Trees identified for removal from arborist report

As part of Council’s recent arborist assessment program, ten (10) trees have been identified as having critical structural and health defects that pose an unacceptable risk to public safety.

These trees have been independently assessed by a qualified arborist. In each case, the condition of the tree has been determined to be beyond what can be managed through pruning or other maintenance practices.

Summary: Tree Removals

10 trees identified for immediate removal following independent arborist assessment.
Tree numbers: 38, 55, 65, 70, 98, 106, 152, 168, 175, 185 (see full assessment reports for details).
These trees have significant structural defects and health issues that pose an unacceptable safety risk.
Removal is the only safe option — pruning or treatment is no longer effective.
Replacement planting will commence on Casino Road and Logan Street.
See also Pin Oak Tree Update

Example photos of critical trees

Identified Trees

The following trees have recommended for immediate removal. Tree Numbers: 38, 55, 65, 70, 98, 106, 152, 168, 175, 185.

All 10 trees have a Risk Rating of “13 Critical – Failure imminent, but moderate potential for injury/property damage.”

Tree ID #	Health	Tree Location	Safe Usual Life Expectancy	Summary of Arborist Assessment	Recommendation by Arborist
38	Poor	Northern side of Casino Road, 35m west of East Street intersection	4B – Removal (dead/dying/declining)	Severe decline with root crown rot, hollow trunk, Armillaria/Phytophthora infection. Structurally unstable and unsafe to retain.	Remove tree and grind stump.
55	Poor	Southern side of Casino Road, 10m east and opposite power pole 19	4C – Removal (structural/damage/instability)	Major structural defects including dead limbs and significant root crown rot with fungal activity. In advanced decline.	Remove tree and grind stump.
65	Fair	Northern side of Casino Road, 3m east of entrance to property number 14 Casino Road	4C – Removal (structural instability)	Codominant structure failure, severe cracking, hollow areas, reactive growth and hazardous hanging limb present.	Urgent removal recommended.
70	Poor	Southern side of Casino Road, 18m east of entrance to property number 27 Casino Road	4D – Removal (decay/defects)	This tree has lost more than half of the canopy due to decay. Remaining structure unstable and hazardous.	Remove tree and grind stump.
98	Fair	Southern side of Casino Road, 138m west of Bellevue Road intersection	4C – Removal (structural instability)	Major decay throughout tree. Structural instability present. Not suitable for retention.	Remove tree and grind stump.
106	Fair	Northern side of Casino Road, 135m east of 50km speed zone sign	4C – Removal (structural instability)	Widespread decay and structural instability. Tree is in serious decline and unsafe.	Remove tree and grind stump.
152	Poor	Western side of Logan Street, outside 170 Logan Street	4C – Removal (structural instability)	Severe decline following storm damage, large dead limbs present, hazardous limb over roadway. Unstable and unsuitable for retention.	Urgent removal required.
168	Fair	Western side of Logan Street, outside 190 Logan Street	4D – Removal (structural instability)	Cracked leader hanging in canopy, very poor condition overall, significant decay at base, structurally unsafe.	Remove tree and grind stump.
175	Poor	Southern side of Cowper Street intersection, 120 west of Pelham Street intersection	4B – Removal (dead/dying/declining)	Severe decline and instability. Tree is unsafe and deteriorating rapidly.	Remove tree and grind stump.
185	Fair	Southern side of Cowper Street intersection Street, 10m east, opposite power pole 6047	4C – Removal (structural instability)	Storm-damaged canopy with broken limbs over roadway, fungal infection, and extensive deadwood. Not suitable for retention in such a high traffic area.	Remove tree and grind stump.

See full details for each tree in the assessment reports provided by the arborist.

Council acknowledges the significant value of Tenterfield’s trees and understands the important contribution they make to the town’s character for both our community and visitors.

The removal of any tree is not taken lightly, however these actions are necessary to protect community safety.

Council remains committed to maintaining and enhancing the town’s canopy for future generations through planned replanting where suitable and ongoing tree management.

FURTHER INFORMATION

What do arborist reports look at?

Some of our Pin Oak Trees have been assessed as having significant structural and/or health defects that may include:

Advanced internal decay or fungal infection
Large trunk cavities or hollows
Compromised root structure or stability
Major structural splitting or weakening
A high likelihood of failure (e.g. limb drop or tree collapse)

In these cases, the risk to people, property and infrastructure cannot be adequately reduced through standard tree management practices.

Why can’t these trees be retained?

Council’s approach is to retain trees wherever it is safe and practical to do so. However, for the trees listed above:

Structural integrity has been compromised
The condition is advanced and irreversible
Pruning or treatment would not sufficiently reduce risk

For these reasons, removal has been identified as the only safe and responsible option.

What happens next?

Council will proceed with the removal of these trees to ensure public safety. Council will commence replanting of trees along Casino Road and Logan Street to maintain the character of our streetscape and preserve Tenterfield’s seasonal canopy.