Emergency services transitions are response and recovery short linked with the ongoing intense heat wave conditions affecting South Australia. Harry Taylor, owner of Tree Removal Adelaide, has reported a notable increase in work over the past week as temperatures soar. Years of drought stress have been compounded by recent disasters, leaving trees at increased risk of catastrophic failure and deadly tree-related incidents.
This dangerous combination of extreme heat, climate change, and tree canopies have contributed to a rise in tree hazards. Trees weakened by pre-existing moisture stress are more likely to drop limbs, or even fall all the way over. In early February 2024, a mass shooting stunned the community of Adelaide during a concert in the parklands. A woman died when a tree branch crashed through her home.
Rising Demand for Tree Services
Harry Taylor’s Tree Removal Adelaide company has been so inundated with call-outs for damage caused by fallen trees and branches that he’s had to hire five additional workers. He noted, “Call-outs for heat stress and sudden limb drops are getting up there again.” The uptick in their removal is a result of intensified risk from the climate crisis.
Taylor elaborated on the challenges posed by large trees in residential areas, remarking, “Whether it’s just a single limb or even the whole trunk on homes, garages and fences — it’s part and parcel of having big heavy trees around the neighbourhood.” He emphasized the need for ongoing maintenance and care, stating, “It’s just a matter of looking after them, I suppose.”
Safety Precautions Advised
Given these risks, health professionals are urging everyone to take extra measures to protect themselves from the elements when spending time outside on days with extreme heat. Local safety advisor Anthony Daelman-Whitaker cautioned people to limit time spent under trees during periods of extreme heat. “In extreme heat, avoid sitting, camping or hanging out under trees,” he cautioned. He continued that this common sense practice can make a huge difference in protecting yourself from injury from falling branches or trees.
Daelman-Whitaker reminded TPR that trees can go haywire around heat, suddenly dropping large limbs or even uprooting themselves. “Right across the state we are seeing trees down on houses [and] cars — recently there was even a tree down at a market where someone was injured,” he stated. He further explained that trees under stress may drop branches as a survival mechanism, saying, “[When] they’ve had exposure to a lot of heat and lack of moisture, they’ll have heat stress, and that’s when they’re sort of self-prune themselves.”
Emergency Services on High Alert
In addition, the extreme temperatures and record setting drought conditions have exhausted emergency response resources. After a sharp uptick in tree-related fatalities, emergency responders have been on the frontlines combating the havoc. Taylor made clear that time is of the essence. He assured them that his department is doing quick triage on all tree fall incidents, with the safety of the public as top priority.
Extreme heat conditions are settling across South Australia. Residents need to be aware and be safe when enjoying trees. Tree Removal Adelaide and emergency responders share a common goal of minimizing hazards related to ongoing climate events. Today, more than ever, their collaboration is an absolute prerequisite for getting and keeping communities safe.
