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    Possum Access Control

    Tree Guards — Reducing Possum Access via Trees

    Trees can provide possums with a route towards roofs and buildings. Where a tree forms part of the identified access route, a purpose-designed Tree Guard may help restrict that pathway as part of the overall possum-proofing approach.

    Polycarbonate tree guard installed by The Possum Man around a tree trunk beside a residential building.
    The Problem

    How Trees Can Provide Possum Access

    Possums are capable climbers, and nearby trees or branches can sometimes form part of the route they use to reach a roof. The important question is not simply whether a tree is nearby, but whether it forms part of the access route at that particular property.

    • Tree trunks

      A tree trunk may provide the climbing route that allows a possum to move towards the roof or another part of the building.

    • Overhanging branches

      Branches extending towards a roof can provide another possible pathway from the tree to the building.

    • Other access routes

      Trees are only one possibility. Nearby structures, overhead cables and building features may also form part of the access route.

    • Assess before proofing

      The relevant access route should be identified before deciding which proofing measure is appropriate.

    Signs to Look For

    What Is a Tree Guard?

    A Tree Guard is a physical barrier fitted around a tree trunk where that trunk forms part of an identified possum access route. The Possum Man uses purpose-designed Tree Guards, including polycarbonate guards where appropriate, to help restrict that route.

    Physical barrier on the trunk

    Fitted around the tree trunk where that trunk forms part of the identified climbing pathway towards the building.

    Purpose-designed sheeting

    The Possum Man uses purpose-designed materials, including polycarbonate sheeting fitted around the trunk where suitable.

    Property-specific approach

    Every installation depends on the tree, its relationship to the building structure and safe access at the property.

    Tree Guards are property-specific. Whether one is appropriate depends on the tree, its relationship to the building and the other access routes present at the property.

    Diagnosis Matters

    Tree Guards Are One Part of Possum Proofing

    A Tree Guard addresses a particular type of access route. It does not replace the need to identify and address relevant entry points or other ways a possum may be reaching the building. Possum proofing considers the property as a whole so that the relevant access and entry issues can be addressed rather than relying on one measure in isolation.

    Tree Guard or tree trimming?

    Where branches provide the pathway towards the roof, increasing clearance may form part of the recommended approach. Where the tree trunk itself forms an important part of the access route, a purpose-designed Tree Guard may be considered. In some situations more than one access route may need to be addressed.

    Tree & vegetation access

    Nearby trees and branches can provide climbing access towards roofs and gutters, which may call for trimming or a Tree Guard.

    Roof & gutter access

    Where possums reach valley lines or gutter edges, access-control measures such as Valley Guards or Gutter Guards may be considered.

    Other access routes

    Nearby structures, overhead cables and building features may also provide access and require separate assessment.

    If a possum is already in the roof

    Restricting a tree access route does not by itself remove an animal already occupying the roof. Possum removal and proofing need to be considered together.

    Our Method

    How Tree Guard Assessment & Installation Works

    Tree Guard installations are property-specific. Here is what to expect from initial contact through to assessment, quotation and installation.

    1. Step 1

      Listen

      We start by understanding what you've been experiencing and where the activity is occurring.

    2. Step 2

      Inspect

      We inspect the property to identify whether a tree forms part of the possum's likely access route and consider other possible pathways.

    3. Step 3

      Assess

      We determine whether a Tree Guard, vegetation management or another proofing measure is appropriate.

    4. Step 4

      Recommend

      If a Tree Guard is suitable, we explain the recommended approach and provide a quote for the work.

    5. Step 5

      Install

      If you proceed with the recommended Tree Guard work, installation is carried out where safe and suitable access is available.

    6. Step 6

      Address the access route

      The Tree Guard forms part of the approach to restricting the identified tree access route, while other relevant access or entry issues are considered separately.

    The Solution

    Tree Guards Are Quoted After Inspection

    Tree Guard installations are quoted after inspection because the appropriate solution depends on the tree, access and conditions at the property.

    1. Step 1

      Inspection — $279 + GST

      Your inspection allows us to assess the relevant access routes and determine whether a Tree Guard is appropriate. If Tree Guard work is recommended, the installation is quoted following the inspection.

    2. Step 2

      Tree Guard — Quoted after inspection

      Where suitable, purpose-designed Tree Guard work is priced specifically for your property following the on-site assessment.

    3. Step 3

      Pricing & access conditions

      Some properties may require additional access or equipment. If this applies, we'll let you know before the work proceeds. See our Pricing & Terms for further details.

    A Tree Guard addresses a relevant tree access route as part of an overall possum-proofing plan. It does not replace possum removal or proofing where these are required, and the property must still be assessed for other access routes.

    Common Questions

    Common Questions About Tree Guards

    Here are answers to some of the questions we're most often asked about Tree Guards.

    Wildlife Diagnosis Assistant

    Not Sure If a Tree Guard Is What You Need?

    Not sure whether a tree is part of the possum's access route? Ask Kate about what you've been seeing or hearing and she can help you understand the next step.

    Tell Kate about the tree, the roof and what activity you've noticed, and she can help you understand whether you may need an inspection, possum proofing or possum removal.

    Booking an on-site inspection is the definitive way to identify access routes — Kate is here to help you get there with confidence.

    Could a Tree Be Providing Possum Access?

    Book an inspection and we'll assess the property, identify the relevant access routes and determine whether a Tree Guard or another proofing measure is appropriate.

    The standard inspection fee applies. Tree Guard work is quoted after inspection.