Brisbane Storm Season Tree Checklist: 6 Things to Check Before October

Brisbane's storm season runs October to March. Here's what to check on your trees before it starts.

Why check before storm season?

Most tree failures in storms happen to trees that were already compromised. The storm doesn't cause the failure — it reveals a structural problem that already existed. Pre-season inspection and removal of hazard trees prevents emergency callouts, property damage, and the premium pricing that comes with them.

1. Check for significant deadwood

Walk under the canopy and look up. Dead branches in the upper canopy are the most common storm-season hazard. They're dry, brittle, and fail at lower wind speeds than live wood. Deadwooding can often be done without removing the whole tree.

2. Check the trunk base for fungal growth

Bracket fungi at the trunk base indicate internal decay. Not all fungi mean imminent failure, but any fungal growth near the root collar warrants professional assessment before storm season.

3. Check for co-dominant leaders

Two competing main stems with a tight V-shaped union are prone to splitting under wind load. Look for included bark in the crotch — this indicates a weak attachment.

4. Check trees near the house for lean

A tree that leans toward your house — even slightly — creates an increased risk of impact if it fails. The distance matters: a 10m tree leaning toward a house that's 15m away may be fine; the same tree 8m away is worth assessing.

5. Check for surface root heaving

Soil lifting on one side of a tree base can indicate root failure is beginning. This is more visible after wet periods. Any heaving near the base of a large tree warrants immediate assessment.

6. Check recent pruning or construction work nearby

If significant roots were cut in the past 12 months (trenching, excavation, driveway work), the tree's stability may be compromised. Root loss on one side of the anchor system can cause the tree to fail in that direction.