17 March
The large Eucalyptus tree in the Springwood Civic Centre car park requires removal and will be cordoned off until the removal takes place
The tree has been deemed dangerous after a detailed inspection by a consulting arborist and given the poor assessment, Council has decided to remove this tree to ensure the risk to the public are eliminated..
Over the past 6 months it has been noted that the E. nicholii located at the end of the Springwood Civic Centre car park (photos attached) has been dropping limbs more frequently. As a result Council’s Public Lands Tree Officer was requested to inspect the tree. On visual inspection the tree appeared to be healthy and stable however there were signs of white rot which was noticeable on a section of the branch stub that had recently failed. This observation would indicate that the tree may not have the structural integrity needed to support such a large specimen and may lead to additional failures.
A more detailed inspection has been undertaken using Picus Sonic Tomography (PST) to confirm the density of sound wood.
An independent arborist, Angophora Consulting Arborist, inspected the tree using the Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) method and a Picus Sonic Tomograph test. Angophora Consulting Arborist prepared a report for council which stated in part:-
The tree a Eucalyptus nicholii Narrow leaf peppermint was found to be in good health and condition the foliage colour and density was good. The tree though healthy was found to have several structurally defects and signs of Decay.
The Picus Sonic Tomograph test shows the trunk of the Eucalyptus nicholii, Narrow leaf peppermint to have very little sound wood.
The Picus Sonic Tomograph test supplied useful information and based on the calculations with extensive damage shown by the Picus Sonic Tomograph there is no other conclusion than to condemn the tree as a hazardous tree situated this close to urban dwellings car parking and walkways with primary school students using this access. With the Picus Sonic Tomography supporting what visible damage can be seen.
The tree should be removed, the stump ground, and all stump grindings be removed.
The report also recommends that “As the tree is a large shade tree admired by many locals the Tree should be replaced with another tree appropriate to the surrounding landscape design preferably a native endemic to the area”.
Council is currently arranging to remove the above tree tree and in the interim is carrying out regular inspections and will fence off the area if deemed necessary. Council will also arrange to re-plant with a suitable replacement tree once the removal has taken place.
We will also ensure that the call centre, Springwood office and library and the Springwood Neighbourhood Centre are informed of the tree removal so that enquiries can be handled efficiently.