Trees are an integral part of every garden; they add life, character and depth. Back in the landscaping era of the seventies, huge trees with beautiful blooms were all the rage. You can still see many of these popular trees all over Melbourne, but without proper care and tree pruning, they can become a problem. Some of these are non-native species, and might require proper tree removal.
Here is a list of the most common problem trees around Melbourne and Victoria and how to manage them by tree pruning or tree removal.
1. Fig trees/Weeping fig trees
Fig trees and their many species are commonly native to the Middle East and Asia, but were brought to Australia both for their fruit and decorative value. The Weeping Fig or Ficus variety is mostly ornamental and kept in pots around the house when they are younger. But when they are planted outside and begin growing larger, they can be problem trees.
They are naturally ancient rainforest trees, and can grow up to 20-30 feet tall which is not ideal for homes in the city or suburbs, and tree pruning can be difficult. Moreover, they have strong invasive roots which can choke other plants and cause damage to walls and underground plumbing. If you have a fig tree that’s unmanageable, it may be best to consider tree removal.
2. Australian White Cedar
You may have seen this native cedar species in your nearby park, where they grow to heights of up to 40 feet and with wide branches providing excellent shade. They also sport pretty white star-shaped flowers that bring out the beauty of any green suburb.
However, these properties make it more suitable for growing in parks and public spaces or very large gardens. In small homes, Australian White Cedar trees can come into conflict with other plants. They require plenty of careful tree pruning so the seeds don’t spread, as they are toxic to pets and humans. Their roots are also incredibly hardy and require plenty of water. These trees live for up to 20 years, so you may require tree removal if you want to get rid of it quickly.
3. Jacaranda
Jacaranda is another large tree that enjoys lasting popularity because of its brilliant purple flowers and widespread shade. Though they have been growing in Australia for a long time, they are actually native to South America, and so must be planted with care.
With jacaranda trees, both the branches and the root system spread out to huge distances, so it’s crucial not to plant them too close to your main house or any plumbing or wiring system. A good rule of thumb is to plant them at a distance that is 1.5 times its height to avoid conflict. However if you already have a jacaranda tree too close to your property, it’s best to consult a specialist for tree removal or replanting.
4. Bamboo palms
A common staple of outdoor homes in tropical regions, bamboo palms are popular with homeowners for their air-purifying properties. Though they require regular tree pruning, they are easier to manage than large palm trees. However, they are also high maintenance especially in temperate climates like Melbourne.
Bamboo palms typically require lots of shade and water, and don’t do well in the colder winters down south. Because of this, they tend to drain the soil of moisture, especially when they grow in colonies and become a nuisance. At that point it’s best to consider tree removal so it doesn’t affect your plumbing and housing.
5. Eucalyptus
It may be surprising to see such an iconic Australian tree on this list. But eucalyptus or gum trees are best suited to forests and bushland, where indigenous groups have been cultivating them for centuries for all their medicinal benefits. In their natural habitat, they provide essential food for koalas, but may be hazardous to humans in cities.
Eucalyptus trees have been known to be the tallest in Australia, with aggressive roots that absorb moisture in dry climates and damage building foundations. In low rainfall climates their roots grow faster and their branches drop off, and are fragile in storms and heavy winds. If you aren’t ready to consider tree removal for your eucalyptus, it’s best to consult an arborist for safe, proper tree pruning.
What to do if you have a problem tree?
If you think a tree is causing problems or damage to your property, give a call to Daryl’s Tree Care today. Our team of arborists and tree removal specialists in Melbourne can identify a problem tree before it happens, or help you remove any unwanted trees safely and efficiently.
