Cyclone Alfred: Storm-Damaged Trees a Gold Coast Wake-Up Call
- Mo Moezzi
- Mar 31
- 15 min read
In early March 2025, the destructive force of Tropical Cyclone Alfred made its mark on Southeast Queensland, lashing the Gold Coast with destructive winds and torrential rain.
Trees were uprooted, power lines were downed, and hundreds of thousands of residents lost electricity in the aftermath (source: 300,000 homes without power after ex-Cyclone Alfred leaves destruction along Australia’s east coast | The Independent).
The storm left behind a vivid reminder of nature’s force: streets littered with broken branches, flooded roads, and battered landscapes.
For many Gold Coast homeowners, the sight of large fallen trees and debris was a sobering wake-up call.
Table of Contents
Is Climate Change making cyclones worse in Australia?
Tropical cyclones on the Gold Coast may be a “very rare event”, as Alfred was described by officials (source: Cyclone Alfred downgraded as millions of Australians stay indoors | Reuters). However, we are also warned that climate change will make more frequent weather extremes inevitable.
The BBC’s coverage of Cyclone Alfred differed from just about every other story it has published about these weather events. Those stories invariably included mention of how global warming is making cyclones worse. This one did not. It also made no comment at all about long term trends. In fact, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology confirms that not only have tropical cyclones become less frequent in Australia, there has also been a decline in the more severe ones.
In Cyclone Alfred’s case, ferocious gusts uprooted trees across the Coast, toppling giants onto roads and beaches. In the face of high winds like this, it’s easy to see how vulnerable our urban trees can be. The devastating impact underscores how pressing it is to address storm-damaged trees promptly.
Gold Coast property owners should be in no doubt that the dangers can continue well after the storm has passed. Read on as we delve into the hidden dangers of storm-damaged trees, what can happen when you ignore them, and how to respond with emergency tree removal, preventative care, and professional help.
Cyclone Alfred was a wake-up call — acting now can prevent an even worse disaster later.
The hidden dangers of storm-damaged trees
Following a severe storm, there’s no guarantee the tree still standing in your yard is undamaged. Structural weaknesses in a tree may not be immediately obvious, especially to an untrained eye.
High winds don’t need to topple a tree to impact the fibres within its trunk or major limbs. Likewise, the wind may have loosened roots in waterlogged soil. The tree could be just one strong wind gust away from breaking apart.
Days or weeks after the storm, Following a severe storm, there’s no guarantee the tree still standing in your yard is undamaged. Structural weaknesses in a tree may not be immediately obvious, especially to an untrained eye.
High winds don’t need to topple a tree to impact the fibres within its trunk or major limbs. Likewise, the wind may have loosened roots in waterlogged soil. The tree could be just one strong wind gust away from breaking apart.
Days or weeks after the storm, broken limbs that were snagged in the canopy (“hangers”) can drop unexpectedly.
In short, a storm-damaged tree on your property can be a ticking time bomb. When its internal support is splintered, a tree that seems fine could suddenly drop a huge limb or even uproot in mild weather. This poses an immediate risk to anything around the tree — your home, your car, your family, and neighbours.
Another hidden danger is deterioration over time. A storm-lashed tree will often be more susceptible to decay, pests, and disease. Fungi and insects find their way into wounds where the bark was ripped or the trunk was cut open.
The rot sets in and, left unattended, a storm-weakened tree can become even more unstable. The next weather event — even a minor one — could be enough to bring it down.
Storm damage is not easy to spot. Cracks high in the canopy, split branch forks, or a partially uprooted root plate can all escape notice if you don’t have professional tools and expertise.
But now you know why experts urge caution around any tree that has taken a beating in extreme weather. The potential danger from a damaged tree is very real, and such trees should be treated with respect and concern. that were snagged in the canopy (“hangers”) can drop unexpectedly.
In short, a storm-damaged tree on your property can be a ticking time bomb. When its internal support is splintered, a tree that seems fine could suddenly drop a huge limb or even uproot in mild weather. This poses an immediate risk to anything around the tree — your home, your car, your family, and neighbours.
Another hidden danger is deterioration over time. A storm-lashed tree will often be more susceptible to decay, pests, and disease. Fungi and insects find their way into wounds where the bark was ripped or the trunk was cut open.
The rot sets in and, left unattended, a storm-weakened tree can become even more unstable. The next weather event — even a minor one — could be enough to bring it down.
Storm damage is not easy to spot. Cracks high in the canopy, split branch forks, or a partially uprooted root plate can all escape notice if you don’t have professional tools and expertise.
But now you know why experts urge caution around any tree that has taken a beating in extreme weather. The potential danger from a damaged tree is very real, and such trees should be treated with respect and concern.
What happens if you ignore a damaged tree?
If storm-damaged trees are not properly dealt with, the consequences can be catastrophic. This is not scaremongering — it’s reality, as many unfortunate incidents have shown.
Here are some worst-case scenarios to illustrate the urgency of addressing damaged trees:
Crashing onto Homes and Cars: A tree weakened or unstable after a storm can suddenly give way, months after a cyclone, crashing down onto anything below it. The structural damage from a massive gum tree toppling right onto your roof can be devastating, even rendering your home uninhabitable. Cars and garages are frequent victims too. One Gold Coast family learned about this the hard way when a giant tree crashed through their living room without warning. Ignore a leaning or partially uprooted tree at your peril. You really don’t want your property exposed to this kind of destruction.
Limbs Falling Causing Injury or Tragedy: Heavy branches that are structurally damaged can appear stable but suddenly break in a gust of wind or drop under their own weight. People have suffered serious injuries from falling branches that had been left dangling after wild weather. Damaged and weakened trees and branches are unpredictably dangerous. Ignoring them, is gambling with safety. These “widow-makers” have been known to strike with little to no warning. Fatalities have occurred — for instance, a 59-year-old woman on the Gold Coast was killed by a storm-damaged tree in 2023 (source: Woman killed by falling tree as storms lash Queensland | Otago Daily Times Online News).
Greater Damage in the Next Storm: A tree that emerges from one storm in a damaged state is unlikely to survive the next. You’re setting up for failure if you leave it unaddressed. The next bout of bad weather will test any weaknesses — loosened roots can lose their grip in soaked soil, cracked trunks or branches can snap completely. Tree removal that was manageable earlier could instead lead to destruction and turn into crisis management. When a weakened tree could have been pruned or removed beforehand, the long-term risks in future storms are simply to dangerous to ignore.
Legal and Insurance Nightmares: Ignoring hazard trees can lead to liability issues. You could be held responsible for neglecting to act if that unstable tree falls and damages a neighbour’s property or injures someone. Insurers expect property owners to mitigate known dangers — in fact, insurance companies encourage prompt removal of storm debris and may not cover damage from a tree that was unaddressed after being deemed previously unsafe (source: Handling Storm-Damaged Trees And When To Seek Professional Help). In worst cases, a neglected tree can thus result not only in damage but also in costly lawsuits or denied insurance claims.
Worst-case scenarios are, by definition, the extremes — but they happen far more often than people realise. Every storm season, stories emerge of homes crushed and lives lost due to unstable trees.
The good news is these worst-case outcomes are preventable. It starts with taking storm-damaged trees seriously and acting quickly.
Next, we’ll discuss how to respond after a storm to remove dangers and clean up safely.
Emergency tree removal and cleanup after a storm
Fallen and damaged trees are among the biggest and most dangerous messes to clean up in the aftermath of a cyclone or severe storm. This needs to approached with caution and a plan. Here’s how to tackle tree clean up safely and efficiently:
1. Prioritise Safety in Assessment: Before you do anything, look around for immediate hazards. Downed power lines tangled in trees or lying on the ground are a top concern. Stay well clear and call emergency services or the power company if you see lines down. Keeping your distance should also be the case when a large tree is leaning on a structure or precariously hung up. Rather than being in the shadows of a suspect tree, it’s safer to assess tree damage from a distance (use binoculars for close inspection). Check if any large limbs are cracked and hanging, and whether the tree roots are lifting out of the soil. This initial visual check helps you identify the risks.
2. When to Call a Professional: If a tree or big limb is down or hanging in a way that could harm people or property, it’s wise to call a professional arborist for help (source: Can You Save a Leaning Tree? | Davey Tree). This goes for any tree leaning on your house, entangled in power lines, or too big for you to handle safely from the ground. It is extremely dangerous to climb storm-damaged trees or operate a chainsaw in unstable conditions without training. Experts say more people get hurt during storm cleanup than during the storm itself (source: Chainsaw Safety), due to chainsaw accidents and falls. It’s not worth the potential injury (or worse) to attempt major tree work on your own. Calling in professionals can eliminate those risks. For emergency tree removal service on the Gold Coast, The French Crew is well equipped to respond and carefully take down precarious trees or limbs before they cause more harm.
3. Handling Minor Debris Yourself: Of course not every fallen branch requires an arborist. Cleaning up smaller limbs, twigs, and leaves scattered around your yard by a storm, can be managed safely when you wear sturdy gloves and take caution with any branches under tension (they can spring unexpectedly when cut). Use proper tools — a hand saw or loppers for branches on the ground, rather than a chainsaw overhead. When cut anything yourself, be mindful of where it will fall and work with a partner if possible for safety. Never attempt to climb up a damaged tree or remove large overhead limbs with DIY tools; leave that to experts. Pile the debris where it won’t be a danger to anyone. Councils usually provide kerbside pickup for green waste after major storms, or your green waste bin may be enough.
4. Proper Disposal of Fallen Trees and Branches: Disposing of large tree debris can be a project in itself. Being a leading Gold Coast tree removal service, The French Crew will cut up the fallen tree, grind the stump, and haul away the wood, leaving your property clean. If you’re hoping to remove debris on your own, check your local waste facilities regarding dropping off green waste. If the option is safe and allowed, you could chop branches into manageable pieces and stack them for firewood or mulch. An environmentally friendly way to recycle the wood, fallen trees on the Gold Coast, are often turned into mulch. The key is to avoid leaving huge logs or piles of branches lying around — aside from being obstacles, they attract pests. Prompt cleanup also helps with insurance claims, as it shows you took quick action to mitigate damage (source: Handling Storm-Damaged Trees And When To Seek Professional Help).
Always put safety first, during and after a storm. Leave the dangerous work to the professionals. Emergency crews (such as SES) can assist if a tree has caused structural damage or is blocking access. And your local tree removal specialist will have the equipment to remove even massive fallen trees efficiently.
Once the immediate hazards are cleared, you can turn your attention to preventing future storm damage — which brings us to the next section.
Preventative measures: how to storm-proof your trees
While we can’t control when the next cyclone or storm hits, we can control how prepared our trees are. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Proactive tree maintenance can dramatically reduce storm damage risks. Here are some effective preventative measures to storm-proof your trees and protect your property:
Regular Tree Maintenance and Pruning: The single best way to help your trees withstand high winds is to keep them well-maintained. Routine pruning by a qualified arborist will remove weak or dead branches that could become flying debris in a storm. Strategically thinning a tree’s canopy can lower wind resistance, allowing strong winds to pass through rather than push the tree over. Additionally, overhanging limbs that are too close to your roof or power lines should be trimmed back (after checking local council regulations) (source: Protect your Home | Get Ready Queensland). By keeping branches away from the building, you’re not only protecting it from the impact of storms but also from the likelihood of rodents or pests using those branches as a means to enter your property. Aim to have your trees inspected and pruned at least once a year or as needed, ideally before the storm season — November to April on the Gold Coast.
Identify and Address Weak Trees Early: Cast a critical eye around your property before storms strike. Look for signs of disease or structural problems in your trees. Cracks in major branches or a trunk cavity are red flags; mushrooms or conks on the trunk could indicate internal rot; sparse leaf cover or many dead limbs up top can indicate an unhealthy tree. Unstable or leaning trees with poor root support are especially dangerous. Be proactive when a tree is diseased, dead, or unstable. The safest option sometimes is to remove a risky tree in advance. Cutting down a well-loved tree may not be easy, but when a fall is on the cards, removing that tree on your terms is the better option. It will also be cheaper than dealing with an uncontrolled collapse later. Don’t ignore the threat or wait until it’s too late. A professional arborist can provide a risk assessment of questionable trees and tell you objectively if a tree poses too great a hazard or whether it can be saved.
Reinforce and Care for Healthy Trees: When it comes to being storm-ready, even healthy trees benefit from a little extra care. You can strengthen a tree’s root system by deep watering during dry spells and with proper fertilisation. This will help it hold firm in strong winds. Applying mulch around the base of the tree (but not piled against its trunk) will help keep roots healthy and the soil moist. For trees with multiple trunks or with splitting forks, an arborist might install cabling or bracing to provide support, essentially giving the tree a stronger “skeleton” to resist storm forces. Make sure your trees aren’t being strangled and weakened by objects that need to be removed, such as old ropes, strings of lights, or forgotten stakes that once girdled the growing tree. Another tip: when you plant new trees, select species that are suited to the local climate and less prone to storm damage. Native species with strong wood and deep roots will generally fare better in storms than shallow-rooted, brittle imported species. The goal is to cultivate trees that can bend without breaking when extreme weather comes.
Call for a Professional Arborist Check-up: Like a health check for your trees, having a professional arborist (i.e. AQF Level 5 Arborist) inspect your property can give you peace of mind. Subtle issues can be identified, such as the early stages of root rot, or when an old storm wound has failed to heal correctly and now poses a risk. The French Crew’s fully certified Gold Coast arborists can provide you with detailed assessments and recommend steps to fortify each tree. This might include pruning, treatment for pests/disease and, if necessary, tree removal. Professionals also stay up-to-date on council regulations and can advise when permits are needed to prune or remove trees. By investing in periodic tree care expertise, you’re helping to preparing your trees in the best way possible and effectively storm-proofing your property.
In summary, this combination of regular maintenance, early hazard detection, and expert guidance greatly reduces the dangers and costly damage that trees can pose during and after violent weather. Mother Nature always deserves respect, however, prudent tree care can help minimise her opportunities to wreak havoc on our properties.
Why professional tree removal matters
Hiring a professional tree removal service certainly is a convenient option when it comes to dealing with storm-damaged trees (or any large tree work). But it’s also a matter of safety and effectiveness. DIY tree removal or heavy pruning often leads to people finding themselves in over their heads.
Here are some benefits of calling in specialists at The French Crew:
Safety and Training: Tree removal is dangerous. It involves heights, serious weights, high-powered equipment, and unpredictable forces. Certified arborists and tree removal experts have extensive training in how to cut a tree piece by piece safely. They know how to tie off limbs so they don’t swing or drop on people, and they can accurately direct the tree’s fall. They also use proper safety gear. By contrast, a homeowner with a chainsaw and a rope might severely underestimate the dangers. One forestry safety specialist noted that homeowner chainsaw users tend to violate nearly every safety rule, leading to high accident rates, including chainsaw lacerations, electrocution from power lines, and falls from ladders. The French Crew’s professionals take those risks out of your hands. You and your property stay well out of harm’s way thanks to our strict safety protocols.
Specialised Equipment: Removing a large tree or a precarious limb often requires substantial equipment. Tree removal professionals come equipped with commercial-grade chainsaws, wood chippers, ropes, harnesses, cranes or cherry-pickers, stump grinders, and more. This equipment allows any tree felling or pruning to be handled efficiently, including when tight spaces and tangled-in structures are involved. If a huge fig tree wedged itself against your house, The French Crew, for example, could use a crane to carefully lift off the tree in sections without further damage. Without this equipment and experience, such a situation could end in disaster. Calling in the professionals with the right tools for the job is the safe and sure solution.
Experience and Expertise: When it comes to tree work, there’s no substitute for experience. An experienced arborist can “read” a tree’s condition and plan a removal in the smartest way. Professionals carry out the work efficiently. What might take you an entire weekend of risky effort, we can accomplish in a few focused hours. Time is valuable, especially when a damaged tree is looming as a threat. With more than 20 years of experience as a Gold Coast arborist, The French Crew has managed every kind of tree situation. Our knowledge of tree species and soil conditions means we understand how local trees respond to storms. We’ve dealt with all manner of tricky branches and hidden rot before and have likely carried out successful tree removals in similar awkward spots. Our team has expertise in adapting as needed to ensure trees come down under control.
Insurance and Liability: A crucial aspect of reputable tree removal companies is being fully insured for their work. This protects you, the property owner. The company’s insurance covers the costs in the unlikely event of damage occurring during tree removal or if a worker gets injured. With DIY or unlicensed operators, if accidents occur, you could be liable. You’ll have peace of mind with The French Crew. Our insurance includes public liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage. And for your further peace of mind, we also help take care of necessary permits for removal of certain trees under local laws, ensuring everything is above board. By hiring professionals, the burden is off your shoulders and borne by those who are well prepared to carry it.
Comprehensive Service (One-and-Done): Professional tree removal isn’t just about men with chainsaws. The French Crew, for instance, provides comprehensive tree removal service: from an initial safety assessment and planning, to systematic removal of the tree (often starting with high limbs and working down), to stump grinding and cleanup. We’ll even cut the wood into mulch or firewood per request. There is also an aesthetic component — our skilled arborists can remove trees with minimal impact on the rest of your garden and, if you’re interested, will happily provide advice for restoring the area, such as replanting, or landscaping. In contrast, DIY jobs can end with problem stumps, damage to lawns, and piles of wood and debris to be taken off-site. Professionals can get the job done properly and completely.
In summary, when it comes to storm-damaged trees, the risks of DIY are simply too high. Having a trusted tree specialist on call can make all the difference in the aftermath of a cyclone or preparing for the next storm season.
Tree removal by professionals better protects your safety, your property, and your wallet. Experts like The French Crew bring knowledge, equipment, and assurance that the job will be handled right the first time.
Conclusion: act now to protect your property
The key takeaway for Gold Coast residents in the wake of Cyclone Alfred’s destruction, is to be proactive as soon as possible regarding storm-damaged trees. The dangers — from hidden structural damage to sudden collapse — are very real.
This is no dramatic hypothetical. By now, we’ve all seen what damaged trees can do — crushed roofs, wrecked cars, widespread power outages, and even tragic injuries and fatalities. A battered-but-standing tree can easily be a disaster waiting to happen.
The power to prevent the next catastrophe can be as simple as prompt action. If your property has storm-damaged or suspect trees, arrange for a professional assessment or removal as soon as possible.
Rather than letting nature decide the timing, it’s far better to have a hazard removed on your terms. Simple steps like pruning overhanging branches and removing weak trees before a storm can save you from heartache and expensive repairs later.
Prompt action before the storm season gets into swing will safeguard your property and family, and give you peace of mind.
To keep your landscapes safe and beautiful all year round, experienced arborists at The French Crew are just a phone call away. We are quick to respond to Gold Coast residents and businesses that need to protect their properties, whether you need tree removal, or a preventative check-up ahead of storm season.
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