Storm Season Tree Checklist for Brisbane Homes

Before storm season, walk around your property and look for six things: dead or hanging branches, limbs over your roof or car, cracks or splits, a tree that has started to lean, fungus or decay, and trees that have already been damaged. Any of these is worth having a professional assess before the next storm.

Storms can happen at any time of year in South East Queensland, but they are most frequent in the warmer months from spring into summer. Damaging winds can bring down trees, branches and powerlines. The Queensland SES advises residents to trim trees and branches that overhang the home and to keep gutters and downpipes clear, while being careful of any overhead powerlines.

The checklist

1. Dead or hanging branches. Dead wood is brittle and can drop without warning in strong wind. Look for bare limbs and branches caught in the canopy.
2. Branches over the roof, gutters or car. Anything that could hit the house or a vehicle in strong wind should be cut back or removed.
3. Cracks and splits. Check the trunk and the points where large limbs join it. A crack, a split or a limb that has started to sag can fail in strong wind.
4. A new lean or lifted soil. A tree that has started leaning, or soil that is heaving or cracking around the base, can mean the roots are failing. Get it checked promptly.
5. Fungus, decay and cavities. Mushrooms at the base, a hollow trunk or crumbling wood point to decay inside the tree that you cannot see from the outside.
6. Trees that have already been damaged. A tree that lost limbs in a previous storm, or has been heavily lopped, deserves a closer look.

Stay away from powerlines

If a tree is touching or close to powerlines, do not attempt any work yourself. Energex advises staying at least 10 metres away from a tree that is making contact with powerlines, and says vegetation growing near powerlines should only be cut back by a professional arborist or tree trimmer. You can ask Energex to trim trees growing in powerlines through its trees and powerlines page.

Check the rules before you cut

Brisbane City Council protects certain vegetation under its Natural Assets Local Law 2003, and it is an offence to interfere with protected vegetation without permission, even on your own property. Street trees and trees on Council land cannot be pruned without permission either. Before you book, check the rules on Brisbane City Council’s protected vegetation page. If your tree is protected, you will usually need a permit first, unless an exemption applies.

What to do if you find a problem

1. Keep people, pets and vehicles away from the area under the tree.
2. Take photos and note which tree and which part of it is affected.
3. Leave high or heavy cuts to a qualified tree worker.
4. Book an inspection. You can reach Non Stop Tree Solutions on 0493 378 010 for a free quote.

Frequently asked questions

When should I have my trees checked before storm season?

Earlier is easier. Booking an inspection before the storms arrive means any work can be planned rather than rushed.

Can a healthy tree still fall in a storm?

Yes. Strong winds can break limbs or uproot trees that look healthy, especially after heavy rain has softened the soil. Regular checks and sensible pruning reduce the risk but cannot remove it.

What if a tree has already come down?

If anyone is in danger, call 000. For storm damage that needs help, call the Queensland SES on 132 500.

Related services: tree removal and tree lopping and pruning in Brisbane.