Trees are a glorious feature of our church grounds, offering shade for morning tea after the service, natural beauty, and a reminder of God’s creative nature. But, left unmanaged, even the most magnificent tree can turn into a monumental liability. Without proper upkeep, trees can quickly transform into safety hazards and financial risks.
Each year, dozens of trees across Sydney Anglican properties are removed due to safety concerns or structural damage to roofs, gutters, and underground pipes.
Take, for example, the 80+ year-old Radiata Pine at Robertson Anglican Church, which had developed a risky lean and had to be felled this past winter. Or the oldest tree removal on SAP records: a majestic 150-year-old Cook Island Pine at St Michael’s Anglican Cathedral in Wollongong (pictured), reluctantly brought down in 2019 after a major lightning strike had destabilised it.
To prevent dramatic surprises, tree care must form an essential part of a parish’s 3-5 year rolling maintenance plan. Proactive stewardship prevents costly emergency work and protects both property and parishioners.
(Parish representatives with a login to the Parish Admin portal can access a helpful maintenance plan template, and guidance on how to use it, here.)
Rooting out risks: practical tips for parishes
Here are some key practices to integrate into your property management when it comes to trees:
- Keep up with trimming: Regularly prune branches overhanging gutters, parking bays, pathways, and property boundaries to prevent falling debris and water backup.
- Check council approvals and heritage exemptions: Always verify whether local council permission is required for trimming or removal. Remember, SAP can provide landowner consent, and heritage-listed sites may qualify for specific exemptions.
- Seek arborist expertise and competitive quotes: Don’t hesitate to bring in a qualified arborist for expert advice, and always obtain multiple competitive quotes.
- Verify contractor insurance and safety: Ensure your chosen tree contractor provides certificates of currency from their insurer confirming at least $10 million in public liability insurance, as well as Workers’ Compensation. For heavy work involving cranes or similar, inspect their machinery safety certification.
- Plant wisely for the future: Prevention is far better than cure! Prior to planting, consider the obligations of future parish councils. Avoid planting large species near structures, car parks, boundary fences, or sewer/water lines. Remove unsuitable trees before they grow too large, and ensure appropriate replacement species are selected.
Remember, it’s always wise to leaf no stone unturned when it comes to property safety! A proactive approach, regular maintenance, and vigilant stewardship are the best ways to ensure your church can continue to branch out in confidence.
And if you’re feeling stumped, SAP would love to help!