Mature trees bring many benefits to Australian yards whatever the season. For instance, they add value to your home and neighbourhood and they provide you and passersby with shade on hot days. But you need to ensure that your tree's branches aren't getting in the way of anyone who may be passing your home using the footpath.
Many local councils across Australia have their own laws concerning overhanging tree branches. For instance, in the city of Monash in Victoria, overhanging tree branches must be no lower than 2.5 metres high.
Laws like this are in place to protect pedestrians and cyclists. If your tree's branches hang too low over a footpath, accidents could happen.
Low Hanging Branches Can Injure Passersby
Tree branches that hang over a footpath at head height are especially dangerous. If a pedestrian isn't paying attention, for instance, they may suffer injuries to their face and eyes.
Wet Branches May Soak Pedestrians
On rainy days, branches soaked in water may hang even lower than usual due to the weight of the water soaking their bark and leaves. Even after the rain has stopped falling, these branches will still be soaking wet and could give someone a nasty surprise when they unload their watery burden as the person passes by.
Branches Could Fall in Bad Weather
In bad weather, especially the weather Australia experiences during cyclone season, tree branches sometimes snap and fall to the ground below. Dead branches, which are more brittle than living branches, break even more easily than living branches. If your tree's branches overhang a footpath, you should trim them before they injure a passerby in bad weather conditions.
Cyclists May Be Struck By Branches
Overhanging tree branches are especially deadly to cyclists, who may not be able to stop in time to avoid a branch hanging low over a footpath. At night, when visibility is low, this situation becomes even more dangerous.
Trim Your Tree's Overhanging Branches
As you can see, branches that overhang a footpath can put pedestrians in danger in a number of ways. Moreover, if your local council expects you to keep your tree's branches at a safe height and you fail to comply, you could end up with a fine or a bill for the removal of the branches.
Don't wait for an accident to happen or the council to come knocking on your door. Hire an arborist to trim your tree's branches so that they comply with local regulations while still providing beauty and shade to you and your neighbourhood.
For more information, contact a company like Woodrowe Tree Technicians.
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