Most possums reach a roof by climbing. In Mitchelton, with its big backyard gums, jacarandas and mango trees, the easiest path onto a house is often straight up a trunk and along a branch to the gutter. Sealing the roof closes the door, but a tree collar takes away the ladder, which makes the whole house less appealing to possums looking for a den.
A tree collar is a wide band of smooth sheet metal fitted around the trunk at about head height. Possums climb by gripping bark with their claws, and the smooth metal gives them nothing to hold. The collar is held in place with springs or loose ties rather than nails, so the tree can keep growing without the metal cutting into the bark. Collars sit neatly against the trunk and are hard to notice from the street.
A collar only helps if the tree cannot be reached another way. The crew we book checks whether a fence, shed roof, power line or neighbouring tree gives a possum a second path into the canopy. Where the tree is the only way up, a collar makes sense. Where branches touch the roof, the crew will point them out so you can have them cut back. Collars are most useful alongside roof proofing rather than on their own.
- Trees near the house checked for climbing routes
- Collars cut from smooth sheet metal and sized to each trunk
- Held with springs or loose ties, not nails
- Other paths from fences and sheds pointed out
- Upfront pricing before the visit is booked
Call 07 3543 7772 to book tree collar fitting at your Mitchelton home. We will ask about the trees and give you a price.
