Big Shot for native arboretum

The Crommelin Native Arboretum at Pearl Beach has acquired equipment for getting ropes and equipment into the tall canopies of its towering trees.

The acquisition is known as the Big Shot and has made the job of pruning trees easier, according to committee member Dr Robert Payne.

Big Shot is a large slingshot on a long fibre glass pole which allows a rope to be shot over branches at the very tops of the tallest trees.

These trees can be up to 37 metres high.

Big Shot can be used by one person but its operation is much easier if two extra people aim it.

When a dead branch cannot be pulled down with the rope, the operator has to scale the trunk of the tree and the rope is used to pass up the chainsaw and other equipment.

The Arboretum of Pearl Beach is a "museum of living trees" and is made up of remnant bushland together with planted native trees, said Dr Payne.

Consulting arborist Mr Mark Boyes is tasked with the job of operating the Big Shot and has emphasised the importance of pruning trees.

"If planted trees are not kept healthy, they won't serve their function of providing shade or protection and can even become a hazard," Mr Boyes said.

Dr Payne said the site looked better for having received the treatment of Big Shot.

"You feel a lot easier when you walk through it," he said.

The arboretum is always open to the public and anyone wishing to enjoy a walk along its paths.

It is asked that visitors do not bring dogs to the site.

Media release, 14 Aug 2013,

Esther Beaton, Crommelin Native Arboretum