TREE SPECIALISTS
Arborist Report An assessment on the health and structure of nine trees.
For: Nambucca Shire Council
SITE ADDRESS: River St, Macksville NSW 2447
23 February 2019 Prepared by Alyx Capper Diploma of Horticulture (Arboriculture)
Ref No: 3199
ARBPRO PTY LTD 150 Heritage Dr Telephone: 0400 822 848 ABN 84123994570 Moonee Beach Email: [email protected] NSW 2450 Web: www.arbpro.com.au Contents
Summary ...... 1 1 Introduction ...... 2 1.1 Background ...... 2 1.2 Aim ...... 2 1.3 The Trees...... 2 1.4 Disclaimer ...... 2 2 Methodology ...... 3 2.1 Visual Tree Inspection ...... 3 2.2 Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) ...... 3 2.3 Tree Life Expectancy and Significance ...... 3 2.4 Photos ...... 3 3 Observations ...... 4 3.1 Site Description ...... 4 3.2 The Trees...... 4 3.2.1 Tree Inventory ...... 5 3.3 Included Bark and Wind Exposure ...... 8 3.4 Cavities ...... 8 4 Discussion ...... 8 4.1 Harpephyllum caffrum (Kaffir Plum) – T1, T2, T5, T6, T7, T8 ...... 8 4.2 Ficus microcarpa var. Hillii (Hills Fig) – T3, T4 ...... 8 4.3 Melaleuca quinquenervia (Broad-leaf Paperbark) – T9 ...... 9 4.4 Tree Retention Value ...... 9 5 Recommendations ...... 9 References ...... 11 Appendix A – Photos ...... 12 Appendix B – Retention Value ...... 17 Appendix C – Glossary of Terms for Tree Inventory ...... 20 Appendix D – Replacement Tree Species ...... 21 Tree Waratah Fact Sheet ...... 22 Golden Penda Fact Sheet ...... 23 Ivory Curl Fact Sheet ...... 24
Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Summary
On 6 February 2019, Alyx Capper of Arbpro Tree Specialists, completed a ground level assessment of nine trees at River St, Macksville NSW 2447.
The inspection was initiated in regards to the health, structure and long-term sustainability of each tree.
Six trees (T1, T2, T5, T6, T7, T8) were identified as mature Harpephyllum caffrum (Kaffir Plum), which are exotic species native to South Africa. They were assessed as having a low retention value and their removal is recommended. It is recommended that they are replaced with an Australian native species that is better suited to the area.
Two trees (T3, T4) were identified as mature Ficus microcarpa var. Hillii (Hills Fig), which is native to Queensland. They were assessed as having a high retention value and they should be retained with some minor crown thinning. It is also recommended that a catch cable support system be installed in the over-extended north growing branches. This can be designed by Kayne Smith, AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist, from Arbpro Tree Specialists.
One tree (T9) was identified as a semi-mature Melaleuca quinquenervia (Broad-leaf Paperbark), which is native to New South Wales and Queensland. It was assessed as having a high retention value and it should be retained. Mulch should be applied to the base of the tree to reduce the likelihood of whipper snipper damage and there is no pruning working necessary at this stage.
The recommendations in this report were calculated using modern arboricultural techniques and aim to retain trees where can be done so safely and effectively without compromising tree health and longevity.
Figure 1 The trees at River St, Macksville.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 1 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
1 Introduction
1.1 Background Nambucca Shire Council has commissioned Arbpro Pty Ltd to prepare an arboricultural risk assessment on nine trees located on River St, Macksville NSW 2447.
The report was prepared for Mr Tim Woodward, employed as Green Space Coordinator, for Nambucca Shire Council.
1.2 Aim The aim of the inspection was to:
• Assess the current overall health and structural condition of nine trees. • Evaluate the relationship between the likelihood of failure and likelihood of impact. • Determine the potential consequences of the likelihood of failure and likelihood of impact. • Determine the retention value of the trees. • Make recommendations based on the results of the inspection.
1.3 The Trees The trees were inspected during a site visit on 6 February 2019. The site consists of 2 x Ficus microcarpa var. hillii (Hills Fig), 6 x Harpephyllum caffrum (Kaffir Plum), and 1 x Melaleuca quinquenervia (Broad-leaved Paperbark). In this report, the trees will be referred to as T1-T9.
1.4 Disclaimer The information in this report is for the use of the client and Arbpro Pty Ltd only. Arbpro limits the use of this document solely to the client and no permission is granted for the forwarding or reproduction of this report to any other parties. No responsibility will be accepted by any other use or interpretation of this report.
Any information provided from others about the condition of the trees and the site can only be assumptions.
All inspections are carried out using Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) methods from ground level only and do not include the use of any diagnostic devices.
Roots and internal defects that are now compartmentalised cannot be assessed as they are not visible. Arbpro cannot determine the structural integrity of internal defects or roots due to this reason.
Extreme and adverse weather conditions are unpredictable and can cause unexpected or inexplicable tree failure.
Trees are living organisms whose health and condition can change rapidly. The recommendations in this report are valid for twelve (12) months from the date of this report providing the site remains the same. If the site changes in any way, the report will be invalidated.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 2 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
2 Methodology
2.1 Visual Tree Inspection The inspection included the notation of the dimensions of the tree and an assessment of the health, structure and form.
Measurements of diameters at breast height (DBH) were taken with a diameter tape at approximately 1.4 metres from ground level and expressed in millimetres.
Measurements of diameter at base (DAB) were taken immediately above the root buttress and expressed in millimetres.
Tree heights and canopy spreads were estimated and expressed in metres.
A soil compaction test was carried out using a flat head screwdriver to test the penetration in to the soil.
The inspection included a visual examination of the tree from ground level only. The assessment did not include any woody tissue testing.
2.2 Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is a tree risk assessment program developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) based on its Best Management Practice (BMP) for Tree Risk Assessment.
The ISA BMP methodology uses two 4x4 risk matrices to produce a qualitive risk rating. The first matrix is used to determine the relationship between the likelihood of failure and the likelihood of impact. The second matrix generates a risk rating based on the potential consequences and the likelihood of failure and the likelihood of impact.
The ISA BMP is consistent with the International Standards Organisation (ISO) standards; ISO 31000 Risk Management ISO 31010 Risk Assessment Techniques, the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) A300 Part 9 Tree Risk Assessment, the German ‘Guideline for Traffic Safety Inspection of trees (2010)’ and other national standards. (ISA, 2016)
2.3 Tree Life Expectancy and Significance Tree Life Expectancy (TLE) was estimated based on the species, age, health and site condition of the tree. The tree retention value was determined by using the Retention Value - Priority Matrix of the IACA Significance of a Tree, Assessment Rating System (STARS)© (IACA, 2010). For further information, please refer to Appendix B – Retention Value, located at the end of this report.
2.4 Photos Photos were taken with an iPhone 8. No photos were enhanced or had any colour corrections applied to them.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 3 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
3 Observations
3.1 Site Description The trees are growing on the south side of Nambucca River and on the western side of Macksville Bridge. The majority of them are planted in the nature strip, between the footpath, the road, car parking spaces and powerlines. A foot path, foreshore walkway, public picnic tables and open grassed area are all within close proximity to the trees. On the opposite of the road are shops including, Australia Post, Café’s, NAB Bank and other general stores.
It is a popular area for locals and tourists to enjoy the river view and the site was considered to have a ‘frequent’ occupancy rate.
T9 T8 T6 T5 T4 T3 T7
T2
T1
NORTH
Figure 2 Aerial view of the trees at River St, Macksville. Photo couresy of Six Maps, accessed 6 February 2019.
3.2 The Trees Six trees (T1, T2, T5, T6, T7, T8) were identified as mature Harpephyllum caffrum (Kaffir Plum). Kaffir Plum are exotic trees that are native to South Africa. In its natural environment the tree may grow to 20m high and usually forms a single trunk. It has dark green leaves and tasty plum-like fruit, which are enjoyed by people, mammals and birds. In Australia, it is the fruit bat that enjoys them the most.
Two trees (T3, T4) were identified as mature Ficus microcarpa var. Hillii (Hills Fig). Hills Fig is native to Queensland and can grow to 20m high in its natural environment, however 15m is more typical in the urban environment.
One tree (T9) is a semi-mature Melaleuca quinquenervia (Broad-leaf Paperbark) that can be found growing naturally east of the Great Dividing Range in eastern Australia. In its natural habitat, it is a medium sized tree reaching a height of 15-20m.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 4 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
3.2.1 Tree Inventory
Tree Common Height Retention Botanic Name DBH (mm) Health Structure Age LCR Significance TLE Comments Ref Name (m) Value Tree growing in compacted soil adjacent to T2. A single trunk to 1m high, then divides in to 3 branches. Large exposed girdled root. Pruned for Harpephyllum 1 Kaffir Plum 6 640 Fair Fair M 75% Low 5-15yrs Low powerlines, crown lifted over footpath caffrum & road. Public picnic table beneath canopy. Bats attracted to fruit, which cause nuisance to picnic tables and footpath. Tree growing in compacted soil adjacent to T1. A single trunk to 1.8m high, then divides in to 5 branches. Cavity in trunk at 1.4m high. Pruned for Harpephyllum 2 Kaffir Plum 6 690 Fair Poor M 40% Low 5-15yrs Low powerlines, crown lifted over footpath caffrum & road. Public picnic table beneath canopy. Bats attracted to fruit, which cause nuisance to picnic tables and footpath. Both T3 & T4 are growing in a memorial garden bed. They have multiple stems growing from near ground level that show signs of included branch unions, which is quite typical of the species. They have been pruned for powerline T3 – 1060 Ficus microcarpa clearance on southern side, and has 3 & 4 Hills Fig 12 Good Fair M 75% High 15-40yrs High var. Hillii been crown lifted over footpath and T4 - 930 picnic tables. The crown contains dense foliage with good vitality and there are long branches growing in N, E & W directions (over footpath and picnic table). Some pruning cuts showing signs of good wound wood.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 5 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Tree Common Height Retention Botanic Name DBH (mm) Health Structure Age LCR Significance TLE Comments Ref Name (m) Value Tree growing in a garden bed with soft soil, adjacent to T6. A single trunk to 1.5m, then divides in to 3 branches. Pruned for powerlines, crown lifted Harpephyllum over footpath & road. Trunk has heavy 5 Kaffir Plum 7 490 Good Poor M 50% Low 15-40yrs Low caffrum lean to the north, with a spreading canopy reaching over stairs to foreshore. Bats attracted to fruit, which cause nuisance to picnic tables and footpath. Tree growing in a garden bed with soft soil, adjacent to T5. A single trunk to 1m, then divides in to 3 branches. Pruned for powerlines, crown lifted Harpephyllum 6 Kaffir Plum 7 690 Good Fair M 50% Low 15-40yrs Low over footpath & road. Spreading canopy caffrum to the north, over car park and picnic table. Bats attracted to fruit, which cause nuisance to picnic tables and footpath. Tree growing in compacted soil, adjacent to T8. A single trunk to 1.8m, then grows in to multiple stems. Several exposed girdled roots and sap oozing from the root crown and trunk. Bulging Harpephyllum trunk at height of previous pruning cut, 7 Kaffir Plum 8 790 Good Poor M 60% Low 5-15yrs Low caffrum bulge is consistent with signs of internal decay. Branches in contact with lights and signs. Spreading canopy over car par, footpath, picnic table and stairs. Bats attracted to fruit, which cause nuisance to picnic tables and footpath. Tree growing in compacted soil, adjacent to T7. A single trunk to 1.8m, then grows in to multiple stems. Minor Harpephyllum decay on exposed roots. Spreading 8 Kaffir Plum 7 750 Good Fair M 50% Low 5-15yrs Low caffrum canopy with long branches over picnic table and stairs to foreshore. Bats attracted to fruit, which cause nuisance to picnic tables and footpath.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 6 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Tree Common Height Retention Botanic Name DBH (mm) Health Structure Age LCR Significance TLE Comments Ref Name (m) Value Co-dominant union at 0.5m with minor inclusion. Tree growing in a small Melaleuca Broad-leaf 9 12 570 Good Fair SM 80% High 15-40yrs High memorial garden bed. Tree has been quinquenervia Paperbark pruned for powerlines and footpath clearance. Table 1 Tree inventory.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 7 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
3.3 Included Bark and Wind Exposure Bark inclusions act like cracks in having no resistance to tensile (pulling) stress and little resistance to shear (sliding) stress. They can lead to the tearing apart of forks and branch crotches and are one of the most common types of failures in some species.
Any branch junction which contains included bark can, in theory, be identified as a weak union, but the likelihood of failure is significantly influenced by factors such as crown structure and the amount of bending stress on the members of the union. Having branches unions that are already weakened due to inclusions, creates a higher likelihood of branch failure.
3.4 Cavities Cavities usually follow the development pattern of wood decay in that they are long and narrow. Most cavities extend farther above or below their openings through the bark – water, debris, insects and animals gather in the lower portions. Because of compartmentalisation, a cavity rarely becomes larger than the diameter of the tree at the time of the injury.
4 Discussion
4.1 Harpephyllum caffrum (Kaffir Plum) – T1, T2, T5, T6, T7, T8 These trees are mature specimens that show signs of good health but have poor to fair structure. Four of them are growing in compacted soil with the exception of T5 and T6, which are growing in a garden bed.
All of the trees have been pruned for powerline clearance to the south and crown lifted for the road and footpath. They have a spreading canopy to the north with a footpath and picnic tables beneath them. It is understood that bats consistently eat the fruit, which leave behind a mess of dropped fruit and excrement on the footpath and picnic tables.
The trees are considered to have a low significance in the landscape and a short (5-15 years) life expectancy, which gives them a low retention value. See Appendix B for further information.
4.2 Ficus microcarpa var. Hillii (Hills Fig) – T3, T4 These trees are mature specimens that show signs of good health and fair structure. They are approximately 12m high with a canopy spread of approximately 20m. They are growing in a memorial garden dedicated to a local resident of Macksville. Both trees have multiple trunks close to ground level, which is characteristic of this species, and they have long spreading branches to the north.
Some long branches to the north have had poor pruning practices in the past where they have been ‘lion-tailed’. Lion’s tailing, also known as end loading, is the result of incorrect pruning where foliage is concentrated at the ends of the first order branches by removal of lower order branches. This takes away the mechanical damping effect of the load previously exerted by the branches (Lonsdale, 1999).
The trees have been pruned for powerline clearance to the south and there were no visible defects in the upper crown.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 8 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
The trees are considered to have a high significance in the landscape and a medium (15-40 years) life expectancy, which gives them a high retention value. See Appendix B for further information.
4.3 Melaleuca quinquenervia (Broad-leaf Paperbark) – T9 Tree 9 is a semi-mature specimen that showed signs of good health and fair structure. It is approximately 12m high with a canopy spread of approximately 6m and it is growing in another memorial garden.
Tree 9 is co-dominant from 0.5m from ground level and has had minor pruning from powerlines to the south. It has an upright habit with no visible defects in the upper crown.
Tree 9 is considered to have a high significance in the landscape and a medium (15-40 years) life expectancy, which gives it a high retention value. See Appendix B for further information.
4.4 Tree Retention Value
Retention Value High Medium Low Remove / Dead
T3, T4, T9 T1, T2, T5, T6, T7, T8
Table 2 - Tree Retention Value - Determined by using the Retention Value - Priority Matrix of the IACA Significance of a Tree, Assessment Rating System (STARS)© (IACA, 2010), Appendix B.
5 Recommendations
As a result of the site inspection and assessment of the subject trees, the following recommendations are made:
Kaffir Plum trees (T1, T2, T5, T6, T7, T8):
• The Kaffir Plum trees should be removed and replaced. • They should be replaced with Australian native species that are better suited to the site. • See Appendix D for examples of three potential replacement species. Hills Fig trees (T3, T4):
• The Hills Fig trees should be retained. • The crown should be lightly ‘thinned’ by selectively removing branches without modifying the size of the tree. • Install a catch cable support system on over-extended north growing branches. This system shall be designed and installation overseen by an appropriately experienced AQF Level 5 Arborist. • All pruning work should comply with AS 4373-2007 and Safe Work Australia Guide to managing risks of tree trimming and removal work (2016) and be undertaken by an Arborist with a minimum AQF Level 3 in Arboriculture. Broad-leaf Paperbark (T9):
• The Broad-leaf Paperbark should be retained.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 9 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
• Mulch should be applied around base of tree to reduce the likelihood of whipper snipper damage to the base of the tree. Mulching helps to prevent soil moisture losses and alleviates soil compaction and root damage. Mulch layer is to be no deeper than 100mm. • Alternatively, the garden could be continued around the remainder of the tree. • There is no pruning work necessary.
Should you require any further information on this arborist report, please do not hesitate to contact me on 0412 651 286.
Date: 23 February 2019
Alyx Capper Consulting Arborist AQF Level V Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (International Society of Arboriculture, USA)
ARBPRO PTY LTD 10 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
References
Australian Standards Association (2007) AS 4373-2007 – Australian Standard 4373-2007 ‘Pruning of amenity trees’. Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Safe Work Australia (2016). Guide to managing risks of tree trimming and removal work. Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Mattheck, C. & Broeler, H. 1994. The Body Language of Trees. The Stationery Office. London.
Harris, R., Clark, J. & Matheny, N. 2004. Arboriculture: Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs and Vines. Prentice Hall. New Jersey.
Lonsdale, D. 1999. Principles of Tree Hazard Assessment and Management. Arboricultural Association. Stonehouse (UK).
Urban, J. 2008. Up By Roots: Healthy Soils and Trees in the Built Environment. International Society of Arboriculture. Illinois.
SIX Maps. 2019. SIX Maps. [ONLINE] Available at: https://maps.six.nsw.gov.au. [Accessed 6 February 2019].
Nicholson, N., 1990. Australian Rainforest Plants I. The Channon, N.S.W. Terania Rainforest Publishing.
Nicholson, N., 1990. Australian Rainforest Plants II. The Channon, N.S.W. Terania Rainforest Publishing.
Gardening With Angus. 2019. Alloxylon flameum – Tree Waratah. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/alloxylon-flameum-tree-waratah/. [Accessed 12 February 2019].
Gardening With Angus. 2019. Xanthostemon chrysanthus – Golden Penda. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/xanthostemon-chrysanthus-golden-penda/. [Accessed 12 February 2019].
Gardening With Angus. 2019. Buckinghamia celsissima – Ivory Curl Tree. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/buckinghamia-celsissima-ivory-curl/. [Accessed 12 February 2019].
ARBPRO PTY LTD 11 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Appendix A – Photos
Tree 1 and Tree 1
T2 T1
Figure 3 Photo of T1 and T2.
Tree 3 and Tree 4
T4 T3
Figure 4 Photo of T3 and T4.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 12 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Tree 1 - Tree 4
Long over-extending branches or T3 & T4 T3 & T4 T1 & T2
Figure 5 Photo of long over-extending branches or T3 and T4.
Tree 5 and Tree 6
T6 T5
Figure 6 Photo of Tree 5 and Tree 6.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 13 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Tree 5
T5
Figure 7 Photo of Tree 5 showing the trunk with a heavy lean to the north.
Tree 7 and Tree 8
T8 T7
Figure 8 Photo of Tree 7 and Tree 8.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 14 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Tree 7
T7
Girdled and exposed roots
Figure 9 Photo of girdled and exposed roots of Tree 7.
Tree 7
T7
Oozing sap
Figure 10 Photo of oozing sap from Tree 7.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 15 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Tree 9
T9
Figure 11 Photo of Tree 9.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 16 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Appendix B – Retention Value
Tree Life Expectancy (TLE) – Assessment Criteria (Adapted from Jeremy Barrell, 2001) Long Medium Short Dead >40 years 15-40 years 5-15 years <5 years Trees that appear to be Trees that appear to be Trees that appear to be Trees that should be retainable at the time of retainable at the time of retainable at the time of removed within the next 5 the assessment for more the assessment for 15-40 the assessment for 5-15 years. than 40 years with an years with an acceptable years with an acceptable acceptable level of risk. level of risk. level of risk. Dead, dying, suppressed or declining trees because of Structurally sound trees Trees that may only live Trees that may only live disease or inhospitable located in positions that between 15 and 40 years. between 5 and 15 years. conditions. can accommodate future growth. Trees that could live for Trees that could live for Dangerous trees because more than 40 years but more than 15 years but of structural defects Trees that could be made may be removed for safety may be removed for safety including cavities, decay, suitable for retention in or nuisance reasons. or nuisance reasons. included bark, wounds or the long term by remedial poor form. tree care. Trees that could live for Trees that could live for more than 40 years but more than 15 years but Damaged trees that are Trees of special may be removed to may be removed to clearly not safe to retain. significance for historical, prevent interference with prevent interference with commemorative or rarity more suitable individuals more suitable individuals Trees that could live for reasons that would or to provide space for or to provide space for more than 5 years but may warrant extraordinary new planting. new planting. be removed to prevent efforts to secure their long interference with more term retention. Trees that could be made Trees that could be made suitable individuals or to suitable for retention in suitable for retention in provide space for new the medium term by tree the medium term by tree planting. care. care. Trees that are damaging or may cause damage to existing structures within 5 years.
Trees that will become dangerous after removal of other trees.
Barrell, Jeremy. 2009. SULE: Its use and status into the new millennium. [Online]. [13 December 2016]. Available from: http://www.barrelltreecare.co.uk/pdfs/BT08-Sydney.pdf
ARBPRO PTY LTD 17 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Tree Significance – Assessment Criteria High Medium Low The tree is in good condition and The tree is in fair-good condition and The tree is in fair-poor condition and vigour. good or low vigour. good or low vigour.
The tree has a form typical of the The tree has a form typical or The tree has a form atypical of the species. atypical of the species. species.
The tree is a remnant or is planted The tree is planted locally indigenous The tree is not visible or is partly locally indigenous specimen and/or or a common species with its taxa visible from surrounding properties is rare or uncommon in the local commonly planted in the local area. as obstructed by other vegetation or area or of botanical interest or of buildings. substantial age. The tree is visible from surrounding properties, although not visually The tree provides a minor The tree is listed as a Heritage Item, prominent as partially obstructed by contribution or has a negative Threatened Species or part of an other vegetation or buildings when impact on the visual character and Endangered ecological community or viewed from the street. amenity of the local area. listed on Councils significant Tree Register. The tree provides a fair contribution The tree is a young specimen which to the visual character and amenity may or may not have reached The tree is visually prominent and of the local area. dimension to be protected by local visible from a considerable distance Tree Preservation Orders or similar when viewed from most directions The trees growth is moderately protection mechanisms and can within the landscape due its size and restricted by above and below easily be replaced with a suitable scale and makes a positive ground influences, reducing its specimen. contribution to the local amenity. ability to reach dimensions typical for the taxa in situ. The trees growth is severely The tree supports local and cultural restricted by above or below ground sentiments or spiritual associations, influences, unlikely to reach reflected by the broader population dimensions typical for the taxa in situ or community group or has – tree is inappropriate for the site commemorative values. conditions.
The trees growth is unrestricted by The tree is listed as exempt under above and below ground influences, the provisions of the local Council supporting its ability to reach Tree Preservation Order or similar dimensions typical for the taxa in situ protection mechanisms. – tree is appropriate to the site conditions. The tree has a wound or defect that has potential to become structurally unsound.
The tree is an Environmental Pest Species due to its invasiveness or poisonous/ allergenic properties.
The tree is a declared noxious weed by legislation.
The tree is structurally unsound and /or unstable and is considered potentially dangerous.
The tree is dead, or is in irreversible decline, or has the potential to fail or collapse in full or part in the immediate to short term.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 18 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Tree Significance
High Medium Low
Long
>40 years Medium 15-40 years Short
TreeLife Expectancy <1-15 years
Remove / Dead
Legend for Matrix Assessment
Priority for Retention (High) – These trees are considered important for retention and should be retained and protected. Design modification and re-location of building/s should be considered to accommodate the setbacks as prescribed by the Australian Standard 4970 Protection of tree on development sites. Tree sensitive construction measures must be implemented if works are to proceed within the Tree Protection Zone.
Consider for Retention (Medium) – These trees may be retained and protected. These are considered less critical; however, their retention should remain priority with removal considered only if adversely affecting the proposed building/works and all other alternatives have been considered and exhausted.
Consider for Removal (Low) – These trees are not considered important for retention, nor require special works or design modification to be implemented for their retention.
Priority for Removal – These trees are considered hazardous, or in irreversible decline, or weeds and should be removed irrespective of development.
IACA, 2010, IACA Significance of a Tree, Assessment Rating System (STARS), Institute of Australian Consulting Arboriculturists, Australia, http://www.iaca.org.au
ARBPRO PTY LTD 19 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Appendix C – Glossary of Terms for Tree Inventory
Tree Ref: An identification number assigned to a tree and used throughout the report to identify it. Botanical A formal scientific name that follows the International Code of Nomenclature for Name algae, fungi, and plants (ICN). Common Name The name that is accepted by most people for a certain type of tree species. Height (m) The height of the tree visually estimated and expressed in metres. DBH (m) Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), measured at 1.4 metres from ground level. Health Poor Tree under stress, which may be alleviated with some remediation work. Fair Showing signs of stress, decay or health issues, which may be alleviated with remediation work. Good No signs of significant health issues visible. Structure Poor Major signs of disease, cavities or growth habit that is not true to form. Fair Minor signs of disease, cavities or growth habit that is not true to form. Good No signs of defects within the structure of the tree. Age J Juvenile – a tree that is yet to establish. SM Semi-mature – a tree that is established, but has not achieved its full genetic potential for size and/or form. M Mature – a tree that has achieved its full genetic potential for size and/or form. OM Over-mature – a tree that is no longer capable of further growth and has started to decline. Live Crown The amount of live crown, expressed as a percentage, compared to the height of the Ratio (%) tree [LCR=(crown height/tree height) x 100]. Significance The significance the tree has in the landscape. Scale TLE Tree Life Expectancy is an estimation of how many years a tree can be retained in the landscape provided growing conditions do not change. Considerable factors are species, age, health, structure and site conditions. Retention A qualitive value given to a tree based on the significance in the landscape and life Value expectancy of the tree.
ARBPRO PTY LTD 20 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Appendix D – Replacement Tree Species
Below are three Australian native tree species that should be considered for replacement if the six Kaffir Plum trees are removed. Please see the following pages for associated fact sheets.
Figure 14 Alloxylon flammeum (Tree Waratah) Figure 12 Xanthostemon chrysanthus (Golden Penda)
Figure 13 Buckinghamia celsissima (Ivory Curl)
ARBPRO PTY LTD 21 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Tree Waratah Fact Sheet
Botanic Name: Alloxylon flammeum
Common Name: Tree Waratah
Family: Proteaceae
Typical height: 10m
Typical Width: 5-10m
Typical Growth Rate: Fast growing
Typical Habit: Evergreen with dense foliage and a spreading crown
Foliage: Ault leaves are up to 30cm long, bright green and shiny. Juvenile leaves are large and often lobed Flowers: Red flowers on the ends of branches each spring that are bird attracting Fruit: Boat-shaped woody follicles, which contain several closely packed seeds with elongated papery wings Site Requirements: Likes plenty of sun and water, in well-drained soil, with high organic content Special features: Attracts bees, nectar eating birds, butterflies
ARBPRO PTY LTD 22 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Golden Penda Fact Sheet
Botanic Name: Xanthostemon chryanthus
Common Name: Golden Penda
Family: Myrtaceae
Typical height: 10m
Typical Width: 6-12m
Typical Growth Rate: Fast growing
Typical Habit: Evergreen tree producing many erect branches, which form a spreading crown Foliage: Shiny dark green leaves with reddish new growth. Adult leave are lanceolate to about 150mm long. Flowers: Large golden yellow flowers appear at irregular times during summer, autumn or winter Fruit: Round woody capsules
Site Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil with plenty of water
Special features: Attracts bees, nectar eating birds, butterflies
ARBPRO PTY LTD 23 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville
Ivory Curl Fact Sheet
Botanic Name: Buckinghamia celsissima
Common Name: Ivory Curl
Family: Proteaceae
Typical height: 8m
Typical Width: 4m
Typical Growth Rate: Fast growing
Typical Habit: Evergreen tree with dense foliage
Foliage: Mature leaves are glossy green, elliptical and about 150mm long Flowers: White to cream flowers appear as racemes on branch tips in summer Fruit: Small brown fruit that has a winged appearance
Site Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and will tolerate light frosts
Special features: Attracts bees, nectar eating birds, butterflies
ARBPRO PTY LTD 24