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

 

Seahaven Development Pty Ltd- 9-19 Hastings Sureet Noosa QLD 4567 10
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Photo No /1- showing the raised planter beds used for tree planting on the site
to the cast, which is not a good design for trees.

4 Discussion

4.1 Tree Root Development
Based on the research conducted, the majority of a trees root system will occur
in the top metre of soil (Perry 1982. page 198). The major woody roots
(25mm to >300mm in diameter) of a tree will radiate horizontally through the
top 200 to 300mm of soil, and have a distinct swelling or buttressing of the
trunk where they attach (Perry 1982, page 201), as seen in tree No 48 and 57
on the beach reserve side. In situations with sandy soils, roots will develop
deeper into the top 1 metre of soil, and also develop sinker roots that look for
moisture deeper within the soil strata.

These major woody roots will decrease in diameter between | to 4 metres
{rom the trunk before forming an extensive network of roots 10 to 25mm in
diameter. The larger the tree, then subsequently the larger the distance that the
major woody roots will extend from the trunk, before forming into rope roots.

Roots are opportunistic in nature, only growing where adequate supplies of
water, nutrients and oxygen are available. In this regard the presence of
structures around a tree will influence root distribution, sometimes limiting
root growth or funnelling root growth in one direction, thus make retention on
construction sites a much more difficult procedure.

 

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