Habitat Hollow
Ever wonder what the Dickies Team does when they come across a little Aussie critter inside a tree? There’s nothing to worry about as the team practice safe Habitat Hollow creation, which allows trees that were once deemed as undesirable, to become an active eco-system and home for wildlife.
Habitat pruning or habitat creation, is the method a qualified tree Arborist like Dickies Trees choose to implement to reduce the risk of a tree that is dying or dead by turning it into a stumped tree with habitat potential.
In nature it can take up to 150 years for a tree hollow to form and become a habitat for an animal, therefore habitat creation as a management practice is extremely beneficial for Australian wildlife conservation and management. Keep reading to discover the steps we take to create or restore a habitat for wildlife.
1) Chose and prepare your tree: Once the tree has been identified as dying, dead or unsafe it can be chosen to become a habitat creation tree. First the canopy is removed by a qualified tree Arborist like the Dickies Team. The branches are pruned back to the desired and safest height of the tree where the left over limbs are least vulnerable.
2) Pick a location for the hollow: Once the tree is pruned and prepped, you can start looking for a great spot to create a hollow. Pick a strong point of the tree that will not be compromised when cut into. Begin to remove a 30 mm thick rounded section of the tree and completely remove it from the tree. Then drill 1 large hole through the center of the section of tree, and two smaller ones on the perimeter to attach the section of tree back later.
3) Create the hollow: Using a small chainsaw, the cavity of the hollow can be carefully cut and a crowbar can be used to break apart the remainder bark left inside the tree so you are left with a hollow. Retrieve the section of tree you removed earlier and screw it back onto the tree. You will be left with what appears to be a small hole in a tree face, waiting for wildlife to claim it as their home.
Australian wildlife is very important to the Dickies Team, as we always take caution when coming across any animals in the trees we are removing or pruning. We understand that removing a tree with a hollow may lead to the displacement of wildlife, therefore we love creating a habitat hollow where species can begin their lives in a saved tree.
Dickies Trees are qualified arborists and tree surgeons with 30 years of experience. We specialise in all professional tree services, including tree removal, tree stump grinding, tree lopping and power line clearance. We can even deliver mulch!
We offer seven days a week service and after hours/emergency call-outs. As a major government, shire and business contractor, we are extremely professional and fully insured. We offer you exceptional, reliable service.
Give our friendly team a call on 9249 4077 to discuss your tree requirements. We’re happy to help!
