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Damaged historic tree to be removed

An historic Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), in the Martin Walker Reserve, Yinnar South, which split during wind storms due to structural failure last month will be removed for public safety reasons.

By Latrobe City Council - 5th December 2003 - Back to News

Latrobe City’s Parks Officer, John Ruyg, explained that the tree had severe decay in the remaining base section and could not be saved.

"This huge tree, estimated to be around 250 years old was around 50 metres in height and was listed on the Australian wide Nationally Significant Trees register. The section that split away measured 45 metres in length and weighed between 35 and 40 tonnes.

"The section that remains has extensive decay at the base, too severe to be left standing. Regrettably, the tree will have to be removed shortly, as a matter of public safety both for those using the reserve and driving along Middle Creek Road," Mr Ruyg explained.

"Council has worked with the local Landcare group to ensure that seeds were collected from the fallen section. These seeds will be germinated and planted in the Yinnar area to re-vegetate degraded areas," Mr Ruyg said.

Mr Ruyg said that smaller branches were currently being removed from the fallen section of the tree.

"An excavator and other large plant will be setting up on site this week firstly to handle the fallen section and then to fell and clean up the section still standing. This is expected to take up to eight working days pending the weather conditions," Mr Ruyg explained.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss said that although it was sad to see such an historic tree being removed, the safety of the community was paramount.

"Over the years we have done everything possible to retain the tree. Dead limbs and branches that crossed over were pruned and Council carried out annual inspections on the tree to check for further signs of damage," Cr Middlemiss explained.

"It is just pleasing that we will be able to reuse the seeds of this magnificent specimen in the Yinnar area, and that the trunk sections can be displayed as testament to the tree that once towered so high in the reserve," Cr Middlemiss said.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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