Why storm season matters for Brisbane trees
Storm season in south-east Queensland generally runs from spring into early autumn, with the most severe storms often in late spring and summer. Supercell thunderstorms can bring destructive wind gusts, large hail and torrential rain in a short time. Tropical cyclones and ex-tropical systems occasionally reach the region too, as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred did in March 2025, bringing widespread tree damage and power outages across south-east Queensland.
Trees cause a large share of storm damage to homes. Limbs fall on roofs and cars, whole trees topple across fences and driveways, and branches bring down power lines. Much of this can be predicted. Most trees that fail in a storm had warning signs that were visible beforehand.
This checklist is a guide to what you can look at yourself, what needs a professional, and what to do when something does come down. It is general information, not a substitute for a contractor or arborist looking at your trees.
Part 1: Walk your yard in spring
Pick a dry day in spring and walk around every large tree on your property, and any neighbour's tree that overhangs it. Look from a distance first, then up close.
Look at the whole tree from a distance
- Lean. Has the tree always leaned, or is it new? A recent lean, especially after rain, is a warning sign.
- Crown shape. Is the canopy lopsided, with most of its weight over the house, driveway or pool?
- Dieback. Are there bare, dead branches at the top or ends of the crown? Dead wood is brittle and falls first.
- Height compared with targets. What would the tree hit if it fell? Roof, bedroom, car, fence, the neighbour's house?
Look at the trunk
- Cracks and splits. Vertical cracks, especially where two big stems meet, are a sign of weakness.
- Included bark. Where two trunks grow tightly together in a V with bark pressed between them, the joint is often weak.
- Cavities and decay. Holes, soft wood, fungus brackets or mushrooms on the trunk or at the base suggest internal rot.
- Termites. Mud trails on the trunk or hollow-sounding wood.
- Bark falling away in patches on species that do not normally shed.
Look at the base and roots
- Soil heave. Cracked or raised soil on one side of the trunk can mean the root plate is lifting.
- Damaged roots. Roots cut for trenches, driveways, pools or plumbing in recent years.
- Waterlogging. Trees on low ground near creeks or drains, or on heavy clay that stays wet, are more likely to topple in a storm after heavy rain.
- Fungus at the base, often a sign of root rot.
Look at the branches
- Hanging or broken limbs caught in the canopy from earlier storms.
- Long, heavy horizontal limbs over roofs and driveways.
- Dead branches of any size over places people walk, sit or park.
- Branches touching the roof, gutters or power lines.
Palms
- Dead fronds hanging down the trunk, ready to drop.
- Seed stalks and fruit that will come down in wind.
- Lean or a palm that has been pushed over slightly by previous wind.
Bamboo and screening plants
- Tall culms that bend onto roofs, fences or power lines in wind.
- Dead canes in the clump, which snap and blow around.
Part 2: What to fix before summer
Some of what you find will need professional work. Prioritise by what the tree would hit.
High priority
- Dead trees or large dead limbs over the house, driveway, play areas or power lines.
- Trees that have started leaning recently, or have cracked soil at the base.
- Split trunks or major cracks.
- Hung-up limbs in the canopy.
- Trees touching or very close to power lines. Do not touch these yourself. Contact Energex about street lines, and mention the wires when you ask for a quote.
Medium priority
- Dead fronds and seed stalks on palms over pools, roofs and paths.
- Branches overhanging the roof and filling gutters.
- Trees with included bark or decay that are not yet over a high-value target.
- Overgrown bamboo leaning onto fences and roofs.
Worth planning
- Trees that will outgrow their space in the next few years.
- Weed trees, such as camphor laurel or umbrella tree, that you would rather replace.
- Trees close to the house on reactive clay.
Check before you cut
Before any significant pruning or removal, check whether the tree is protected. Brisbane City Council's Natural Assets Local Law 2003 protects some trees on private land, and Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay and Redland councils have their own vegetation rules. State koala habitat mapping covers parts of south-east Queensland. If a tree is protected, you may need approval even to remove a dangerous limb, though councils generally have provisions for genuine emergencies. Getting this sorted in spring is much easier than after a storm.
If a neighbour's tree worries you, talk to them early. Queensland's Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011 covers trees that may cause damage across a boundary.
Part 3: Get the rest of the yard ready
Trees are not the only thing that flies in a storm. Get Ready Queensland and the SES suggest general storm preparation, including:
- Clean gutters and downpipes so heavy rain drains away rather than pooling.
- Secure or store outdoor furniture, trampolines, bins and loose items.
- Know where your mains power, water and gas shut-offs are.
- Park cars under cover, or away from trees, when severe storms are forecast.
- Keep a torch, radio, charged phone and first aid kit handy.
- Have your insurance details somewhere you can find them without power.
Part 4: When a storm is coming
Watch the Bureau of Meteorology for severe thunderstorm warnings. When one is issued for your area:
- Move cars away from trees if it is safe to do so.
- Bring in anything loose from the yard.
- Stay indoors, away from windows on the side facing large trees.
- Do not shelter under trees.
Part 5: After the storm
Safety first
- Stay away from fallen power lines. Assume every line is live. Keep everyone at least eight metres away and call Energex on 13 19 62. If anyone is in danger, call 000.
- Stay out from under damaged trees. Hung-up branches can fall later, and damaged trees can collapse after the storm has passed.
- Do not climb onto roofs to deal with branches.
Call the right people
- 000 if anyone is injured or in immediate danger.
- SES on 132 500 for storm help, such as emergency tarping of a damaged roof or help with a tree on the house.
- Energex on 13 19 62 for fallen power lines or power outages.
- Your insurer to start a claim.
- A tree contractor for removal and clean-up once the immediate danger is dealt with.
Record the damage
If it is safe, take photos and video of the damage before anything is moved: the tree, where it fell, what it hit and the damage to the roof, fence or car. Insurers usually want this. Keep receipts for emergency work.
Clean-up
- Leave anything under tension to professionals. Trees and branches bent under load, resting on structures or tangled in other trees can spring or roll when cut.
- Small debris on the ground is usually fine to clear yourself, with gloves and care.
- Expect delays after big storms. After a major event, contractors prioritise make-safe jobs: trees on houses, across driveways and on power lines. Everything else follows.
Check the trees that stayed up
A tree that survived the storm is not necessarily sound. Over the following weeks, look for new lean, cracked soil at the base, split branches, and dieback. Trees on saturated ground are especially vulnerable to the next storm.
A simple seasonal routine
- Early spring: walk the yard with this checklist and book any work needed.
- Before the first severe storms: clean gutters, palms and loose items.
- During the season: watch warnings, secure the yard when storms are forecast.
- After each major storm: check trees for new damage.
- Autumn: plan any removals or replacements for the following year.
If you would like a contractor to look at a tree before storm season, call or use the form. Guide prices are on the tree removal prices page, and the tree removal page explains how trees near houses are taken down safely.