Operational Works Application OPW19/0284 - DA Form 1 & Plan

                                                                                  Consult Arborist

Site Findings
The subject tree is an aged Forest Red Gum which is displaying signs of being of advanced
age. Although its height of 12-16m is short for a tree estimated to be over 50 years old, its
exposed located and proximity to the sea would account for this. Throughout the canopy there
are a number of snapped branches including the main leader and these events would be the
result of different storms over the tree's life. The top or leader storm damage is the more recent
event evident and likely occurred during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie, over 2 years ago.

On attending site, it was evident that minor earthworks/landscaping had occurred at the base
of the embankment on which the subject tree was located. On removing some loose spoil, a
discussion was held with the contractors on site regarding the damage and severance to a
few surface roots that had occurred. The roots in question were no greater than 40mm in
diameter and appear to be secondary surface roots rather than main structural supporting
roots which are likely to be along and to the rear of the tree, into the embankment.

With the loss of the tree’s top and major side branches, the tree has a reduced canopy
mass/size on an over-sized trunk that has a diameter of 600-700mm.

The loss of the leader has caused the side branches to have grown out to create a spreading
canopy that encroaches over the grass area to the rear of the dwelling. General pruning to
manage the canopy spread and remove larger dead branches is recommended as proactive
maintenance and will assist in compensating for root loss.

It is proposed that the embankment area is mulched as part of the site embellishments which
will also assist with the tree's ongoing retention.




                                  F ;   -V
                                        .    '
    Picture 1: Existing embankment with minor     Picture 2: Canopy with past and historical storm
           excavation towards the base.                              damage




19_12_04_AA_St Baker_62 Park Rd                                                          Page 2 of 3