Falling branches

Happywanderer · The Master

Falling branches

madaboutled · Guru

So sad I feel for them.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

That's not nice at all Marj but these things can and do happen around trees in bad weather. I too feel for the couple.

Keep safe on the roads and out there (including around trees)

Desert Dweller · Guru

We feel very sorry for the couple for the loss of their dog. A few years back we were at Hattah Lake Campground when a windy change came through.

Thankfully we were in an open area. The River Red Gums all around us dropped hundreds of large branches, some that must have weighed many tonnes.

Ironically one fell, crushing the newly erected BEWARE OF FALLING BRANCHES sign.

Ornamental trees shed their leaves seasonally, gum trees shed whole branches without warning.

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Sad as it may be, thankfully it was only the dog that was killed. hmm

It is always very wise to steer clear of trees when camping ... and to be aware when walking through the bush.

Unfortunately, Red Gums don't need wind or other weather 'events' to drop a limb. They are renowned to just drop one when it damned well suits them - even on perfectly still days. hmm cry

This site gives some obvious (and well known) advice on how to minimise the risk -

http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/safety/be-safe-plan-ahead/tree-risk

I snipped this from that site regarding Red Gums -

Red Gum.JPG

Cheers - John

HunnyBunny · Senior Member

A relative of mine was nearly killed when a branch fell on her van. She has had about 50 ops & has never fully recovered. Red gums will drop their branches on hot, still days! Anyone who has been a regular, camper along the Mighty Murray would probably have stories of near misses. I know I have! After all the flooding we have had over the past few months a lot of the trees are falling over along the rivers. Please take extra care this Summer.

Cupie · Guru

It is so sad to loose a pet. They become a member of the family and the loss is a very tragic event. I can still vividly remember the day that I lost my mate, a pig dog that I lost way back in 1963. Distemper I think. Bloody Vet.

It's always tempting to set up under a shady tree. Something I never do. My unpleasant experiences have been far less dramatic or risky than under a limb shedding Red Gum.

Once at Low Level CP at Katherine, I was under a fantastic gum tree until the Flying Foxes camped in it overnight. As well as the noise, they left me with a coating of calling cards.

You'd think that I'd learn but I was caught again down on The Yorke Peninsular when the birds got me once again. Their diet of fish didn't help either.

But then a bloody great Pelican got me at Noosa as I rode my bike under the light pole it was perched on. Again unbelieveable pong & lots of it too.

But I degress .. sorry.

Very sad for the couple who lost their mate.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

As an old lineworker . Gum trees just break and full . Seems to be when growing and cool change they just fall . Been under many grey gums in north Sydney - Dee Why do the same . If you hear a crack ? Run like hell !! Rip ruff ruff .,

Tony Bev · Guru

Sad to hear about the couple who lost their dog, thankfully they were not injured or worse

Thanks for the article on why Red Gum trees, can suddenly drop their branches, John
This was something that I was unaware of

Hewy54 · Senior Member

Had an old regum tree at our previous property and it was prone to drop large branches on a hot, humid day.
Got home one such day in my pride and joy(HZ Premier) and left the car in the shade with the engine running while I open the shed. Just about to return to the car when a large branch fell across the back of the car. No loss of life or injury, but caused me to shed a tear or two.
Sorry to the couple in Echuca for their loss.

Hallmark1 · Veteran Member

Regarding the couple that lost their dog they were not locals,were staying in a caravan park in Moama.The lady was
air lifted by ambo to melb hosp (geelong I think) with severe injuries.
There has been 3 gums fall in the area in the last week or so.Hope the couple are improving and in time get over the loss of their dog.

Cheers Baz

Happywanderer · The Master

Hallmark1 wrote:
Regarding the couple that lost their dog they were not locals,were staying in a caravan park in Moama.The lady was
air lifted by ambo to melb hosp (geelong I think) with severe injuries.
There has been 3 gums fall in the area in the last week or so.Hope the couple are improving and in time get over the loss of their dog.

Cheers Baz

That's true, as I said in the opening post Visitors to the town.

I wondered if they were members of this forum. I do hope they are recovering.