Large tree removed at Woy Woy school

The last large gum tree at Woy Woy Public School has been removed.

The tree, located in the school's main playground, was deemed unsafe by a Department of Education arborist and was subsequently condemned.

"It is very unfortunate that our large and very old gum tree in the main school playground area needed to be removed," said principal, Ms Ona Buckley.

"Every year the school employs an arborist to check and report on the health and safety of all the trees in the school grounds.

"This tree has been on a watch and monitor for the last year.

"It was lopped to take out all dead branches and debris.

"In a recent storm a large branch broke out of the tree and smashed down on one of the long silver seats putting a very big dent in it.

"This could have been very dangerous if it had occurred during school hours," she said.

"The Asset Management Unit of the Department of Education was alerted with an urgent request to come and look at the tree and assess for any ongoing danger.

"An arborist was called in.

"The arborist was surprised at the deterioration of the tree within such a short timeframe since the last assessment in 2017.

"The arborist noted that it was now hollow and dying and would be dangerous.

"He stated that branches could continue to come down and given that it was hollow the whole tree was now compromised," Ms Buckley said.

Security fencing was ordered to barricade the tree fall area for everyone's safety until the tree and the stump were fully removed.

SOURCE:

Newsletter, 25 May 2018

Ona Buckley, Woy Woy Public School