Habitat Creation
At Tree Tactics NT, we believe that even dead trees can continue to provide value to the environment. Through our habitat creation work, we help extend the lifespan and purpose of these trees by transforming them into valuable habitats that support native wildlife and promote biodiversity.
How We Create Wildlife Habitats
01
Assessing the Tree and Removing Hazardous Branches
Before any work begins, the tree is carefully assessed to evaluate its structural integrity and habitat potential. Dead or hazardous branches are removed to ensure a safe working environment while preserving as much of the tree's natural structure as possible.
02
Selecting the Habitat Location
The location of the future hollow is chosen with care. Factors such as trunk size, wood condition, orientation, and the needs of the target wildlife species are all considered to create a durable and functional habitat.
03
Cutting the Access Panel
A rectangular access panel is carefully cut into the trunk. This provides access to the interior of the tree while allowing the original section of wood to be reinstalled once the habitat has been created.
04
Forming the Hollow
The inside of the trunk is carefully excavated to create a hollow of the appropriate size and shape. This process mimics the natural formation of tree hollows while maintaining the structural integrity of the tree.
05
Creating the Wildlife Entrance
A species-specific entrance is then cut into the trunk. The size and shape of the entrance are carefully designed to suit the intended wildlife, providing a safe and secure refuge while helping to discourage predators where possible.
06
Reinstalling the Access Panel
Once the hollow has been completed, the original access panel is securely reinstalled. This restores the tree's natural appearance, protects the cavity from the elements, and allows the habitat to blend seamlessly into its surroundings.
07
Welcoming Wildlife
With the habitat complete, nature takes over. Over time, native wildlife may discover and occupy the newly created hollow, using it for shelter, nesting, breeding, or raising their young. Every habitat is designed to provide a safe, long-lasting refuge that supports local biodiversity for years to come.
Habitat Gallery
Birds / Possums / Gliders / Bats / Reptiles / Aquatic life
Approximately 300+ species of wildlife use tree hollows throughout Australia. Tree hollows are of great importance as they are used as nesting sites, shelters and safe refuges. Hollows can present as a small crack or split to very a large cavity in the tree. (Gibbons & Lindenmayer, 2002). Natural hollows are formed by the process of failure and decay within a tree. It can take up to 120 -150 years in many tree species for natural hollows to develop (Mackauski 1984, Stoneman et al.1097, Warnington and Lamb 1999 in Gibbons & Lindenmayer, 2002). It is possible to shorten this long term decay process and provide natural looking habitat by creating habitat hollows.
Tree Tactics has been creating Habitat Hollows for twelve years. Within this time, an amazing response of wildlife have been utilizing these hollows.
We have to date recorded the following species inhabiting our hollows :
- Red Rump Parrot
- Rainbow Lorikeet
- Galah
- Sulphur crested Cockatoo
- Must Lorikeet
- Crimson Rosella
- Eastern Rosella
- Ring Tail Possum
The Arboricultural Industry has gradually become aware of the importance of habitat trees as part of an active ecosystem. The creation of habitat hollows in dead, dying or living trees is developing rapidly within the Industry. This information is aimed at providing awareness of the potential of creating habitat in trees whilst maintaining the trees basic integrity.
Contact us
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday :
8am - 4pm
Saturday to Sunday : Close
Location
Po Box 897 Coolalinga,
NT 0839
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