A dead tree won’t fall on a convenient schedule. In Perth’s windy winters, it’s one of the first things to drop limbs or come down. If you’ve spotted a dead or dying tree on your property, here’s how to be sure, what the risks are, and when it needs to go.
A dead tree won’t fall on a convenient schedule. In Perth’s windy winters, it’s one of the first things to drop limbs or come down. If you’ve spotted a dead or dying tree on your property, here’s how to be sure, what the risks are, and when it needs to go.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Not sure if it’s dead or just dormant for winter? Look for these signs:
A dead tree is unpredictable. Its wood dries out, turns brittle, and loses grip in the soil, so it sheds limbs or topples with little warning, especially in Perth’s winter storms. The SES took 1,056 calls for help between June and October last year, many for fallen trees. Dead wood also draws pests like termites and borers, as our termite warning signs guide explains. A dead tree near a house, fence or powerline is the biggest worry, and keeping trees clear of powerlines is your responsibility.
It depends on your local government. Many Perth councils require approval to remove significant or protected trees, but commonly make exceptions for trees that are dead, dying or dangerous. Always check before you cut. Our guide to Perth council tree removal rules walks through it.
Don’t tackle a dead tree yourself; brittle wood and a chainsaw are how people get hurt. Get a qualified arborist to assess it first. If it’s confirmed dead, professional tree removal is usually the safe call, followed by stump grinding so you can replant. For what shapes the price, see our tree removal cost factors.
