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

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

 

 

3.2.5 Tree No 32- Euroschinus falcata (c.n. Ribbonwood)

3.3

3.4

This tree was identified by a council staff member, and due to my lack of
experience with the species, this identification is taken as true. McDonald et
al (1984, page 36) documents the tree as a small to medium sized tree endemic
to the coastal NSW and Queensland.

The tree is considered a mature specimen (20-80% of expected lifespan) based
on its size. Trunk DBH was measured at 370mm. Health and condition are
considered avcrage based on canopy density and twig growth.

Proposed Development Impacts
Assessment of development and construction impacts was donc using the
Lower Ground and Podium Plans by Arkhefield (dated 22" of January 2009).

Tree No 4 will have the driveway entrance on the eastern side along with
significant changes to the structures and area around it in the form of paving
and building construction.

‘Tree No 28 will have the existing raised garden bed all but removed with
exteisive paving on the easter side and building construction on the northern
side.

Trees No 30, 31 and 32 will have the raised garden bed removed with building
construction on the northern side and paving all around, including level
changes.

New and Existing Street Trees.

Recent renovations of Hastings Street have resulted in new strect trees being
‘ existing : street trees having extcnsive changes around them.

ily’ limitations ard ‘construction impacts are bécoming evidént with the

new landscaping and renovations, although one‘part shows what good design

may achieve.

 
  

 

The:cxisting Ficus benjamina is currently suffering from construction impacts
that occurred during the Hastings Strect renovation. {t appears that the
previous soil levels have been lowered and damage done to the root system
(see photo No 6). This species has a high tolerance to root disturbance, but
canopy coverage, foliage density and twig dieback (see photo No 7) indicate
that whatever construction occurred around the tree did considerable damage
and/or has severcly reduce or restricted the root system.

The new strect tree plantings have been planted into less than optimal spaces
in the pavement with trec grates. Assessment of the spccics, their cstimated
trunk sizes at maturity and the required zone of expansion for major woody
roots and trunk buttressing found that the plaiiting areas in the pavement are
less than optimum for future growth. Added to that the installation of tree
grates has already started to cause conflict and limitation to one tree (see photo
No 8).

 

Leaf and Limb Horticultural Consultancy®
Prepared by Samuel Cowie 29” of January 2009