'Potential risk' with significant tree

A tree at Empire Bay, listed on Council's Significant Tree Register, now poses a potential risk to the public due to its altered condition, according to a council report.

The report has recommended the Port Jackson Fig Tree be taken off the register, and removed from the ground, including the roots and remaining stump area.

It has also recommended that a "semi advanced" Port Jackson Fig Tree be replanted adjacent to the present trees location.

The substantial tree is located on the waterfront adjacent to 28 Sorrento Rd, Empire Bay, next to both a playground area, the main car park for reserve users and three residences.

According to the council report, it had declined significantly and was no longer in its registered state.

The report stated that "complaints have been received about the tree's condition and an inspection carried out on August 3 revealed the tree is approximately 15 metres in height and would be regarded as being in an over mature state."

The tree was open to both westerly and southerly winds, had a co-dominant trunk which was common in this type of tree, had a large basal cavity and damage to the major roots "in which root decay was a probability".

The report stated that the tree was suffering significant die back, root damage and is dropping limbs due to the stress and die back.

It stated that "in its current state this tree is a hazard as significant failure could impact on homes, park users and vehicles parked in the surrounding area" and that "in view of the high use of the area and the amount of dead wood the tree is carrying, the area has been para webbed".

A further report from the tree assessment officer stated that "it has been noted that this particular specimen's crown is currently in severe decline and has been for some time."

It goes on to state that there is also concern over a major defect of the tree where there is a large cavity at the fork of its co-dominant structure.

The report stated that it was considered that remedial works would not be successful for the long term safe useful life of the tree, stating that it was unlikely to recover.

The tree assessment unit supported the proposal to remove and replace the tree.

Council agenda CIT.8, September 6