Fallen Tree during storm Brisbane tree damage storm

Emergency Storm Damage Tree Services in Brisbane: What to Do After a Storm Hits

When a severe storm strikes Brisbane, it can leave behind a trail of destruction, including damaged trees that pose a significant risk to properties and safety. With storms becoming more frequent and severe, knowing what to do and who to call for assistance in such emergencies is crucial. In this article we outline the necessary steps to take after a storm hits, focusing on accessing emergency storm damage tree services in Brisbane.

Assess the Situation

After a storm, the first priority is to assess the extent of the damage, especially concerning trees on your property. Look for signs of structural damage, such as broken branches, uprooted trees, or leaning trunks. However, remember only to do this when it’s safe to do so. Keep safety in mind and stay clear of any trees that appear unstable or could potentially fall.

Secure the Area

If you identify any immediate hazards, such as fallen branches blocking pathways or damaged trees endangering nearby structures, take measures to secure the area. Block off the affected area to prevent access and inform others to stay away until professionals arrive to assess and address the situation. Again, only do this if it’s safe to do so. 

Contact Emergency Tree Services

In the event of storm damage to trees in Brisbane, it’s essential to contact emergency tree services promptly. These professionals are equipped to handle urgent situations and can safely assess and mitigate tree-related risks. Look for reputable tree service companies with experience in storm damage response, such as Trees Palms & Stumps (TPS Tree Services), who offer emergency storm damage tree services in Brisbane.

Expert Assessment

Once emergency tree services arrive, they will conduct a thorough assessment of the storm damage. This assessment includes identifying compromised trees, evaluating their structural integrity, and determining the best course of action to address the damage safely and efficiently.

Tree Removal or Restoration

Depending on the severity of the damage, the tree service professionals may recommend either tree removal or restoration efforts. In cases where trees are beyond salvageable or pose an immediate danger, removal may be necessary to ensure safety. However, if the tree can be saved through pruning, bracing, or other restoration techniques, the experts will outline the appropriate steps to take.

Insurance Assistance

Dealing with storm damage to trees can be overwhelming, especially when navigating insurance claims. Storm damage tree services in Brisbane, such as TPS Tree Services offer assistance with insurance claims related to storm damage. They can provide documentation, assessments, and guidance throughout the claims process to help you recover the costs of necessary tree services.

Preventive Measures

After addressing the immediate aftermath of a storm, it’s crucial to consider preventive measures to minimise the risk of future tree damage. Regular tree maintenance, including pruning, trimming, and inspections by certified arborists, can help identify and address potential hazards before they escalate into emergencies.

Conclusion

Storm damage to trees can pose significant risks to properties and safety. Knowing what to do after a storm hits, including accessing storm damage tree services in Brisbane, is essential for prompt and effective response. By following the steps outlined in this article and seeking assistance from reputable tree service professionals, you can ensure the safety of your property and mitigate the impact of storm damage on your trees.

TPS Tree Services provide professional storm damage tree services in Brisbane. We offer 24/7 emergency storm damage tree services in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, so you can rest assured help is at hand when you need it. With 19 years’ experience, we are the trusted tree service provider locals turn to confidently. We are fully licensed and pride ourselves on delivering only the highest level of services to clients, no matter the size of the job. Reach out to us for storm damage tree services, tree removal, stump grinding and more. 

Professional tree removalist cutting tree with chainsaw - professional tree removal service Brisbane

7 Reasons To Hire Professional Tree Removal Services in Brisbane

Queenslanders love having trees on their property. Whether it’s for aesthetic reasons, attracting native birds or simply a means of being connected to nature, it’s not uncommon to find a tree or three in a Brisbane backyard.  However, unfortunately every now and then trees need to be removed – they might be dead or diseased, causing problems with pipes or other essential infrastructure or simply be unsafe to keep. Whatever the reason, when removing a tree from your property using a professional tree removal service in Brisbane is always recommended. Here are the 7 reasons why.

Safety

Tree removals pose multiple safety hazards, including falling branches, overlapping electrical wires, decayed branches/roots and other hazards which only professional tree removalists can handle safely. Going it alone without proper knowledge and the right tools and equipment can put you, your family, friends, pets and anyone else on your property at risk.

No matter how careful and prepared you may think you are for executing the task, there are certain things that only the trained eye of a professional tree removalist can identify and deal with such as decayed roots that could break if weight is placed on them. A professional tree removalist is trained to safely climb a tree if required, while also being able to determine when it’s not safe to do so.

TPS provides professional tree removal services in Brisbane. We are equipped with the right tools and expertise that ensure tree removals are completed safely without causing harm to themselves, your property, or anyone else.

Expert Advice

Apart from knowing how to safely remove trees, a professional tree removalist can appraise you about whether or not there’s a need to remove a tree in the first place. Suppose you hire a professional tree removal service to remove what you believe is a damaged tree. A professional tree removalist can review and advice if there are any chances for restoration. They can advise you on the best course of action, whether that be removal, restoration, pruning, or something else.

Liability Risks

While not common, accidents can happen to even a professional while removing a tree. However, if an incident happens at your property, it won’t result in liability or cost to you as a professional tree removal service will have insured, any injury or damage that may occur during the removal process will be covered.

Right Equipment

If you decide to do the tree removal job independently, you may not have the required tools to carry out the removal accurately and safely. Purchasing specific tools for the job (which you’re likely to only use once), is a costly option.

Cleanup

Removing a tree can usually result in a bit of a mess. When hiring a professional tree removal service in Brisbane such as TPS Tree Services, this is one more thing you won’t need to worry about as clean-up is a part of the services provided, including options for removal of the tree.

Task Efficiency

Tree removal specialists have the skills, tools and ability to remove tress far more efficiently. The job will take half the time it would for someone that is not a professional. Rather than take hours out of your day, a better option is to leave the job to the experts and sit back, relax and spend your precious time doing what you want to do.

Accountability

In the off-chance that you notice something amiss post your tree-removal, you will be able to get any problems fixed by the specialists. TPS Tree Services are reputable, professional tree removalists in Brisbane that strive to provide customer satisfaction on every job. If ever clients are unhappy with the services provided, they provide assistance to right any wrongs. This isn’t a universal practice, however, so remember to always look for a professional tree removal service in Brisbane with years of experience and positive reviews.

Conclusion
If you need a tree removed from your property and can’t decide whether to go it alone or hire a professional tree removal service, consider the added benefits of hiring the experts. While doing it yourself would be “free”, when taking into account important factors such safety, getting a professional and accurate outcome, the time investment and effort and special equipment required, the cost of hiring a professional tree removal service significantly outweighs the cost of doing it yourself.

TPS Tree Services provide professional tree removal services in Brisbane with 19 years’ local experience. We are fully licensed and pride ourselves on delivering only the highest level of services to clients, no matter the size of the job and our client reviews are testament to this.

4 Common Reasons for Tree Removal

Keeping trees on our properties is important for the environment. However, tree removal is sometimes necessary to protect other trees in the yard and the building structures on the property. For that reason, the ultimate tree service provider in Brisbane – TPS Tree Lopping – has decided to help you understand when you need to seek a professional tree removal service.

Common Reasons for Tree Removal

  1. Hazardous Trees

One of the major reasons for tree removal is danger. In other words, the tree is likely to fall and cause damage to the property and even put people at risk of injuries. Therefore, you need to look for signs and check all your trees. But, such signs may not be easily noticeable to the untrained eye, which is why you should ask for expert tree service. And, if you are in Brisbane, don’t hesitate and call TPS Tree Lopping to inspect your trees and offer further treatment, maintenance, or tree removal.

  1. Root Encroachment

Next on the list of the common reasons for seeking tree removal service is root encroachment. This has become a huge problem in urban areas where the yards get smaller and smaller, thus not leaving enough space for trees to grow properly. Some tree roots can grow up to four times the area of the crown meaning that roots grow outside your property and are likely to cause damage to existing structures and water pipes. In this case, your tree service provider should remove the tree and any surface roots, and the remaining roots that are deeper underground will eventually die and break down.

  1. Dead Trees

Similar to hazardous trees, a dead tree requires immediate tree removal because it’s only a matter of time before it will fall and pose danger to your family and home. When a tree is dying, it loses its strength and ability to withstand storms because the roots that keep the tree upright begin to die and after several years the 1-3 ton tree will be kept anchored by only a few inches of trunk. A heavy wind or prolonged rain periods will for sure break off branches or even bring the entire tree down and pose danger to your house and family members.

  1. Excessive Debris

Last but not least, people sometimes ask for tree removal service mainly because the tree drops excessive debris and tree leaves block up gutters and drains. If this debris is left uncleaned, it can cause water or plumbing damage. But that’s not all! If you are in the fire zone, gutters with leaves make your home become fuel for a fire and must be cleaned regularly because otherwise, your home can burn down in no time. To avoid this issue, call your tree service company to help you minimize leaf litter by pruning your trees.

Regardless of the reason for tree removal, TPS Tree Lopping is here to complete the job professionally. So, give them a call today!

4 Common Fungi which affect Trees and How to Treat Them

Even though it might not often cross your mind, trees get sick just like we do. Tree diseases can have many negative consequences on tree health including discoloration, impaired growth, poor canopy, and failure to thrive. If left untreated, diseased trees will eventually die.

Therefore, if you don’t want any dead trees in your garden, ensure you seek professional help from the number one Brisbane company offering the best tree service. Once you call, an experienced arborist will come and inspect your problem tree/s, look for disease signs, and provide a further treatment recommendation.

Now, let’s have a look at the most common tree diseases in Brisbane and how should they be treated:

Common Tree Diseases in Brisbane

  1. Myrtle Rust

According to many tree service companies in Brisbane, plants like Paperbark tree, Lilly Pilly, Bottlebrush tree, and Eucalyptus usually suffer from this fungal disease. Myrtle rust spreads quite fast and can be quite serious since it damages and attacks growing leaves and young stems, fruit, and flowers. If you have any of the above-mentioned plants, or some other from the Myrtaceae family, in your yard check whether they have purple spots with yellow spores. And, if they do, contact your tree service company asap.

  1. Anthracnose

Anthracnose is another disease that affects a great range of trees and plants so it is very likely that you will come across it at some point. It is characterized by sunken legions and holes in stems, flowers, and leaves, and is most likely to be found in damp and humid areas. Therefore, since the climate in Brisbane is pretty humid, anthracnose thrives. Just make sure you seek professional tree service help if you notice any signs of the disease.

  1. Cypress Canker

Here’s yet another fungal disease affecting Brisbane trees. If you notice that the branches on your trees have deep red cankers, then they suffer from Cypress canker. Unfortunately, this group of fungus spreads fast and once one branch gets infected, it turns yellow and spreads the disease to the other branches. If the entire tree gets infected, you should probably seek for tree removal service to avoid other trees getting infected with the same disease.

  1. Phellinus Noxius

This tree disease is also known as brown root rot and is another fungus disease affecting Brisbane trees. To be more specific, they infect the root and lead to root rotting and decay. After some time, the tree wouldn’t be able to get the water and nutrients needed because the roots won’t be able to pass them on. And, similar to the previous one, if your tree service provider concludes that your tree is infected by this fungus, they should probably perform both tree removal and stump removal.

The Bottom Line

It is of utmost importance that you seek immediate expert tree service help in case you notice any of the above-explained signs of these diseases. Since they all spread fast, timing is crucial. Thus, call TPS Tree Lopping today and arrange a professional tree inspection.

3 Important Tips to Prepare for Tree Removal

If you are thinking of removing a tree from your backyard, you need to plan carefully. You can hire stump grinding Brisbane professionals for the job. When you decide to bring down your tree on your own, you may sustain injuries.  This is the main reason why hiring a professional is preferred. Tree removal becomes necessary when its poses risk to you and your family members. The process of getting rid of your tree should be smooth and free from any risk.

Here is how you can prepare yourself for tree removal:

1. Find the condition of the tree

It becomes imperative to discover the condition of the tree. This will help you find out how much time and effort the entire procedure require. If the tree is healthy, its roots will be spread deeply and you will need a powerful tool and more time to bring it down. Meanwhile, weaker trees will take less time in removal as the roots are not that solid. You can try hitting at the tree’s bark and listening for a hollow sound. It will help you asses the condition of the tree. You should also seek a leading tree removal service for the job.

2. Yard cleaning

It is necessary to clear the yard before you take up the task of tree removal. It will help in accommodating the falling tree. Therefore, anything that can be moved should be removed from the site. The team of experts will decide on an appropriate working area for dropping and cutting the tree. Also, the cleaning must be ideally double the height of the tree. If that’s not possible, the tree should be cut into parts. The tree cutting service will decide two escape routes. The first one will provide an exit when the tree falls in a planned direction. Meanwhile, the second one will offer an exit route if the tree falls in an unplanned direction.

3. Equipment preparation

You will come across many useful tools and protective gear when you decide to remove your tree from the backyard. The tools and equipment may include a chainsaw, axe, rope, helmet, gloves, and protective glasses among others. If you are planning to hire professionals, they will organise a pre-run check of their equipment. This will help in identifying any faulty equipment before the work on the tree begins. Also, the pre-run is useful in eliminating any risk of accidents as a result of damaged equipment.

Conclusion

The above tips will help you prepare to eliminate your tree from your garden in a hassle-free manner. You can get in touch with Brisbane tree services if you are planning to bring down your tree. Also, you should not wait to cut a tree when it grows old or when you plan to construct something. You might opt to bring down the tree so that it won’t be victim to changing weather conditions or heavy storms. It is necessary to hire professional arborists to identify the condition of your trees regularly.

4 Things You Should Avoid Doing to Your Landscaping Trees

Trees and flowering plants make our lives beautiful. Taking good care of them enhances the beauty of your garden and adds a touch of class. Trees are possibly the best friend one can have. But the result will depend on as an owner how much you take care of the trees. To avoid any situation related to stump removal, nurturing is much needed. Now, let us see the things you should not do to your trees:

1. Caring Too Much for Your Trees

When taking care of your trees, mulching and staking are two of the maintaining practices that need to be done. These need to be practiced on newly planted trees. But what do mulching and staking do? If you practice mulching and staking on the trees, it helps your trees to grow to the optimal height. This also helps to protect the trees from damage due to heavy winds. But this practice can also bring destruction to your trees if not done correctly. This is because some trees do not need staking and mulching like other trees as they are independent and grow on their own. Therefore, too much staking can cause damage to the bark and other abnormal growth of the trees. Tree loppers should have an idea about which trees need mulching as it can hurt the bark and root functioning.

2. Girdling the Trees

Nowadays it is very common in our neighbourhoods to find trees that have girdles. Girdles are mainly used by the owners to cushion the crepe myrtle from the lawnmower. But many studies show the result is negative in for the tree. Girdling often results in strangling the tree which compromises the growth and development. Some owners cover the base of the tree trunk with metal or plastic. This should not be done and should be completely avoided.

3. Limiting the Sunlight

Sunlight plays an important role for all plants and helps them in photosynthesis. Most species need ample sunlight to survive such as conifer species, pine, willow, etc. Make sure all of your trees get good exposure to sunlight otherwise they will eventually die. Dead trees require removal. And you should note that tree removal has become a little bit expensive, especially if there are a lot of trees.

4. Give It a Thought before Planting a Tree

You can spend thousands of dollars to plant beautiful trees and watch them grow only to see them cut down by the electricity utility team. Before planting a tree, make sure you plant it away from such a working area. Choose a tree that can grow to a height less than an electrical wire if you have wires in your area.

Bottom Line

Taking good care of your trees is important as they will grow and shine naturally with help of your little nurturing. If any problem occurs, you can call a stump grinder to clean the area.

The Potential Benefits of Tree Lopping

Tree lopping is a popular method of trimming the trees through the lopping of branches. It is an effective way to control sickness in trees. This helps to remove the diseased part of the tree that is no longer in good condition to promote the growth and longevity of the rest of the tree. Though tree lopping Brisbane helps to take care of our trees, many of us do not know the actual reasons behind tree lopping. Apart from giving an aesthetic look and beauty to your garden, there are many more benefits. Let us see some of the potential benefits of tree lopping:

1. Improves the Health of a Tree

To increase the overall health and the lifespan of a tree, lopping by a skilled person is vital. Often certain parts of the tree are prone to death due to disease or pests or even lack of sunlight. Lopping helps in removing sections of the tree or sometimes an entire branch to help the tree survive by optimising its growth.

2. Increase the Growth of a Tree

Often during thunderstorms, the biggest danger to houses, roads, or even bystanders is created by dead trees. Such trees can become hollow from inside due to disease or other biological reasons. If these trees are taken care of on time by a professional then the chances of them succumbing to the high winds and causing damage and destruction become far less than being left alone. Many a time a tree stump is all that is left alone and this can also be taken care of with the help of tree stump removal.

3. Structure of a Tree

In many cases, we see trees that are planted for aesthetic appeal but the growth, shape, and size of the tree are hard to control. This often leads to trees taking on an unsightly appearance. Fortunately, tree lopping, as an exercise, is very useful in modifying the overall shape and proportion of a tree. It involves the careful removal of certain branches of the tree to direct growth in a favourable shape and direction. This leads to an increase in the aesthetic appeal of the tree while keeping its growth stable for a long period. A tree service every few months from a good company is much needed to keep trees beautiful.

4. Control Accidents like Breakage of Powerlines or Catching Fire

Trees are an important source of oxygen and are useful to humans in multiple ways. One can safely say that they are one of the important natural sources for us. But the same trees can become a source of danger when you add a powerline in the mix. Dead tree branches spell trouble for powerlines. Not only do these branches lead to breakage of powerlines during rowdy weather but conversely also paves a way for a tree to catch fire. If any such accidents occur, tree removal Brisbane will be available to remove any such fallen tree.

Bottom Line

Make sure that you call a good professional or a good company for tree lopping. They can confidently tell you all the actions that need to be taken.

Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal

Though tree stumps might not seem like a big issue it can be dangerous in many ways. They are not only hazardous for the health of your yard but also for your family. Tree stumps can be a major tripping hazard for children, pets, and old people and can cause serious injury. They can also prevent your garden from getting proper maintenance because they need to be worked around by mowers and other tools.

First of all, one thing everyone should keep in mind that stump grinding should not be done by homeowners or gardeners. If you attempt to grind or remove a stump on your own, you can end up damaging your tools, your property, and yourself. Both of these methods of tree felling should strictly be done with the help of professionals and their machinery.

What is stump grinding?

A tree grinder is a piece of heavy machinery that should be operated by a trained professional to remove the entire tree stump. The machine is powered by a petrol engine and consists of a hydraulically controlled arm and a cutting wheel. The wheel spins at a very high speed that cuts through and grinds the tree stump.

Stump grinding is one of the most effective forms of stump removal. It ensures the elimination of ants, bees, snakes, and any other pests.

Advantages of a stump grinder:

  • It is a very quick and effective method
  • It is less intrusive than stump removal
  • It is also considered eco-friendly and you can also use the leftover wood as you like it
  • This method leaves you with a flat area
  • Tree stump removal cost is also pocket-friendly

Disadvantages of stump removal:

  • Tree roots remain
  • This is potentially much messier than another method unless done by a good professional

What is stump removal?

This method is sometimes called stump-pulling. It requires the removal of the entire stump, including the roots. This is intrusive and requires a lot of force and machinery and hence, calling for professional help is necessary. While stump removal eliminates the stump entirely, it also creates a big hole in your yard.

Advantages of stump removal:

  • Eliminates the stump from the roots
  • Prevents regrowth of tree

Disadvantages of stump removal:

  • Typically costlier than stump grinding as this requires a lot of work
  • Is more intrusive than stump grinding
  • Leaves a huge hole in the yard which looks very unattractive and needs to be filled
  • This not so eco-friendly as the stump must be disposed of and often cannot be reused

Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal: Which method is better

Though most stump removal companies offer both methods, some homeowners like to choose stump decay and decompose naturally, but this method takes time and encourage pests. The best method often depends on your requirements and purpose. If you want your tree removal cost to be low, you should look into the stump grinding option. If you want a method that removes the entire tree from the roots, you should go for the stump-pulling option.

5 Common Tree Pruning Mistakes

We all want to keep our garden and lawn looking lush and healthy. But when trees become tall or unruly, it is a good time to give them a trim. You can go for tree lopping services or you can easily do it yourself with the help of a few tools and tips. You do, however, need to avoid a few common mistakes while pruning your trees. Let us see some common mistakes people make while tree pruning:

1. Trimming the top of the tree

Trimming the top of the tree might seem an easy and good thing to do but it is not. People often make this mistake. You should never trim the top of a tree. Tree topping leads to the growth of suckers (also called water sprouts). These twig-like thin sprouts can be visible after you trim the top of your tree. These sprouts affect the growth of the tree. So, always remove these suckers from the top of your tree as soon as you find them.

2. Cutting at the trunk

Tree and stump removal might sound easy but it takes a lot of work. One of the common mistakes people make is they cut the tree at the junction of a branch and a trunk. This is also known as branch collar cutting. This is a big mistake because when you cut a branch right down to its connection with the tree, you create an entry point for infection or decay. The trunk always needs to be protected. You should avoid collar cutting to maintain tree health.

3. Cutting the largest branch

Like humans or any other creature, trees can experience a kind of pain and trauma. You create such traumatic damage to your tree if you cut off its biggest branches. The bigger branches are more important for your trees, avoid cutting them if you do not want to harm the tree.

4. Damaging the bark

The first thing to do when you want to trim a tree is to plan. Always plan your work properly and then execute. Try not to harm the tree by cutting the biggest branch and then finishing the work. You also shouldn’t damage the bark of the tree. Maintaining the safety of the bark of the tree is very important for the overall health of the tree. When cutting a heavy branch of the tree, make sure you take it nice and easy so that it won’t break or harm the bark.

5. Pruning too much

People often prune too much when they first begin to prune. This is also termed as lion tailing or over-pruning. Beginners often make this mistake and it can lead to big damage to the tree. It can cause issues like rotting of the tree, the growth of suckers, branch breakage, and more. Brisbane tree lopping specialists can help you with further information.

Bottom Line

If you are new to tree pruning, you should try to avoid the above-mentioned mistakes people commonly make. Stump grinding prices are usually high but they vary from one company to another. You can check online for more information on this.

5 of the Worst Trees to Plant near Your House

 

TPS (Trees, Palms, and Stumps) Tree Lopping is here to help you plan your landscaping and give you advice on which trees you shouldn’t plant near your house.

So, if you wished for some of the following trees, you’d better think twice and consult the best tree service company in the Brisbane, Redlands, Logan, and Gold Coast area – TPS Tree Lopping. Its professional and well-experienced arborists will definitely help you make the right choice.

Now, let’s see which are, the top 5 worst trees to plant near your house:

  1. Fig Tree

In general, figs grow well in the Gold Coast climate and are actually quite a common choice among people. However, even though they are such beautiful trees, figs aren’t the best tree choice since they do require a lot of space to grow. Namely, the roots of a fig tree are so invasive and span across large areas which means that you should plant figs within a minimum of a 25-meter radius of your house or any structures, pathways, underground plumbing, and fences.

  1. Tipuana Tree

Tipuana trees grow extremely large – up to 20 meters in height and 30 meters in width. Yes, they will provide your yard with excellent shade but do you really have the space? Similar to figs, tipuana tree roots are also really extensive, which is only one reason why you should avoid planting it. Second, tipuana tree produces helicopter-style seed pods which spread through the air quite easily. This means that you shouldn’t be surprised if you notice another tipuana growing on your lot.

  1. Cocos Palm

Also known as Queen Palms, cocos palms are also common on the Gold Coast. You can distinguish them from other palm types thanks to the tall smooth grey trunk and small berry seeds. But, why are cocos palms on the list of the worst trees to plant? The truth is, they are actually on the pest species list by the Gold Coast City Council, meaning that cocos palms are very fast-growing and spread seeds on their own. So, you’d better consult a professional arborist if you don’t want to ask for palm tree removal later.

  1. Bamboo

Yes, bamboos are not technically trees, yet people think of them as such and wish to have them in their yards. But, did you know that bamboos are actually one of the fastest growing plants in the entire world? Sounds amazing, right? On the Gold Coast, depending on the bamboo type, it can grow up to 12 meters and more. In other words, bamboos provide great privacy but they also make remarkable debris and need constant maintenance. If you leave your bamboo without professional arborist’s service, it can easily transform your yard into a dense forest.

  1. Poinciana Tree

And last but not least, and similar to the first two on the list, you should avoid planting poincianas because their root system is quite invasive and large. But, that’s not all! Even though they are extremely lovely when in bloom, their wide and low growing canopy requires ‘the right space’ to grow. If planted near any structures, constant directional pruning is needed, which can affect the symmetry of the canopy. So, you’d better avoid them, too!

For any other professional advice, get in touch with TPS Tree Lopping and let them help you transform your yard into a lovely-looking, paradise-like place to relax in.