By Callum Ludwig
A number of instances of falling trees in the Upper Yarra have caused temporary road closures and are a genuine concern for residents after the effects of the June 2021 storm event.
Ever since the June 2021 storm caused thousands of trees across the region to fall, the threat of falling trees or branches is a scary thought for Yarra Ranges residents.
Director of Environment and Infrastructure at Yarra Ranges Council Mark Varmalis said teams were called out to a tree blocking the road on Station Road in Warburton on Tuesday 21 June.
“A very small and thin tree fell onto the road. Our teams cut the tree into small, manageable pieces,” he said,
“The road is open to the public now. Trees can often fall, or drop limbs, with little warning. Many factors may cause a tree to fail. We know that winter weather usually results in more trees falling, due to the wet soil and strong winds,” he said.
The tree down closed the road entirely, despite not being particularly large, and was the second complete road closure on Station Rd, Warburton due to a fallen tree this month after another incident at 11:44am on Thursday 2 June.
Mr Varmalis said Yarra Ranges Council know that falling trees can be a concern for residents and visitors alike, traveling through the region.
“Trees blocking roads, impacting powerlines, or threatening public infrastructure are our highest priority for removal, and we encourage anyone noticing a tree down to contact us immediately on 1300 368 333,” he said.
“Key things community members should keep an eye out for are trees moving in the soil, or new cracks in the trunk of a tree. If you’ve noticed these things, or you are concerned about a tree, please give Council a call, email mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au with photos and details, or fill out the form on our website.”
Yarra Ranges residents can report any tree issues on public land or private property at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/Trees-and-vegetation/Report-a-tree-issue-on-public-land.
As well as fallen trees, this could include broken branches which could fall on a road, footpath or driveway, trees which are suddenly leaning, have recent cracks in the soil or roots coming out of the ground or trees with recent cracks and splits through the trunk.
