A fallen branch is a good reason to document what happened and ask for an assessment, but it does not by itself prove that the tree is unsafe. If you are in Dalkeith, speak with the neighbour, check the City of Nedlands’ current tree rules before arranging substantial pruning, and ask the City what process applies. If you still have a safety concern, a qualified consulting arborist can assess the tree on site.
What to do first after branches fall
- Keep clear of the area. Do not approach hanging or unstable branches, climb the tree, or attempt heavy cutting. Keep children and others away from the immediate fall area until it is safe.
- Record what happened from a safe location. Note the date, where the branch landed and its approximate size. Photograph the branch and any damage without putting yourself beneath a damaged canopy. These are practical record-keeping steps, not a formal evidence requirement.
- Tell the neighbour calmly. Explain what fell and when, share photographs if useful, and ask to discuss an inspection or safe maintenance plan. Legal Aid WA notes that a neighbour may not know about the effect a tree is having on adjoining property and encourages talking first: Dealing with neighbours.
- Ask the City of Nedlands which rules and process apply. Confirm whether the tree is on private land or a street/verge, whether it is regulated, and what information the City needs before any proposed work.
- Consider an arborist’s written assessment if concern remains. A site-specific report can help establish the tree’s condition and whether there is a safety issue. A branch drop alone cannot answer that question.
Check Nedlands’ tree rules before pruning
The City of Nedlands adopted Local Planning Policy 3.3 in July 2024. The City describes regulated-tree criteria that include a canopy diameter of 6 metres or more, a height of 8 metres or more, or specified trunk-circumference criteria: City tree-retention policy announcement. The policy FAQ explains that regulated-tree status and exemptions for certain maintenance pruning need to be considered together: Tree retention policy FAQs.
For a single-trunk tree, the FAQ gives a circumference threshold of 1.5 metres measured 1.4 metres above ground. These criteria do not establish whether this particular gum is regulated: its measurements, location, zoning and the proposed work matter. Ask the City before arranging substantial pruning or removal.
The FAQ describes circumstances in which a neighbour may prune a branch or root back to the shared boundary without approval, including removing dead wood or pruning to balance or thin the crown without harming the tree’s overall health. The applicable rule depends on the tree and work proposed, so do not treat this as blanket permission to cut a neighbour’s tree.
#1 Best Overall
- Sharp Mn Steel Blade for Fast & Clean Cuts: This pole saw uses a sharp three-sided edge with a double-sided barb design to grip branches securely and cut smoothly from multiple angles. The Mn steel blade is durable, rust-resistant, and lightweight, delivering fast, clean cuts. This is a manual pole saw with detachable pole sections for adjustable reach, not pruner, not a telescoping pole; it is neither electric nor battery-powered.
- Sturdy Steel Pole Reinforced for Secure Use: This tree branch cutter combines stainless steel poles and Mn steel blade, built for long-term use. The powder-coated finish prevents rust, and the anti-slip grip ensures stable control. An extra screw secures the saw head firmly to the pole, preventing loosening. Strong enough to prune higher branches without climbing ladders, it helps reduce risks and makes outdoor trimming safer and more reliable.
- Adjustable Length & Quick Assembly: This tree trimmer has three options: 8.5ft (6 sections), 11ft (8 sections), and 14.5ft (11 sections). Each stainless steel pole is rust-resistant with a matte finish for durability. The modular design lets you connect or remove sections quickly to adjust the length. Simple to assemble in a few steps, it adapts easily to close hand pruning or trimming tall trees, saving time and effort in your yard work.
- Safe High Reach Pruning Without Ladders: This lightweight manual cutting saw extends up to 14.5ft, letting you prune tall branches from the ground without ladders. It reduces fall risks and increases safety, while the anti-slip grip lowers fatigue. Easy for women and seniors to handle, it makes tall tree pruning, patio care, and yard maintenance more efficient. A reliable tool that combines safety and comfort for long-term outdoor use.
- Versatile Pruning Saw for Garden & Forestry: This extendable pruning saw works both handheld and extended for shrubs, hedges, and tall branches. Use it short for close trimming or fully extended for oaks, palms, pines, and firs. Perfect for yards, gardens, patios, and forestry tasks, it suits both home gardening and professional landscaping. With one tool for high and low pruning, it saves space while providing durable, versatile performance.
Can you cut back a branch that overhangs your property?
Legal Aid WA’s general guidance says a person may cut an overhanging branch back to the point where it enters their property unless the tree is protected by a tree preservation order. It also advises avoiding unnecessary damage and speaking with the neighbour before work that could harm the tree: Dividing fences and other boundary issues. This is general WA guidance; Nedlands’ more specific tree-retention rules may also apply. Check with the City before doing substantial work.
Is the tree private or a street tree?
Ask the City to confirm whether the tree is on the neighbour’s land or on a verge or other public land. For street trees, the City says pruning is handled by suitably qualified personnel: Street Trees. Do not prune a street tree yourself.
Rank #2
- High Cutting Power for 6–7 Inch Branches with SK-5 Steel Blade——SK-5 steel blade with aggressive 7 TPI staggered teeth delivers strong cutting performance for green wood, branches, and general yard work, allowing efficient cutting of branches up to 6–7 inch diameter, making it highly effective for camping, survival, bushcraft, and landscaping tasks where fast and controlled wood cutting is required.
- Optimized Sharpness and Sawing Performance for Wood Cutting Tasks——Aggressive staggered tooth geometry combined with SK-5 steel construction provides effective cutting performance for green wood, branches, firewood, and outdoor materials, helping reduce cutting resistance and supporting efficient sawing in outdoor use scenarios.
- Lightweight Folding Design for Backpacking, Camping, and Survival Kits——Lightweight and compact folding structure makes this saw easy to carry in backpacks and survival bags, providing strong portability for camping, hiking, bushcraft, and emergency outdoor use, while maintaining full cutting capability without adding unnecessary weight.
- Reinforced Blade Structure for Improved Stability and Long-Term Use——Reinforced blade design improves structural stability during heavy cutting tasks, helping maintain consistent performance during repeated use in wood cutting applications, addressing common outdoor tool concerns such as blade tip stress during intensive branch cutting.
- Ergonomic Rubber-Coated Handle for Secure Grip and Outdoor Control——Ergonomic rubber-coated polymer handle provides a firm and stable grip in wet, cold, or dry conditions, improving safety and control during extended outdoor use, reducing hand fatigue and ensuring reliable handling in camping, survival, and landscaping environments.
Do not climb, use a chainsaw, or work near power lines based on general advice. The City’s emergency guidance recommends hiring a contractor when branches around power lines need clearing: Emergency Management. Stay away from power lines and seek appropriate assistance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What if there is damage or the disagreement continues?
If a branch damaged a fence, building or other property, keep photographs and records of the damage and any repair estimates. Ask the City what it needs for a tree-related enquiry. The City of Canning describes a written request that identifies damage, repair estimates and the work requested, but that is an example of another council’s process, not a Nedlands requirement: Resolving disputes with neighbours.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- 10” Long Pruning Saw: Fit for heavy work, powerful and strong enough, can cut through branches with 6” diameter with ease. Very efficient for various outdoor work as Camping pruning shrubs and trees, hiking, tree trimming garden work, landscaping etc.
- Sharp Blade: WEIMELTOY Large tree trimming Saw with SK5 material, flexible and durable, triple sharpen blade,been hardened for extra durability, can cut fast and accurate in all direction, (pull or push),not only fit for green wood also fit for dry wood. Can cut through wood,plastic easily.
- Soft Handle:Our Pruning folding hand saw with rubber soft handle, comfortable to grip even for a long time, non-slip, ensures a firm grip in any weather condition, save effort.
- Folding design: Folding Pruning Saw with rubber handle to cover the sharp blade, also have button to lock the blade in position firmly when open and closed. It also take much smaller room, easy to carry for outdoor work.
- Warm Service: Any question in using, just write to us any time. We will reply within 24 hours to serve for you.
If discussion does not resolve the issue, consider mediation or case-specific legal advice. The facts of any injury or loss matter, and the available information does not establish automatic neighbour liability for a future incident. Legal Aid WA cautions that court action can be costly, stressful and lengthy and discusses options for neighbour disputes at Dealing with neighbours. For an actual injury, loss or threatened claim, get advice based on the circumstances rather than assuming a claim will succeed.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- VERSATILE CUTTING TOOL – Professional pruning saw for tree trimming, branch cutting, and wood cutting. This folding hand saw works as a reliable tree saw, limb saw, garden saw, and curved pruning saw, making it an ideal tree trimming saw for camping, bushcraft, woodworking, and outdoor garden work.
- TRIPLE-CUT SK5 STEEL BLADE – Premium SK5 high-carbon steel blade with 7 TPI razor teeth delivers fast, aggressive cutting through branches, limbs, and dry or green wood.
- HEAVY DUTY CONSTRUCTION – Rugged folding design built for reliable performance during tree pruning, garden maintenance, camping, and bushcraft use.
- ERGONOMIC NON-SLIP HANDLE – Comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue and provides secure control while cutting branches, limbs, and firewood.
- COMPACT FOLDING DESIGN – Lightweight folding saw fits easily in a backpack or tool bag for camping, hiking, survival kits, and garden tools.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
