With years of experience, the team at O’brien’s Tree Care have worked on a huge variety of trees across South-East Queensland. From beloved natives to invasive species here are some of the most common tree species we work on.
Beloved and iconic, gum trees can be found all across the Sunshine Coast and North Brisbane regions. Did you know there are nearly 900 different varieties of Gum Trees? These beautiful natives offer a unique habitat for koalas and other native animals. Eucalyptus oil is highly sought after and the timber is perfect for unique furniture and flooring. These towering trees, typically grow to 45m in height and varieties like the Forest Red Gum, Spotted Gum and Iron Barks are commonly found throughout Brisbane.
At O’Brien’s Tree Care our goal is always to preserve native trees where we can. With proper care and maintenance, Gum Trees can be the centrepiece of any garden. Because of the height, narrow trunks and growth patterns, special care must be taken when caring for or, if need be, removing them.
Also known as Chinese Elm, as the name suggests is native to East Asia, and is commonly found in China, India and Japan. This fast-growing tree is considered a highly invasive weed and is common throughout South-East Queensland. Hard-wearing and disease-resistant Chinese Celtis were originally introduced to Australia in part as ornamental trees that could thrive in our harsh weather. The state government has even gone so far as to declare these trees restricted to help curb their spread.
We mostly find these invasive trees in overgrown backyards and empty lots that haven’t seen regular maintenance. It is also rare to see one of these trees on its own, as they spread lots of seeds, grow quickly and can survive just about anywhere. Our expert arborists can help remove and properly dispose of Chinese Elm trees to prevent the further spread of this invasive species.
With distinctive bark, these drought-resistant trees have been a landscaping staple for residents and councils across Queensland. Did you know that while there are native varieties of Leopard Tree the tree we see most commonly on Queensland streets is native to South America? Typically these trees are kept around 12 meters tall in suburban areas but can grow up to 20 meters if left to grow. With bright summer flowers and vibrant autumn foliage, these trees add colour and attract birds, bees and butterflies.
While beautiful, Leopard Trees are generally considered a hazard now and are no longer planted by many councils. Their large seed pods can be dangerous for people and cause damage when falling onto buildings and other structures. Proper pruning and maintenance can be costly too as these trees have thin branches that aren’t suitable for climbing. Whether you need help maintaining your Leopard Trees or it’s time for them to go, O’Brien’s Tree Care has the knowledge and experience to help.
Native to Taiwan and Japan these popular ornamental plants are so prolific they are ranked among the top ten most invasive plants in South-East Queensland. Well suited to tropical and sub-tropical regions these plants have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries. Camphor Laurel has a long history in Japanese culture and religious traditions holding spiritual and symbolic importance. Despite being considered a weed in many places, in its native Japan some Camphor Laurels have grown to over 1000 years old and are protected by the government.
In Queensland however, the Camphor Laurel is an aggressive, fast-growing tree that pushes out many other natives. The dense root systems and undergrowth can block and damage drains and even crack concrete foundations. In South-East Queensland Camphor Laurels have continually competed with and ultimately replaced Blue Gum Trees, reducing natural habitats and food sources for koalas. Several related native trees can also be easily confused with this invasive species. The team at O’Brien’s Tree Care can help identify and remove Camphor Laurel trees completely and help prevent them from spreading further and damaging the local ecosystem.
Our team of expert arborists have the knowledge end experience to give you the right advice for your trees. No matter if you have uncommon or common tree species on your property our team can identify them and inform you of the impact they can have on your environment. We also offer honest advice on proper care and maintenance of your trees or if they need to be removed for environmental or safety reasons. To talk with a qualified arborist about what trees are in your yard, call us on 0431 740 088 or contact us online.