Tree removal in Wellington Point: what's local
Figs older than most houses
Wikipedia says banyan figs planted in 1924 and Moreton Bay figs planted in 1927 gave the point many of its best-known features. Wellington Point Reserve is heritage-listed, and so is Whepstead, built in 1889. Figs this size have roots and limbs that reach well beyond the trunk. See fig trees.
One road out
Council says landslide risk here is largely confined to the northern Main Street peninsula, which has only one access road. For a big tree job out there, the truck, the chipper and any crane all have to fit without blocking that road.
Water at the edges
Storm tide can reach low ground around Sovereign Lake, Allan Day Drive and the reserve, and council says Hilliards Creek is prone to flash flooding. Waterlogged ground can loosen roots, so watch for a new lean after a big tide or downpour.
Bush pockets
Council maps scattered areas of high bushfire hazard, the largest next to Ormiston College. If your yard backs onto bush there, ask about firebreaks before clearing.
Common tree jobs in Wellington Point
Pruning big figs back from roofs and paths, storm limbs off old gums, and koala food trees that owners want to keep but make safer. Council lists tallowwood, grey gum, scribbly gum and Queensland blue gum among the local trees koalas prefer.
Dead trees aren't automatic. Redland asks you to check with council before removing one, in case a covenant or development condition covers it.
Questions to ask an arborist in Wellington Point
- Has council confirmed whether an overlay, covenant or envelope covers the tree?
- How will the gear get in and out, and will the street need a traffic plan?
- Is the tree a koala food tree, and could pruning to AS 4373-2007 do the job instead?
- Who takes away the green waste, and is the stump included in the written quote?
- What arboriculture qualification do you hold? Council recommends at least AQF3 for pruning.
Hiring an arborist in Wellington Point
We'd confirm the rules with council, then have an arborist walk the block and the access in the same visit. On the peninsula, the way in matters as much as the tree, so we'd want the access plan in the quote before choosing anyone.