OPW15/0195 Supporting Information- Clearing Vegetation

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An examination of the dry cambial layer under intact bark revealed that the tree likely died
some time ago. Additionally there was no green material within several branches which
were tested.

It could not be determined when the tree had fallen. Discussionswith the building manager
and the contract maintenance arborist revealed that neither had any knowledge of the tree
failure. Previous decline in the vitality of the tree such as dying foliage had not been noticed.

Following discussions with an extension officer of the Qld Department of Agriculture and
Fisheries and submission of photographic evidence it was agreed that little purpose would
be served by testing for pathogenic fungi. The cause of death could be many fold but it is
concerning that a small She Oak (Tree No.5) nearby has died. Equally concerning is that
many trees can remain standing for decades after dying but the author has no specific
knowledge of the processesthat are typical for She Oak decline.

Had the tree fallen towards rather than away from the building it is almost certain that
there would have been some impact, if not damage or injury.

Management Implications

    1. Many pathogenic fungi thrive in wet conditions. Although no such fungi were
       isolated in this instance it is known that adjacent lawn irrigation spreads into the
       Conservation area. It would be advisable to ensure that such irrigation is directed
       towards the lawn area only.
    2. It is a known forestry principle that the faster a tree grows the lower its timber
       strength. It is entirely logical that irrigation will contribute to increased tree growth
       and that consequently its inherent stability is less than optimal. The detrimental
       effect that irrigation may have on the stability of large eucalypts in close proximity
       to the building cannot be overstated.
    3. It was noted that a nearby rainforest tree (Tree No.3) had undergone a mechanical
       failure part of the way along one of its lower limbs with no other apparent cause.
    4. Observation of all trees within the Conservation area for signs of ill health such as
       foliage which does not appear 'normal', thinning crown, dropped branches, leaning
       trunk, cracked or mis-shapen trunk, insect attack or fungal 'mushrooms' should be
       ongoing. Any concerns should be referred to a professional arborist immediately.




Taylor Ecology                     Arborist Report v3 - Sept 201S             Elandra, Noosa Heads