Brisbane
Tree Pruning
Expert Care for Healthy, Safe Trees
Brisbane trees, like most trees, need regular pruning to stay strong, healthy and safe. Subtropical climates make trees grow fast – sometimes too fast. In the absence of proper pruning, branches get heavy, crowded, and weak. Then storm season hits and those neglected trees cause expensive damage
Book an appointmentSmart pruning now prevents emergency removals later.
Shane’s Trees Hemmant based arborists prune trees across Brisbane’s northside, southside, and western suburbs. Every property is different. A Queenslander in Paddington has different tree issues than a new house in Springfield. We adjust our pruning approach based on your trees, your property, and Brisbane’s unique weather patterns.
Why do Brisbane’s Trees Need Regular Pruning?
Our weather creates specific problems. Summer storms with strong winds test every branch. Trees grow vigorously in our warm, wet climate but that fast growth often means weak wood. Our iconic gum trees drop branches naturally, however pre-emptive pruning removes the dangerous ones before they fall.
The clay soil make-up across Brisbane shifts between wet and dry seasons. This movement stresses tree roots and makes top-heavy trees unstable. Using proper pruning techniques reduces weight and wind resistance
Sometimes, canopies become too dense and don’t allow enough light and airflow, trapping moisture during our humid summer months. This creates perfect conditions for fungal diseases and wood rot to set in. Thinning the canopy improves air circulation and tree health.
Common reasons for Tree Pruning in Brisbane
Below are some of the most common reasons Shane’s Trees are engaged to conduct tree pruning, lopping and Brisbane tree removal jobs in South-eastern Queensland.
Storm Damage Prevention
Every year we prune hundreds of trees before November. Removing weak branches, reducing canopy density, and balancing weight distribution can help trees survive Brisbane’s storm and cyclone season. Properties in exposed areas like Hamilton, Wynnum, and Manly need extra attention.
Clearance from Structures
Brisbane homes often have large trees planted too close. Branches scrape roofs, drop leaves in gutters, and damage during storms. We prune for clearance while maintaining tree health and appearance.
Power Line Safety
Trees grow into power lines constantly in older suburbs like Ashgrove, Red Hill, and New Farm. Energex has regulations about clearances. We prune to meet these requirements and keep your power connected.
Deadwood Removal
Dead branches fall without warning. Eucalypts are notorious for sudden branch drop – even healthy trees. Regular deadwooding helps to protect your family, visitors, and property from falling timber and vegetation.
Tree Health and Shape
By understanding the various stages of our tree’s lifecycle and the space where it is situated, we can make educated pruning decisions with a view to removing diseased wood, improving structure, and extending tree life. Younger trees may require formative pruning, while mature trees may need maintenance pruning and careful reduction work.
What are the Best months for Pruning Your Trees in Brisbane?
In a perfect world, we try to prune trees in winter (June-August) while the trees are most dormant, and in preparation for the stormy months ahead. During this time, growth is slower, disease risk is lower, and trees recover faster.
In reality, we end up pruning most species year-round at the request of our customers. Eucalypts prune well anytime except peak summer heat. Figs prune best in late winter before spring growth. Palms prune in warmer months. Deciduous trees prune in winter when leaves are off.
Keeping up with your tree maintenance in the winter will help you avoid emergency tree pruning in storm season- broken branches don’t wait for the right season.
Brisbane Tree Pruning Costs
As with all tree maintenance operations, pricing is determined by tree size, species, location, and work required.
| Tree Size | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Small Trees Under 6 meters | $250-$600 |
| Medium trees 6-12 meters | $400-$1,200 |
| Large Trees over 12 meters | $800-$2,500 |
| Extra large trees (20m+) | $1,500-$5,000+ |
Complex jobs near power lines, over houses, or with difficult access cost more. Multiple trees often get discounted rates.
Brisbane Tree Pruning Regulations
Brisbane City Council has specific rules about tree pruning. Some trees have environmental protection orders, while some heritage-listed properties need extra approvals. Trees over a certain size require permits before significant pruning takes place.
We know these regulations. We can assist with permit applications when needed. We prune to Australian Standards (AS4373) which satisfies council requirements.
To understand more about Brisbane City Council regulations and permit requirements you can view it on the council website here.
Trees Common in Brisbane
Our subtropical climate means trees grow fast but not always strong. Rapid growth creates weak wood. Heavy summer rain saturates clay soils common across Brisbane. Strong winds from any direction hit our flat suburbs hard. Some fail points to keep in mind:
- Eucalyptus Species
Grow everywhere across Brisbane. Need regular deadwooding and canopy management. Drop branches naturally so pruning for safety is important. - Fig Trees
Popular in older suburbs. Grow massive if not managed. Require skilled pruning to control size without causing decline. - Jacarandas
Line many Brisbane streets. Need structural pruning when young and maintenance pruning when mature. Beautiful but messy without proper management. - Palms
Who can resist the look of a palm, they make the place look like summer all year round! .. Not surprisingly, palms are very common in Queensland’s tropical climate. Most wonders find them very messy though and they require specialized palm cleaning and pruning techniques. As the lower fronds die off, they need regular removal for safety and appearance. - Bottlebrush and Native Shrubs
Low maintenance but benefit from light pruning. Shape after flowering for best results.
Types of Tree Pruning We Provide
The are several tree pruning techniques we use to achieve the desired outcome. here are some of them:
Canopy Thinning
A process of removing branches throughout the tree canopy. Doing so reduces wind resistance and weight, making the tree less likely to topple in wet and windy conditions. It also lets light reach the inner branches, understory plants and living areas. Common for large eucalypts and figs in Brisbane gardens.
Crown Lifting
A technique of removing the lower limbs and branches to create greater clearance underneath the tree. Good for trees near driveways, pathways, buildings or other access ways, and commonly used in Brisbane suburbs with smaller blocks where space is tight.
Canopy Reduction
The goal here is to reduce the canopy size, while maintaining the tree’s original shape and attractive qualities. Used when trees have outgrown their space or become too heavy. Requires skill to avoid damaging tree health.
Structural Pruning
This technique is used for correcting poor branch structure in young trees. By removing the competing leaders, weak crotches, and crossing branches, we create a stronger framework for the tree’s future growth.
Deadwood and Hazard Removal
Removes dead, dying, diseased, or damaged branches. The most common pruning request in Brisbane. Should happen annually for large trees.
Brisbane Tree Pruning FAQ’s
Yes, Shane’s Trees provide professional tree pruning across the entire Brisbane Metropolitan area
The best time of year to prune trees in south-east Queensland is through winter, June, July, August.
Free brisbane tree PruningQuotes
One of our friendly team members will get back to you before you can say ‘timber’!
Some factors that might affect your quote…
The size of your tree. Generally, the bigger it is, the longer it takes to remove – and the more space vegetation takes up in our trucks!
Ease of access. Trees around properties with steep embankments are often difficult to load onto vehicles.
Equipment needed. Certain projects require the use of barges, cranes and even helicopters which may be reflected in your quote.
