08/1787 - Response to Information Request [As Published] · 132008.1787

Seahaven Development Pty Ltd- 9-19 Hastings Street Noosa QLD 4567

 

 

Summary

Seahaven Development Pty Ltd requested this arboricultural assessment and report for
the site of No 9-19 Hastings Street Noosa QLD. The inspection and this report has
been conducted to assess the trees located on the Hastings Street frontage as per
Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s information request, Item 4 to 6, regarding
application number 2008/1787.

Existing Tree Retention

Given the impacts on the cxisting site from the proposed development design and its
construction, there is no way to retain the five trees specified by council in a long term
heafthy 2 and structurally sound condition. The major impacts will.come from big
changes in surrounding soil and the removal of existing structures that have modified
root growth. These impacts are then compounded by the new structures and
pavement. .At best the trees would survive in a poor and declining condition,

therefore no long-term viability would be achieved.

The existing and newly planted street trees will most likely require replanting at the
end of the construction. Currently the retention of the Ficus benjamina isn’t
recotnmended, as the species is inappropriate for the space available and the recent
renovations have caused: problems for the tree. The best option Is to remove and
replace the street trees in Conjunction with designs that increase soil volume,
stormwater collection, and increased planting areas, thus creating a better outcome for
street tree plantings.

Design Limitations

The new. podium with. it: fragmented planter box beams represents only a minor
planting of trees underneath open spaces

> Only the: minimum amount of directional pruning
and maintenance io tnirimise conflict between the trees and the planter boxes.

  

This would consist of the use of directional pruning techniqués to devclop a single
trunk and appropriate canopy up and through the spaces Icft between the planter
boxes. Careful selection of tree stock would also be required so assist in the
development of a single dominant leading growth point. Ongoing tree maintenance
would also consist of careful branch pruning and training to give clearance of the
podium structures over the long term.

The current size of the planting beds appears adequate for the current tree specics
selected by LandGraphics. Also the design should insure that the trees are planted at
or slightly below pavement level and the raised planter beds filled with suitable plant
spccics (not filled to the top with soil). If the trees are planted at the top of the raised
bed this creates future problems with major woody roots impacting the walls and with
carly cstablishment of the trees.

Designing for Trees

Given the Hastings Strect environment and the benelits of good tree plantings on its
amenity, reason exists to implement the best options for tree establishment and
growth.

 

Leaf and Limb Horticultural ConsultancyO
Prepared by Mr Samuel A R Cowie 29" of January 2009