Gums that have outgrown their blocks
Ellenbrook was developed from the 1990s onward as a series of planned villages north of the Swan Valley. Many of the trees in front and back yards were planted as small saplings when houses were built. Two or three decades on, lemon-scented gums, flooded gums and other eucalypts have grown much bigger than most owners expected, on blocks where houses sit close to boundaries.
Common requests in Ellenbrook include:
- reducing gums that overhang the roof and drop leaves and bark into gutters
- removing trees whose roots are lifting paving, driveways or the edge of the slab
- cleaning or removing palms in front gardens
- grinding stumps after earlier removals
- clearing trees and stumps to make room for patios, pools and sheds
Sand and water
Ellenbrook sits on grey sandy soils, with wetlands and a high winter water table in many areas. Sand drains quickly in summer, so tree roots spread wide and shallow to find water. When the water table rises in winter and a strong front comes through, a tall tree with a heavy canopy can lean or blow over. A tree that has started to lean, with sand mounded or cracked on one side, should be looked at.
On the plus side, sandy ground makes stump grinding and stump removal quicker than on clay or gravel. The hole tends to cave in, so expect it to be backfilled and levelled.
Small blocks and tight access
Many Ellenbrook houses have narrow side gates, boundary walls and little room around the house. That rules out felling in most cases; trees come down in sections, and wood is carried out through the gate or over the front. Measure the narrowest point of the side access before you call.
If the tree overhangs a neighbour's yard, talk to them first. Overhanging branches are a civil matter between neighbours, and sharing a job done from both sides is often cheaper for everyone.
Verges and estate rules
Street trees on Ellenbrook verges belong to the City of Swan. Do not prune or remove them yourself; report problems to the City. Some lots may also carry estate covenants or planning conditions from when the area was developed. If you are unsure whether a tree on your lot is affected, ask the City of Swan before removing it.
Choosing what to plant next
When a large gum comes out of a small Ellenbrook yard, it is worth thinking about the replacement before the stump is ground. Trees that stay compact, cope with sand and summer heat, and will not reach the gutters within ten years suit these blocks far better than the fast eucalypts that were often planted originally. Ask a local nursery about species suited to sandy soil and a high winter water table. Grind the stump deep enough for the new planting, rake out most of the chips, and add fresh soil before you plant, because decaying wood chips draw nitrogen from the soil.
Planting in late autumn or early winter, once the rain arrives, gives new trees the best start on sand.
Getting a quote
Ring (08) 7813 3630 or use the form below. Send a photo with the house in shot so the height can be judged, and mention the gate width. For price ranges, see the cost guide, and for the stump, see stump grinding.
