How to Protect Your Trees from Possums and Manage Epicormic Growth
Quick Answer
Possums are a common threat to trees on the Mornington Peninsula, often stripping foliage and causing severe canopy dieback. Installing slippery metal possum guards around the trunk prevents them from climbing up, but the tree must also be isolated by pruning back touching branches from neighbouring trees to stop them from jumping across. Additionally, trees that have been lopped in the past will sprout rapid "epicormic" growth—weakly attached shoots that require professional pruning every three to five years to prevent sudden failure.
ImpactHungry possums can completely strip a tree's leaves and kill it, while unmaintained epicormic branches have very poor attachment to the trunk and are highly likely to snap and fall during strong winds.
SolutionA healthy, thriving tree that is fully protected from possum damage and has a balanced, safe canopy structure free from hazardous branches.
OutcomeProfessional installation of smooth metal possum bands, pruning of overlapping limbs to isolate the canopy, and regular maintenance pruning of weak epicormic shoots.
Important Notice
The insights and guidance provided across our Resource Hub reflect the professional opinions of our qualified arborists at the time of publication. Local regulations, vegetation overlays, and environmental factors vary significantly across Victoria. Please double-check with your local council or seek a formal second opinion before commencing any tree pruning or pest management work on your property.
Press Play To Watch
In this video, Quinton Garlick from Cut It Right Tree Service stands on-site in Frankston to show how to install a metal possum band and explains why managing epicormic growth is essential for a tree's long-term safety.
The Double Threat: Possum Damage and Weak Canopy Growth
Thriving gardens in suburbs like Frankston, Seaford, and Mt Eliza often face a dual challenge: protecting beautiful mature trees from persistent native pests like possums, and managing the aftermath of historic tree lopping.
If you have a tree that seems to be struggling, or if you notice large branches dropping unexpectedly after a storm, the solution often involves two key arborist techniques: possum guarding and epicormic pruning.
Managing Tree-Damaging Possums
Possums are a protected native species in Australia, but they can be incredibly destructive when they target a specific tree in your yard. They feed heavily on tender young leaves, buds, and bark. If left unchecked, a family of possums can completely strip a mature gum tree bare, causing severe dieback and eventually killing the tree.
How to Install a Possum Guard
The most humane and effective way to protect your tree is by creating a physical barrier.
The Trunk Band: We install a wide sheet of smooth metal or clear polycarbonate plastic around the main trunk, usually about two metres off the ground.
Branch Isolation: We carefully prune back any branches from neighbouring trees, power lines, or fences that come within jumping distance of the protected tree. By isolating the tree's canopy, possums have no way to climb up from the ground or leap across from nearby structures, allowing your tree's foliage to recover and thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do possum guards protect my trees?
A possum guard is a wide band of slippery, durable metal or plastic wrapped tightly around a tree's trunk, usually at least two metres off the ground. Because the surface is completely smooth and slippery, possums cannot get a grip with their claws, which stops them from climbing up into the canopy. To make this fully effective, our arborists also prune back any branches from nearby trees or structures. This isolates the tree and prevents possums from simply jumping across from another launching pad.
What is epicormic growth, and why is it dangerous?
Epicormic growth refers to the rapid, leafy shoots that sprout from a tree's trunk or branches, typically after the tree has been heavily cut back or lopped in the past. While these new branches look green and healthy, they actually have a very poor and shallow attachment to the main tree structure. Unlike normal branches that grow from deep within the tree, epicormic shoots are only attached to the outer layers, meaning they have a high potential to fail and snap off during severe coastal winds.
How often should epicormic growth be pruned and maintained?
Because epicormic branches grow incredibly fast and have weak attachments, they must be regularly pruned and maintained every three to five years. Leaving these branches unmanaged for longer than five years allows them to become too heavy for their weak joints, significantly increasing the risk of them crashing down onto your lawn, fence, or home. Regular trimming acts like a light haircut, keeping the weight under control and ensuring the tree remains safe and balanced.
Can I prune or put a possum guard on a council-owned tree?
No, you are not allowed to prune, trim, or modify any council-owned trees without their formal permission, and doing so can lead to heavy penalties, including the council seizing professional equipment. However, if a council tree is growing branches that overhang your private property, or if your private trees are growing into a council tree, a qualified arborist can safely prune your tree's limbs back to create a safe clearance distance. It is always best to let professionals coordinate with the Frankston City Council to ensure all works are completely legal and compliant.
Why do I need to clear nearby branches after installing a possum band?
Installing a possum guard on a single trunk is only half the battle because possums are incredibly skilled jumpers. If there are branches from neighbouring trees, fences, or rooflines touching or growing close to your protected tree, possums will simply bypass the metal trunk band by leaping directly into the upper canopy. Arborists refer to this as isolating the tree, where we prune back overlapping limbs to create a wide, physical gap that possums cannot cross, ensuring your tree remains completely safe from hungry pests.
Need Professional Pest & Disease Inspection?
Our certified arborists are ready to help with your pest & disease inspection needs across the Mornington Peninsula.
