Hazardous Hollow Tree Removal

The customer on an Eastern Suburbs property spotted internal decay at the base of a tall eucalyptus between two houses. On inspection, the trunk was substantially hollow through the bottom metre even though the canopy still looked healthy. Open felling was not suitable because the space between the buildings was smaller than the canopy radius.

The climber set a dual-line system from an anchor above the canopy and worked the tree down in short sections. Each piece was attached to a ground-tied lowering line and brought into the narrow side passage under control. After removal, the cross-section showed approximately 60% internal decay, with termite damage through the heartwood.

A healthy-looking canopy does not rule out decay lower in the trunk. If you notice a hollow sound, fruiting bodies near the base or soil lifting on one side, keep people clear and arrange an on-site assessment.