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Sun, Nov 18 reports
Top story · Local · 11:27

Best Shade Trees for Sunshine Coast Residential Gardens

The Sunshine Coast of Queensland is known for its warm subtropical climate, abundant sunshine and relaxed outdoor lifestyle. With summer temperatures regularly climbing into the low 30s and humidity to match, a well-chosen shade tree is one of the most valuable additions to a home garden. The right tree cools your yard, reduces the heat load on your house, protects outdoor living areas and boosts property appeal. The wrong tree can lift pavers, block drains, drop heavy limb

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Civic · 10:07

How to Prepare Your Property for Safe Tree Removal Work

Preparing your property before tree removal helps protect people, buildings and gardens while giving the crew room to work safely. On the Sunshine Coast, sloping blocks, narrow driveways, coastal weather and nearby vegetation can affect how a removal is planned. Start with an on-site assessment and let the tree removal team explain what access and preparation they need. Check Approvals Before Work Begins Do not assume a tree can be removed simply because it is on

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Council · 10:05

What Happens During a Professional Tree Site Assessment?

If you own property on the Sunshine Coast, trees are likely one of its best features. They provide shade, privacy, wildlife habitat and a sense of connection to the subtropical landscape. They can also become a risk if they are unhealthy, poorly structured or growing too close to buildings and powerlines. A professional tree site assessment is the first step in understanding what your trees need, and it often saves money and stress down the track. This guide walks throug

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Watch · 21:55

The Environmental Impact of Retaining Old Urban Trees

Across the Sunshine Coast, from the streets of Maroochydore and Buderim to the older suburbs of Nambour, Caloundra and Coolum, mature trees are among the most valuable environmental assets a property or neighbourhood can have. As the region continues to grow in 2026, the question of whether to remove or retain an old tree comes up more often. Understanding what these trees actually do for the environment helps homeowners, body corporates and businesses make better, more inf

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Community · 20:19

How to Safely Clear Fallen Branches After Coastal Storms

Severe weather is a familiar reality for residents across the Sunshine Coast. Whether it is an intense summer thunderstorm rolling over the Blackall Range or an east coast low driving gale-force winds across coastal suburbs like Caloundra, Mooloolaba, and Coolum, storm aftermath often leaves properties scattered with debris. While your first instinct might be to rush outside and clean up your yard, clearing fallen timber requires a measured, safety-first approach. Rushing i

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Local · 20:17

Do You Need Council Approval to Remove a Backyard Tree?

Determining whether you need municipal permission to cut down a tree on your private property is one of the most critical steps in any landscaping, maintenance, or development project. On the Sunshine Coast, urban green space, scenic amenity, and native biodiversity are strictly guarded by environmental planning regulations. While property owners often assume they have absolute authority over vegetation in their own backyards, the law is far more nuanced. In 2026, the short

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Civic · 09:58

Best Tree Pruning Methods to Encourage Healthy Growth

Pruning is one of the most valuable things you can do for the trees on your Sunshine Coast property. Done correctly, it improves structure, reduces the risk of branch failure, increases airflow and light, and helps a tree direct its energy where it matters most. Done poorly, it can invite disease, weaken the tree for years, and in some cases cause permanent damage. This guide explains the pruning methods that work, when to use them, and how the Sunshine Coast's subtropical

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Council · 08:36

Expert Ways to Stop Pest Infestations on Lemon Myrtles

Lemon myrtle ( Backhousia citriodora ) is one of Australia's best-loved native plants. It is valued for its dense, glossy foliage, creamy flowers and intensely lemon-scented leaves, which are used in cooking, teas and essential oils. Sunshine Coast gardeners grow it widely because the subtropical climate suits it so well. That same warm, humid climate also favours a range of insects and fungal problems. This guide explains the pests most likely to affect lemon myrtles in t

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