I note the warning from SES local commanders about keeping trees under control with the coming storm season (CCN472).
However, I have to wonder what happens when the danger is from trees that are not on your own property.
Is there no duty of care applicable when it comes to trees?
I live next to a large property of untouched bushland without a residence.
Not more than six metres from my fence, and consequently seven metres from my home, I am dwarfed by seven giant gum and turpentine trees at heights greater than 25m tall with the largest substantially taller.
Over the past decade every visitor to my home has exclaimed on these giant trees looming over my home and the threat they pose, especially as storms seem to become more severe each year.
I try as much as possible not to worry about the consequences if one falls, but with the severe storms we are now experiencing more often, I have come to thinking that I will most probably die by being crushed by one of these trees and now become quite stressed as each storm approaches.
Homeowners should not be liable for the costs associated with storm damage from others’ trees, which in my case have been quite substantial.
I have had several insurance claims due to storm damage – one where a panel on my newly installed solar hot water system was smashed by a falling limb; and several years ago had to replace my entire roof due to broken tiles from the same problem.
The debris from these massive trees is unbelievable and almost impossible to keep on top of, especially as I get older.
If there’s a fire in my vicinity, my house will most certainly be incinerated due to leaf litter on my roof.
Over the nearly 30 years I have owned my home, the landowner next door, to his credit, has trimmed some limbs and removed some trees.
In one gum, rainbow lorikeets are now nesting where a branch was lopped about 12 years ago which is positively delightful.
I believe there has to be a balanced approach to maintenance of native trees close to homes.
Where they pose a threat, preventative maintenance and controlled lopping should be enforced.
Email, Jan 30
Lyndall Davis, Green Point
Thank fully, Niagara Park was saved from a fire, due to a falling tree that hit the power lines, cutting them in half! Saved because of heavy rain! Cyclonic winds and heavy rain was on January 19th, 12 mins past midnight!