Operational Works Application OPW19-0033 · OPW19/0033

Consult Arborist

 

5 ARBORICULTURAL APPRAISAL

5.1 11

Tree 1 is a combination of two plants growing from the same location and incorporates an
establishing Giant Water Gum, Syzygium francisii, and a self-seeded Wattle, Acacia species.
Both of these trees are directly located within the path of the proposed driveway and have had
the ground scrapped around them to remove the asbestos in the past.

  

Picture 2: Trees 1 and Driveway alignment Picture 3: Tree 2 and minor earthworks

5.2 72

Tree 2 is an early-mature planted Scribbly Gum, Eucalyptus racemosa, in the past works to
remove the asbestos has removed turf and soil from the tree's root zone with exposed roots
remaining. These works do not appear to have caused the tree harm at this stage, however
the effects of root damage can manifest over a number of years rather than months. The
proposed minor earthworks the reduce the ridge and slope are likely to intrude on the tree to
depth, up to an estimated 40% of the tree's calculated root zone of 3.6m radius. This level of
encroachment is not recommended and is contrary to AS4070-2009 Protection of trees on
development sites.

If retained, and knowing the species habits, it is likely that this tree will cause its own issues
for the residents living adjacent to it, including continuous debris drop and sporadic and
unpredictable branch failure that increases over time as the tree ages. It will also develop a
root system that is likely to cause damage to the kerb and channel in the coming years. The
poor/shallow soils found on the cut of the road reserve will not support a deep rooting system
and only promote surface spreading roots.

 

19_02_07_AA_205 Blueberry Drive Page 8 of 11