Standfast Tree Services

  Standfast Tree Services has been servicing Sydney clients since 1979. We are a family owned business based on the Northern Beaches. Our professional team is fully qualified, licensed and insured. We work on jobs of all sizes, from local government contracts to private residential clients. Over the past 40 years we have built a strong reputation for our high standards of quality and care. Standfast Tree Services 83 Cheryl Crescent Newport NSW, 2106 Tel: [phone]

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Angels Trumpet Tree Removal (Brugmansia)

This page is about Angles Trumpet tree removal and pruning. For more information about tree removal, see our Tree Removal & Pruning Guide.

Angels Trumpet is a shrub or tree that grows up to 4m in height. It is native to South America, and was introduced as an ornamental plant from Brazil.

It gets its name because of the trumpet-like flowers that hang downward, giving off a strong sweet fragrance, especially at night. The flowers blossom in 6-8 week intervals throughout the year, albeit less frequent in winter.

Despite its ornamental value, all parts of Angels Trumpet are toxic if ingested, and maybe especially toxic to children.

Characteristics

An ornamental soft-wooded shrub or tree up to 4m high.

Pendulous trumpet-shaped flowers, pale orange to peach colour, 10-20cm long opening up to 10cm across.

Flowers have strong sweet fragrance.

Leaves are softly hairy, 10-30cm with wavy margins.

Angels Trumpet Tree Removal and Pruning Permit

All tree work is regulated by local council. Under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017, your local council can declare what tree work requires a permit.

There are heavy fines for damaging or removing a tree without a permit. Especially if you remove a protected species. You’re best to speak to an expert, who can correctly identify your tree, and then get advice about what if any requirements apply in your LGA.

Some LGA’s have an exempt species list. If your tree is on this list then you won’t need a permit.

Angels Trumpet is a small tree up to 4m. As a general rule, most LGA’s do not consider a plant a tree until it reaches ≥3m in height. If your tree (plant) is under 3m then it can often be removed without a permit (although there are some exceptions).

As an introduced species, Angels Trumpet is also considered an undesirable species in Australia. Which means, there’s a good chance you can carry out your tree work without the added expense of council permits.

To speak to an expert or for more information about Angels Trumpet tree removal and pruning, contact us and speak to our arborist. We’re happy to answer questions, and can arrange a site visit or quote.

The post Angels Trumpet Tree Removal (Brugmansia) appeared first on Standfast Tree Services.

Originally published here: https://standfasttreeservices.com.au/tree-removal/angels-trumpet-brugmansia/

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Black Willow Tree Removal (Salix nigra)

This page is about Black Willow tree removal and pruning. For general information about tree removal, check out our Tree Removal & Pruning Guide.

Black Willow tree belongs to the Salix species, which is an invasive tree of rivers, streams and wetlands, and listed as Weed of National Significance.

The term “weed” simply means a plant that is growing where it is not wanted. There are many classifications of weeds, and some plants belong to more than one.

A Weed of National Significance is a classification of weed that has the highest invasiveness, economic and ecological impact.

History of Black Willow in Australia

The Black Willow tree is native to eastern Canada and the USA. It was first introduced to Australia in the 1960’s as a way to stabilise soils along riverbanks.

This function was short lived. It is believed that over the long term, Black Willow tree has led to increased erosion and has redirected the path of rivers.

It propagates by seed and from plant parts that drop or break away and then travel vast distances along rivers and waterways.

Tree Characteristics

Seasonal tree that sheds its leaves in late Autumn.

Conical shaped large tree up to 20m in height.

One trunk divides out to up to 4 main stems.

Trunks are covered with rough grey to brown bark with deep cracks.

Slender bright green leaves 4-10cm long and 0.7-1.7cm wide, ending to a point.

Leaves are finely toothed.

Seeds are 1mm long and covered in silky hairs resembling cotton wool.

Black Willow Tree Removal and Pruning Permit

Despite the economic and environmental cost of Black Willow, all tree work is regulated by local council, and you may still need a permit.

However, most LGA’s have an exempt tree species list. This is true for many Sydney LGA’s, you may not need a council permit for Black Willow tree removal and pruning.

Mistaken Identity

It is important to get an accurate tree identification. There are many trees that have native look-a-likes. You may be liable for heavy fines if you damage a protected tree.

Even when you have correctly identified your tree, your local council may demand that you provide proof at a later date. Some LGA’s want to see an Arborist report that documents the tree species and condition of the tree.

For best practice, we recommend that you have an expert identify your tree. When you book a site visit, our qualified arborist will inspect your tree and be able to help you identify the species.

Pruning and Removing Black Willow

Black Willow tree needs to be carefully treated and disposed of. Broken roots, stumps, twigs and mulch can regrow if left in water or cast down stream. Plant material needs to be collected and disposed of in approved locations to prevent further spread.

For advice or quotation for Black Willow tree removal, contact us and speak to our team. We will arrange a site visit, or can give advice on the LGA restrictions in your area.

Alternatively, you can get a 60 second price estimate using our tree service price estimator. Please note, this is a self assessment tool. Your estimate is subject to a site visit before we can give a formal quotation.

The post Black Willow Tree Removal (Salix nigra) appeared first on Standfast Tree Services.

Originally published here: https://standfasttreeservices.com.au/tree-removal/black-willow-salix-nigra/

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Athel Pine Tree Removal (Tamarix Aphylla)

This page is about Athel Pine tree removal and pruning. For more detailed and general information about tree removal see our Tree Removal & Pruning Guide.

Athel Pine (Tamarix Aphylla) is an invasive weed of national significance. It is one of the worst weeds in Australia for its potential to spread, and its economic and environmental impact.

Native to Northern Africa and Asia, the Athel Pine was first introduced to Australia in 1930’s for its shade protection and erosion control.

NSW Noxious Weed

Athel Pine was present for some time before it became a weed. Seeds, and more commonly, revegetation of plant parts being the main mechanisms of reproduction. Some believe it proliferated throughout the floods in the 1970’s and 80’s. When waterways carried its seeds and vegetation debris down stream.

Here’s some of the reasons why Athel Pine is considered a noxious weed:

Consumes water more quickly than natives. Reducing number and quality of watering holes.

Invades both arid landscapes and waterways.

Concentrates salt making the surrounding grounds more salty, excluding native grass and other salt sensitive plants.

Infestations into national parks reduce the cultural and aesthetic value, and reduce tourism.

Athel Pine Tree Characteristics

Contrary to the name, the Athel Pine is in fact not a pine, yet gets the name because of its pine-like leaves.

Medium sized tree growing up to 15m in height.

Thick trunk up to 1m in diameter.

Dark grey to black bark, with grey-brown stems.

Small pinkish-white flowers growing on 30-40mm long spikes.

Cylindrical seeds have a tuft of fine hairs which assists wind dispersal.

Tree Mistaken Identity

Before you begin any tree work, you first need to correctly identify your tree. There are heavy fines for damaging or removing a protected tree. And this includes any trees that are misidentified and removed under false pretence.

Athel pine resemble native she-oaks (Casuarina and Allocasuarina species), and are found in similar habitats. Some key differences include:

Segments of she-oak needles are 5–10 mm long, whereas the segments on athel pine needles are only 1–2 mm long.

The hard, woody she-oak fruit resembles a small pine cone, whereas athel pine fruit is tiny and bell shaped.

Athel Pine Tree Removal & Pruning

As a weed in NSW, many LGA’s allow Athel Pine removal and pruning without a permit. That said, every LGA is different. Some have relaxed restrictions, while others, like Blacktown City Council, require a permit for all tree work.

Even where no permit is required, you may still need to document proof, which may include an arborist report to certify the tree species and condition. This may be needed at a later date if required by local council.

You also have a general biosecurity duty in NSW to prevent or minimise the risk Athel Pine may pose. When carrying out tree work, you need to remove the root system (when removing the tree) and securely dispose of plant materials to prevent regeneration.

As you can see, there are many things to consider. Especially when you are removing a noxious weed. Contact us for help identifying your tree, and navigating your local LGA restrictions. We have a level 3 and level 5 qualified arborist. When you book a site visit and quotation, we’ll inspect and identify your tree, and help clarify all applicable LGA restrictions.

Alternatively, you can get a Tree Price Guide using our online estimate tool. Please note, this price guide is a self assessment tool. We may still need to do a site visit before confirming your quote.

The post Athel Pine Tree Removal (Tamarix Aphylla) appeared first on Standfast Tree Services.

Originally published here: https://standfasttreeservices.com.au/tree-removal/athel-pine-tamarix-aphylla/

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Golden Wreath Wattle Removal (Acacia Saligna)

This page contains information about Golden Wreath Wattle removal and pruning. For more information about tree removal and pruning, check out our Tree Removal & Pruning Guide.

Golden Wreath Wattle (botanical name Acacia Saligna) is a medium sized tree or shrub that is native to Western Australia. It was introduced to NSW in the late 1950’s for stabilising soil and dune rehabilitation, due to its extensive vertical and horizontal root system. And also introduced as a garden ornamental tree.

It has naturalised in many areas, and is now considered a weed in NSW, outcompeting many native species, and threatening wildlife habitat.

Tree Characteristics

Fast growing tree or shrub up to 10m tall and with a broad canopy up to 6m wide.

Bright yellow ball flowers in clusters of 25-55, which blossom in late winter and spring, then develop into smooth brown pods.

Leathery leaves with a prominent mid-vein, 7-30cm long and 4-20mm wide.

Bark is brownish-grey, smooth or finely fissured.

Pods are leathery, straight to curved, 5-14cm long and 4-6mm wide.

Golden Wreath Wattle Tree Removal Permit

Like so many introduced species, the Golden Wreath Wattle seemed like a good idea at the time, yet is now considered a mistake that is damaging our native habitat.

Not least because the Golden Wreath Wattle is fast growing, adaptive to even low nutrient soils, and out competing many native species.

It is listed as an important environmental weed in Sydney and surrounding regions. Which means it’s control creates a significant economic and ecological cost.

Removing the Golden Wreath Wattle tree is controlled by local council. While each LGA has their own tree work directives, when it comes to undesirable species and weeds, obtaining a permit shouldn’t be a problem.

Many Sydney LGA’s list the Golden Wreath Wattle on their exempt tree species list. So you may not need a permit for your tree removal work.

That said, the Golden Wreath Wattle can be confused with other wattle species. Including:

Golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha)

Straight wattle (Acacia stricta)

Sweet-scented wattle (Acacia suaveolens)

Manna wattle (Acacia microbotrya)

Summer-scented wattle (Acacia rostellifera)

Removing or damaging a protected tree can result in heavy fines. Therefore, speak to an expert and get help identifying your tree before you begin. You maybe required to document evidence of your tree species and condition. Which may require an Arborist report from a qualified level 5 Arborist.

For more information about identifying your tree, or for Golden Wreath Wattle removal and pruning quote, speak to our team. Call us or submit our contact form and our Arborist will get back to you to answer your questions.

The post Golden Wreath Wattle Removal (Acacia Saligna) appeared first on Standfast Tree Services.

Originally published here: https://standfasttreeservices.com.au/tree-removal/golden-wreath-wattle-acacia-saligna/

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African Tulip Tree Removal (Spathodea campanulata)

Some Sydney LGA’s require a permit for African Tulip Tree removal and pruning. On this page we’ll review important information for planning your African Tulip Tree work. For more information about tree removal please refer to our Tree Removal & Pruning Guide.

The African Tulip is a fast growing evergreen tree native to West Africa. It is listed on the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) as one of the top 100 invasive species.

The African Tulip has been cultivated and introduced to Australia as an ornamental tree. Commonly found along walkways and streets, it is admired for its large showy, orange-red with yellow fringe tulip shaped flowers.

In recent years the African Tulip has been acknowledged as a potential biosecurity risk. And while the evidence is inconclusive, some experts believe it is harmful to some native bee populations.

As a result, the African Tulip Tree is listed as an invasive plant in Queensland under the Biosecurity act 2014. In Sydney however, while it has been nominated for weed risk assessment, at present the research has not been done. Although it is expected to be up for review in the near future.

Tree Characteristics

Large evergreen tree growing up to 24m in height.

Tulip shaped, orange to red flowers (10-12cm long) with yellow fringes.

Elongated pods (up to 30cm long) split open to release hundreds of papery seeds.

Long compound leaves up to 50cm long and containing 7-15 leaflets.

Leaflets are oval in shape and arranged in pairs along the leaf.

Tree Removal & Pruning Permit

Councils in Sydney are removing the African Tulip Tree from reserves due to its possible biosecurity hazard. Therefore, obtaining a tree work permit shouldn’t be problem.

However, before you spend time and money applying for a council permit, speak to our arborist. A lot of LGA’s have an exempt tree species lists for trees where no permit is required.

It’s important to note, all LGA’s have their own restrictions. There are heavy fines for damaging a protected tree. Which is why it’s best to speak to our expert arborist who can help you navigate local council restrictions.

Cost of African Tulip Tree Removal & Pruning

The two cost components for tree work include (1) council permits, and (2) tree service and labor fees.

Firstly, call and speak to our arborist who can tell you if the African Tulip Tree requires a tree work permit in your area. Second, book a site visit and quotation. We will visit your property and inspect your tree, then provide a full written quotation.

Alternatively, if you’re not yet ready for a site visit and just want an approximate price guide, you can submit our Tree Price Estimator.

Please note, our tree quote tool combines multiple variables to generate your estimate. However, it relies on your accurate self assessment for important cost variables. Therefore, the estimate price is subject to site visit before a formal quotation can be given.

Call or contact our team today to get started.

The post African Tulip Tree Removal (Spathodea campanulata) appeared first on Standfast Tree Services.

Originally published here: https://standfasttreeservices.com.au/tree-removal/african-tulip-tree/

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Tree of Heaven Removal (Ailanthus altissima)

On this page your find information about Tree of Heaven removal and pruning. For more information about tree removal, see our Tree Removal & Pruning Guide.

The Tree of Heaven is an invasive plant that originates from China. It was introduced in Australia in 1810, possibly due to its shade protection. A fast growing shrub or tree, it is tolerant of wide variety of growing conditions.

Propagating from seeds and suckering, it forms dense thickets around waterways, forests, and other woodlands. Due to its pervasive and resilient nature, Tree of Heaven outcompetes other native and desirable plants. Which is why the Tree of Heaven is listed as a weed in NSW.

Tree Characteristics

Tree or shrub reaching height of up to 20m.

Greyish bark, with white to yellowish-green clustered flowers.

Dark green leaves that turn yellow and drop in Autumn.

Large compound leaves up to 1.5m long, containing 10-40 leaflets.

Leaflets are oval shaped, 4-10cm long and 2-6cm wide.

Flowers are small and appear in clusters at the ends of shoots. White to greenish-yellow with five petals.

Fruit grows in clusters and consists of central disc containing the seed, with large flat wing 3-7cm wide and 15cm long.

Tree of Heaven Removal and Pruning

All tree removal and pruning work is regulated by local government. Each LGA declares what tree work requires a permit, and which if any tree species are exempt.

As a declared NSW weed, Tree of Heaven is commonly listed in many LGA’s as one of the exempt tree species. Which means, you can often prune or remove your Tree of Heaven without a permit.

However, it is advised that you speak to an arborist before you begin. Even with an exemption, some LGA’s require documented and certified proof from an arborist stating the size, species and health of your tree. You may need to produce this evidence on request.

Cost of Tree of Heaven Removal

If your LGA lists Tree of Heaven as an exempt species, then no permit is required. Which reduces a large portion of the cost.

The cost to remove a tree will depend on the time, machinery requirements, and labor costs. Some other factors include location of the tree, proximity to powerlines, tree defects and more.

We’ve created an online quote tool that factors in many of the price variables to generate an estimate. Please note, the online tool relies on your self assessment, and therefore, we need to carry out a site visit before we can give a formal quotation.

Alternatively, you can submit a contact form of call our office and speak to one of the team. We’ll gladly answer your questions and arrange a site visit and quotation.

The post Tree of Heaven Removal (Ailanthus altissima) appeared first on Standfast Tree Services.

Originally published here: https://standfasttreeservices.com.au/tree-removal/tree-of-heaven/

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Cocos Palm Tree Removal and Pruning

This page contains information about Cocos Palm tree removal and pruning. For more information about tree removal you can read our tree removal guide.

The Cocos Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) is native to South America and an invasive species in Australia. It was first introduced in the 1970’s and has been used extensively in Sydney landscaping.

Cocos Palm Identification

Cocos Palm is a fast growing, single stem tree with an average mature height of 12m. Occasionally reaching as tall as 20m.

It has a grey trunk with rings, and a diameter of 20-40cm.

The crown has 7-25 palm fronds (leaves) each with a thick spine that extends up to 5m.

Each frond carries 300-500 leaflets in clusters of 2-7, giving it a feather-like appearance.

It has yellow to orange egg-shape fruits, 2-3cm long and 1-2cm wide, growing in large hanging clusters.

Pruning & Maintenance

A well maintained Cocos Palm is an attractive feature. Which is perhaps why it became so popular with Sydney landscapers and property owners.

It does however require a lot of maintenance. It has large clusters of fruits that need regularly pruning. If left unattended, rotten fruit and dead fronds hang from the tree, giving it an untidy look.

Its fruit is especially problematic. Falling fruit pose a hazard, creates mess and attracts pests. Flying Foxes are attracted to the fruits, yet find the Palms leaves difficult to navigate, which can result in injury.

For some property owners the maintenance burden is more hassle than it is worth. Many choose to remove or replace the tree only with a native palm.

Cocos Palm Tree Removal

Cocos Palm is listed as a weed in NSW. It propagates easily and is fast growing. Forcing native plants to compete as it invades local habitats.

Before you remove your Cocos Palm, check to see if you need a permit. Your LGA controls the removal of trees on private property.

The Cocos Palm is often listed on the LGA’s tree exempt list. Which means it can often be removed without a permit. Saving you time and expense.

If you want to remove your tree, speak to our Arborist. We’ll be able to tell you what restrictions apply in your LGA. Call or submit a contact form today for more information.

The post Cocos Palm Tree Removal and Pruning appeared first on Standfast Tree Services.

Originally published here: https://standfasttreeservices.com.au/tree-removal/cocos-palm/

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Canary Island Date Palm Tree Removal

The Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) is an introduced tree species in Australia. This post will tell you what you need to know to remove a Canary Island Date Palm in Sydney.

The post Canary Island Date Palm Tree Removal appeared first on Standfast Tree Services.

Originally published here: https://standfasttreeservices.com.au/tree-removal/canary-island-date-palm-tree-removal/

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How Often Do You Need a Tree Service?

Tree services are like other services you are availing. For example, how many times do you need your car to be washed? How often do you do your laundry? The number of times you will need this kind of services depends on the following factors:

Time Most people do not have the time to tend to their trees and this result for them to hire a service provider. If you have some free time to tend to your trees then you might need the service every once in a while. It can also be done once a month or twice a month depending on your preference. Busy people tend to hire a service provider very often because of their busy schedules that they can't even pause for a second just to cut some leaves on the trees.

Budget Your budget is also one of the factors that determine how often you will need a service provider. It can be costly to hire this kind of service especially if you have other bills to pay on time. If you can allocate a specific budget for this service, then you might be available to avail it at least once or twice a month. For those who cannot set up a budget for a tree service then it might be a good idea to set avail it every 3 months or depending on your financial status.

Read More: How Often Do You Need a Tree Service?