Case Study: Safe and Efficient Removal of a 20-Metre Gum Tree in Annerley, Queensland
Client Background
A homeowner in Annerley, Queensland, contacted Superior Tree Service after becoming concerned about a large gum tree dominating their backyard. The tree, standing approximately 20 metres tall, had begun dropping heavy limbs during windy conditions. Its size, proximity to the home, and the narrow access to the rear yard presented significant challenges for removal. The client’s priority was to ensure the safety of their family and property while preserving the surrounding garden and fence lines.
Initial Assessment and Planning
Superior Tree Service began with a comprehensive on-site assessment to evaluate the tree’s condition, access points, and potential hazards. The arborists identified structural weaknesses in several large limbs, making the removal time-sensitive. They also noted tight boundaries, overhead service lines, and delicate landscaping that required careful protection.
The team developed a detailed removal plan to ensure maximum safety and efficiency. This included selecting specialised equipment to handle the tree’s considerable size and weight. A combination of climbing techniques, sectional dismantling, and mechanical assistance was chosen to reduce the tree piece by piece without causing damage to the property.
Specialised Equipment Selection
To execute the plan, Superior Tree Service deployed an Avant 528 ArborPro compact mini loader, a powerful and agile machine ideal for confined urban spaces. With a lift capacity of 950 kilograms, the Avant 528 provided the strength needed to move heavy trunk sections while being compact enough to navigate the tight backyard access.
In addition, the crew relied on Stihl professional-grade chainsaws for precision cutting. These chainsaws are renowned for their reliability, power, and safety features, making them ideal for handling hardwood species such as Australian gum. Together, these tools enabled the team to cut and transport large timber sections with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment.
Step-by-Step Tree Removal Process
- Site Preparation – The team cordoned off the work zone, laid protective boards over lawn areas, and cleared pathways for the mini loader. Safety signage and barriers were positioned to keep neighbours and passers-by informed and protected.
- Sectional Dismantling – A qualified climbing arborist ascended the gum tree using rope and harness systems. Starting from the upper canopy, smaller branches were pruned and lowered to the ground with rigging ropes to prevent impact on gardens and fences.
- Larger Limb Removal – Once the upper canopy was cleared, the team moved to the heavier mid-sections of the trunk. Using the Avant 528 ArborPro, the crew could support and guide each large cut, ensuring controlled lowering of timber weighing several hundred kilograms.
- Trunk Segmentation – The main trunk was cut into manageable sections. The Avant 528’s 950kg lift capacity allowed safe relocation of these substantial pieces to the front yard for chipping and removal.
- Clean-Up and Stump Grinding – After the main tree was removed, the remaining stump was ground down to below-surface level, leaving the yard ready for future landscaping. All debris, including branches, bark, and sawdust, was collected and mulched for recycling.
Safety as a Top Priority
Superior Tree Service adheres to strict safety protocols throughout every project. For this removal, the crew conducted a pre-start equipment check, wore full personal protective equipment, and maintained constant communication via two-way radios. Rigging lines were double-checked before every cut, and the mini loader was operated only by certified personnel. This commitment to safety ensured that the entire removal was completed without incident, despite the tree’s size and the tight working conditions.
Client Outcome
Within a single day, the 20-metre gum tree was safely removed without damage to the house, fences, or neighbouring properties. The homeowner was impressed by the precision of the work and the professionalism of the crew. With the hazardous tree gone, the backyard now receives more natural light and offers improved safety for family gatherings and future landscaping projects.
Conclusion
This Annerley project demonstrates Superior Tree Service’s ability to handle large, complex tree removals in confined residential settings. By combining expert planning, skilled arborists, and specialised equipment like the Avant 528 ArborPro compact mini loader and Stihl chainsaws, the team successfully eliminated a dangerous 20-metre gum tree while safeguarding the client’s property.
Superior Tree Service continues to provide Brisbane homeowners with safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible tree management solutions, ensuring peace of mind when dealing with even the most challenging removals.
Superior Tree Services — Safe. Reliable. Professional.
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Tel:0492 911 058
Project Details
- Client – Residential
- Suburb – Annerley, QLD
- Task – Remove a large gum tree using chainsaws and a loader