Winter Tree Hazards: When to Call an Arborist

Winter brings with it a kind of hush across Australia—cooler temperatures, shortened days, and the occasional storm rolling through the suburbs. But while we adjust to the seasonal pace, the trees on our properties may be facing different challenges altogether. Cold weather, strong winds, and saturated soil can stress even the healthiest-looking tree. That’s where it becomes essential to consider qualified arborist services when something doesn’t look quite right.

Over the years, I’ve seen neighbours shrug off leaning trunks and splintered branches, only to have them crash down during a windstorm. The signs are rarely obvious until a close inspection reveals decay, weakness, or poor root stability. That’s why calling in someone trained to assess these risks can make all the difference, especially when the trees are close to homes, fences, or driveways.

How winter conditions intensify tree risks

In one recent case, a client didn’t notice their large ironbark leaning further each week—until the slope became visible from the street. Turned out, root rot was spreading beneath the surface due to poor drainage from repeated rain events.

Winter storm prep and understanding council guidance

Most local councils have clear guidelines about managing tree health and removal, particularly in urban areas where public safety is a concern. It's not just about aesthetics or avoiding a fallen branch; it's often tied into community-wide strategies for sustainable green space and storm resilience.

The tree management guide provided by the City of Melbourne, for example, outlines best practices for seasonal care, tree inspections, and when permits may be required for trimming or removal. These guides can be a useful checkpoint before making decisions, especially if the tree borders public property or poses a risk to others.

While you don’t need to know every clause by heart, being familiar with your obligations helps ensure any intervention is responsible and aligned with broader urban planning efforts.

Understanding tree risk factors

Sometimes, a tree doesn’t need to be removed—it needs to be understood. That’s where risk assessments come into play. A trained arborist won’t jump to cut; they’ll evaluate the structure, health, and placement of the tree within its environment.

In densely populated areas, conducting an urban tree risk assessment is a standard precaution that helps prevent damage from above and below the ground.

A friend of mine recently had this done on a lemon-scented gum that had a few surface cracks and some patchy bark. Rather than removing it outright, the arborist installed bracing cables and recommended periodic checks. The tree’s still standing strong two winters later.

Preventive measures vs reactive removal

•Pruning in early winter can prevent weak branches from snapping later

•Soil remediation improves drainage and nutrient availability

•Cabling or bracing can extend a tree’s life and increase safety

•Regular monitoring helps detect subtle warning signs early

One of the biggest misconceptions is that arborists only show up after something has gone wrong. In reality, most reputable professionals prefer to take preventive action long before removal becomes necessary. Early pruning, canopy reshaping, and soil remediation are all part of seasonal tree care that reduces the need for drastic action later.

This is especially true in winter when external stressors like wind and cold amplify any existing structural flaws. Homeowners who schedule inspections in early June often have more options and fewer surprises during July storms.

That said, there are still cases where removal is unavoidable, especially if the tree has already died, is attracting pests, or sits too close to critical infrastructure. In those instances, the removal process can be done section by section to reduce risk and disturbance.

Caring for your trees with a seasonal lens

Knowing your trees doesn’t stop at recognising their names. It’s about noticing their rhythm—how they respond to seasonal changes, where they drop branches, how their bark changes colour or texture. This awareness builds over time and can be the first line of defence against unexpected failure.

For those looking to better understand the seasonal side of arboriculture, there are plenty of seasonal tree care tips offered in accessible external resources. These highlight what’s most relevant for the current climate, such as winter pruning strategies, spotting fungal infections early, or choosing the right mulch depth for root insulation.

Incorporating these habits into your winter checklist helps your trees transition into spring stronger and more balanced.

Final thoughts

Trees are quiet, steady companions in our backyards—but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to seasonal pressures. In winter, the warning signs of instability can be subtle, and waiting too long to act could make recovery difficult or impossible.

That’s why arborist tree removal should always be part of a broader conversation about safety, stewardship, and preparation. Whether it’s a towering gum tree beside your house or a spreading oak near the street, knowing when to bring in expert help could be the difference between a peaceful winter and a preventable mess.

Take a walk around your yard this week. If something doesn’t look quite right, trust your gut—and then trust the person with the harness and the experience to tell you what’s next.