
Arborists have a passion not only for trees but also the wildlife that it supports. In arboriculture it is a fine balance between managing trees and maintaining natural habitat, food sources and a healthy ecology to support local fauna.
As tree-care professionals, our work impacts not just trees but also the wildlife that depends on them — and, in turn, your clients’ properties. It’s important to ensure the advice you give is the most up to date from that a trained, certified Arborist can give, to ensure the services don’t inadvertently cause issues for the homeowners.
3 key points to consider while maintaining our trees to ensure for a harmonic balance with nature.
1. Tree Planting- Be Mindful with Nut- and Fruit-Bearing TreesWhile species like figs and apple trees are beautiful and beneficial, they can attract rodents and other critters if not strategically placed. When arborists provide professional advice on tree selection, they consider the location of fruit bearing trees and advise planting away from buildings and structures.
For established trees, maintenance pruning is advised, such as formative pruning, clearing old fruit and removing dead wood. This will not only help keep pests away but assist in the new season’s growth and overall structural form of the tree. As fruit ripens, don’t forget to harvest the fruit so it can be enjoyed. If left on the tree, pests can become present, and owners may consider removing the trees as their preferred option.

Kelvin Ussher, ArbWest President (pictured below) warned: “If an owner allows this to persist, they may require the services of a pest exterminator, who may advise to have it removed. Awareness and education of these potential issues via a trained arborist can often negate or remove these infestations with forward planning and maintenance being the key.”
Consider open areas for fruit bearing trees, the added light and airflow often enhances the amount of fruit produced as well as minimising rodent issues. Also avoid planting them near high-traffic zones like driveways or pathways, where they can create slip hazards - or beside retaining walls and fencing where the root systems may cause structural issues long term.

2. Annual or Biannual inspections - Pruning is the Key
Annual or Biannual inspections of your trees by a qualified professional arborist is advisable. Not only do you receive a health check of all your trees within your property, the advice received incorporates the overall maintenance and health of your green spaces to maintain safe distances from property and infrastructure before it becomes a costly issue. Trees provide food and shelter for animals; they also provide travel routes. Branches that overhang, or touch, roofs act as access points for local fauna.
“When trees are giving the local wildlife easy access to the roof, rodent problems are almost guaranteed,” Kelvin Ussher said. “This is particularly true if the trees are of the nut- or fruit-producing variety.”
“The benefits of using a trained arborists in maintaining trees around a property ensures an abundance of fruit, infrastructure is kept clear for rodents and bush fire concerns plus addresses the structural and formative form of the tree for potential storm damage prevention.”
3. Tree Stumps- Handle Wisely
Tree stumps, while very beneficial for some wildlife, can also attract pests such as rodents, snakes and white ants. These pests often find stumps to be ideal for nesting and breeding, especially within urban areas. A trained arborist will advise the best method of stump removal as it often depends on factors like the size of the stump, its location, the risks involved and how these can be mitigated.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many hard-and-fast rules regarding the best way to remove stumps. Depending on the situation, consider stump grinding which can remove most of the tree base. Chemical treatments should only be considered as a last resort due to the implications to both native fauna and resident pets.
We recommend anyone with a potential issue to engage with a professionally trained arborist for the right advice on wildlife interaction with their trees and all maintenance requirements. This will help avoid costly future issues while also fostering the preservation of trees, and maintaining a harmonious environment for local fauna to inhabit.
Visit arbwest,com.au Find a Contractor section to find a professional arborist servicing your area today.
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