any other part of your garden. Neglecting them can lead to problems like disease, pest infestations, or structural weaknesses. These issues can cause branches to fall or even entire trees to topple during storms, risking damage to your home or injury to people nearby.

Professional tree maintenance tips focus on preventative care and regular inspections. This means spotting problems early and addressing them before they escalate. For example, pruning dead or weak branches not only improves the tree’s appearance but also reduces the risk of falling limbs.

Here are some key reasons why following professional advice is essential:

• Safety: Well-maintained trees are less likely to cause accidents.

• Health: Proper care helps trees resist pests and diseases.

• Longevity: Trees live longer when regularly cared for.

• Property Value: Healthy trees enhance curb appeal and increase property worth.

  
  

Healthy eucalyptus tree in a backyard

Essential Top Tree Maintenance Tips for Australians

Let’s dive into some practical tips that you can apply to your trees right now. These are straightforward, effective, and designed to keep your trees thriving in the Perth climate.

1. Regular Inspections Are a Must

Make it a habit to inspect your trees every few months. Look for signs like:

• Cracks or splits in the trunk

• Dead or hanging branches

• Fungal growth on the bark or roots

• Unusual leaf discoloration or drop

  
  

If you notice any of these, it’s time to act. Sometimes, a quick pruning session is enough. Other times, you might need professional help.

2. Prune Smartly and Safely

Pruning is more than just cutting branches. It’s about shaping the tree to grow strong and healthy. Here’s how to prune like a pro:

• Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches first.

• Cut branches at the right angle, just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk).

• Avoid over-pruning; removing more than 25% of the canopy can stress the tree.

• Use clean, sharp tools to make smooth cuts.

  
  

If you’re unsure, it’s best to call in experts who know how to prune without harming the tree.

3. Water Wisely

Perth’s dry climate means watering is crucial, especially for young or newly planted trees. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.

• Early morning or late evening watering reduces evaporation.

• Use mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Avoid watering the trunk directly; focus on the root zone.

  
  

4. Mulch for Health

Mulching is one of the simplest ways to improve tree health. It helps:

• Retain soil moisture

• Suppress weeds

• Provide nutrients as it breaks down

• Protect roots from extreme temperatures

  
  

Apply a 5-10 cm layer of organic mulch like wood chips or bark around the base, but keep it a few centimetres away from the trunk to prevent rot. Check out our blog post for more details on Why Mulching is so important for Perth gardens.

5. Protect Trees from Pests and Diseases

Keep an eye out for common pests like borers, aphids, or scale insects. Signs include sticky residue, holes in leaves, or wilting branches. If you spot pests:

• Use natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap.

• Remove affected branches promptly.

• Consult a professional if the infestation is severe.

  
  

Diseases like root rot or cankers require expert diagnosis and treatment, so don’t hesitate to seek help. For more information on How to Identify and Treat Tree Pests and Diseases, read our blog article on this very subject.

Pruning a gum tree branch

What Time of Year Is the Cheapest for Tree Removal?

Timing your tree removal can save you money. In Perth, the demand for tree removal services fluctuates with the seasons, affecting prices.

• Winter (June to August): This is generally the cheapest time for tree removal. Trees are dormant, and there’s less demand for services. Plus, the cooler weather makes it easier for workers.

• Spring and Summer (September to February): Prices tend to rise due to increased demand. Trees are actively growing, and storms can cause urgent removals.

• Autumn (March to May): Prices may be moderate, but it’s still a good time to schedule removals before winter.

  
  

Planning ahead and booking your tree removal during the off-peak season can lead to better rates and availability.

Tree removal crew at work

When to Call in the Experts for Tree Care

While many maintenance tasks can be done yourself, some situations require professional intervention. Here’s when to call in the pros:

• Large or tall trees that are difficult to access safely

• Trees showing signs of severe disease or structural damage

• Emergency situations after storms or accidents

• Complex pruning or shaping for aesthetic or safety reasons

• Tree removal or stump grinding

  
  

Using professional tree care services ensures the job is done safely, efficiently, and with the right equipment. Experts also have the knowledge to diagnose problems and recommend the best solutions.

Keeping Your Trees Healthy Year-Round

Tree maintenance is an ongoing process. Here are some final tips to keep your trees in top shape throughout the year:

• Stay consistent: Regular inspections and care prevent problems.

• Educate yourself: Learn about the specific needs of your tree species.

• Be proactive: Don’t wait for issues to become emergencies.

• Maintain soil health: Test soil periodically and amend as needed.

• Respect nature: Avoid damaging roots or compacting soil around trees.

  
  

By following these guidelines, you’ll enjoy the many benefits of healthy, beautiful trees for years to come.

Taking care of your trees doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these professional tree maintenance tips, you can confidently manage your green assets and keep your property safe and attractive. Remember, when in doubt, reaching out to trusted experts like us at Swift Trees Perth is always a smart move.

Your trees will thank you!

Swift Trees is a professional tree lopping service serving Perth, Western Australia and areas in the Perth Metropolitan Area. 

Get in touch with Swift Trees Perth via our Contact form and we will be happy to provide you with an estimate for your tree lopping requirements and other tree services.

We specialise in tree removal, tree pruning, palm pruning, palm removals and stump grinding.

We have been providing tree care in Perth for over 20 years and are a reliable, trustworthy tree lopping company that uses arborist and tree surgeon techniques to ensure the safety of everyone in proximity while also taking care of the property. 

Check out our great customer reviews!