Habitat augmentation involves creating, enhancing or retaining habitat features to increase the ecological value of trees and landscapes. This can include carved tree hollows, habitat tree conversions, installation of nest boxes and the relocation or retention of naturally occurring habitat features.

The HollowHog is a specialised tool used to create purpose-built hollows within suitable living or retained trees. These hollows can provide immediate shelter and nesting opportunities for hollow-dependent wildlife while natural hollows can take many decades—or even centuries—to develop.

Carved hollows can be designed for a range of Australian hollow-dependent fauna, including gliders, microbats, possums, parrots, cockatoos, owls and other native species. Hollow dimensions, entrance size, orientation and internal characteristics can be adapted to suit nominated target species.

They serve different purposes. Nest boxes can provide valuable artificial habitat where carved hollows may not be suitable. Carved hollows offer habitat within the tree itself and can offer different thermal, structural and longevity characteristics. The appropriate approach depends on the target species, site conditions and objectives of the habitat program.

Yes. Balanced Tree Care can deliver habitat works to specifications developed by project ecologists, environmental consultants, councils or other project stakeholders. We can also collaborate during planning to determine what is practical from an arboricultural and climbing perspective.

In suitable circumstances, naturally occurring hollow-bearing sections of trees can be retained and relocated rather than being lost during tree removal or development works. The appropriate method depends on the condition of the timber, target fauna, project requirements and proposed receiving site.

Yes. Habitat projects can be documented with asset identification, photographs, installation details, tree and hollow information, GPS locations and completion reporting to suit project requirements. This provides clients with a clear record for asset management, monitoring and future ecological assessment.

Yes. Balanced Tree Care can undertake individual habitat installations through to larger multi-site programs. Works can be coordinated with ecologists, project managers, arborists and other contractors to deliver consistent habitat specifications and project documentation across multiple locations.

Balanced Tree Care undertakes specialist habitat and ecological arboriculture projects across NSW, with established project experience throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Mid North Coast and other regional areas. Travel for larger habitat augmentation and biodiversity projects can be arranged throughout NSW.

Our habitat services are suited to local and state government, ecological consultants, environmental organisations, infrastructure and development projects, schools, land managers and private landholders seeking specialist arboricultural input into biodiversity and habitat outcomes.