The Paperbark Tree (Melaleuca Tree)

A Group Of Trees By A Lake - Tree Services in Townsville, QLD

Aboriginal’s used paperbark to make a dwelling called a Bayu (pronounced Ba-Yoo). The paper bark offered warmth and protection from the rain. A small camp fire placed just outside the Bayu brought warmth and protection from the mosquitos as well as being a convenient place to cook meals.

Aboriginal’s also use the paper bark for cradles, bandages, sleeping mats and for wrapping food for cooking. Paperbark adds a lovely smoky flavour to fish, chicken and vegetables. To use paperbark for cooking wash it, then soak in water before using to wrap ingredients. Then tie up with string or use aluminum foil to wrap before cooking in the oven or on a BBQ.

Nutgrass

Is your garden and lawn being over taken with nutgrass? Nut grass, also called nutsedge, is a horrifically resilient weed that plagues many a lawn. It has strong roots and nodules that are often referred to as “nuts” (hence the name).

The most thorough way to rid your lawn of nut grass is by removing the plant, root and all, by hand. You can also try chemical herbicides, or as organic alternative you can coat the grass in sugar. If you need help getting rid of nut grass at your place give us a call. We can help.

Are you aware of the current Level 3 Townsville City Council water restrictions:

No sprinkler or irrigation systems
Handheld watering* only 6am-7am and 6pm-7pm (odd and evens system applies)
Buckets, watering cans and drip irrigation systems** can be used at any time
Switch off all automatic watering systems
Use a broom to clean hard surfaces (not a hose)
Use a bucket or water efficient car wash to clean vehicles and boats
Even houses – Tuesday and Saturday
Odd houses – Wednesday and Sunday

Handheld watering means that you are watering your garden with a hose that you are holding on to. ** Weeper hoses are permitted.

Water Saving Tips

1Wash your car on the lawn to water and fertilise the grass at the same time. Car shampoos use phosphates similar to many fertilisers.

Use a rake, broom or outdoor blower to clean paths and driveways rather than a hose.

Ensure taps, fittings and hoses are not leaking.

Only water your lawn when it needs it. If it springs back after stepping on it, it doesn’t require watering.

Choose the right plants. Local native varieties and other water wise plants attract wildlife and need less maintenance and watering.

Mulching plants to retain moisture. As well as reducing evaporation and water run-off, a good quality mulch will also provide nutrients to the plants and restrict weed growth.

https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/water-waste-and-environment/water-supply-and-dams/restrictions

Pruning

Pruning is as much art as it is science. A properly pruned tree looks balanced and beautiful

Insurance

Before hiring anyone to to do work for you, check to make sure they are fully insured. We have public liability insurance and work cover insurance. Its better to be safe than sorry.

Stump Grinding – Six reasons to get your stumps ground.

1. Stumps aren’t pretty.

2. Stumps are hazardous. People can fall over them or you can hit them with your lawn mower.

3. Stumps cause new tree growth. Sometimes small trees grow which then in turn have to be removed.

4. Stumps attract insects. As they decay the stump attracts beetles, termites, ants and other wood-boring pests which may spread to your home.

5. Stumps take up precious yard space. You could use that space for a garden or picnic table.

We can remove a stump easily with our quick and efficient stump grinder. Our specialist machine is designed to get into tight spaces. Once the stump is ground out, it is ready to replant or reinstate with topsoil and grass seed. No stump is too big or small!

WATER CONSERVATION TIPS FOR THE HOME now Townsville has reached Level 3 water restrictions.

Check faucets and pipes for leaks A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 75litres of water per day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds of litres.

Don’t use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash, five to seven gallons of water is wasted.

Check your toilets for leaks Put a little food colouring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install.

Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks Read the house water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators Inexpensive water-saving low-flow shower heads or restrictors are easy for the homeowner to install. Limit your showers to the time it takes to soap up, wash down and rinse off. Also, all household faucets should be fit with aerators. This single best home water conservation method is also the cheapest!

Put plastic bottles or float booster in your toilet tank To cut down on water waste, put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside each of two plastic bottles to weigh them down. Fill the bottles with water, screw the lids on, and put them in your toilet tank, safely away from the operating mechanisms.

Insulate your water pipes. It’s easy and inexpensive to insulate your water pipes with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. You’ll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.

Take shorter showers. One way to cut down on water use is to turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. A four-minute shower uses approximately 75 to 150 litres of water.

Turn off the water after you wet your toothbrush There is no need to keep the water running while brushing your teeth. Just wet your brush and fill a glass for mouth rinsing.

Rinse your razor in the sink Fill the sink with a few inches of warm water. This will rinse your razor just as well as running water, with far less waste of water.

Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads Automatic dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimum water conservation. Most makers of dishwashing soap recommend not pre-rinsing dishes which is a big water savings. With clothes washers, avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 20 litres for the extra rinse. For partial loads, adjust water levels to match the size of the load. Replace old clothes washers. New Energy Star rated washers use 35 – 50% less water and 50% less energy per load. If you’re in the market for a new clothes washer, consider buying a water-saving front load washer.

When washing dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running for rinsing If your have a double-basin, fill one with soapy water and one with rinse water. If you have a single-basin sink, gather washed dishes in a dish rack and rinse them with a spray device or a panful of hot water.

Don’t let the tap run while you clean vegetables Just rinse them in a stoppered sink or a pan of clean water. Use a dual-setting aerator.

Keep a bottle of drinking water in the fridge. Running tap water to cool it off for drinking water is wasteful. Store drinking water in the fridge in a safe drinking bottle.

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How Arborists Help Prevent Storm Damage to Your Property

By Tree Change NQ - Townsville Tree Care • September 5, 2025

How Arborists Help Prevent Storm Damage to Your Property In tropical North Queensland, storm season is a reality that homeowners and property managers must prepare for year after year. While securing loose furniture and cleaning gutters are everyday pre-storm routines, many overlook one of the most significant risks to their property: trees. During strong winds and heavy rainfall, trees that are neglected, structurally unsound, or simply in the wrong place can become dangerous liabilities. That’s where an arborist in Townsville plays a crucial role — not just in caring for trees, but protecting your property from preventable storm damage. This blog explores how qualified arborists reduce storm risk, the warning signs to look for, and how proactive tree care could save thousands in repair bills and, more importantly, protect lives. Why Storms Turn Trees into Hazards Without Warning Healthy trees provide shade, beauty, and environmental value. But when high winds, saturated soil, and sudden weather changes hit, even beautiful trees can become unexpected hazards — especially if they haven’t been professionally maintained. Storm damage caused by trees commonly includes: Fallen branches or limbs may break off and damage vehicles, roofs, fences, or powerlines. Complete tree failure , particularly when root systems are shallow or compromised by pests or poor pruning. Damage from overextended canopies , which act like sails during wind gusts, can cause instability. Soil heave and uprooting occur when saturated ground fails to anchor large or top-heavy trees. Warning Signs That a Tree May Become a Storm Risk Not all dangerous trees look obviously hazardous. Many show subtle signs long before failure occurs. Understanding what to look for can help you decide when to call in an expert. Common indicators that a tree may not withstand a storm include: Visible cracks in the trunk or large limbs suggest internal stress or decay. Dead or dying branches are more likely to snap under pressure. Excessive leaning , especially if the lean has worsened over time. Rot or fungal growth signs are often found at the base or within cavities. Root damage or soil movement could mean the tree is no longer well anchored. The Role of an Arborist in Tree Risk Assessments An arborist in Townsville provides more than tree removal or pruning — they offer detailed risk assessments to determine whether a tree poses a threat to people, buildings, or infrastructure. This is especially important for mature trees or those located near high-use areas. During a risk assessment, an arborist will typically: Evaluate the tree’s health , looking for disease, pests, or structural instability signs. Check root systems and soil conditions , especially in areas prone to saturation or erosion. Review proximity to buildings, fences, or utilities , determining how much risk is posed during strong winds. Recommend actions , which may include pruning, support systems, or removal. Document findings , which can be valuable for insurance or property management purposes. Strategic Pruning to Improve Wind Resistance & Structure One of the most effective ways arborists reduce storm risk is through strategic pruning. Far from simply “cutting back branches,” this process targets specific limbs to reshape the canopy, reduce wind load, and support the tree’s natural structure. Storm-preparation pruning can deliver these benefits: Remove dead or weak limbs , which are most likely to break during storms. Thinning the canopy allows wind to pass through more easily and reduces overall strain. Balancing the tree’s weight , especially for uneven or top-heavy specimens. Clearing branches from roofs, gutters, or power lines eliminates the chance of contact during windy conditions. Tree Bracing and Cabling: Reinforcing Trees Without Removal In some cases, a tree may be healthy but structurally vulnerable — especially after previous storm damage or due to its growth. Rather than removing it, an arborist near you may suggest bracing or cabling systems to reinforce its structure. Bracing and cabling systems help trees stay upright and intact by: Supporting weak branch junctions , particularly in older trees that have split or developed multiple leaders. Reducing movement during storms helps prevent limb failure under stress. Extending the tree’s life , especially if it’s historically or visually significant on the property. Providing peace of mind by managing risk without losing the entire tree. When Tree Removal Becomes the Safest Option Unfortunately, not all trees can — or should — be saved. Some pose such a high risk that the only safe option is professional removal. An arborist in Townsville can assess whether removal is necessary and carry out the job safely and legally. Situations where removal is typically recommended include: Extensive internal decay , especially when the trunk is hollow or compromised. Severe leans towards buildings , particularly if it is combined with poor root anchorage. Storm damage , such as split trunks or hanging limbs, that cannot be safely stabilised. Pest infestations , like borers or termites, have weakened the tree’s structure. Encroachment on foundations or power lines creates long-term risk. How Stump Grinding Completes the Storm-Safe Process After tree removal, what’s left behind can still be a problem. Tree stumps not only look unsightly, but they can also become hazards — particularly if they begin to regrow or attract pests. Stump grinding offers several post-removal benefits: Eliminating tripping hazards , especially in high-traffic areas or gardens. Preventing termite attraction , as decaying stumps often invite unwanted pests. Allowing for landscaping , making it easier to replant grass or new trees. Avoiding regrowth , which can create future problems if shoots are left unchecked. Don’t Wait for the Storm: Why Early Action Matters The most important thing to remember about storm preparation is timing. Arborist services become highly demanded just before or after major weather events, often when it’s too late to prevent damage. Here’s why it pays to act early: You avoid delays by securing a qualified arborist before their calendar fills up. You reduce emergency costs by addressing problems before they escalate into urgent callouts. You protect your insurance position by demonstrating due diligence with pre-storm maintenance. You improve property safety , giving your family and tenants peace of mind. Secure Your Property Before the Storm Hits In North Queensland, storms are part of life — but the damage they cause doesn’t have to be. With early inspections, strategic pruning, or tree removal when necessary, an arborist in Townsville can help reduce storm-related risks and safeguard your home, garden, and family. At Tree Change NQ , we’re committed to helping homeowners stay ahead of the weather with expert assessments, tree care, and safe removal solutions tailored to our local environment. Let’s ensure your trees are strong, stable, and ready for whatever the storm season brings.