Preparing for Storm Season - Working Smarter as Winter Approaches

As Western Australia moves out of bushfire season and into the cooler, wetter months, the focus for many contractors shifts from fire mitigation to storm preparedness. The same vegetation that posed a fire risk over summer can soon become a hazard in high winds and heavy rain, with fallen limbs, blocked access tracks and unstable trees creating safety and operational challenges. For arborists, winter storms can mean long days responding to emergency call-outs, clearing access and managing hazardous trees under difficult conditions.

Increasingly, arborists and landowners are turning to mechanised solutions to stay ahead of the workload — using forestry mowers, mulchers and specialised attachments not only to construct and maintain compliant firebreaks, but also to prepare sites for winter weather and rapid storm response. The right equipment, servicing and planning at this time of year can help businesses remain efficient and ready for whatever the next season brings.

Vernon Gage, Avant

The challenges of storm clean-ups

Storm damage work is rarely straightforward. Heavy timber, saturated ground and unstable trees can make even routine tasks more complex and dangerous.

“During storm clean up arborists are often dealing with difficult ground conditions, unstable trees, unpredictable loads and tight access sites that can limit access and increase the risk of bogging or surface damage,” explains Vernon Gage, Sales Manager at Avant Equipment.

“The combination of heavy timber, poor ground conditions and urgency significantly increases risk and fatigue on site.”

Storm response work often needs to be carried out quickly to restore access or remove hazards. When crews rely heavily on manual lifting and handling, fatigue can quickly set in — increasing the likelihood of injuries or mistakes.

Reducing manual labour with the right machinery

Modern compact machinery is changing the way arborists approach storm damage work. Equipment designed for confined spaces and uneven terrain allows crews to move large volumes of timber safely and efficiently without relying solely on physical labour.

“Using an articulated Avant mini loader with the correct attachments — grapple buckets, log grabs and winches — allows operators to lift, carry and stack material mechanically rather than by hand,” says Vernon Gage.

“Its 4WD system provides strong traction in poor ground conditions, and its rigid chassis provides stability on uneven terrain when handling heavy logs, allowing arborists to keep working during storm clean up. Using the right machinery reduces manual handling, cuts fatigue and significantly improves overall site safety.”

For many arborists, compact loaders have become an essential part of storm preparation and response, assisting with:

• transporting timber and debris

• winching and lifting heavy logs

• clearing blocked access tracks

• reducing physical strain on workers

  
  

Preparing sites before the storms arrive

While storm response often receives the most attention, preparation before the weather turns is just as important. Clearing access tracks, managing vegetation around buildings and maintaining firebreaks can significantly reduce the impact of severe weather.

Forestry mulchers and mowing attachments allow contractors to manage vegetation efficiently across large areas, particularly in rural or semi-rural properties where access tracks and firebreaks must be maintained year-round. Regular maintenance also ensures emergency vehicles can reach properties quickly if required during storm events.

Equipment suppliers such as Schaffer Loaders Australia and Digrite provide machinery and attachments designed to reduce manual labour while improving efficiency during both preparation and clean-up work.

Photo Courtesy of Digrite

Digrite – Equipment for Prevention and Recovery

Digrite supports contractors, councils and land managers with specialised vegetation and earthworks equipment used for both preventative land management and post-storm recovery.

Machines equipped with forestry mulchers, grapple attachments and compact loaders allow crews to process fallen timber, clear access tracks and remove debris quickly while reducing manual handling and improving safety.

Digrite equipment can assist with:

• vegetation management and fuel load reduction

• firebreak construction and maintenance

• clearing fallen trees and storm debris

• restoring access tracks and rural roads

These capabilities position Digrite as a practical partner for bushfire mitigation, storm recovery and ongoing land management.

Schaffer Grapple Bucket

Schaffer Loaders

Rob Thompson from Schaffer Loaders Australia says compact articulated loaders are increasingly valuable for arborists responding to storm damage.

“Their compact articulated design allows operators to access tight backyards and soft, waterlogged ground with minimal surface disturbance,” he explains. “Attachments like grapple buckets and log-skidding grapples make lifting and stacking heavy storm-damaged timber safer and faster.”

By allowing machines to handle the lifting, arborists can avoid unnecessary manual handling and keep crews away from potential crush zones while clearing debris.

“Preparing equipment before storm season is also critical,” Thompson adds. “Contractors should inspect hydraulic hoses, tyres, fluids and safety systems, and refresh operator training on safe load handling and wet-weather operation. Preparing early helps minimise downtime and improves safety when storm work ramps up.”

What homeowners should consider

Storm preparation is not only an issue for contractors. Property owners can take simple steps before winter to reduce risks around their homes.

Before storm season arrives, homeowners should consider:

• inspecting large trees near buildings, driveways or powerlines

• removing dead or damaged limbs

• seeking professional advice for trees showing structural defects

• arranging pruning or risk assessments where required

Qualified arborists can provide professional assessment and management advice to ensure trees remain healthy while reducing the likelihood of storm damage.

Planning ahead for the season

As the seasons shift, arborists across Western Australia are once again preparing for the unpredictable nature of winter weather.

For many businesses, the key to managing storm season successfully lies in planning ahead — ensuring equipment is serviced, attachments are ready and crews have the right tools to work safely and efficiently.

With increasing demand for rapid storm response and safe work practices, mechanised solutions are becoming an important part of modern arboriculture. By reducing manual labour, improving efficiency and supporting safer site operations, the right equipment can make a significant difference when the storms arrive.

Avant Image: Courtesy of Askew Trees

Schaffer image – Courtesy of Schaffer Loaders

Digrite image: Courtesy of Digrite