Removing a 25 metre High Gum Tree
Case Study: Safe Removal of a 25-Metre Gum Tree in Chapel Hill, Queensland
Project Overview
Superior Tree Service was recently engaged to remove a towering 25-metre gum tree from the backyard of a family home in Chapel Hill, Queensland. The tree, while healthy in appearance, had begun to shed large branches during windy conditions, posing a serious risk to the home, nearby power lines, and the family’s outdoor living space. The property’s sloping yard and narrow side access created additional challenges, making this removal a complex and highly technical job.
Initial Assessment and Risk Evaluation
The project began with a thorough site inspection by Superior Tree Service’s qualified arborists. During the assessment, the team identified several key hazards:
- The sheer height and weight of the 25-metre gum meant that large limbs could cause extensive damage if not carefully controlled.
- Tight access between the house and boundary fence limited the movement of equipment.
- A landscaped garden and paved patio beneath the tree required protection from falling debris.
After evaluating the site, the team devised a detailed removal plan to ensure the work was completed safely and efficiently. This plan included sectional dismantling of the tree, specialised rigging techniques, and the use of purpose-built machinery to handle heavy trunk sections.
Specialised Equipment Selection
To manage the size and weight of the tree, Superior Tree Service deployed an Avant 528 ArborPro compact mini loader. This machine combines high lifting power with a compact footprint, making it perfect for tight residential access. With a lift capacity of 950 kilograms, the Avant 528 allowed the crew to safely transport heavy trunk pieces out of the backyard without damaging lawns, pathways, or fencing.
For cutting and dismantling, the team relied on Stihl professional-grade chainsaws, renowned for their reliability, power, and precision. These chainsaws were essential for clean, controlled cuts through the gum’s dense hardwood.
Step-by-Step Removal Process
- Site Preparation
The crew began by cordoning off the work area and laying protective boards to shield the lawn and garden beds from equipment movement. Safety signage was installed, and all equipment was checked before work commenced. - Canopy Dismantling
A qualified climbing arborist ascended the tree using rope and harness systems. Starting at the top, smaller branches were carefully cut and lowered to the ground using ropes and pulleys. This controlled method prevented any sudden drops that could damage the property or injure workers. - Removal of Larger Limbs
Once the canopy was cleared, attention turned to the heavy mid-section limbs. Using advanced rigging techniques, each large branch was cut and gradually lowered. The ground crew worked in coordination with the climber to ensure each piece was safely detached and transported. - Trunk Sectioning
The massive trunk was cut into manageable sections from the top down. Each piece, some weighing several hundred kilograms, was carefully guided to the ground and then lifted by the Avant 528 ArborPro. The mini loader’s 950kg lifting capacity allowed the team to move these heavy sections safely to the front of the property for processing and removal. - Clean-Up and Stump Grinding
After the tree was fully removed, the remaining stump was ground down below surface level, leaving the area ready for future landscaping. All branches and debris were chipped on-site, and the mulch was offered to the homeowner for garden use.
Safety and Environmental Care
Throughout the project, Superior Tree Service followed strict safety protocols. All team members wore full personal protective equipment, and the equipment underwent pre-start safety checks each morning. Regular communication between the climber and ground crew ensured that every cut and lift was executed with precision. The team also took care to protect the surrounding garden beds and maintained a clean worksite, recycling all organic material into mulch.
Client Outcome
The entire removal was completed within a single day, without damage to the house, fences, or landscaped garden. The homeowner expressed relief and satisfaction at the professionalism of the crew and the speed of the operation. With the towering gum safely removed, the backyard now enjoys improved natural light and a significantly reduced risk of falling branches during storms.
Conclusion
This Chapel Hill project highlights Superior Tree Service’s expertise in handling large and complex tree removals in residential environments. By combining meticulous planning, skilled arborists, and specialised equipment like the Avant 528 ArborPro compact mini loader and Stihl chainsaws, the team successfully removed a hazardous 25-metre gum tree while protecting the property and ensuring complete safety.
Superior Tree Service continues to deliver safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible tree management solutions for homeowners across Brisbane, providing peace of mind even when faced with the largest and most challenging removals.
Superior Tree Services — Safe. Reliable. Professional.
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Tel:0492 911 058
Project Details
- Client – Residential
- Suburb – Chapel Hill, QLD
- Task – Remove a 25 metre high gum tree