FAQs – Pin Oak Tree Management

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Why were the tree assessed?

Many of Tenterfield’s Pin Oaks are approaching 100 years of age. While these trees continue to contribute significantly to the town’s character and amenity, trees can develop structural defects, disease and decline over time.

Following growing concerns, Council engaged an independent arborist to assess 203 trees to better understand the condition of the town’s mature Pin Oaks and identify any risks requiring management.

The assessment examined each tree individually and considered:

• Overall tree health and condition
• Structural integrity of roots, trunks and branches
• Evidence of disease, decay or damage
• Potential risk to people, property and infrastructure
• Likely future lifespan

The assessments help inform balanced tree management decisions that consider public safety and the important character and community value our trees provide.

Who carries out the assessments?

A qualified, independent arborist was engaged to assess trees in Logan Street, Cowper Street, Clarence Street and Casino Road (Bruxner Highway).

The arborist uses recognised industry standards and professional expertise to assess each tree and provide recommendations for its ongoing management.

What does an arborist look for?

Not all tree issues are visible from the outside. Some trees may appear healthy while having underlying structural weaknesses, disease or decay.

During an assessment, arborists consider:

• Tree health and condition
• Structural stability, including roots, trunk and branches
• Signs of disease, decay or damage
• Potential risks to people, property and infrastructure
• The tree’s expected lifespan

How are recommendations made?

Each tree is assessed individually based on its condition, location and level of risk.

Recommendations may include:

• Monitoring – ongoing observation and reassessment over time
• Maintenance – pruning or other works to improve health and safety
• Restricted access – temporary measures where required
• Removal – only when a tree is no longer safe or viable

Tree removal is always considered a last resort.

Why are some trees being removed?

Council understands that tree removal can be concerning for the community. Trees are only recommended for removal when it is necessary to protect people, property and infrastructure.

Removal may be recommended when:

• A tree poses a significant safety risk
• Disease or decay is advanced and cannot be treated
• The tree is structurally unstable
• The tree is unlikely to recover or has reached the end of its safe life
• The risk of failure cannot be managed through pruning or other treatments

In these cases, decisions are based on expert advice and the individual condition of each tree. While removal is always a last resort, some trees have been identified as presenting an unacceptable level of risk to the community.

Why remove a tree that still looks healthy?

A tree’s appearance does not always reflect its structural condition.

Some trees may have internal decay, root damage or significant structural weaknesses that are not visible externally.

Several of the trees recommended for removal have hollow trunks or large internal cavities. Cavities located near the base of the tree or around the root flare are particularly concerning because they weaken the tree’s foundation. During strong winds or severe weather, these defects can significantly increase the risk of failure.

Decisions are based on professional arboricultural assessments rather than appearance alone.

To support transparency, Council has made photographs and detailed assessment reports available on its website.

Can the tree be saved instead of removed?

Where possible, Council will retain and manage trees through appropriate maintenance and ongoing monitoring.

Many of the assessed trees have been recommended for reassessment over the next five years due to age-related decline, health concerns or environmental factors.

However, where a tree cannot be made safe or is unlikely to recover, removal may be the only responsible option.

What diseases are affecting trees in our area?

Some trees in our area are affected by naturally occurring pathogens that live in soil, roots and decaying timber. The most significant examples identified include Phytophthora Dieback, Armillaria Root Rot and Ganoderma Fungus.

These diseases can:

• Attack roots and reduce a tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients
• Cause internal fungal decay that weakens structural strength
• Spread through soil, water or root systems, depending on the pathogen
• Be difficult to detect in their early stages
• Be difficult or impossible to treat once established

The presence of one of these diseases does not automatically mean a tree is unsafe or must be removed. Management decisions are based on the tree’s overall condition, structural integrity, location and level of risk to people, property and infrastructure.

Will the trees be replaced?

Council is committed to replanting and proactive tree management to protect and preserve Tenterfield’s unique character and streetscapes for future generations.

Where suitable, replacement trees will be planted, subject to site conditions.

Council has already purchased 54 advanced Pin Oaks, with replanting scheduled to commence along Casino Road and Logan Street.

Opportunities to establish new tree avenues in suitable locations are also being explored to support the long-term renewal and preservation of Tenterfield’s famous autumn colours.

Many of Tenterfield’s mature Pin Oaks were planted during the 1930s. Since then, surrounding development and infrastructure have changed significantly. Future planting programs must ensure there is adequate space and suitable conditions for trees to grow, remain healthy and reach maturity.

Was the community consulted about this decision?

Tree risk management forms part of Council’s responsibility to maintain safe public spaces.

Where a significant safety risk has been identified, Council must act on professional advice to protect the community, visitors, property and infrastructure.

Following concerns about the long-term future of the tree avenues, the community was previously consulted on potential replacement planting options and species selection.

Where tree removal is necessary, Council remains committed to replanting with the same or similar species wherever appropriate, taking into account site conditions and community feedback received through previous engagement activities.

Where can I find more information?

Updates and supporting information are available through:

Council Website
Pin Oak Tree Update
www.tenterfield.nsw.gov.au/community/pin-oak-tree-update

Council Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/TenterfieldShireCouncil

Important Information

• Public safety is Council’s highest priority.
• Trees are not removed without professional assessment and expert advice.
• Decisions are evidence-based and supported by qualified arboricultural reports.
• Some actions cannot be delayed where an identified risk exists and Council has a responsibility to maintain safe public spaces.