Severe weather can hit Mandurah hard — strong coastal winds, salt spray, and heavy rain all increase the chance of broken limbs, uprooted trees and fallen debris. Knowing the right steps to take immediately after a storm keeps your household safe and helps preserve valuable trees. This guide explains what to do (and what not to do), how arborists assess damage, the role of insurers and council, and preventative measures that reduce future risk.
Common Storm Damage Types in Mandurah
Mandurah’s coastal environment creates specific stressors for trees. Typical storm-related damage we see includes:
- Windthrow and uprooting: shallow roots in sandy soils can allow trees to topple during strong gusts.
- Broken leaders and branch failures: heavy wind and rain can snap primary limbs, leaving dangerous jagged edges.
- Salt spray and foliage burn: salt-laden winds can desiccate leaves and weaken tree health over time.
- Root destabilisation: saturated soils reduce root anchorage, increasing collapse risk even days after the storm.
Understanding the type of damage matters because some trees can be salvaged with professional care while others become long-term hazards requiring removal. Learn more about safe tree lopping in Mandurah to reduce future storm risk.
Immediate Safety Steps (What Not to Do)
Right after a storm, prioritise safety. Follow these immediate steps and avoid common mistakes:
- Do not climb trees or remove large limbs yourself — falls are a major cause of injury. Call a professional.
- Stay away from any tree touching powerlines. Contact Western Power for electrical hazards, and keep the area clear.
- Isolate the area: keep children and pets away from damaged trees, leaning trunks, and broken branches.
- Document damage: take photos and short videos from a safe distance — these are useful for insurers and arborist assessments.
- Temporary safety: if a branch is unstable and posing immediate risk, create a safe perimeter and call an emergency arborist rather than trying to make a temporary fix yourself.
For preventative measures, regular tree pruning and inspections by qualified professionals can reduce the severity of future storm damage.
How Arborists Assess Storm Damage & Stabilise Risk Trees
Certified arborists use a methodical approach to evaluate damaged trees. An assessment typically includes:
- Structural inspection: checking trunk cracks, root plate stability, and attachment points of major limbs.
- Canopy evaluation: identifying cracked limbs, split forks, and extent of crown loss.
- Health check: looking for disease or decay that could have contributed to failure.
Based on the findings, arborists will recommend actions such as safe sectional dismantling, targeted pruning to remove hazard wood, cabling or bracing where appropriate, or full tree removal if the tree is unstable. For trees requiring large lifts or complicated access, professionals use specialised rigging and elevated work platforms to protect people and property. If you need urgent assistance after a storm, contact a local arborist in Mandurah for a make-safe response — our team provides emergency callouts across Mandurah and nearby suburbs.
Insurance & Council Involvement Possibilities
Storm damage often involves insurance claims and sometimes council reporting:
- Insurance: document all damage (photos, timestamps), keep receipts for emergency works, and report to your insurer early. Many policies cover tree-related damage to structures, but not necessarily the cost to remove a fallen tree if it didn’t hit insured assets — check your policy details.
- Council trees & verges: trees on the verge or in council reserves are usually the responsibility of the City of Mandurah. If a council tree is damaged or hazardous, report it to the council rather than removing it yourself; unapproved removal can result in fines. Refer to the City of Mandurah tree regulations before doing any work.
- Emergency makesafe: insurers sometimes approve urgent make-safe work (pruning or securing) to prevent further loss. Get a professional arborist to provide a written estimate for insurer approval.
Understanding local tree services in Mandurah helps ensure you meet council regulations while protecting your property and safety.
Preventative Measures: Pruning, Risk Assessment & Regular Maintenance
Reducing storm risk starts long before the next weather event. Key preventative measures include:
- Regular pruning: professional pruning reduces end-weight, removes deadwood and creates a more wind-resistant canopy.
- Periodic risk assessments: certified arborists can identify structural defects and recommend corrective action before failure occurs.
- Right tree, right place: avoid planting large canopy species too close to roofs, pools, or driveways. If space is tight, consult an arborist for suitable species and placement.
- Staged reductions: if a tree is too large for the site, consider planned crown reduction in stages rather than sudden severe cuts.
- Maintain root zone: protect roots from compaction, construction damage or soil changes that reduce anchorage. After removal, consider stump grinding to prepare the site for replanting and avoid pest issues.
FAQs — Storm Damage & Tree Care in Mandurah
Q: My tree has a large crack — is it salvageable?
A: Some cracked trees can be stabilised with cabling or selective pruning, but severe trunk splits often require removal for safety. An on-site arborist assessment is essential. Learn more about professional arborist services in Mandurah.
Q: Can I remove a tree that’s leaning toward my house?
A: If it’s on private property and poses immediate danger, removal may be necessary — but avoid DIY work. If the tree is on the verge, contact the City of Mandurah first. For safe removal, call professionals experienced in storm-related tree removals.
Q: How quickly should I get an arborist after a storm?
A: For immediate hazards, call an emergency arborist as soon as possible. For non-urgent damage, schedule an assessment within a few days to reduce secondary risks from decay or pests.
Need Emergency Storm Tree Care in Mandurah?
If a storm has left trees cracked, leaning, or blocking access, don’t gamble with safety. Pete’s Treeworx Mandurah offers emergency make-safe services, thorough arborist assessments, and safe tree removal, crown reduction, and ongoing arborist services across Mandurah and the Peel region.
Call 0408 315 232 or email info@petestreeworx.com.au for urgent assistance or a free inspection.
