Is Your Backyard a Hazard? How to Tell if Your Trees are Safe

Living in Aotearoa means we get to enjoy some of the most stunning greenery in the world right in our own back gardens. But as any Kiwi knows, our weather can turn from a "bluebird day" to a howling gale in about five minutes flat.

When those winds pick up, you don't want to be lying awake wondering if that big Eucalypt or Totara is about to pay a surprise visit to your lounge. At Florida Ltd, we’re big fans of trees, but we’re even bigger fans of keeping your property and whānau safe.

Here is a quick guide on what to look for when checking the health of your trees.

1. The "Lean" Test

Not every leaning tree is a goner—some grow that way naturally to find the sun. However, you should be concerned if:

The lean is new: If it’s happened suddenly after a storm, that’s a red flag.
Mounding soil: Look at the ground on the opposite side of the lean. If the soil is cracked or heaving, the roots are likely lifting.

2. Check the "V" Forks

Look at where the main branches meet the trunk.

U-shape: This is generally strong and healthy.
V-shape: This is a weak point. As the tree grows, the two stems push against each other, creating "included bark" which can cause the tree to split right down the middle during a heavy Waikato downpour or a southerly blast.

3. Dead Wood and "Widow Makers"

Take a squiz at the upper canopy. Are there large branches with no leaves or peeling bark? These are known as "widow makers" for a reason. Dead wood is brittle and unpredictable; it doesn’t take much more than a stiff breeze for them to come crashing down.

4. Decat and Fungi

If you see mushrooms or "brackets" growing out of the trunk or the base of the tree, it’s usually a sign of internal rot. The fungi are eating the wood that provides the tree's structural integrity. If the heartwood is soft, the tree is essentially a hollow pipe—and much more likely to buckle.

5. Root Zone Disturbances

Have you recently put in a new driveway, a pool, or a retaining wall? If you’ve cut through major roots or compacted the soil with heavy machinery, you might have compromised the tree's "anchor." It can take a year or two for the stress to show, but a compromised root system is a major safety risk.

The Golden Rule: If you’re looking up and feeling a bit "miffed" or uneasy about a specific branch, trust your gut. It’s always cheaper to prune a limb now than it is to fix a roof later.

How Florida Ltd Can Help

Tree health isn't always obvious from the ground. Our team knows the local NZ conditions and the specific quirks of our native and exotic species. Whether you need a simple crown thin to let the wind through or a full removal of a hazardous trunk, we’ve got the gear and the expertise to do it safely.

Don't wait for the next weather warning to find out if your trees are sound. Book a quote today.